10 Recipes That Harness the Best Produce of the Winter Months

While most people associate fresh produce with the spring and the summer, there is still a lot of goodness to be had during the winter season. The key in making the freshest dishes this time of the year comes in choosing the best seasonal produce during the cold months. Here are 10 recipes that lean on some of the best fruits and vegetables of the winter.

Coconut Curried Greens

Eating your greens does not have to be a chore with this delicious coconut curried greens recipe. These collard greens are bursting with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The intense flavor comes from the coconut sugar paired with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, curry powder, and shallot. You can also add a bit of toasted coconut to the finished product for an additional flavor infusion and a bit of crunch. This recipe makes a great side dish for a variety of proteins, particularly for Asian cuisine. You will not have problems convincing your family to eat their greens with this flavorful recipe.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Add a burst of orange color to your winter dinner table with these honey glazed carrots. The sheet pan carrots bake in a mixture of honey, garlic, butter, olive oil, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. The sticky honey glaze brings out the beauty in the carrots. You can use your choice of carrots for this recipe, including whole carrots, baby, or rainbow colored varieties. You will just want to cut them in the same approximate size so that they bake up evenly. Feel free to sprinkle the fresh herbs of your choosing on the finished product.

Beet and Grapefruit Salad

Grapefruit comes into season in the winter, making this beet and grapefruit salad a fresh addition to your side dish rotation. In addition to the seasonal grapefruit and beets, the salad also features toasted walnuts and blue cheese crumbles. The light dressing includes olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and salt. The inclusion of oranges as a complementary ingredient adds another seasonal citrus fruit to this salad. This salad will stay fresh for a few days in the refrigerator.

Cauliflower Cheese Soup

This creamy cauliflower cheese soup is the perfect winter treat. With only five ingredients, this soup could not be easier to whip up. The soup is also naturally gluten free and low in carbs, making it a good choice for those with dietary restrictions. If you want a vegetarian version of this soup, simply swap out the chicken broth for a vegetable variety. Top this soup with chopped bacon, onion, or avocado. This soup also freezes well if you feel like making extra for a later date.

Broccoli Slaw

This crunchy broccoli slaw harnesses some of the best flavors of the season. In addition to the broccoli, this salad also features carrots and cabbage for more seasonal goodness. Red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds add more crunch and texture to this beauty. Finally, a homemade coleslaw dressing consisting of apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and real maple syrup brings it all together. While many people associate this broccoli salad with summer barbeques, the base ingredients are actually in season during the winter months.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Crostini With Bacon and Parmesan

Looking for a great appetizer for your next winter dinner party? Be sure to consider this caramelized Brussels sprouts crostini with bacon and parmesan recipe. Crostini is topped with the caramelized Brussels sprouts, crisp bacon, toasted pine nuts, and creamy lemon ricotta cheese to deliver a total explosion of unique flavors. You can also choose to substitute goat cheese or whipped feta for the ricotta cheese. Drizzle the finished crostini with your choice of hot honey or balsamic vinegar. These beauties will disappear from the appetizer table in an instant.

Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash

For a delicious entree, consider making this southwestern stuffed acorn squash recipe. You will certainly spice up your dinner routine with this savory stuffed squash. The acorn squash is stuffed with a mix of turkey sausage, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, black bean, cumin, and chili powder. A side of corn tortillas along with a southwestern inspired green salad make great additions to this squash. This low-calorie meal is a nutritional powerhouse and quite delicious.

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

You have not had butternut squash quite like this. This creamy Thai curried butternut squash soup will win over even the most discerning eaters. The squash is sautéed along with garlic, onion, curry paste, cumin, salt, coriander, and red pepper flakes. After this mixture is blended until creamy, you can add toasted coconut, lime juice, and a swirl of coconut milk. Top each bowl with a bit of fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor. This colorful soup will brighten up any dinner table.

Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

Use up two of the best seasonal products with this sweet potato and pomegranate salad. Roasted sweet potatoes are enhanced with pomegranate arils, crunch pepitas, and tangy feta cheese. You can bring out the flavor of the pomegranates with a dressing that includes pomegranate juice, honey, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. While this salad is a beautiful addition to a holiday meal, you can also serve it all winter long thanks to the seasonal ingredients.

Winter Fruit Salad

This fresh winter fruit salad uses up the best produce that you can find during this time of the year. The dish includes pears, apples, clementine oranges, pomegranate, and kiwi. The fruit is dressed with lemon juice, lime juice, and honey. The citrus prevents the other fruit from browning, keeping it fresh hours after preparation. This dish is both sweet and tangy, delivering the best of both worlds.

Just because old man winter is rearing his head, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy loads of fresh produce. These 10 recipes are all great ways to include the best of the season in your meal rotation.

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