Recipes
How to Cook Barley
Barley is a cereal grain high in fiber and protein. Often, it’s added to soups or used to make bread. Barley primarily comes in two different forms: hulled and pearl. The easiest way to cook barely is on the stovetop.
How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas
Did you know black-eyed peas aren’t actually peas? Contrary to popular belief, black-eyed peas are neither a grain nor a vegetable but are actually beans. Cooking black-eyed peas is the same as cooking any other dried bean: You'll need to sort, soak and cook them.
Three Healthy Recipes for Your Friendsgiving Feast
While turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are often the stars of the table, Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to make twists on family favorites and share cultural dishes. Consider featuring dishes that offer a modern twist on classic sides.
Crispy Rice Kale and Cranberry Salad
Crispy rice salads are trending all over social media. This one is a fall-inspired take with nutrient-dense kale, sweet-tart cranberries and a thyme vinaigrette.
Greek Yogurt Whipped Feta Dip with Apple and Pecan Topping
Dips and spreads often lean on heavy cream cheese or mayo-based ingredients. This whipped feta provides a creamy, tangy alternative with more health value.
Garlicky Green Beans with Anchovy Breadcrumbs
Green beans are a classic vegetable side, but the fresh, sauteed versions often get overshadowed by heavier, richer dishes. This simple yet elevated recipe takes the humble green bean to the next level.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice
Cooking jasmine rice is simple and requires only a couple of steps. Two of the most popular cooking methods are on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
Comfort in a Cup - 3 Healthy Fall Beverages
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many Americans find comfort in seasonal beverages. While these drinks can be a treat, they often come with excess ingredients that can negatively affect your health if consumed frequently.
Chai Latte
A chai latte is a spiced beverage that combines warm, creamy milk with a robust blend of black tea and aromatic spices that provides a balance of sweetness and warmth. Simply steep tea bags in oat milk heated in a pot and add spices.
Pistachio Latte Recipe
This cozy fall drink features the creamy, nutty and earthy flavor of pistachio. The pistachio syrup is incorporated with the espresso shot, to allow the flavors to melt together. By adding the pistachio syrup to the espresso rather than the milk, it helps prevent the milk from burning and provides a smoother taste.
3 Halloween Eats That Won't Haunt You to Make
Whether going door-to-door or attending a party, candy is synonymous with Halloween. Between the sweets, it can be a good idea to add in nutrient-dense recipes and talk to children about healthy behaviors around candy.
Webbed Taco Dip
This layered taco dip is bound to be a Halloween party crowd-pleaser from flavor to presentation. The dip is made up of protein-rich lean turkey, seared with vegetables and taco seasoning for a fragrant base.
Spider Web Apple Pops
Making these spooky treats is a great crafty family activity with a delicious aftermath. Naturally sweet Honeycrisp apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate to form a festive webbed pattern.
Boo-schetta
These ghostly bites feature classic Italian fresh flavors of tomato, oregano, basil and mozzarella cheese.
3 Pasta-tively Healthy Sauces to Make at Home
Diet culture has made many reluctant to consume pasta. However, a 2020 study found that in general, pasta eaters had better diet quality compared to those who avoided it.
Pesto Rosso Pasta Sauce
This pasta sauce is a twist on the classic pesto, adding sundried tomatoes for a flavor punch. Olive oil provides a healthy source of fat compared to many pasta sauces, while the sundried tomatoes, basil and nuts add a generous amount of fiber to the dish to support a healthy gut.
3 Seasonal Pumpkin Recipes to Pump Up Your Morning
With only about 50 calories per cup, pumpkin is a great low-calorie addition to add nutrients to a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are three recipes featuring pumpkin to start your morning.
Breakfast Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
This healthier no-bake breakfast rendition of a cheesecake blends fall flavors of pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice with yogurt and light cream cheese.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl
This fall spiced smoothie bowl is a delicious way to start the morning. The combination of pumpkin and banana provides fiber and natural sweetness, while the toppings add healthy fats and crunch.
High Protein Pumpkin Pancakes
These fall flavored pumpkin pancakes pack a protein punch thanks to cottage cheese, milk and eggs, making them perfect for a filling breakfast.
Fresh Picks for Fall - 3 Creative and Healthy Apple Recipes
Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Salad in a Jar
This salad in a jar recipe showcases fall flavors from Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin seeds. The layered nature of the salad ensures freshness and makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this seasonal salad as a nutritious lunch on-the-go or a light, easy dinner.
Healthier Turtle Apple Pops
This recipe reimagines indulgent caramel apples as a lighter, more wholesome option. Apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with a light coat of caramel and topped with walnuts. These skewered treats offer the classic caramel apple flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.
Honeycrisp Tuna Melt
In this twist on a familiar favorite, Honeycrisp apples and celery add sweetness and crunch to a sweet and spicy tuna melt. Whole wheat bread provides a hearty and fiber-rich base for melty Swiss cheese, juicy Campari tomatoes and crisp iceberg lettuce.
Go-to Dinner Recipes for Busy College Students
Developing a routine in college that works for you is a significant task on its own, but having to weave in time for healthy meals can be intimidating. For college students, newfound independence can feel exciting and refreshing but sometimes daunting.
3 Healthy Recipes to Liven Up Your Labor Day
Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer and a chance to enjoy outdoor grilling before the cool temperatures set in. This Labor Day, elevate your menu with these vibrant and nutrient-dense recipes featuring seasonal produce like corn and jalapeños.
Pineapple Jalapeño-marinated Grilled Chicken
This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the zesty kick of jalapeño. The pineapple juice adds natural sweetness, and its enzymes help tenderize the chicken. To make this a full meal, serve with our grilled corn and avocado pasta salad.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad
This dish combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with creamy avocado and pasta for a satisfying side. Tossed in creamy and zesty cilantro lime dressing, this salad offers a balance of textures and flavors. Corn packs in a healthy dose of fiber that helps boost satiety while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats.
Higher Protein Spinach Artichoke Dip
This healthier twist on a classic dip is rich in protein and lower in saturated fat compared to traditional recipes. The cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds a creamy texture without the need for excess cream or cheese. Spinach, artichokes and chestnuts contribute to a variety of textures in each bite and bring essential vitamins and minerals to the mix.
3 Healthy and Balanced School Lunch Ideas
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and guardians are tasked with the job of packing nutritious lunches for their children. Students who consume a balanced lunch perform better academically and have more energy throughout the day.
Thai-Inspired Summer Salad
This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings.
Berry Blast - 3 Healthy In-season Raspberry Recipes
Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of fiber, serving up 8 grams in just a 1-cup serving.
Raspberry Cream Chia Seed Pudding
This breakfast dish could double for dessert with its creamy and sweet essence. Simply let the raspberries take a ride in the blender with some milk, honey and vanilla extract. Then, add chia seeds and let them work their magic transforming the texture into a pudding over just four hours.
Single Serving Raspberry Crumble
These single servings of raspberry crumble serve two and are perfect for those evenings when you want a little something sweet without overdoing it. If making a serving for one person, simply cut the ingredients in half.
Frozen Raspberry Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Bites
These little frozen bites are a perfect, moderately sweet treat to enjoy after a weeknight dinner. The 60% dark chocolate in this recipe allows the chocolate to melt while still offering the antioxidant and fiber benefits of dark chocolate.
3 Ideas to Think Outside the Picnic Basket
In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. If you’re looking to refresh your picnic basket ideas, try one of these fresh recipes:
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Though traditional fried spring rolls in a sweet and sour sauce serve up a delicious treat, these fresh and nutrient-packed Vietnamese spring rolls are perfect for a healthy appetizer or part of a meal.
Watermelon “Fries” with Lime Yogurt Sauce
Watermelon tastes great on a hot day - it’s crunchy and thirst-quenching. These watermelon fries are served with a lime protein-packed yogurt sauce.
Corn Salsa Dip
This corn salsa is packed in veggies like creamy avocado and colorful Roma tomatoes and bell peppers. Easy to make, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes.
Sizzling Summer Eats - Tips for Grilling Perfect Vegetables
Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Spark up Your 4th of July Table with 2 Festive Recipes
Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes for entertaining or bringing to a cookout.
Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad
The red, white and blue salad provides a fresh and light option, showcasing seasonal produce with the sweetness of blueberries complementing the savory mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.
Bang Bang Grilled Chicken Skewers with Spicy Slaw
These skewers are packed with protein and feature a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick. Lightly marinated and grilled instead of fried, these are lighter than their traditional “bang bang shrimp” counterpart.
Snack Swaps: Help Kids Eat Healthy All Summer
Lack of structure in the summer can lead to mindless snacking. Try these swaps to help kids eat right this summer.
Sushi Simplified - Easy Steps to Perfecting Homemade Rolls
While many sushi chefs spend upwards of 10 years studying their craft, it’s possible to make delicious beginner rolls at home. If you’re new to making sushi at home, try one of these easy rolls using approachable seafood and ingredients.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds (Plus Two Tasty Variations)
Don't sleep on homemade roasted pumpkin seeds this fall! Here is a basic recipe for this crispy, crunchy and delicious snack, plus two fun variations.
3 Seasonal Dishes with Strawberries
Strawberry season is here, and it’s a fruitful time for Michiganders. According to Michigan Grown, our state generates $6.6 million from strawberry production, including more than 43,000 tons of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are not just a staple to the local economy, but also to health.
