Dalia Colón and kids at Dooley Groves - credit Dalia Colón

7 Creative Ways to Eat More Fruits and Veggies

By Last Updated

Winter in Florida means snowbirds, blessedly mild temperatures and U-pick produce galore. If you’re looking for some creative ways to use up your bounty of fruits and vegetables, try these ideas that go beyond the usual salads, stir-fries and smoothies.

 

A young boy in a bright green rash guard and patterned swim trunks smiles excitedly with his arms outstretched while standing in shallow water at a colorful water park. Behind him, vibrant blue, red, and yellow water slides and play structures tower under a partly cloudy sky.

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Vegetable steaks

Make veggies the star of your dinner plate. Slice thick slabs of cauliflower, portobello mushrooms or cabbage, marinate and grill them for a show-stopping addition to any meal.

Salsa

Incorporate fresh veggies, fruits and herbs into one amazing topping for tacos, bean dishes, meat or seafood. Start with the usual tomatoes, onions and peppers, and don’t be afraid to mix in diced mango, peaches or pineapple.

Vegetable chips

Whip up a crunchy snack in your oven, air fryer or toaster oven. Beets, sweet potatoes, carrots and even leafy greens like kale and collards work well.

Stuffed veggies

You’re probably familiar with stuffed bell peppers. You can also hollow out other veggies like acorn squash, tomatoes and zucchini to fill with seasoned black beans, quinoa or last night’s leftovers.

Fruit leather

For a sweet treat, puree overripe mango, strawberries, apricots and other fruit. Pour the liquid onto a lined baking sheet, and bake slow and low. Cut the fruit leather into strips for a healthy lunchbox treat.

Hummus

Start with homemade or store-bought hummus, and mix in a cup of pureed beets, sweet potatoes or carrots. Spread the hummus on sandwich bread or set out an assortment of chopped veggies and crackers for a protein-packed after-school snack.

Avocado mousse

Tired of guacamole? Blend ripe avocado with unsweetened cocoa powder, your milk of choice and pitted dates or maple syrup for a guiltless chocolatey dessert.

kids at Keel Farms - courtesy Dalia Colón
At Keel Farms; Photo credit, Dalia Colón

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Featured Image: Dalia Colón and kids at Dooley Groves – credit Dalia Colón | Originally published in the February 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.