Nutrient Dense Veggies for the Win!
Oct 13, 2020, Updated May 19, 2021
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The Produce Moms® is proud to partner with the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation to celebrate October’s theme “Color Your Mood With Food – Fruits and Veggies for The Win!” Happy snacking is just as important as healthy snacking. Make overall wellness your goal!
Fall sports might look a little different these days, but we’re here to help keep things happy and light as we’re watching from home. Kick-off game day with a healthy spread of nutrient dense veggie bites! These 10 flavorful and affordable veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff that keeps us healthy and guess what – happy too! Add them to a classic veggie tray, pair with favorite dips, or incorporate them into a smart snack recipe. Gameday snacking never tasted and felt this good—make your at-home tailgate experience pop with wholesome fruits and veggies!
Ten Delish Nutrient Dense Budget-Friendly Veggies To Try for Your Next At-Home Tailgate:
Sweet Potatoes
This versatile veggie is popular in both sweet and savory recipes alike. Loaded in vitamin A, high in vitamin C and vitamin B6, and rich in antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a fiber-filled nutritional powerhouse. Surprise your family with these Secret Ingredient Sweet Potato Brownies or serve up warm bowls of No-Fumble Crockpot Sweet Potato Soup.
Download our free eBook Tailgating with Potatoes which includes sweet spud recipes for fall and beyond.
Celery
Fat-free, low calorie, cholesterol-free and bursting with vitamin C—celery is a guilt-free crunchy snack making it the perfect dipper for this Trilogy of Veggie Dips. Celery is also a classic complement to game day wings and an excellent cheeseball topper when diced small. Crockpot Celery and Bean Soup is perfect for cold game nights.
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are filled with vitamin C and vitamin A, high in fiber, and are cholesterol and fat-free. Crunchy and subtly sweet they make for easy snacking on their own and a tasty topper on sandwiches. Throw some in your game day chili or try this Bell Pepper Focaccia for tastes fresh from the garden.
Brussels Sprouts
High in vitamin C and especially vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin B6, Brussels sprouts provide a boost of health. Try these Chicken and Brussels Sprouts kabobs to Incorporate fat-free, cholesterol-free, super yummy sprouts into your spread.
Carrots
Dense in beta carotene (which gets converted to eye-enriching vitamin A), these delicious dippers are a veggie tray must! For extra zing, try making Pickled Carrots, an irresistible crunchy treat.
Kale
With one of the highest amounts of vitamin K among all veggies, it’s cool to be kale. Loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C too, kale is one of the most nutrient dense superfoods. Crispy baked Kale Chips are an instant family favorite!
Broccoli
Load up on Vitamin C, iron, potassium, folate and fiber when consuming broccoli. An old friend to veggie trays, broccoli is making new waves in slaws, salads and sides. Try this fresh Broccoli Cole Slaw as a topper on your grilled brats, mets and hot dogs.
Asparagus
Low in calories, high in flavor, asparagus is a great source of antioxidants and a delectable addition to the grill. Get fired up on healthy eating with this scrumptious Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Cauliflower
From fresh snacking to hip recipes, cauliflower is making a comeback! Fill up on vitamin C and fiber with recipes like Sriracha Ginger Cauliflower, Cauliflower Pizza Crust, and this awesome apple cider-inspired Sweet Cauliflower Dip.
Garlic
Immunity-boosting garlic is beloved for its one-of-a kind flavor. Garlic is also appreciated for its unique ability to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Dip into the goodness of garlic and accompany fresh sliced veggies with this 10-Minute Tzatziki Sauce.
Tomatoes
Technically a fruit, but we can’t leave out tomatoes! Rich in antioxidants and lycopene, consuming tomatoes may reduce your risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Snacking tomatoes complete any veggie tray and are an excellent addition to scoopable salads like Black Bean and Tomato Salad. Roasted Tomato Soup is another must-have on cold game days. Packed in a thermos or enjoyed at home — it’s a tasty treat either way!
Learn more about the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation October’s Fruit & Veggie theme “Color Your Mood With Food – Fruits and Veggies for The Win!” here.
