This tropical Orange Pineapple & Coconut mocktail is the ultimate refreshing summer drink. Transport yourself to a hammock on the beach with one sip of this tropical mocktail!

Made with coconut milk and orange and pineapple juices, it’s a simple, no-sugar-added beverage for your next cookout or pool party that kids and adults will love.

Make a batch to serve over crushed ice or blend into a delicious smoothie.

Nutrition Tip: Unlike other juices, 100 percent orange juice is rich in multiple vitamins and minerals, including potassium and folate (and of course vitamin C!). Kids who drink it tend to have higher intakes of those nutrients, research says.

Tropical Mocktail Key Ingredients

• Orange Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Coconut Milk
• Fresh fruit for garnish – because mocktails are always more fun to drink when there’s fresh fruit on the glass!

We like garnishing our topical mocktail with fresh pineapple and orange slices. We also like using fancy glasses! Just because this is a mocktail, doesn’t mean you can’t use the margarita glasses! We even picked up cute pineapple ice cube trays at Marshall’s so that even our ice cubes were in theme 🙂 *If you would like to make this mocktail a cocktail, we recommend rum…but, of course, for the adults only.

Not sure how to tell if a pineapple is ripe? Check out these tips for picking the right pineapple.

This easy tropical mocktail recipe is ready in under 5 minutes, so it’s perfect to treat yourself and the kids to on a summer day.

What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail, or a “virgin” cocktail. Mocktails are fun, refreshing drinks for kids and adults.

We love making this Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail with Cranberries around the holidays. Everyone just loves the flavors, plus it’s pretty!

Looking for another mocktail to enjoy? Try our Sparkling Cherry Mocktail. Made with only a few ingredients, it’s refreshing, delicious and the perfect way to celebrate cherries when they are in-season.

Frequently Asked Questions For Our Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail

Q: What are the main ingredients in an Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail?
A: The main ingredients are unsweetened coconut milk, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Q: How long does it take to make an Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail?
A: This mocktail can be prepared in just 5 minutes.

Q: How many servings does this Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail recipe make?
A: The recipe makes 6 servings.

Q: What’s the calorie count for one serving of this Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail?
A: One serving contains 263 calories.

Q: Can this Orange Pineapple and Coconut Mocktail be made into a smoothie?
A: Yes, you can blend the ingredients with ice to make a tropical smoothie.

Print

Orange, Pineapple & Coconut Mocktail

Transport yourself to the tropics with one sip of this tropical mocktail. Made with coconut milk, orange juice and pineapple juice, it’s a tasty, no-sugar-added beverage.

Course Dairy Free, Drinks

Keyword coconut, juices, mocktail, orange juice, pineapple, smoothie, tropical

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 263kcal

Author Tracy Shaw

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 cups fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 2 cups pineapple juice

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Mix coconut milk, orange juice and pineapple juice. Divide into 6 glasses filled with crushed ice.

Notes

You can blend the ingredients with ice to make a tropical smoothie.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Orange Pineapple & Coconut Mocktail appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse (as if we needed one) to gather your favorite people, fire up the kitchen, and celebrate with tacos. Check out these recipes and let’s celebrate!

Whether you’re hosting a festive Cinco de Mayo fiesta or planning a cozy family taco night, we’ve got four delicious taco recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be crowd-pleasers. From bold, globally-inspired flavors to fresh takes on classic fish tacos, these recipes will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

So, grab your tortillas and “let’s taco” about it.

Taco Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Here are our favorite taco recipes to enjoy and share with family or friends…

Baked Fish Tacos with Watermelon Rind Slaw

These tacos are a crunchy, colorful, and sustainable way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Lightly seasoned baked fish serves as the perfect canvas for a tangy, crunchy watermelon rind slaw that keeps food waste low and flavor high. It’s a zero-waste win with a tropical twist!

Why you’ll love them:

• A creative way to use every part of the watermelon
• Kid-friendly, flaky white fish baked to perfection
• Refreshing, zesty slaw brings balance and crunch

Goan Coconut Curry Shrimp Tacos

Looking for something bold and unexpected? These Goan-inspired shrimp tacos are a flavor explosion, with rich coconut curry sauce, juicy shrimp, and a quick homemade slaw. It’s a global spin on a taco night classic that’ll impress any guest.