Dark Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding with Strawberries
This pudding tastes so decadent it’s surprising it’s made from only nutrient-dense ingredients. The cocoa powder packs in fiber and antioxidants while the chia seeds pack in brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and heart-protective fiber. Simply whisk the ingredients together, let sit overnight and let the magic happen.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Toast
Loaded in fiber and protein, this recipe is a great breakfast or elevated snack choice. Simply toast bread, add a dollop of cottage cheese and sliced strawberries and top with slivered almonds and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Strawberry Garden Feta Salad
Nothing screams summertime more than a fresh salad with strawberries. The sweetness of the berries pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the salad ingredients and feta cheese.
Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the warmer weather and indulge in delicious grilled foods. Try one of these healthy grilled skewer pairings for your Memorial Day celebration.
Grilled Shrimp Watermelon Bites with Jalapeño
These refreshing shrimp bites combine a balance of sweet from the crisp watermelon and spicy from the jalapeño. Simply prepare a sauce, marinate the shrimp and cook for a short time before assembly.
Sundried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
These savory roll-ups are easy to make and are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini slices are grilled until grill marks appear and softened for rolling. They’re then filled with a mixture of ricotta, sundried tomato, fresh basil and lemon
Spice Up Cinco de Mayo with Two Healthy Recipes
Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day for margaritas and tacos; it commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its historical significance, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.
Saucy Pulled Chicken Tostadas
Traditional tostadas are made up of fried corn tortillas, topped with refried beans and beef and toppings. In this lighter version, flour tortillas are baked with spray oil to achieve a crispy base.
Water Chestnut Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche means fish or shellfish marinated in citrus and seasoning. The very definition of the dish is “refreshing” and makes it perfect for a hot summer day.
Celebrate Dog Appreciation Month with Activity and Homemade Treats
Did you know that more than one-third of families in the U.S. have a dog, and most people consider their dogs as family members? As our furry friends are part of our family, it's essential to take care of their health. Making your own healthy dog treats can be easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.
No-bake Pumpkin Bites
These no-bake bites are made from healthy and delicious ingredients for your furry friend. The recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and is ready to serve within an hour.
Blueberry Pup-accino
Dogs go crazy over this recipe and it requires no visit to the drive-through. Simply add a few staple household ingredients to a blender, scoop and serve.
3 Elevated Grilled Cheese Recipes
Grilled cheese sandwiches have long held a cherished spot in the hearts and stomachs of many, not just kids. In fact, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, grilled cheese reigns as the most popular sandwich among Americans.
Pizza-inspired Grilled Cheese
In this recipe, melty fresh mozzarella alongside your favorite pasta sauce and Italian herbs come together for pizza flavors without the effort. In general, mozzarella is lower in sodium and calories than other cheeses, making it a heart healthier option.
Fig and Pear Grilled Cheese
This recipe puts a sense of class into a grilled cheese. The bitterness of the Brie cheese is perfectly accompanied by the fig jam. If you don’t have fig jam, any other type of jam will provide a hint of sweetness to cut the bitterness.
Buffalo Grilled Cheese
This recipe has that kick of buffalo everyone loves – the tang from the vinegar and the kick of heat from cayenne. Both the avocado and jack cheese adds a creamy component that literally makes this a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
3 Spring-inspired Mocktail Recipes
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which sheds light on the role of alcoholic beverages in our lives. Alcohol is a central component of social gatherings, celebrations and moments of relaxation. As spring arrives, and the opportunities for celebration increase, consider trying one of these refreshing mocktail options.
Ginger Lemon Mocktail
Ginger and lemon are ideal flavor combinations for a refreshing beverage. In this balanced mocktail, citrus provides a refreshing acid profile, honey balances it with sweetness while the ginger adds a hint of spice.
Grapefruit and Thyme Refresher
This refreshing mocktail recipe is citrusy with light hints of woodsy and savory elements from the thyme. The grapefruit’s bitterness mocks the taste of alcohol, while its tartness is balanced with honey.
Three Healthy Sandwich Recipes for Leftover Hard-boiled Eggs
Leftover hardboiled eggs can be used for a range of things like snacks, salads and sandwiches. Check out these sandwich ideas to make the most of the Easter leftovers.
Pesto and Sautéed Spinach Egg Sandwich
This nutrient-dense sandwich features garlicky pesto and sautéed spinach for a rich base. Tomatoes and mozzarella add additional Italian elements for this filling egg sandwich.
Scandinavian-inspired Smoked Salmon Egg Sandwich
This toast features Scandinavian influence of flavors including rye bread, smoked salmon with lemon, peppery arugula, crisp English cucumber and mustard.
