What you eat is important for having a healthy complexion. Fruits and vegetables offer a tasty way to stay hydrated, which is a major factor for having healthy skin. Free radicals cause oxidative stress that can accelerate skin aging. Cherries are full of free radical-fighting antioxidants plus Vitamins A & C. Vitamin C may help combat effects of UV rays that cause skin damage. Serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan help to improve sleep, which allows organs to repair and restore. Cherries contain all these nutrients and when eaten regularly may contribute to having glowing summer skin. Check out these and other recipes from Northwest Cherries for tasty ways to enjoy the protective nutrients in cherries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Northwest Cherries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy or dairy milk
• 2 Tbsps. cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• Ice (only if using fresh cherries)

Ingredients:

Salad

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups Northwest cherries, pitted
• 2 cups sliced, cooked chicken breast
• parmesan croutons
• 2 Tbsp. shredded parmesan cheese

Lime Dressing

• 3 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. grated lime peel
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Summer is the perfect time to start incorporating healthier snacks into your routine. With a variety of fresh fruits and veggies in season, it’s easy to transform peak ingredients into delicious bites. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or on the go, we’ve got you covered with tasty snack ideas that will keep you energized and satisfied all summer long. Skip the packaged salty snacks that leave you parched and try some of these fresh, savory snack options that will fuel all your summer fun!

Ingredients:

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup garlic & herbs soft spreadable cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 medium zucchini, ends trimmed

Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber
• 1/2 cup garlic hummus
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 3 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 Tbsps. finely crushed pita chips

A serving of strawberries (8) contains many important nutrients like Vitamin C, folate, potassium, flavonoids, and fiber. Consuming just 8 berries will give you the daily amount recommended for Vitamin C! Strawberries are low in sugar and may help reduce insulin resistance. Their nutrients may also protect against cognitive decline. Vitamin C plays a key role in immune function, helps absorb iron from plant foods, and is needed to form vital body parts like blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals believed to be linked to heart disease and cancer. Add a serving of strawberries to your meals or as a refreshing summer snack.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 4 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 lb. fresh strawberries
• Optional toppings: cocoa nibs, hemp seeds, and chia seeds

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsps. chopped slivered almonds
• 12 medium fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup Neufchâtel cheese, softened
• 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp. orange zest

Eating a rainbow of colors from natural and whole foods is a great addition to focusing on wellness. Fruits and vegetables have a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that off er protective benefits for all areas of physical and emotional well-being.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (5 ounces) spring mix
• 1 package (4.2 ounces) ready to eat quinoa
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1 cup chopped red, yellow and/or orange bell peppers
• 1 cup drained and rinsed low sodium black beans
• 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
• 1/3 cup mango chipotle or favorite Southwest-style vinaigrette
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed blue corn tortilla chips
• 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
• Ground chipotle powder for serving

Ingredients:

• 6 medium ears of corn, silks and husks removed
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsps. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 Tbsps. chopped fresh chives
• 1 large avocado, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup small whole basil leaves

• Prep items all at once so nothing goes to waste.
• Use canned and frozen goods.
• Mix plant-based items with meats to help your entrée go further.
• Make a batch-cooked item that can be used in more than one recipe.

Try this blend of ground beef and mushrooms. It would be great in tacos or burritos, on a taco salad or nachos, stuffed into peppers, or as the meat sauce for a Mexican Lasagna. Check out these and other recipes at MushroomCouncil.com/recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 8 ozs. fresh mushrooms
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, drained
• 1 package (1 oz.) reduced sodium taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 oz.) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (11 oz.) yellow kernel corn, drained

Recipe and image from . MushroomCouncil.com/recipes.

Ingredients:

• 3 large bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, salsa, cilantro

Recipe (adapted) and image from MushroomCouncil.com/recipes.