Why you’ll love them:

• Shrimp cooks quickly for a fast weeknight meal
• Vibrant spices and creamy coconut milk
• Fusion food at its finest for adventurous eaters

Southwest Crispy Fish Tacos

If you’re a fan of classic Baja-style tacos with a bit of a southwestern kick, these crispy fish tacos are for you. A crunchy coating, Southwest-inspired seasoning, and creamy toppings bring this taco night favorite to life.

Why you’ll love them:

• Crispy texture with big, bold flavor
• Great for both kids and adults
• Southwest seasonings make them pop

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

For a hands-off, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these slow cooker pork tacos are a total win. The pork simmers until tender and juicy, ready to be piled high in warm tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings. Make your “Carnitas taco” version and enjoy!

Why you’ll love them:

• Effortless—just set it and forget it
• Rich, savory flavor the whole family will love
• Easy to customize with toppings like avocado, salsa, or pickled onions

Hosting a Cinco de Mayo Taco Night?

Here’s how to make it even better: check some of these ideas…

• Set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings: think guac, salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and hot sauces galore.
• Pair with festive sides like black beans, street corn, or fresh fruit salad.
• Make it family-friendly with non-alcoholic margaritas, mocktails, or aguas frescas.

Whether you’re team seafood, all about that slow-cooked pork, or looking to try something new like watermelon rind slaw, these taco recipes will bring the flavor and the fun to your table.
Happy Cinco de Mayo from all of us at Healthy Family Project! 🎉

Looking for more easy and healthy family recipes? Sign up for our newsletter and get fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox!

The post 4 Must-Try Taco Recipes for Cinco de Mayo appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Let’s “taco ’bout” how to keep your Cinco de Mayo celebration both flavorful and healthy with my favorite RD-approved strategies and recipes.

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and with it comes vibrant dishes, festive drinks, and plenty of reasons to gather with family and friends. But if you’re working toward health goals, this celebration can feel like a challenge. Between bottomless chips, sugar-packed margarita mocktails, and creamy entrées, it’s easy to go overboard – and wake up on May 6th feeling like you need a reset.

As a registered dietitian and performance nutrition coach who loves global flavors, I’m here to tell you: you can celebrate without sacrificing your wellness goals. The key is balance, smart swaps, and a little planning.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Smart Tips

1. Moderation Is Key – But Make It Fun

Yes, you can still have the chips and margarita mocktail – just upgrade them! Smart Swap, like choosing baked or air-fried tortilla chips over deep-fried.

Make it festive:
Create the Ultimate Taco Board – a build-your-own taco setup that’s Instagram-worthy and nutritionally balanced. Arrange ingredients by color and texture for a party-perfect centerpiece.

My go-to taco board includes:

• Proteins: Mojo chicken, seasoned black beans, or lean carne asada
• Veggies: Pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, sautéed mushrooms, roasted poblanos
• Carbs: Corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or thinly sliced jicama “shells” for a low-carb twist

2. Load Up on Veggies (and Get the Kids Involved!)

Add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to your dishes for added fiber and flavor. Try these dips to get the kids involved and increase veggie intake:

• Guacamole: The fiber and vitamins in the avocado keep your gut and party happy. Make a quick and healthy guacamole by mixing ripe avocados with lime juice, chopped veggies, cilantro, garlic, and seasonings.

• Salsa: An easy recipe to get kids involved and encourage more veggie consumption. Try making your own salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice to control sodium levels.

3. Choose Lean Proteins for Balanced Tacos

Protein helps you feel full and keeps your blood sugar stable—especially helpful when party snacks are everywhere.

Great lean protein choices for Cinco de Mayo:

• Grilled chicken or turkey
• Fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi, lightly seasoned and roasted
• Black beans or pinto beans for a plant-based option

Add to your taco board or toss over greens for a taco-inspired salad. Be creative, and if you want to go free-tortilla, a flavorful taco bowl can be a great option, too.

4. Hydrate with Mocktails 

Celebrate with hydrating, antioxidant-rich mocktails that keep you energized all night long

• Strawberry Lime Infused Water with a tajín rim
• Sparkling Cherry Mocktail

These drinks keep things light while adding festive flair!

5. Reinvent Leftovers Like a Pro

Cinco de Mayo leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste—get creative and turn them into easy meals for the rest of the week.

Leftover hacks we love:

• Breakfast Chilaquiles: Toss leftover chips with salsa, top with a fried egg, and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Taco Salad Bowls: Use extra taco toppings over a bed of lettuce with crushed plantain chips for crunch.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with leftover beans, quinoa, veggies, and cheese, then bake for a next-day win.

These ideas reduce food waste and keep the flavor going well past May 5th.

Celebrate with Joy, Not Guilt

Cinco de Mayo is a time for community, culture, and celebration – not calorie-counting or food guilt. These tips and recipe ideas are here to help you enjoy the flavors you love while staying aligned with your health goals.

So this year, build a taco board that wows, raise a mocktail to balance, and keep things colorful with produce-packed plates. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you.

And remember and nutrition isn’t about perfection. It’s about making choices that support your energy, your goals, and your joy. ¡Salud!

The post Cinco de Mayo Recipes and Dietitian-Approved Tips appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Whether creating a Homegating spread to cheer on your favorite team, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or just looking for a way to spice up Taco Tuesday, this ultimate taco board will amaze family and friends!

Is there a more perfect food than tacos? You could go with traditional Mexican flavors (or more American Tex-Mex versions), Korean fusion, vegetarian or vegan, Greek… The possibilities are truly endless.

In our house, tacos are a weekly staple. They’re quick, easy, and everyone in the family loves them. And since I’m all about the snack boards, we’re turning taco night into one!

We’re so excited to partner with our friend at ¡Yo Quiero!™️ to showcase their guacamole, salsa and queso – because you can’t have taco night without at least one of these, right?

So, let’s taco bout what you need for this taco board:

• Bases: Tacos need a good vehicle to get all those toppings to your mouth. Tortillas, hard taco shells, lettuce wraps, baked taco bowls or even tortilla chips are all good options.
• Protein: Go more traditional with chicken, ground beef or turkey, carnitas, carne asada, black beans or refried beans. Or, switch it up with fish, shrimp, tofu or lentils.
• Veggies (and fruit!): Let’s load these up! Everything from traditional toppings like tomato, lettuce and onions to new ones like sliced radishes or pineapple are a hit.
• Toppings: Bring on all the extra toppings! Guacamole, salsa, queso are all musts, along with cheese, jalapenos, fresh cilantro and more.

Tips for Creating Your Board:

• Use a large cutting board or baking sheet so you have lots of space.
• For small items or ones that need the help of a spoon, like refried beans, sour cream or shredded cheese, use small bowls to keep any mess contained.
• Start by placing larger items on the board, like your bowls or tortillas. Then build in all the extra space with all. the. toppings!
• For extra flair, sprinkle fresh cilantro or other herbs/seasonings throughout the board.

Once your board is assemble, you’re ready to dig in! Mix-and-match your favorite toppings and gather around the table to spend time together with friends and family.

Share your favorite taco toppings with us in the comments below! Don’t forget to use #HealthyFamilyProject to share your taco board creations on Instagram.

Flavorful Taco Board Top Components

The main components are a base (tortillas, taco shells, lettuce wraps), protein (chicken, beef, turkey, beans, tofu), veggies/fruits for toppings, and extras like guacamole, salsa, queso, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro. Recommended proteins include taco-seasoned ground turkey, black beans, refried beans, chicken, beef, carnitas, carne asada, fish, shrimp, tofu, or lentils.

We suggest using a large cutting board or baking sheet to build and arrange your taco board. Start with larger items like bowls and tortillas, then fill in spaces with all the toppings. Use small bowls for dips and ingredients that need spoons. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or herbs.

There’s always a good excuse to enjoy a Taco Tuesday or any taco time! Let’s make this board, shall we?

Print

The Ultimate Taco Board

Whether creating a Homegating spread to cheer on your favorite team, celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just looking for a way to spice up Taco Tuesday, this ultimate taco board will amaze family and friends!

Course Entree & Main Dishes

Keyword snack board, taco

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8 servings

Author Amanda Keefer

Equipment

• Small Bowls with Spoons
• Large Cutting/Serving Board

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ guacamole
• 1 12 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ salsa
• 1 12 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ queso
• 6-8 each small soft tortillas hard taco shells and/or Bibb lettuce leaves
• 1 cup each taco-seasoned ground turkey black beans and/or refried beans
• Choice of Toppings: lettuce tomatoes, shredded cheese, corn, onion, peppers, jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, etc.

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Cook and prepare your choice of proteins. Place in small bowls to add to board.
• Warm tortillas or hard taco shells before place on board.
• Assemble board with desired ingredients.
• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro as desired.

Video

The post The Ultimate Taco Board appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

In need of some different recipes to use up some hard-boiled eggs? Try these Healthy Egg Salad Recipes Using Leftover Easter Eggs! These egg salad recipes have some fun spins on the classic and of course, we offer some healthier versions, too!

If your family is like ours, you probably have some in the refrigerator that need to be used. Last week, my kids sat down to dye a dozen hard-boiled eggs. Then, on Easter, we had family over, and another dozen or so eggs were dyed. You know how kids are, they love dying and decorating the eggs but never want to eat them.

So now, my fridge is stocked with over two dozen blue, purple, green and orange eggs, some covered with stickers others with glitter, and no way to use them all up.

Easter Eggs Leftover Recipes Recommendations

Luckily, the week after Easter is National Egg Salad Week. When I think of egg salad, I think back to what my grandma always made – hard-boiled eggs, lots of mayo, some chopped celery and a hefty spoonful of relish – but there are so many different (and healthy!) ways to enjoy egg salad.

Nutrition Tip: Did you know that one hard-boiled egg offers 6g of protein and 23% of your daily intake of Vitamin B12, which helps keep the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy?

Best Easter Eggs Leftover Recipes

6

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

Avocados and Greek yogurt replace mayonnaise traditionally used in egg salad for good fats and a little extra protein.

Check out this recipe

7

Chopped Cobb Salad

This Chopped Cobb Salad has quickly become a new favorite. The benefit to chopping the ingredients up into bite-sized pieces is that the salad will be easier to handle and to eat, so it’s great for kids of all ages.

Check out this recipe

8

Eggcellent Egg and Ham Salad

Egg salad doesn’t always need to be served on bread. In this recipe, it helps deliver extra protein on a veggie-rich salad. Make an extra batch of egg salad for an easy snack or wrap filling the next day.

Check out this recipe

9

Cobb Salad Wraps

Don’t let a historically popular dressing get boring. Turn it into a wrap! These Cobb Salad Wraps are just what you need for lunch.

10

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer staple for family cookouts or holiday get-togethers. They get a fresh, new makeover by adding avocado in this recipe.

Check out this recipe

Make sure to PIN IT!

More Recipes to Try:

Chicken Salad Pita Sandwich

25 Healthy Easter Recipes

Avocado Deviled Eggs

The post Healthy Easter Eggs Leftover Recipes appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Earth day is April 22! If you’re looking for easy ways to celebrate at home, we’re sharing 6 ideas below. Learn more from these Earthy Tips so we can give back to Earth and care about it.

Earth Day is a reason to take a look at how you’re doing at home and in the kitchen when it comes to being more mindful about what we’re eating, how we’re getting it to the table, and what happens after the meal is over.

Few tips for celebrating Earth Day

Plant a garden.

Gardening is fun activity for the whole family. Even toddlers can help with planting and watering the plants. Container gardens are a great way to accommodate small spaces. Tomatoes, lemons and herbs are just a few of the things that are easy to grow in a pot.

A fun idea is to plant a theme garden. A spaghetti sauce garden can include tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and herbs. A salsa garden might include tomatoes, jalapenos, onions and cilantro.

For more gardening tips, check out some of our other gardening posts.

Start a produce co-op to share with gardener friends.

Last year, I started a produce co-op in my neighborhood. We have an online group to post when we have produce to share. Sometimes we might have more tomatoes, cucumbers or squash than we can use or process before it spoils, so sharing the bounty is a handy option. This Build Your Own Salad would be a great way to use up extra produce.

Start a compost pile.

Fruit and vegetable peels can add up and instead of throwing them in the trash, a compost pile is a natural way to let the waste work for good. Once the compost is ready, it is full of nutrients and can be added to your garden. Compost containers come in all shapes and sizes at garden centers, online or you can build your own to work in different spaces.

Another great option for all those produce odds and ends? Freeze them and make you own homemade veggie stock! Here’s how.

Go meatless one day a week.

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is not only good for your body with all the extra vitamins and minerals, but it’s also good for the planet. Growing and producing fruits and vegetables creates fewer greenhouse emissions than the production of other food items. Here are 25 delicious and healthy meatless recipes to try.

Choose seasonal, local produce.

Seasonal produce is often less expensive because it is more plentiful and easier for farmers to grow. Produce grown far away is just more expensive to grow! You’ll also be helping reduce the amount of fuel it takes to transport the food. Check out our What’s in Season guide for what fresh fruits and vegetables are in-season each month.

Preserve seasonal produce to enjoy year-round.

Take advantage of fresh produce sales or the bounty from your garden by freezing or canning produce. You’ll not only save money but you can feel good knowing your choices today can be enjoyed all year long.

It’s simple to be a bit more mindful about the way we enjoy the foods we eat. Choose one new idea and before long it might just become a habit! For more ideas to reduce food waste at home, check out these 7 tips!

The post Easy Tips to Celebrate Earth Day At Home appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Easter is here! Let’s get festive with some “fruity Easter snack wands“! Grab your top choices, and discover how to build healthier snacks like these flavorful Peep Kabobs for this fun celebration.

Let’s talk about Easter treats. If you are like most parents, you are balancing egg hunts, school events, basket building, and probably a few last-minute grocery runs. Then you realize you need to bring a fun snack to the party or contribute something to brunch. And just like that, you’re deep in the internet looking at multi-layered cakes or bunny-shaped treats that require piping skills you definitely do not have.

Let’s skip all that. What if you could make something that looks festive, feels special, gets your kids involved, and takes less than fifteen minutes to put together? That is exactly why we love Peep Kabobs.

These bright and cheerful treats are made with just a few fresh fruits and marshmallow Peeps. They are colorful, fun to make, and even better to eat. My kids call them “Easter snack wands,” and honestly, they are not wrong. They feel magical.

The best part? You do not need to bake, melt, chill, or mix anything. Just grab your fruit, open a pack of Peeps, and start stacking. These are perfect for classroom parties, Easter brunches, or just a fun afternoon activity at home.

My six year old was in charge of stacking the fruit while I handled the cutting, and she loved creating her own color patterns. This is one of those snacks where kids can really take the lead. No precision required. And because it includes fruit, it balances out some of the extra sweets that tend to show up this time of year.

Easter Peep Kabobs Ingredients

Here is what you need to make them.

• Pink marshmallow Peeps
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Kiwi slices
• Pineapple chunks
• Red grapes
• Blueberries
• Wooden kabob sticks or reusable skewers

The ingredient list is simple; you can mix and match based on what your family enjoys or what you have on hand. If you do not have kiwi, swap in melon or banana slices. The fun is in the variety and the color.

These kabobs hold up well and can be made just a few hours in advance. If you are planning to use fruit that browns quickly like banana or apple, save that step until right before serving or toss those slices in a little lemon juice to slow the browning.

If you want to add a little extra fun, serve them with a side of yogurt for dipping, or drizzle them with chocolate. But honestly, they are festive and flavorful all on their own.

Peep Kabobs A Great Easter Snack

I love that these kabobs are just as much about the experience of making them as they are about eating them. It turns snack time into an activity, gives kids some independence in the kitchen, and sneaks in fresh fruit without any complaints. Total parent win.

So if you are looking for something simple, festive, and a little bit magical this Easter, Peep Kabobs are the answer. Easy to make, fun for kids, and no baking required. That is what we call a holiday win.

Learn more Easter tips and how to build a healthier Easter Basket!

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Easter Peep Kabobs

Let's get festive with some "fruity Easter snack wands"! Grab your top choices, and discover how to build healthier snacks like these flavorful Peep Kabobs for this fun celebration.

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword easter, healthy snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 63kcal

Ingredients

• 10 piece Pink marshmallow Peeps
• 8 Strawberries halved
• 1 Kiwi slices
• 6 slices Pineapple chunks
• 10 Red grapes
• 12 Blueberries
• 6 Wooden kabob sticks or reusable skewers

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Give all the fruit a quick rinse and pat dry.
• Slice up the strawberries and kiwi, and chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
• Set everything out in bowls along with the Peeps and skewers.
• Let the kids start building their kabobs with whatever combo they like.
• Mix it up with colorful patterns or go totally freestyle.
• Enjoy right away or pop them in the fridge until it’s party time.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg

The post Easter Peep Kabobs appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Delicious Middle Eastern Couscous Salad contains the health benefits of broccoli and dried apricots. Simple ingredients like broccoli florets, the juice of a navel orange, dried apricots, and whole wheat couscous come together to create a distinct flavor you will want to enjoy repeatedly.

Couscous is a quick-cooking whole grain that’s growing in popularity. Spice up your side dish routine with this couscous salad! Roasted broccoli gives a unique flavor that complements the dried apricots and zesty sauce.

Nutrition Tip: Couscous is a tiny version of pasta that’s speedy to cook and popular in North Africa. The whole wheat version packs more fiber and protein than regular couscous.

The whole wheat couscous features more protein and fiber than traditional pasta dishes, and is the perfect side dish for your next meal.

What is Couscous?

Couscous is a type of pasta that originates from North Africa. It is made from semolina flour, which is a durum wheat flour. The dough is rolled into small balls and then steamed. Couscous can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It is often served with vegetables and meat.

And yes, couscous is a healthier pasta dish than the traditional ones. For one, it is made from whole wheat which makes it a good source of fiber. It also has a lower glycemic index than regular pasta, meaning that it doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels as much. Finally, it is a good source of protein and other nutrients like magnesium and iron.

A Tasty Vegetarian Option

Our Broccoli and Dried Apricot Couscous Salad recipe is a delicious way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your daily meal prep routine. Couscous is a staple food in Morocco and Northern Africa. It’s only in recent years that it has taken the American culinary world by storm and, making it is an inexpensive and nutritious choice. Sunflower seeds, lemon juice, salt, pepper, olive oil, and the navel orange juice create a flavor that is hard to describe. I guess you could say it’s bright and refreshing, but also comforting. The ingredients that make the salad are versatile and can be purchased at your local grocery store.

To give it an additional boost of flavor and nutrition, you could add a couple of tablespoons of shelled pistachios too. Pistachios in broccoli and dried-apricot couscous salad simply up the fiber, protein, and savory flavor profile. Bottom line – This is a great side dish to any meal, and this salad is an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

As an added benefit, apricots are a great source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients help the body fight free radicals and prevent cells from being damaged. They also balance the electrolyte system and help lower blood pressure.

Another Great Addition Option – Chickpeas

A lot of people are curious as to whether or not chickpeas are healthy. The answer is yes! Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re also low in calories.

There are many different ways to enjoy chickpeas. You can add them to salads like this one, soups, or even make your own hummus. No matter how you eat them, chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your body.

We recommend if you are going to add chickpeas to your Broccoli and Dried Apricot Couscous Salad that you roast them. Roasted chickpeas couldn’t be any easier to make.

Here’s a recipe for some that will be perfect in this salad: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Then, in a large bowl, combine chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and dried), about a teaspoon of olive oil, a quarter teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Spread the mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, until vegetables are tender and chickpeas are golden brown. Serve on top of your salad and go to flavor town!

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Middle Eastern Broccoli & Dried Apricot Couscous Salad

Course Dairy Free

Keyword broccoli, couscous, dried appricot, healthy salads, pasta salad

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 675kcal

Author Amanda Keefer

Ingredients

• 12 ounces broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1 small navel orange juiced, zested
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cooked whole wheat couscous
• 12 dried apricots coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Toss broccoli in 1 Tbsp. olive oil and lay single layer on baking sheet. Roast 10 minutes, or until tender.
• Whisk juice, zest, ¼ cup oil, salt, and pepper together in small bowl.
• Combine broccoli, apricots, and couscous in large bowl. Add dressing and mix to coat well. Top with sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 123g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 322mg | Potassium: 627mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1483IU | Vitamin C: 98mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 5mg

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