April 16, 2022
Spring is here and so is an abundance of fresh produce options just waiting to be included in your holiday festivities. Fruits and vegetables offer antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, fiber that is key in promoting heart health, water content that helps keep us hydrated, and a variety of delicious textures that contribute to our plate.
Fitting in fruits and vegetables this Easter holiday doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can actually be a lot of fun! Get creative in the kitchen by making an Easter egg- or bunny-themed fruit or vegetable tray as part of your meal or as an appetizer. Freeze fruit in ice cube trays to make a pretty addition to cold beverages, or serve water infused with fruits and vegetables for a refreshing beverage option.
Some of our favorite spring vegetables make a delicious appearance in this side dish ready for your Easter table. Asparagus offers fiber and vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps support our immune system. Look for firm, fresh asparagus stalks with closed tips for the best quality.
Asparagus Caprese Salad
Serves 6
All You Need:
2 cups loosely packed baby arugula, plus additional for garnish
½ cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus additional for garnish
¼ cup Soirée grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup Hy-Vee pine nuts, toasted
1 clove garlic, crushed
¼ cup Gustare Vita extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp coarse-ground black pepper
1 cup halved Hy-Vee sweet grape tomatoes
1 (8-oz) pkg Soirée fresh mozzarella cheese pearls, halved
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
Hy-Vee nonstick cooking spray
All you do:
- Place arugula, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until finely chopped. With the motor running, gradually add olive oil until well combined. Stir in salt and black pepper.
- Combine tomatoes, mozzarella and onion in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons arugula pesto; gently stir to combine.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray asparagus with nonstick spray. Grill 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.
- Arrange asparagus on a serving platter. Spoon tomato mixture over asparagus. Garnish with additional basil leaves and fresh arugula, if desired. Serve with remaining arugula pesto.
Recipe source: April 2022 Hy-Vee Seasons magazine. Are you worried holiday food won’t fit in to your healthy lifestyle? Hy-Vee dietitians recommend grabbing your plate and filling it with everything you want and enjoying every bite! Enjoying the foods you love, in the portions you love, is what celebrating the holidays is about. One day of eats won’t set back your progress or change your lab values – it’s all about balance and enjoying the holiday! If you find it challenging to navigate the holidays around food, contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian for a free Discovery Session to learn more about how to enjoy food all year round. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
