(Side) Dish Out the Nutrients: Winter Recipe Roundup

During the colder months, we tend to trade in the fresh fruits and vegetables we associate with summer for the rich, hearty meals of winter. Soups laden with browned meats and plump beans are a true staple of our winter diets. Even though summer has come and gone, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables available, some still growing and thriving in the garden despite the cold temperatures. These fruits and vegetables are rich with vitamins and nutrients to keep us healthy through the winter, so why not dish out the nutrients with a vitamin rich side dish using our winter recipe roundup? 

To make adding a vitamin packed side dish to your meal a cinch, we’ve gathered some of our favorite, simple fall vegetable, side dish recipes for you to try.

Leafy Greens & Brassicas

Many sturdier greens thrive in the garden through Pacific Northwest winters. Kale, swiss chard, and collard greens are among the sturdy greens that keep growing right on through the winter and are available fresh in our markets. 

Kale

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. It’s no wonder kale makes the short list for power packed veggies. It is also loaded with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects. 

On the Menu:

Easy Massaged Kale Salad

Kale Pesto with Whole Wheat Pasta

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is packed with vitamins A and K. Just one cup fulfills your daily recommended intake of both vitamins.

On the Menu:

Wilted Chard with Shallots and Vinegar

Risotto with Swiss Chard, Radishes, & Lemon

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are especially high in vitamins C and K. They are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

On the Menu:

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Perfect Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Red Cabbage

The bright color of red cabbage comes from pigments called anthocyanins, which, in simple terms, translates to loads of antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system. Red cabbage is easy to add to a meal. Slice and use in the place of lettuce on your tacos, add to a green salad for extra color and nutrients, or mix it up in this delicious and fresh winter slaw.

On the Menu:

Winter Rainbow Slaw

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Winter Squashes

Pumpkins are not just for jack-o-lanterns, though we do love a skillfully carved toothy grin. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C and E, iron and folate, pumpkins and other winter squashes offer support for vision and promote immune health. 

Pumpkin

On the Menu:

Savory Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Apple Quick Oats

Pumpkin Spread

Kabocha Squash

On the Menu:

Roasted Kabocha with Maple Syrup & Ginger

Paleo Creamy Kabocha Squash Mash

Delicata Squash

On the Menu:

Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash

Roasted Delicata Squash

Root Vegetables

High in fiber and in vitamins C and A, as well as potassium, root vegetables are an easy choice to add to your winter diet. Many root vegetables are excellent for longer storage, so you can stock up and be sure to have them on hand, when you get the craving.

Beets

On the Menu:

Maple Orange Roasted Beets and Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad

Carrots

On the Menu:

Simple Roasted Carrots

Hummus Dip for Sliced Carrots

Parsnips

On the Menu:

Parsnip & Potato Mash

Parsnip Ecrasse

Sweet Potatoes

On the Menu:

Slow Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Sweet Potato Roast

If you need even more inspiration to add a little vitamin goodness to your winter menus using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, check out our Guide to Local Seasonal Eating or ask one of our amazing produce specialists what seasonal fruits and vegetables they particularly enjoy.