Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday season, full of family, fun, and delicious food. After indulging in many delicious meals from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, now is often when I get the most requests for healthier recipe options. January is a great time to reset, start the year fresh, and consider some more nutritious meals. We’re here to help you in that journey, with five easy weeknight meals that are better for you—all without sacrificing great taste!

Cioppino

1. Cioppino

We’ve updated this San Francisco classic stew to be quick, easy and most of all…healthful! A beautiful blend of omega-3 and nutrient-rich seafood is simmered in a spicy tomato broth to give you a cozy weeknight meal that feels indulgent—no guilt required.

Weeknight Chicken Piccata

2. Weeknight Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is the ultimate weeknight meal! Our Mezzetta Imported Non-Pareil Capers impart a briny flavor, and the addition of dry white wine makes this dish feel rich and bright. To prepare an even healthier version, serve with sauteed vegetables and use a plant-based substitute for butter.

Did you know—lemons are rich in vitamin C, and both lemons and capers are high in antioxidants, which we all need more of after the holiday season!

Kale and Citrus Salad

3. Kale and Citrus Salad

This refreshing salad is the perfect addition to any meal, any time of year, but adding a roasted or grilled lean protein makes this a satisfying weeknight meal and nutrition superstar! Kale and fennel are paired with ripe oranges, grapefruit and crumbled goat cheese and then topped with our Mezzetta Colossal Castelvetrano Style Olives. Healthy, brightly colorful and delicious!

 Teriyaki Shrimp Bowl

4. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowl

If you love shrimp, rice, and the flavors of Asian cuisine, then you’ll love this healthy and delicious lower-calorie bowl for your next weeknight meal! This recipe uses our Kona Coast® Spicy Teriyaki Marinade & Grilling Sauce, which is a great shortcut to rich umami flavor. Substitute cauliflower rice in this recipe to add in even more servings of vegetables, which is never a bad thing!

Date Night Scallops with Tomatoes, Capers and Kalamata Olives

5. Date Night Scallops with Tomatoes, Capers and Kalamata Olives

All the heart eyes for this last one 😍: With only 10 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for date night. And it’s good for your heart in another way too: Scallops contain omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats that can help balance cholesterol levels) and magnesium, which can help with overall heart function. Simple, sophisticated and sure to impress, the scallops are topped with a sauce of burst cherry tomatoes, our Mezzetta Greek Kalamata olives, Mezzetta capers and garlic.

Notes from the author

Eating better doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor! When you choose high-quality ingredients, you may find that you need to add less salt, sugar or fat to recipes, as the great flavor of your ingredients and seasonings shines through. These recipes will help you live a healthy lifestyle, while still allowing you to create vibrant, “crunchy crunchy” recipes for your friends and family! Start with these recipes and use them to inspire healthy creativity in the kitchen all year long!

 

Happy Cooking!

Chef Andrew