Dole celebrates Fruit Love with flavorful family friendly recipes

Dole has been longstanding partners in supporting family’s healthy eating habits. From discovering the hero within to fueling the day, the delicious and approachable dishes have become mainstays in the weekly meal planner. Since food can express emotion, Dole Fruit Love campaign showcases flavorful family friendly recipes that will quickly become favorites around the table.

Sometimes parents can struggle to get kids to eat an extra helping of fruit. Although some kids might try to argue that a fruit snack is a serving of fruit, the real deal can be a better choice. But, kids want fun, tasty, and colorful treats. Finding that balance is key.

Some families have found that getting the kids involved with making dishes can encourage them to enjoy that serving. Not only does it give them ownership in the process, but it creates special memories that last long after the table is cleared.

Speaking to the new Dole Fruit Love campaign, Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager said, “From a baby’s first banana to baking blueberry pies with grandma, summertime watermelons and cantaloupes busting with flavor to pumpkins in the fall – yes, pumpkins are a fruit! – fresh fruit holds a uniquely nostalgic appeal for many of us. It’s exactly the place that fresh fruit has at the center of some of life’s best memories and most celebrated moments that we honor today.”

What are some of the Fruit Love flavorful family friendly recipes from Dole?

These flavorful family friendly recipes are based on the idea of fruit-based comfort food. Each dish blends the familiar with a healthy eating twist. Plus, the recipes are simple for any home cook to master.

For example, the Banana, Raspberry & Chia Layered Parfait is a great option for families. Not only can it be made ahead of time, it is an alternative when those overnight oats get a little tired. Packed with tons of nutrition, it is sweet, satisfying, and soon to be a favorite.

Here’s how to make Banana, Raspberry & Chia Layered Parfait

Ingredients

• 3 whole pitted dates
• 1 cup unsweetened gluten free oat milk
• ¼ teaspoon gluten free ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 1 ripe DOLE® Banana, peeled
• 1½ cups DOLE® Raspberries

Directions

1. Purée dates, milk and cinnamon in a blender on high until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in chia seeds; divide into 6 (4-ounce) glass jars with lids. Seal jars; refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight. Makes about 1¼ cups.

2. Purée banana and 1 tablespoon water in a blender on high until smooth; transfer to a small bowl. Purée raspberries and 3 tablespoons water in a blender on high until smooth. Carefully divide raspberry mixture, then banana mixture into glass jars over chia seed mixture.

3. Serve jars immediately or seal and refrigerate up to 3 days.

While the parfait is great for breakfast or a snack, many families want dinner recipes that are familiar yet have a healthy eating slant. Dole suggests a Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Although many people love that blue box variety, this homemade recipe is easy and full of nutrients from the squash.

By using the squash as the sauce, the texture is similar to that cheese sauce. It is creamy, luscious and some people might prefer this version to that boxed variety.

Here’s how to make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 box (8 ounces) chickpea pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons natural buttery spread with olive oil
• 1 DOLE® Yellow Onion, halved and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
• ½ medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1¼ cups unsweetened oat milk
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1½ cups dairy free Cheddar style shreds
• ¼ cup vegan grated Parmesan plus additional for garnish (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup packed DOLE® Baby Arugula

Directions

1. Prepare pasta as label directs; drain and return to saucepot.

2. Melt buttery spread in alarge saucepot over medium heat. Add onion; cook 4 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sage; cook 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Add squash; cook 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk and stock; heat to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 10 minutes or until squash is very tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Purée squash mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in shreds, Parmesan and salt until incorporated; fold in arugula and pasta. Cook mac and cheese 2 minutes or until heated through and arugula wilts, stirring occasionally. Makes about 8 cups.

4. Serve mac and cheese sprinkled with Parmesan, if desired.

Are you ready to spread a little Fruit Love with Dole and Disney? What flavorful family friendly recipes are you hungry to try?