(Family Features) Breezy spring days can lead you on nearly any adventure, and they can happen in your own backyard, on a short road trip or during a full-blown beach vacation. No matter where you are when those warmer days arrive, you can put outdoor meals on the menu and take advantage of perfect opportunities for fresh brunch spreads to share with loved ones.

Whether you’re enjoying spring sunshine at home or traveling with friends and family, Florida Orange Juice can be a delicious, nutritious addition to your outdoor plans. By delivering a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits, it’s perfect for supporting healthy immune systems and overall health.

With no added sugar, 100% orange juice comes coupled with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate and thiamin. Orange juice is one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, and it can serve as a substitution for sugar-sweetened beverages in the diets of both children and adults while providing a convenient way to complement whole fruit intake to help reach one’s daily fruit intake recommendations. 

As an ultimate go-to beverage and ingredient, Florida Orange Juice is convenient and versatile for use in breakfast recipes like these Orange Juice Biscuits or cocktails such as Orange Juice Spicy Margaritas. These naturally sweet, tasty recipes make for ideal additions to brunch menus all spring long.

“Families across the country are planning spring vacations and springtime brunches, so it’s an important time to think about wellness and immune health,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “As the ultimate drink for spring, 100% orange juice is a healthy option while on the go and it’s easy to add into almost any recipe. It’s rich in vitamin C and includes other nutrients like potassium, folate and thiamin, making it a great choice for overall wellness.”

To find more ways to enhance spring brunches, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Orange Juice Biscuits

Orange Butter Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Orange Biscuits:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 cups bleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading
• 1 2/3 tablespoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice

1. To make orange butter sauce: Boil orange juice 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
2. To make orange biscuits: Preheat oven to 425 F.
3. Use fingers to rub sugar and zest together until sugar is moistened and looks like wet sand.
4. In large bowl, whisk orange sugar, 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Using two forks or pastry blender, cut in shortening to size of small peas.
5. Combine milk and orange juice then stir into flour mixture to make sticky dough.
6. Turn out dough onto well-floured work surface. Sprinkle top with flour and knead about six times while folding dough over in half and using more flour as needed.
7. Pat dough out to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with round cutter by dipping cutter in flour then pressing into dough. Do not turn cutter while pressing.
8. Place biscuits close together but not touching on baking sheet.
9. Gather dough scraps and fold 2-3 times, pat out again and cut biscuits. Repeat until dough is used.
10. Brush tops with orange butter sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining sauce.

Orange Juice Spicy Margaritas

• 2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• ice
• 2 cups simple syrup
• 8 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces triple sec or orange liqueur
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 4 ounces seltzer
• ghost pepper salt, to taste
• 4 Florida Orange slices, 1/4-inch thick

1. In saucepan over medium heat, reduce orange juice to 1 cup and allow to cool.
2. Fill cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice. Add orange juice reduction, simple syrup, tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
3. Shake and pour into four glasses. Top each glass with 1 ounce seltzer.
4. Pour ghost pepper salt onto saucer and dip edges of orange slices in ghost pepper salt. Place orange slices on rim of each glass, if desired.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink.

Consider an easy choice for any season like Florida Orange Juice, which can help you and your loved ones get the vitamins and minerals you need all winter long. With 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C in every 8-ounce serving along with key nutrients like potassium and magnesium, there’s a reason it’s referred to as the “Original Wellness Drink.”

With no added sugar or artificial flavor, it provides the benefits you need without the additives you don’t. It contains natural sugar from the whole fruit for a delicious solution that’s one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, it’s easy to use as a nutritional ingredient in wintertime favorites like this comforting Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup or to start your day strong with a Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie.

Paired with a healthy lifestyle, 8 ounces of 100% orange juice may help support a healthy immune system as an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin D in fortified juices. Vitamin C is commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen healthy immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Meanwhile, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating immune response by helping immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses.

