Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kick-off to summer. I have simple ways to put a nutritious twist on your Memorial Day weekend menu starting with your pasta salad!
Start with in-season produce. In-season produce typically tastes the best, is at its nutritional peak and is often more affordable. I love to get my produce from Sprouts because they keep seasonality top of mind and work with local farmers to offer a wide selection of fresh, local and organic produce including limited-time varieties.Then instead of regular pasta, we are using a chickpea pasta which is higher in protein and fiber and will keep you fuller longer.I also find my unique pastas at Sprouts, they have the best healthy alternatives and better for you products – it’s like a fun treasure hunt! Toss with some Italian dressing.
Next put a nutritious twist on your burger spread. In addition to whole wheat burger buns, offer veggie buns – to date, this is one of my most popular healthy hacks. Veggie buns like portabella mushrooms are naturally lower in calories but higher in fiber and key nutrients. They also help you meet your recommends 2-4 cup servings of veggies for the day. And then in addition to beef burgers, offer other protein option. You can find fresh meat and seafood options like grass-fed ribeye, chicken wings and baby back ribs at sprouts, in addition to unique attributed products such as plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free all at affordable prices.For condiments we have veggie-sweetened ketchup, pineapple salsa, and organic mustard also available at sprouts.
Finally, I have the easiest festive dessert option – a berry trifle. Simply layer with chopped up angel food cake, fresh berries and whipped cream. Then repeat. I’m using this coconut whipped topping which is a plant-based alternative that’s also lower in sugar. For an even healthier take on a trifle, you can make your own angel food cake layer with oats, dates, coconut and raw nuts which you can buy in the exact quantities needed in the bulk foods section at sprouts to cut back on food waste. Serve it out of a trifle bowl!
