Cooler temperatures and shorter days have you dreading meal prep? Did you know scientists encourage us to lean into seasonality by enjoying the cozy vibes, spending more time resting, and making memories with our loved ones? Still want to focus on maintaining balanced nourishment this winter, but are not sure where to start? Break the ice with our recommendations to create an un-brr-lievable array of winter-winter no-cook dinners!
Charcuterie and Chill
Hors d’oeuvres aren’t only fit for a crowd. Create a mini nutrient-dense snack board, and pair it with a mug of warm apple cider for a plush party of one. To master the art of a sensational smorgasbord, remember the magic formula: 3-3-3-3! That’s 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starches, and 3 accouterments (think fruits, nuts, and condiments). But hold up, we wouldn’t be your favorite dietitians if we didn’t level up with the 3-3-3-3-3 rule (3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starches, 3 accouterments, AND 3 vegetables). Mix and match with our fall and winter-themed ideas below.
- Cheeses (provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus)
- cranberry goat cheese
- honey sea salt cheddar cheese
- burrata
- apple smoked gouda
- whipped ricotta
- Meats (provide protein, vitamin B12, and selenium)
- roasted turkey
- smoked salmon
- turkey pepperoni
- shrimp
- Starches (provide energy and fiber)
- whole wheat crackers
- whole wheat pita bread
- reduced-sodium pretzels
- apple quinoa, pumpkin pecan, or carrot pecan bread
- Accouterments (provide vitamins, minerals, energy, and a whole lotta fun)
- dates
- dried cherries
- fresh apple or pear slices
- spiced nuts and seeds
- persimmon jam
- caramelized onion jam
- grapes
- honey
- pumpkin butter
- dark chocolate
- white peppermint bark
- Vegetables (provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals)
- baba ghanoush (eggplant dip)
- roasted Brussels sprouts
- endive
- heirloom cherry tomatoes
- dried mushrooms
Salad Solace
Give your spring and summer salads a winter-ready makeover by adding seasonal ingredients.
- Layer a bed of hearty greens like kale, red cabbage, Swiss chard, or shaved Brussels sprouts
- Pack the protein by incorporating rotisserie chicken, microwaveable quinoa, or convenient canned options such as beans, lentils, chicken, or tuna. Want something to warm your soul? Some grocery stores will cook your salmon or shellfish for free or for a minimal fee at the seafood counter.
- Did you know that chilling out in icy temps for too long makes your body work extra hard to stay toasty? Support your energy needs by adding steam-in-bag butternut squash, microwavable farro or pasta, mandarin oranges, or apples.
- Fuel the fall flavor with candied pecans, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, and feta or gorgonzola cheese.
- Dress your masterpiece up with a citrus or apple-cider vinegar based vinegarette
Love at Frost Sight
You know what they say...the best things in life are freeze! Save even more time by prepping grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, stews and chili and freezing in individual portions. Make sure to label each item with a description, date of prep, and a “no touch” warning if you don’t live alone, because these thaw-some treats will be tempting!
Easy Eats
No time to prep, and dreaming of balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that you can just heat and eat? You know we got you! Keep some of our favorite festive faves on hand so you can spend more time making this winter wonderful!
- Maple Peanut Butter Waffles
- Biscuits and Gravy, Stewed Apples, Sliced Amonds
- Whole Grain Pancakes, Apple Compote, Turkey Sausage
- Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Muffin, Stewed Apples
- Cranberry Glazed Meatless Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Muffin, Stewed Apples
- Butternut Squash Ravioli with Kale Pesto Sauce and Green Peas
*Please note that meal availability may vary.
Until next time, have an ice day!