“Safeguarding your health against the spread of illness is important year-round, especially during colder months when reports of cold and flu increase,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “A key step in supporting your immune system is maintaining a well-balanced diet that is high in essential nutrients. Incorporating an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice can help you meet the recommended daily value of vitamin C and support your hydration.”

Beneficial plant compounds, like those in Florida Orange Juice, along with flavonoids and colorful carotenoids work to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and helping cells communicate, which can help strengthen immune responses when encountering infections.

Additionally, 100% orange juice is a source of phytonutrients like hesperidin, which has been shown in clinical studies to have antioxidant-like properties, heart health benefits and may help reduce inflammation. Hesperidin has also been linked with benefits related to cognitive function, immune system function and bone health.

To find more information and immunity-boosting winter recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange juice
• chopped cilantro (optional)

1. In medium saucepan over medium high, heat olive oil until it shimmers.
2. Add onions, bell pepper, carrots and salt; cook until onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cardamom; cook 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant. Do not brown.
4. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk and chickpeas; bring to simmer.
5. Decrease heat to low and cook until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add orange juice, remove from heat and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
7. Serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.

Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie

Servings: 2

• 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
• 4 ounces dark sweet cherries
• 2 ounces pomegranate juice

1. In blender, puree orange juice, cherries and pomegranate juice then serve.

(Family Features) Holiday gifting is an exciting tradition for many families, but finding that perfect present for the person who seems to have it all can be tricky. This year, you can add a touch of sweetness to that special someone’s stocking with the gift of fresh fruit.

Look no further than the delicious taste contained in Florida Citrus gift boxes with premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness and delivered fresh to your recipient’s door. From varieties of fresh fruit to tasty delights like orange blossom honey, jellies, candies and chocolate, it’s an easy choice for crossing off holiday checklists.

Well-known for its vitamin C content, it provides a combination of nutrients to support overall health for a nutritious twist on seasonal gifting.

“Fresh Florida Citrus fruits provide an attainable solution for individuals falling short of their daily nutrient goals,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “It offers a number of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, fiber and thiamin, and can help support overall well-being when consumed as part of a healthy diet.”

Thanks to Florida’s unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall, the citrus fruits pack a juicy, naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State. These gift boxes can bring a new spin to your holiday menu.

Whether you’re shipping a box to a family member, friend, neighbor or your own front door, holiday get-togethers can receive a spark of sweetness from a delicious appetizer like Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta. This fresh take on a party favorite calls for toasted baguette slices topped with chopped grapefruit, Roma tomatoes, avocado and red onion to take your hors d’oeuvres selection to the next level. For the adults in attendance, put a simple yet refreshing cocktail on the menu with this Grapefruit Paloma – just rim four glasses with margarita salt and mix a few easy ingredients to bring a little sunshine to the festivities.

Find more information, check availability in your area and shop for gift boxes at gifts.floridacitrus.org.

Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta

Servings: 3

• 1 cup Florida Grapefruit sections
• 1 baguette, sliced on bias
• 2-3 whole garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 large avocado, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• Florida Grapefruit segments, for garnish (optional)
• cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Chop grapefruit.
2. Place baguette slices on baking sheet and toast 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Rub toasted sides of bread with cut sides of garlic cloves; reserve.
4. In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, grapefruit, avocado, red onion, cilantro and olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss gently to combine.
5. Spoon grapefruit mixture over prepared bruschetta.
6. Garnish with fresh grapefruit segments and cilantro, if desired.

Grapefruit Paloma

Servings: 4

• 24 ounces Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 16 ounces silver tequila
• 16 ounces seltzer
• ice
• margarita salt (optional)
• 4 Florida Grapefruit wedges (optional)

1. In large pitcher, mix grapefruit juice, tequila and seltzer with ice.
2. Rim four glasses with margarita salt, if desired.
3. Divide paloma among glasses; garnish with grapefruit wedges, if desired.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) A staple of warm weekend days, brunch combines the best flavors of the first two meals of the day. Every great brunch spread complements its savory items with something sweet, something refreshing and a signature beverage, and there’s one ingredient that can help cover all of those bases – 100% orange juice.

An option like Florida Orange Juice is not only delicious but delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits. One of nature’s nutrient dense foods, one 8-ounce glass of orange juice provides 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and is also a good source of potassium, folate and thiamin, making it a great substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages and simple addition to brunch staples like this Orange Oatmeal.

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, 100% orange juice may also help support a healthy immune system. Orange juice contains beneficial plant compounds, flavonoids and colorful carotenoids to aid in fighting inflammation and cell communication. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Vitamin D, which can be found in fortified juices, also plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body.

Since 100% orange juice is naturally almost 90% water, it can help support hydration as it includes several electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and, in fortified juices, calcium, to aid in fluid balance. Combining Florida Orange Juice, watermelon juice and grapefruit juice, this Citrus Watermelonade is a bright, seasonal thirst quencher that is the perfect addition to your drink selection at brunch.

“Maintaining overall wellness and hydration is important as we ease into the warmer months of the year and more time is spent outdoors,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Florida Orange Juice includes many essential vitamins and minerals that aid in hydration, and it is a great complement to water in helping to provide nourishment before, during or after any activity.”

For more information and sweet, nutritious brunch recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Citrus Watermelonade

• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 cups watermelon, seeded, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces, divided
• 2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 3/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cups Florida Oranges, cut into 1-inch pieces, peeled
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• ice, for serving
• Florida Orange Slices, for garnish (optional)
• watermelon chunks, for garnish (optional)

1. In small saucepan over low heat, combine hot water and sugar; heat until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. In blender, puree 4 cups watermelon until smooth.
3. In large pitcher, stir watermelon juice, chilled sugar syrup, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lime juice until combined.
4. Add remaining watermelon pieces, orange pieces and mint leaves; refrigerate 2-3 hours until well chilled.
5. Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with orange slices and watermelon chunks, if desired.

Orange Oatmeal

• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats
• 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In medium saucepan over high heat, bring orange juice and water to boil.
2. Add oats to boiling liquids.
3. Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in diced orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

Source:

Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, saying “I love you” to a faraway relative or offering a kind gesture to a friend or neighbor, sending a gift is a thoughtful way to share your appreciation. A handwritten note goes a long way, and you can take that token of gratitude one step further by pairing it with an authentic fruit basket.

When it’s time to give a gift to a friend or loved one, consider sending fresh Florida Citrus boxes, which contain premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness. Available in a variety of sizes to fit your budget and filled with your choice of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and unique jams, jellies and candies, the baskets arrive fresh at the door of your recipient.

With naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State, the unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall help grow juicy citrus. Plus, the delicious fruits are equally nutritious as they’re loaded with vitamin C and provide a combination of nutrients to support overall health to help adults and children alike meet intake recommendations for certain key nutrients.

On top of their taste as appetizing snacks, they’re perfect for cooking in recipes like Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad or Citrus Cherry Cobbler that take advantage of their natural sweetness and allow for mouthwatering meals, sides, desserts and more.

To choose a premium, hand-selected basket and send to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones, visit gifts.floridacitrus.org.

Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad

Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup Florida Tangerine Juice
• 2 teaspoons Florida Orange zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

Flatiron Steak Salad:

• 1 1/2 pounds flatiron steak
• 2 cups Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette, divided
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange segments
• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments
• 2 quarts baby spinach
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1. To make citrus balsamic vinaigrette: Combine orange juice, tangerine juice, orange zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously. Set dressing aside.
2. To make flatiron steak salad: Place flatiron steak in container and add 1 cup citrus balsamic vinaigrette. Marinate in refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
3. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill steak to desired doneness. Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
5. In large mixing bowl, combine orange segments, grapefruit segments, baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, radish and cucumber. Add remaining citrus balsamic vinaigrette, as desired, and toss well to combine.
6. To serve, divide salad and sliced steak among four plates and top with crumbled goat cheese.

