There are plenty of delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables in January–including citrus fruits, leafy greens and avocados–to help you start the new year on a healthy note.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN JANUARY?
- Fruits: Most citrus–fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons and tangerines–are in season this month. And one of my favorite healthy foods of all time, avocados!
- Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and root vegetables such as carrots, are in season this month. And there are plenty of leafy greens in season this month as well, including kale, spinach and collard greens. Plus celery, mushrooms and leeks.
If you’re like me, you always start off the new year with a goal to eat healthier, and there are plenty of delicious ingredients to help you do just that!
My favorite salads start with finely chopped kale. I add a nice balsamic vinaigrette, then toss in whatever vegetables and sweet and crunchy bits I have on hand, including toasted or candied nuts, dried fruit, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Chopped leafy greens are also great additional to frittatas and soups, and so are celery, mushrooms, leeks and carrots. And speaking of mushrooms, they are so versatile! Sauté them in butter, add them to pizzas, or try a comforting mushroom risotto.
Don’t forget to use all of that fresh, in-season citrus to brighten up salad dressings, salads, smoothies and so much more. If you want to bake this month, oranges, tangerines, lemons and grapefruits can all be used to create beautiful, unique cakes and tarts.
Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of January.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
In Season Recipes: January
Orange Maple Glazed Salmon
Salmon coated in a maple orange glazed and broiled to perfection. Ready in 10 minutes!
Avocado Green Goddess Dip
This creamy, delicious dip combined the flavors of Green Goddess dressing and guacamole for a condiment that's perfect for dipping chips and veggies, or drizzling on tacos and your favorite salads.
Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
Roasted Carrots with Dijon Vinaigrette
Roasted baby carrots drizzled with a sweet and tangy dijon vinaigrette. The perfect spring vegetable side dish!
Mouthwatering Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese and bacon, then baked until piping hot in this classic appetizer even mushroom haters will devour.
Air Fryer Asian Sesame Broccoli
Made in the air fryer and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, this crispy broccoli side dish is bursting with the flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, with a hint of sweetness from honey.
Tangerine Marmalade: the recipe for a fragrant and delicious preserve
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta
Ground turkey meatballs are loaded with feta cheese, spinach and Greek herbs and spices. Delicious served with orzo or flatbread.
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
Beef roast is seared with onion and garlic, then slow cooked in broth with fresh mushrooms and tomatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Skillet Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip is so rich and decadent. It's always the first thing to disappear, no matter the occasion.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Bite sized pieces of cauliflower are baked in a spicy batter, then tossed in Buffalo wing sauce and butter in this tasty twist on classic hot wings.
Easy Cranberry Orange Soda Bread
With no rising time, this easy, aromatic bread features the holiday flavors of orange and cranberry. Perfect for breakfast, or any time of day.
Sautéed Celery (20-Minute Side Dish)
Easy Spinach Ravioli Bake
Refrigerated ravioli is layered with a creamy, Alfredo style sauce, fresh spinach, pesto and shredded cheese in this hearty pasta bake the whole family will love.
Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad
With dried cranberries and pistachios, this chicken salad is perfect for the holiday season, but it's delicious any time of year!
Salmon with Kiwi Salsa
Creamy Artichoke Mushroom Chicken
This easy to make baked chicken dish features artichoke hearts and fresh mushrooms for a unique and tasty twist on the usual chicken dinner.
Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo
Orzo pasta is combined with garlic, butter, cream, herbs and parmesan cheese in this simple but delicious side dish that goes with almost any meal.
Swiss chard with feta and pine nuts
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
This spicy twist on the classic Caesar salad features seasoned croutons and an avocado based dressing. The perfect side for any Mexican inspired meal.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and pineapple tidbits come together in a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique take on a classic salad!
Orange Smoothie
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Aioli
Brussels sprouts are halved and roasted until crispy, then served with a tangy Dijon mustard aioli sauce. Wonderful as an appetizer or side dish.
Panko Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Cream Sauce
Cod fillets with a panko and Parmesan coating, finished off with a delicious lemon cream sauce.
Roasted Broccoli with Breadcrumbs
Broccoli is roasted with garlic and seasonings, then tossed with toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in these easy, healthy side dish.
Light Swiss Chard Frittata
Kale, Olive and Chickpea Salad
Fresh kale, olives and chickpeas are tossed with a light vinaigrette in this protein packed, healthy salad.
Cherry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice, cherries and pecans come together in this pilaf. A perfect side for the holidays or any day!
Mushroom Risotto
Chickpea Edamame Salad with Avocado Ginger Dressing
Chickpeas and edamame are tossed with a creamy, slightly spicy avocado and ginger dressing in this healthy protein packed salad.