It's time to freshen up your virtual recipe box and experiment with some new foods and learn new ways to cook with your standby ingredients. We've rounded up our favorite recipes featuring foods trending in the healthy cooking sphere to help you bring your kitchen to life this year. Read on to see why you should be eating these foods and fun recipes to cook with these go-to ingredients.
Cauliflower
Once overlooked, cauliflower is having a moment, and you should get in on the action. This low-carb, versatile veggie is loaded with filling fiber [1] and is high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Best of all, you can use cauliflower to lighten up some of your favorite comfort foods, from pizza to buffalo wings. Scroll for recipes featuring this must-eat ingredient.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Get the recipe: low-carb cauliflower pizza crust [2]
Cauliflower "Wings"
Get the recipe: cauliflower buffalo "wings" [3]
Cauliflower "Rice"
Get the recipe: cauliflower fried "rice" [4]
Cauliflower Poppers
Get the recipe: curry cauliflower poppers [5]
Chia Seeds
These little seeds pack a heavy nutritional punch. Chia seeds [6] are high fiber, but more importantly, when soaked in water they bulk up to create a very filling dish. While the added bulk can help prevent overeating, it also helps with digestion — a veritable win-win. We've included three simple ways to enjoy these seeds, from pudding to jam.
Classic Pudding
Get the recipe: tropical chia pudding with mango [7]
Frozen Grapes
Get the recipe: frozen grapes with yogurt and chia [8]
Jam
Get the recipe: raspberry chia jam [9]
Chickpeas
These beans offer a significant source of fiber [10] and are chock-full of slow-to-digest protein to keep you feeling full for longer. But chickpeas can be eaten in so many delicious ways beyond basic hummus; just scroll to see three of our favorite recipes.
Chickpea Salad
Get the recipe: chickpea avocado salad [11]
Roasted Sweet Chickpeas
Get the recipe: honey-roasted cinnamon chickpeas [12]
Chickpea Curry
Get the recipe: slow-cooker chickpea curry [13]
Eggs
Do not overlook eggs as an ingredient you should be cooking with regularly. They are packed with protein as well as important vitamins and minerals — especially when you eat the yolk. And the dietary guidelines around eggs [14] have relaxed so you can enjoy them more regularly. Think beyond the basic scramble and try these three recipes.
Egg in Avocado
Get the recipe: Paleo-approved eggs baked in avocado [15]
Frittata
Get the recipe: cauliflower quinoa frittata [16]
Egg Muffins
Get the recipe: turkey-sausage egg muffins [17]
Shakshuka
Get the recipe: poached eggs with tomato, swiss chard, and chickpeas [18]
Farro
Move over, quinoa; there is a new whole grain to put on your plate. Farro is nutritionally neck and neck [19] with quinoa when it comes to protein and fiber, and we find it more versatile and easier to prepare. Check out three recipes here for ways to incorporate farro into your life.
Farro Salad
Get the recipe: citrus farro salad [20]
Kale and Farro Salad
Get the recipe: kale and farro salad with green goddess dressing [21]
Farro Stir-Fry
Get the recipe: maple-cumin tofu with farro [22]