Citrus Cherry Cobbler

Cobbler:

• 4 cups cherries, pitted, juice reserved
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups Florida Orange segments, seeded
• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments, seeded

Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons milk

1. To make cobbler: In medium saucepan, combine cherries and reserved juice, orange juice, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Cool and add orange segments and grapefruit segments. Pour filling into baking dish or pie pan.
2. To make topping: Heat oven to 350 F.
3. In food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add butter and pulse until butter is cut into small, pea-sized pieces. Remove flour mixture from food processor and place in mixing bowl. Add egg and milk; stir until just combined. Drop topping mixture by tablespoon over filling until almost covered.
4. Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling and hot. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) Setting the stage for success in the classroom starts with reliable morning routines the whole family can depend on. Establishing a plan for each day before heading off for work or school is beneficial for staying on time and organized, and many families’ mornings start with a nutritious breakfast.

This school year, add better-for-you breakfast recipes like Orange Oatmeal or an Orangeberry Smoothie to the menu. These morning meals are powered by 100% orange juice, a delicious option that helps fuel the body with essential nutrients that support a healthy immune system and overall diet quality with no added sugar.

“A growing number of research studies has revealed children who regularly drink 100% orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Study after study confirms that 100% orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effects on body weight when served in moderation.”

Consider these nutritional benefits of Florida Orange Juice, “The Original Wellness Drink.”

Diet Quality
Because 1 cup of 100% orange juice counts as 1 cup of fruit, it’s an easy way to contribute to your children’s fruit intake. As a kid-favorite, it’s a nutrient-dense beverage that helps increase the intake of key nutrients including vitamin C, folate, thiamin, magnesium, potassium and, in fortified juices, vitamin D and calcium.

Immune Support
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, Florida Orange Juice has vitamin C, vitamin D (in fortified juices) and phytonutrients (naturally occurring plant compounds) and may help support a strong immune system.

• Vitamin C – Commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen a healthy immune system by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of cells. One 6-8-ounce glass of OJ is an excellent source.
• Vitamin D – Plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body. One 6-8-ounce glass of fortified OJ is a good source.
• Plant Compounds, Flavonoids and Colorful Carotenoids – Work to support the immune system by helping to fight inflammation and helping cells communicate with each other, which can help strengthen immune response when encountering infection.

No Added Sugar
Unlike foods and beverages that contain added sugars, the natural sugar in 100% orange juice contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. As one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, OJ is a convenient way to enhance whole fruit intake and reach daily recommendations. Plus, it can be used as a substitute for nutrient-poor foods and beverages, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, in the diets of children and adults.

Find more information and recipe inspiration at FloridaCitrus.org/OJ.

Orange Oatmeal

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup quick cooking steel-cut oats
• 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In medium saucepan over high heat, bring water and orange juice to boil.
2. Add oats to boiling liquids.
3. Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

Orangeberry Smoothie

Servings: 1

• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 4 ounces strawberry Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• ice cubes
• 1 Florida Orange, sliced

1. In blender, blend orange juice, strawberries, yogurt, milk and ice, as needed to reach desired consistency, until smooth.
2. Pour into glass and garnish with orange slice.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Culinary.net) It’s time to kick off summer with a bang. With exciting summer events like baseball, sunbathing and barbecues filling social calendars, comes a whole new array of fresh, sunny day snacks just waiting to be devoured.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa. It features fresh, fruity flavors from the pineapple, mango, lemon and lime plus a surprising bite of jalapeno. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty.

This light, warm weather appetizer  is perfect for pool parties or dining al fresco. A fresh twist on traditional salsa, this recipe will have people lining up for a second scoop to help beat the heat.

Enjoy it with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness to a traditionally savory meal.