Avocado Egg Toast with Fresh Sprouts
This protein-rich avocado toast features heart-healthy fats from the avocado, protein from the eggs and a host of health benefits from the seasonal sprouts.
Welcome Spring with Three Healthy Recipes
During March and April, Michigan experiences a bounty of spring produce including cool-weather crops. Try one of these spring-inspired recipes to make the most of the season’s produce.
Crispy Broccolini and Mushrooms with Gochujang Noodles
This recipe showcases the famous Korean spicy-sweet paste, gochujang, heart-healthy olive oil, a hint of honey and plenty of garlic. The result is a delicious sauce that coats fettuccine noodles.
Beet Whipped Feta with Orange Zest
This vibrant recipe is perfect for spring entertaining. Greek yogurt, which is rich in calcium, vitamin D, probiotics and protein, serves as a creamy base for this dip. Beets add a bright pink color as well as antioxidants.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
This is a simple and heart-healthy recipe perfect for family weeknight dinners. The dish features salmon brushed with a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey that sticks the rich breading of panko breadcrumbs and pistachios.
Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes
Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.
Paczki-Inspired Pancakes
Skip the line for Paczkis this year, head out to the grocery store, and come home and make these Swedish-style pancakes with a raspberry sauce instead.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies
Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.
Air Fried Breaded Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American staple and an ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a lighter option to the deep-fried dish, this air fried version skips the heavy fat and crisps up similar to the real deal.
Bruschetta with Garlic Baguette Slices
While bruschetta involves simple ingredients and a few simple steps, this appetizer is full of flavor. The bruschetta topping is prepared a traditional Italian way, leaning on the simplicity of the herbs and tomatoes to deliver mouthwatering bites.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered fruit is a delectable treat that leans on fruit for natural sweetness. To get a perfectly coated strawberry, it’s important to first wash and dry the fruit to allow for a stable surface for the chocolate to adhere to.
3 Easy Appetizers for the Big Game
Watching a football game makes it easy to mindlessly snack and forget about portions. It’s a good idea to mix in some lighter appetizers for nutrients and balance. Here are three easy appetizers to enjoy during the next big game.
Healthy Nacho Cheese Sauce for Loaded Nachos
This healthy nacho cheese sauce recipe features a cottage cheese-based cheese sauce that packs in filling protein and gut-healthy probiotics while reducing the overall saturated fat of the dish. Use it for loaded nachos during the big game.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
These mozzarella sticks are tossed in flour, covered with beaten egg and then drenched with an Italian herb-seasoned parmesan cheese panko breading. Rather than the traditional deep-frying, these are lightly coated in olive oil then baked until crispy.
Sesame Seared Green Beans
These sesame seared green beans are bursting with flavor and have the perfect level of crunch. In this recipe, the green beans are seared first to ensure the other ingredients don’t burn.
Healthy Paczki Recipe: Battered Banana Paczki Bites
In this healthier paczki recipe, banana slices are dipped in a fluffy batter, seared to golden perfection, then served on a platter with drizzles of raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy as breakfast or dessert.
30+ Healthier Big Game Recipes to Try
Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests. We’ve got you covered with these nutrient-rich options, many of which are plant-forward, packed with antioxidants and high in protein.
2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With
There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients.
Roasted Garlic, Pepper and Tomato Tortellini Soup
The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.
Creamy Curry and Veggie Soup
This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.
Dry January Mocktails and DIY Garnishes
Ready to take part in Dry January? Here are some recipes for mocktails and DIY garnishes.
Spicy Pineapple Mocktail
This spicy tropical drink offers a balance of sweet and spicy with a kick of acid. Because pineapple juice is naturally sweet, add honey as needed to suit your sweetness preference.
9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try
Mocktails are getting more popular by the month. Good ones are fun, flavorful, refreshing, and they don't leave you hungover the next day. Keep these easy-to-make recipes on your radar.
Cranberry Mule Mocktail with Dried Citrus Garnish
This cozy drink features a balance of tart and sweet, with a hint of gingery spice. Allow frozen cranberries to double as ice and decorate with a dried citrus wheel.
Sparkling Pear Mocktail with Rosemary Sprig
The rosemary sprig brings woodsy and peppery notes to this otherwise refreshing drink – making it perfect for the holidays.
Enjoy These Festive - and Healthier – Holiday Mocktails
Mocktails are a good alternative to add balance to a holiday event. Here are recipes for two healthier versions of the popular drinks.
Cucumber Shrimp Bites
These crunchy, sweet and savory delights offer healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the shrimp – adding a satisfying element.
Holiday Hummus Wreath
This hummus dip is filled with healthy fats and protein to add a satisfying element.
Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes
This recipe for Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes is free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.
Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe for Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies that are free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.