March Madness – Recruiting For Team Plant!

In honor of National Nutrition Month™, let’s play a little plant-packed March Madness. As a Registered Dietitian, I love an excuse to add more produce to any recipe, but did you know that by adding fruits and veggies to your next meal you can reap the benefits of more flavor, color and better nutrition? I call that a slam dunk! Let’s talk smart swaps when it comes to plants and how to match up fruits and veggies in your favorite recipes.

Cauliflower vs. Nachos

You won’t miss traditional nachos one bit when you enjoy roasted cauliflower with melted Colby jack cheese, topped with fresh salsa, guacamole and pickled jalapenos. These Caulinachos are sure to make the crowd go wild with taste and nutrition!

Butternut Squash vs. Mac and Cheese

An all-star favorite, mac and cheese enters the hall of fame after its face-off with Butternut Squash! Pureed squash adds an extra creaminess to this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – and don’t forget the game-changing vitamin A!

Zucchini vs. Energy Bites

Think this match-up is a little strange? Think again! Shredded zucchini makes a three-point shot and scores with these Zucchini Energy Bites that taste like your Grandma’s Zucchini Bread. Don’t forget that it’s not all about taste and looks—zucchini gets a free throw and it’s nothing but net for nutrition!

Sweet Potatoes vs. Casserole

Sweet potatoes add a home team advantage that no one can deny. Their bright uniforms, subtle sweetness on the court as well as their powerhouse fiber make them the team to beat. Add them to a classic casserole and you’ve got a winner with this Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole.

Dates vs. Cookies

What a match-up! Dates add a transformative taste to this cookie. With no added sugar, dates add sweetness to this match-up of pistachios, almond flour, and vanilla and blow the crowd away with their fiber content in these No-Bake Pistachio Cookies!

Blueberries vs. Breakfast Bars

It’s a morning match-up and blueberries are ready for tip-off. Blueberries add vitamin C to a team of tasty ingredients. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and this Blueberry Protein Walnut Breakfast Bar is one you don’t want to miss!

What’s your favorite March Madness Fruit and Veggie Match-Up?