Recipes
Chocolate-drizzled Coconut Date Cookies
These three-ingredient cookies’ natural sweetness comes from fiber-rich dates. They are a more wholesome, nutrient-dense alternative to the door-to-door sold cookies.
How to Cook Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is a versatile, popular dish in Indian, Latin American and Mediterranean recipes containing meat, seafood or vegetables. While you can buy yellow rice, it’s easy to make at home with fresh ingredients for added flavor.
How to Cook Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that is most often made with potatoes, flour and eggs. Boiling or pan-frying gnocchi are the most common cooking method. Similar to most pasta types, you can serve gnocchi in a variety of ways with or without sauce depending on your personal preference.
Let Brussels Sprouts Become an Important Part of Your Diet
This cruciferous vegetable is related to cabbage and broccoli and is a popular addition to salads or roasted with balsamic vinegar as a side dish. Let's look at the many health benefits of Brussels sprouts and delicious ways to prepare them.
Healthy, Kid-Approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as a family is a great way to break the routine and make the day-to-day exciting. Creating colorful, creative snacks is a good way to foster a love for healthy eating while making memories. Here are two easy-to-make, nutritious ideas.
Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes
Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.
How to Cook Red Lentils
Red lentils are small, red legumes that cook quickly, making them an easy and healthy ingredient to add to a variety of dishes. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein – making it a perfect filling addition to soups and stews.
Creamy Cardamom Brown Rice Pudding
Made by simmering rice in milk with spices, rice pudding takes on a creamy consistency that pairs well with fruit. This recipe features cardamom and allows the pudding to take on a complex flavor profile with a sweetness that marries well with the hint of brown sugar.
Glazed Roasted Carrots over Zesty Yogurt with Crunchy Pistachios
These glazed carrots are roasted until fork tender and served with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce for a dose of protein. The pistachios add a nice contrasting crunch and flavors that work so well with this spring crop. Enjoy this vegetarian delight as an appetizer or a side.
Spring Salad with Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette and Quick-pickled Onions
This refreshing salad has crisp romaine and sweet strawberries. The vinaigrette is made from champagne vinegar and fresh strawberries that perfectly marry basil and heart-healthy olive oil. The quick-pickled onions and goat cheese add complex flavors to this spring salad.
How to Cook Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed that has a nutty flavor profile and is a popular ingredient for recipes like granola, soup and salad. Quinoa comes in three varieties, each with its own texture and flavor.
How to Cook Split Peas
Split peas are dried peas that have been hulled and split in half. They can be in a variety of dishes such as soup and stew and are a good source of fiber and protein.
How to Cook Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are classified as legumes. Along with being a good source of protein and fiber, chickpeas are high in nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin A, E and C. Cooking chickpeas is simple but requires some preparation.
2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With
Many of us are looking for keto soup and high protein soup recipes this winter to complement our fitness goals. Check out these two hearty winter soup recipes, both of which are health and easy to make.
How to Cook Arborio Rice
Arborio is a short-grain white rice that originates from Italy. Because of its tendency toward creaminess, arborio isn’t typically cooked on its own but is instead most often used for dishes like risotto or rice pudding.
Benefits of Michigan Cherries + Delicious Recipes
Cherries are abundant in Michigan because the state is the top producer of tart cherries and the fourth largest producer of sweet cherries in the U.S.
3 Healthy Big Game Recipes
The Big Game day is America’s second largest food consumption day after Thanksgiving. Popular dishes include wings, chips and dips - the latter being a particular Midwest favorite.
Crispy Sumac Baked Dry Rub Wings
Wings are a Big Game staple. In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates Americans eat 1.45 billion chicken wings during the special night.
How to Cook Fresh Pasta
Most fresh pasta is made from flour and eggs, and cooked while still soft. While fresh pasta takes a little longer to prepare, its cooking time is much faster compared to dried pasta.
Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles with Tofu and Veggies
These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and antioxidants content.
How to Cook Brown Rice
Brown rice is packed with fiber and nutrients which gives it its brown color and nutty flavor. It is an excellent source of B vitamins and iron and can be paired with a variety of dishes from grain bowls to stir fries.
Mango Oat Smoothie
This smoothie is naturally sweet and creamy from mango and banana. The oats add a subtle nutty flavor and contribute to a more filling and nourishing smoothie.
Oat and Banana Blueberry Pancakes
This pancake batter consists of only five ingredients and is easily made in a blender. Blueberries and lemon zest add refreshing elements and are a perfect flavor combination in this breakfast treat.
Raspberry Chia Seed Oat Bar Recipe
These oat bars are a perfect chewy and refreshing snack packed with antioxidants from the deep colored raspberries. Between the raspberries, chia seeds and oats, this recipe is packed with fiber that’ll help keep you full until your next meal.
The Nutrient Power and Versatility of Oat Recipes
Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
How to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," have gained popularity as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. There are many options for what to serve with zucchini noodles. You can pair them with a protein, sauce or even mix them with regular pasta.
How to Cook Mung Beans
Mung beans are small legumes that have a slightly sweet taste. Cooking mung beans is quick compared to other larger bean types and no soaking is required before cooking.
How to Cook Butter Beans
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are large, creamy legumes that originate from South America. Butter beans are used in a variety of dishes and a great source of protein, fiber, iron and folate.
How to Cook Orzo
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be used in several dishes including soups, grain bowls and pasta salad. You can cook orzo like many other pasta types on a stovetop.
How to Cook Wild Rice
Wild rice is a seed known for its chewy and nutty flavor and various health benefits. It's naturally gluten-free, low in fat and high in fiber.
Seafood and Dill Shells
These seafood crab and dill bites are a perfect refreshing and protein-packed starter. Dill adds a burst of flavor while cucumber brings a crisp element to this dish.
Mushroom and Creamy Horseradish Shells
These appetizer bites are earthy and savory. Sautéed mushrooms and a zesty horseradish cream filling make an elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Sundried Tomato Avocado Shells
This bite-sized appetizer brings balanced flavor with fat from avocado, acid from lime, salt from turkey bacon and a sweet-tart flavor from sundried tomatoes. These bites will bring color to your holiday table.
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.