Insider’s Viewpoint: Festive Fruits & Veggies

Well it is that time of year again, the holidays are upon us! I know there are so many fun treats to indulge in, but try to remember to still eat your fruits and veggies (who says they can’t be fun and festive too?).

I always try to incorporate seasonal colors when I am planning my holiday meals and/or dishes to bring to all my events. That way I know for sure I will at least have one healthier choice to enjoy! Plus don’t forget all those benefits of fruits and vegetables, especially that fiber that plays a key role in keeping us fuller for longer so we will indulge less in those not-so-healthy, but yummy holiday treats … it’s all about that balance and moderation!

When I think of the holidays I think of red and green. If you do too, check out these festive options.

Red Produce for the Holidays

Red Fruit
Red apples
Blood oranges
Cherries
Cranberries
Guava
Red grapes
Pink/red grapefruit
Red pears
Pomegranates
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon

Red Veggies
Beets
Red peppers
Radishes
Radicchios
Red onions
Red potatoes
Rhubarb
Tomatoes

Green Produce for the Holidays

Green Fruit
Avocados
Green apples
Green grapes
Honeydew
Kiwifruit
Limes
Green peas

Green Veggies
Artichokes
Arugula
Asparagus
Broccoflower
Broccoli
Broccoli rabe
Brussels sporuts
Chinese cabbage
Green beans
Green cabbage
Celery
Chayote Squash
Cucumbers
Endive
Leafy greens
Leeks
Lettuce
Green onions
Okra
Peas
Green peppers
Snow peas
Spinach
Sugar snap peas
Watercress
Zucchini

Here are some fun and great tasting recipes to try out this holiday season!

Recipes

5-Ingredient Pear Pomegranate Salsa
Prep: 10 mins
Yield: 3 cups

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Cilantro, fresh leaves
  • ½ Lime, juice of
  • 2 Pears, fresh
  • 1 Pomegranate, fresh
  • ½ Red onion

Recipe Source: GimmeSomeOven.com
Pomegranate, Pear and Avocado Salad
This pomegranate, pear and avocado salad is full of delicious fresh flavors. And it’s perfect for the holidays!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Ingredients
Salad

  • 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed and roughly-chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ripe pear, cored and diced
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
  • ⅔ cup shelled pistachios
  • ⅔ cup crumbled goat cheese (or blue cheese, or feta cheese)
  • ½ cup diced red onion (about half of a small red onion)
  • seeds from 1 pomegranate (here is a tutorial for how to open and de-seed a pomegranate)
  • citrus vinaigrette (see below)

Citrus Vinaigrette

  • ⅓ cup orange juice (freshly-squeezed, if possible)
  • ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon honey, if needed to sweeten
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • ⅓ cup olive oil

Directions
Salad
Add all ingredients together in a large bowl and drizzle on the dressing. Toss until combined. Serve immediately. Tip: To prevent the diced avocado from browning while sitting out, toss it beforehand in a few tablespoons of lime or lemon juice.

Vinaigrette
Whisk all ingredients together for 30 seconds until combined.

Recipe Source: GimmeSomeOven.com
Cranberry Orange Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry orange roasted Brussels sprouts are refreshing and sweet! A great side dish to any holiday meal!
Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, rinsed
  • Juice of 1 large orange
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey or agave (agave for vegan recipe)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored leaves. Cut the sprouts in half if they are large sprouts. If you have small sprouts you can leave them whole.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, and honey. Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss until they are well coated. Pour them on a large baking pan and season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly.
  4. Put the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and add the dried cranberries. Stir and serve immediately.

Recipe Source: TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com

All recipes are from Pinterest

There are so ways to incorporate these produce items together in new and festive recipes to share with your friends and family!

Happy Holidays!

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