For more fresh summertime recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa

Recipe adapted from becomingness.com

• 1 1/4    cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 1/4    cup fresh mango, diced
• 2          tomatoes
• 1/2       red onion, diced
• 1          jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1          tablespoon coriander
• 2          tablespoons lime juice
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• sea salt, to taste
• fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• tortilla chips, for serving

1. In large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeno, coriander, lime juice, lemon juice and salt and pepper, to taste. With rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together.
2. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Kickstart the new year by making meaningful changes for yourself and your family. Finding nutritious recipes can help you stay on track when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle.

As you look to start 2020 off right, opt for fresh ingredients. No matter what your goal for the year is, start at a store like ALDI. From making Mondays meatless to cutting out refined carbs, you can find a healthy haul – for less – complete with high-quality products for these delicious, nutritious and affordable recipes from ALDI.

Find more recipe ideas at aldi.us.

Breakfast

Morning Oasis Overnight Oats – If busy mornings prevent you from starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, try overnight oats. They are easy to prepare a day in advance, then top with fruit, coconut, shaved chocolate and quinoa when it’s time for breakfast.

Blackberry Avocado Smoothie Bowl – Add more fruit to the “most important meal of the day” with this smoothie bowl bursting with flavor. Blended blackberries, blueberries and banana provide a nutritious start to your day, and it can be topped with additional fruits, almonds, chia seeds and more for added texture.

Salad

Citrus Popping Kale Salad – Whether it’s for lunch or served as the first course for dinner, a salad is a way to combine a healthy serving of veggies with toppings you crave. The flavors of this tasty recipe create a perfect marriage of quinoa, baby kale, onion, mango and cranberries.

Fruit and Avocado Salad – This crisp and refreshing salad combines oranges, grapefruit, onion, avocado, blueberries and pecans for an option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Main Dish

Grilled Herb Chicken Skewers – Put a spin on grilled fare and place seasoned chicken skewers on a bed of arugula. Save time and marinate the night before to infuse the chicken with the savory taste of herbs.

Cauliflower-Quinoa Pizza– When the family wants a classic, serve this better-for-you pizza, complete with a crust made from cauliflower and quinoa. Top with tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion, peppers and other veggies for a nutritious twist on the traditional slice.

Dessert

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Bar – You don’t have to completely remove dessert from your menu to live a healthier lifestyle. This baked dish features peanut butter as the base, so you can enjoy a protein-packed treat without the guilt.

Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding – It only takes five ingredients and 15 minutes in the kitchen to please your sweet tooth when cravings strike.

Source: ALDI

(Family Features) Summer is all about enjoying the warm weather with family and friends, but even with the longer summer days, the season can feel short for many. That’s why it’s important to make the most of summer by maximizing your fun in the sun with some of the best memories being made while entertaining al fresco.

For a fun-filled, yet relaxing summer, it’s important to keep the essentials on-hand for easy entertaining. From bright decor to refreshing drinks and fresh ingredients, party prep ensures you save time and money, and are always ready to wine and dine your guests.

No matter the occasion, a store like ALDI can be your guide to summer entertaining with everything you need to celebrate the season, including high-quality and affordable ingredients for this summer’s must-have recipes.

A fresh and easy recipe to try this summer is Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa. This entree pairs perfectly with a crisp, fruit-forward wine like Exquisite Collection Sauvignon Blanc or Trestoria Rosé from ALDI. When there’s a crowd to serve, consider mixing up a pitcher of Citrus Ginger Rosé Punch.

Find more seasonal recipe ideas to celebrate summer at ALDI.us.

Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa

Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 

• 8          skewers
• 1          pineapple
• 2          tablespoons Carlini Vegetable Oil
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Iodized Salt
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper
• 1 3/4    pounds Never Any! Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

Lemon-Cucumber Salsa:

• 1          lemon, supremed
• 1          cucumber, diced
• 1/2       red onion, diced
• 1          tablespoon SimplyNature Organic Wildflower Honey
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper

1. Soak wooden skewers for 15 minutes prior to grilling.
2. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Remove rind from pineapple and dice into 1-inch pieces.
4. In small bowl, combine oil, salt and pepper. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
5. Alternating chicken and pineapple, pierce onto skewers.
6. Grill skewers 8 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
7. To make Lemon-Cucumber Salsa: In medium bowl, combine lemon, cucumber, onion, honey and pepper.
8. Serve lemon-cucumber salsa over cooked chicken skewers.

Tip: Supreme citrus fruit by cutting off top and bottom of fruit then cut away peel and pith, leaving no white on outside of fruit. Slice each segment into wedges by cutting toward center of fruit along membrane.

Citrus Ginger Rosé Punch

Recipe courtesy of Chef Leigh An, ALDI Test Kitchen

• 1/2       cup minced ginger
• 1          cup Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar
• 1          cup water
• 2          bottles (750 milliliters each) Trestoria Rosé, chilled
• 5          cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Grapefruit Sparkling Water, chilled
• 2          cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Lemon Sparkling Water, chilled

1. In small pot, combine ginger, sugar and water to make simple syrup. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely in refrigerator.
2. Strain simple syrup and discard ginger.
3. In large punch bowl or pitcher, combine rosé, grapefruit sparkling water and lemon sparkling water. Add simple syrup.
4. Serve in chilled glasses.

Tip: Freeze lemon slices in ice cube trays or silicone muffin trays and add them to punch for pop of color.

Source: ALDI

(Family Features) With people across the country observing Lent, a religious tradition observed during the 40 days before Easter, it’s time to rethink the standard family meal menu.

This nearly eight-week period typically calls for a special diet. Specifically, red meat is cut out on Fridays for some and for the entirety of Lent for others. According to Datassential, 26 percent of consumers observe lent and of those, 41 percent said they eat fish on Fridays instead of meat.

Eating two servings of seafood per week – as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans – is one way to make a positive commitment to you and your family’s health during Lent and throughout the year. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, research shows eating seafood 2-3 times per week reduces the risk of death from any health-related cause. Seafood also provides unique health benefits as a lean protein and is a quality source for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health and development.

With so many seafood options available, including Alaskan cod, snapper, salmon and more, it can be easy to incorporate this nutritious lean protein into your diet.

This simple recipe for Blackened Catfish with Quinoa and Citrus Vinaigrette can help you on your way to a more nutritious meal plan that includes consuming seafood twice per week. If you can’t find catfish or prefer to substitute, any white fish such as cod, mahimahi or flounder will work.

For more seafood recipes and Lenten meal inspiration, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

Blackened Catfish with Quinoa and Citrus Vinaigrette

Recipe courtesy of chef Tim Hughes on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Servings: 4

Blackening Seasoning:

• 1          tablespoon salt
• 1          tablespoon pepper
• 1          tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon thyme

Quinoa Salad:

• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          cup corn, canned and drained or frozen and thawed to room temperature
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2       cup edamame, shelled and thawed to room temperature
• 3          cups quinoa, cooked

Blackened Catfish:

• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          pound catfish, cut into four fillets
• 5          tablespoons Blackening Seasoning

Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon lemon zest
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1/2       teaspoon thyme
• 2          tablespoons olive oil

1. To make Blackening Seasoning: Combine salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and thyme.
2. To make Quinoa Salad: Heat and oil skillet. Add corn; salt and pepper, to taste, and saute until golden brown. Add edamame and sauteed corn to quinoa and set aside.
3. To make Blackened Catfish: Heat cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon peanut oil added. Coat both sides of catfish fillets with Blackening Seasoning. Add catfish to skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until well done.
4. To make Citrus Vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, honey and thyme. Slowly add olive oil, whisking until dressing is formed.
5. Serve Blackened Catfish on top of Quinoa Salad and drizzle with Citrus Vinaigrette.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership