Score Extra Points With These Healthy Side Dishes

Up your game by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into this season’s menu. 

According to a 2021 American Heart Association study, adults who consume ‘5-a-Day,' a minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, are less likely to die early, particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer. To meet this recommendation, adults should consume about two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables daily, including green, leafy vegetables.  

Try a fresh spin on seasonal side dishes to add fiber, vitamins and minerals at your next tailgate!  

• Zucchini, squash and onions are excellent when grilled on a skewer. 

• Cut fresh onions and cucumbers, then add equal parts water and vinegar with salt, pepper and sugar (to taste) for a crunchy and healthy side salad. 

• Wrap asparagus in foil, add a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite salt-free seasoning, and grill. 

• Add mint, lime juice, fat-free feta cheese and a drizzle of honey to a bowl of freshly cut watermelon. You can also add chopped cucumber for an elevated salad! 

• Use a grill pan to cook green beans coated in olive oil, salt and garlic. 

• Mix corn, onion, cherry tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt, peppers and basil to make a BBQ-ready side salad. 

• Coat Bok choy (or any hearty, leafy green) with olive oil, salt and pepper and lightly char on the grill.