Turkey Pesto Pasta Salad

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.”—F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is a great time of year for many reasons, but if you’re a fan of root vegetables, juicy apples, pumpkin and winter squash, this is your season! Incorporating seasonal foods into your daily diet is a great way to make your meals more flavorful, nutritious, and budget-friendly.  Also, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, some types of cancer, eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect on blood sugar.

Here are just a few seasonal foods to enjoy this Autumn!

·         Apples. Apples have optimal taste and texture during the autumn months. No matter the variety of apple, you get plenty of soluble fiber with each juicy bite, which may help improve blood sugar control, aid digestion and help with cholesterol management.

·         Eggplant. If you haven’t tried eggplant yet, now is the perfect time! This low-calorie vegetable is very versatile—you can grill it, roast it, turn it into a dip, stuff it, or toss it into salads or wraps. Or try the classic recipe of eggplant parmesan—you won’t regret it!

·         Pumpkin. What is fall without pumpkins? If you need your dose of pumpkin/pumpkin-flavored food this time of year (or anytime really), you can find pumpkin versions of so many recipes online. This typical fall food actually offers a great deal of vitamin A and is a good source of potassium. Pumpkin desserts can be incredibly tasty, but be sure to limit your daily added sugars.

·         Butternut squash. Whether roasted, made into soup, or added to a salad, this delectable produce is a great source of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin C.

·         Leeks. This vegetable looks like an oversized green onion. It has a mild onion flavor and is rich in antioxidants. They can be added to soups, salads, pasta, or eaten roasted with other veggies.

·         Brussels sprouts. Packed with potassium, iron, and B vitamins, these small cabbage-looking vegetables are a healthy addition to any meal. To avoid a mushy texture, they are great sautéed in a little olive oil or roasted in the oven. You can also thinly slice them to add into salads for an extra crunch.

·         Swiss Chard. This leafy green can be bitter, but it is great sautéed with olive oil and a little lemon juice. It also can add a boost of Vitamins A and K to a smoothie.

·         Pomegranate. Widely known as a rich source of antioxidants, these sweet and tart gems can add a burst of flavor to salads or your favorite autumn dishes.

This recipe is packed with Fall flavors and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals!