Welcome to March 2016 – National Nutrition Month. Savor the Flavor of Eating Right is the theme this year. What savors flavors more than traditional family favorite recipes from multiple cultures? In order to celebrate how everyone can eat right, I had dietitians from all over the nation share their best recipes with us. Read on to get 31 Traditional, Healthy Family Favorite Recipes from Dietitians. You can enjoy 1 new recipe each day of the month. Cheers to March cooking madness.
Honey Garlic Chicken by Angie Asche MS, RDN, LMNT founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition, LLC
When you’re craving a meal that’s both savory and sweet, this dish will be sure to awaken those taste buds. Pair with brown rice and broccoli for a wholesome meal bursting with flavor. (Photo by Angie Asche)
Soup Dumplings by Dixya Bhattarai, RDN, from Food, Pleasure, and Health
Eating steaming hot dumplings swimming in tomato-based soup is the epitome of comfort food. Now that’s one happy situation for your soul. (Photo by Dixya Bhattarai)
Soybean Salad by Dixya Bhattarai, RDN, from Food, Pleasure, and Health
Soybean Salad (Bhatmas Sadeko) is a Nepali appetizer that can be enjoyed as a salad or a side with other Nepali dishes such as Chicken Choyela and Potato Salad. It is gluten-free and vegan as well. (Photo by Dixya Bhattarai)
Farro with Lacinato Kale and Spring Herb Pesto by Katie Cavuto, MS, RDN, president/owner of Healthy Bites, the dietitian for the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers and one of 10 finalists on Season 5 of The Next Food Network Star.
You’ll love the simplicity of this grain salad. You can make it with farro or sorghum if you prefer gluten-free. The pesto is dairy free, too. However, feel free to add a pinch of parmesan, if you enjoy it. (Photo by Katie Cavuto)
Tuscan White Bean, Kale, and Roasted Pepper Stuffed Chicken by Katie Cavuto, MS, RDN, president/owner of Healthy Bites, the dietitian for the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers and one of 10 finalists on Season 5 of The Next Food Network Star.
There is something about a stuffed chicken recipe that always feels decadent. While it looks and tastes really indulgent, it is actually quite simple to make and wildly good for you. (Photo by Katie Cavuto)
Not Your Average Bran Muffin by Jodi Danen, RDN, from The Average RD and consultant for Real Living Nutrition Services
Do you rush around in the morning trying to find a healthy snack for your child to bring to school? This moist, delish bran muffin is the perfect snack-on-the-go any time of the day. (Photo by Jodi Danen)
Apple Peanut Butter Pancakes with Sautéed Cinnamon Apple Topping by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
Take your favorite snack duo to breakfast or brunch with these apple peanut butter pancakes. Your weekends have never been better. (Photo by Jessica Fishman)
Chipotle Beef Tacos with Watermelon Salsa by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
The whole family can participate in taco night with this smoky chipotle beef taco topped with cooling guacamole and watermelon salsa. (Photo by Jessica Fishman)
The Seitzer Scramble by Shannon Garcia, MDS, RDN, LDN, owner and founder of Lone Star Nutrition, LLC
Potatoes + eggs + turkey or ham + tomatoes + cheese = *drool* (Photo by Shannon Garcia)
Health Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter by Amy Getman, MS, RDN, founder of Happy Healthy RD
With bran, oatmeal, and dried fruit this bread really racks up the fiber points. This bread also travels well, so it makes a nice gift. (Photo by Amy Getman)
So-Simple Cinnamon-Roasted Apples by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, of Amy Gorin Nutrition, and writer for “The Eat List,” for WeightWatchers.com
A simple, yet, mouthwatering dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. In just a snap, you can indulge in this warm, delectable treat. (Photo by Amy Gorin)
Texas Caviar AKA Black Bean Salad by Amanda Hernandez, RDN, from the The Nutritionist Reviews
There are no fish eggs in this recipe. Texas caviar is actually another name for a black bean salad. This fresh and tasty concoction goes great with tortilla chips, on a salad, or in a tortilla with cheese and salsa. (Photo by Amanda Hernandez)
Korean Spicy Chicken and Potatoes by Min Jung, MS, RDN, founder of MJ and Hungryman
A chicken and vegetable dish in spicy red sauce that pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice. The best part about this recipe is that it’s made in the slow cooker. Fast, convenient, and delicious. (Photo by Min Jung)
Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parmesan by Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, creator of the 52 Week Guide to Creating a Happy & Healthy Lifestyle
Enjoy the beloved Italian classic – Chicken Parmesan – in this plant-based, nutrient dense Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parmesan recipe. This recipe is so good, you’ll never want traditional pasta again. (Photo by Emily Kyle)
Traditional Stuffing (w/ Healthy Twist!) by Jamila Rene Lepore, MS, RDN, owner of No Nonsense Nutritionist and a contributor to FitFluential.com
Even with less butter and whole grain bread instead of white, you’ll find this recipe still packs a ton of flavor. It won’t disappoint. (Photo by Jamila Rene Lepore)
Veggie Stuffed Meatloaf by Kalee Lundmark, MS, RDN, of The Crowded Table
Stuffed with zucchini and carrots, these healthy mini meatloaves are kid friendly, and SO delicious! Lightened up by using ground turkey and adding some veggies, no one will suspect these are not your ordinary meatloaf. These mini meatloaves are the ultimate comfort food. (Photo by Kalee Lundmark)
Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread by Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT, founder of The Foodie Dietitian
A St. Patrick’s Day classic, this Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread replaces half the grains with whole grains and half the butter with Greek yogurt. Tastes as delicious as the original. You won’t know this version is better for you. (Photo by Kara Lydon)
Green Chile Corn Casserole with French Fried Onions by Heather Mason, MS, RDN, of The Nutty Nutritionist
Why do we wait all year to have special Thanksgiving foods? We should be making these marvelous foods all year long. Some recipes are seasonal, some recipes are labor intensive, but some recipes just call for canned corn. Don’t let the cans fool you, this recipe is a rock star. (Photo by Heather Mason)
Favorite Vegan Tempeh Taco Filling by Stephanie McKercher, RDN, owner of The Grateful Grazer
There’s just something really yummy and comforting about crumbled tempeh with veggies on a warm tortilla. Tempeh is combined with onion, chili pepper, and tomatoes with lots of Mexican flavor from dried spices. Use it in tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, and more. (Photo by Stephanie McKercher)
Parmesan Chicken by Kim Melton, RDN, of Nutrition Pro Consulting
Try this mouth-watering and healthy twist to a classic dish. Baking the chicken not only reduces fat but also allows each guest to decide whether or not to bathe their chicken in the marinara and risk soggy breading or keep it separate and add marinara just before eating to guaranteed crispiness. The Edamame noodles are a healthy alternative to standard pasta and taste great. Photo by Kim Melton)
Cranberry Ginger Baked Oatmeal by Katie Morford, MS, RDN, author of Best Lunch Box Ever and the voice behind the blog: Mom’s Kitchen Handbook.
All that’s needed is a handful of ingredients, a few spices, and a quart-size jar. Once assembled, pass them along to friends and family, teachers and coaches, or anyone else to whom you want to express care and gratitude. They, in turn, can transform the contents of the jar into a warm and wintry breakfast with the addition of milk, a couple of eggs, and about a half hour in the oven. (Photo by Katie Morford)
Vegetarian White Bean Meatballs by Deborah Murphy, MS, RDN, Chicago-based food blogger behind Dietitian Debbie Dishes
These vegetarian white bean meatballs are a delicious alternative to your traditional meatballs with ground beef. Parmesan, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor to these meat-free meatballs. (Photo by Deborah Murphy)
Easy Noodle Kugel (Noodle Pudding) by Robin Plotkin RDN, LDN, Dallas Morning News Health blogger and owner of Robins Bite.
It’s just one of those dishes that make you feel good….like when you get a hug from a long lost friend. It says “Hiya, friend. I haven’t seen you in a while. But, as you can see, I’m still the same.” (Photo by Robin Plotkin)
30-Minute Skillet Lasagna by Lauren Sharifi, RDN, founder of Bite of Health Nutrition
This 30-Minute Skillet Lasagna is the perfect meal to get your family back to the dinner table. Also, everything is cooked in one pot making clean-up a breeze. (Photo by Lauren Sharifi)
Dairy Free Fresh Basil Lasagna by Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, Certified Health Nut and owner of Shaw’s Simple Swaps
This recipe is actually perfect when you are preparing food for a variety of diet types. Using the standard lasagna dough, you can make the lasagna in individual casserole cups and really doll them up with a variety of ingredients. Vegan, check. Vegetarian, check. Sans pork, extra turkey, check. The possibilities are endless. (Photo by Elizabeth Shaw)
Mexican Rice by Christy Wilson, RDN, Health Educator and founder of Christy Wilson Nutrition
Although some may call it Spanish rice, this version is named Mexican rice due to its ingredients and flavors that are native to Northern Mexico. Add a hit of fresh key lime juice to get blast of Mexican flavors. (Photo by Christy Wilson)
Chicken Tortilla Soup with Homemade Tortilla Chips by Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.
Enjoy a Latin flavor with this easy-to-make soup using leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll be surprised how simple you can make homemade chips, too, using corn tortillas. Buen Provecho! (Photo by Sarah Koszyk)
Croatian Sauerkraut by Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.
Sauerkraut is a Croatian tradition and my Grandma made this sauerkraut recipe at almost every family event we had. It’s a great side dish for most hearty entrées. (Photo by Sarah Koszyk)
Healthy and Low-Fat Chicken Pot Pie by Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.
Chicken pot pie just screams classic, American comfort food. Enjoy a healthy version of the dish that still has all the flavor and love without the guilt. (Photo by Sarah Koszyk)
Moussaka: Meat and Vegetarian Version by Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.
My Grandma gave me her secret moussaka recipe and it’s a great dish to make ahead of time. Prep it over the weekend. Mid-week, just pop it in the oven and enjoy a well-balanced comfort-food meal. (Photo by Sarah Koszyk)
Rainbow Vegetable Chili (Vegan) by Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.
This chili is loaded with every color of the rainbow from the vegetables. And it’s packed with protein providing you a healthy meal in one pot. We ate this chili growing up and I have to give kudos to my mom for making delicious, nutritious food. (Photo by Sarah Koszyk)
What a great idea Sarah! I love the idea of a new recipe each day- so cute! Here’s to #savoring the flavor of eating right! Thanks for including my Lasagna recipe!
Cheers to #savoring the flavor for #NationalNutritionMonth Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing your savory, healthy, comfort food lasagna recipe. It’s delish.
What a fabulous round up of recipes, just in time for National Nutrition Month! Thank you so much for including my Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parmesan!
Emily: Your dish is a fabulous twist on the classic chicken Parmesan recipe. AND it uses spaghetti squash. I’m obsessed with it. Thank you!
Wow! We, dietitians, sure know how to cook!! 😉 So many delicious and unique recipes here, I don’t know which one I want to try first! Thank you so much for including my recipe.
I know! So many amazing traditional dishes from so many dietitians. Delicious & Nutritious. Thanks for contributing, Min 🙂
As the weather gets chillier, cravings for cool, fresh ingredients diminish as those urges to eat ooey gooey warm goodness take over. Sugary oatmeal for breakfast? Sure, why not. Creamy soup for lunch? Don t mind if we do. Casserole for dinner? Delicious!
I completely agree! Cheers to comfort food deliciousness.
Great lineup of meals! Can’t wait to try them.
There are so many recipes. And now you have 31 days worth. Happy cooking.