Eating your daily dose of fruits and vegetables doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. In fact, combining just 2 fruits and 5 vegetables into delicious, wholesome meals can be a game-changer for your health and your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking to boost your nutrient intake or simply enjoy vibrant, colorful plates, these recipes are packed with fresh flavors and textures. They are easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for any season.
From crisp salads to hearty stews, embracing a variety of produce is a great way to keep your meals exciting and nourishing.
In this post, I’ll share some versatile and tasty 2 fruit 5 veg recipes that are not only nutrient-dense but also incredibly satisfying. If you’re keen to add more color and vitality to your diet, keep reading for recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and maximize flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These recipes are designed to help you easily incorporate the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables into your meals. With a balance of sweet fruits and savory vegetables, you’ll enjoy a wonderful harmony of taste and nutrition.
Health benefits: The combination of fruits and vegetables provides fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall wellness. Plus, they are naturally low in calories and high in water content, perfect for hydration and weight management.
Flavor-packed: Using fresh ingredients and simple seasonings helps highlight the natural tastes of each fruit and vegetable, creating dishes full of vibrant colors and textures.
Easy to prepare: These recipes fit into busy lifestyles with minimal prep time and straightforward cooking methods.
Ingredients
- Fruits: 1 apple (medium, diced), 1 orange (peeled and segmented)
- Vegetables: 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors), 1 cup chopped zucchini, 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the produce: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Dice the apple and segment the orange, removing any seeds. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice the carrots and bell peppers, dice the zucchini, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Heat the skillet: Place the skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add fruit and seasoning: Gently fold in the diced apple and orange segments. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the fruit without breaking it down too much.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Toss with chopped parsley or cilantro if using, and serve immediately as a warm side or main dish.
Tips & Variations
“To keep the fruits fresh and vibrant, add them towards the end of cooking. Overheating can cause them to become mushy.”
- For a vegan sweetener, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds (such as almonds or pumpkin seeds) for crunch and extra protein.
- Swap out the apple and orange for pear and pomegranate seeds for a different flavor profile.
- Try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the vegetables for a warm, smoky twist.
- If you want more protein, serve alongside grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugars | 15 g (natural sugars) |
Fat | 6 g (mostly from olive oil) |
Vitamin C | 70% Daily Value |
Vitamin A | 90% Daily Value |
Potassium | 15% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant 2 fruit 5 veg medley pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a colorful side to grilled meats or fish, or toss it over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
For breakfast inspiration, consider pairing it with a poached egg or check out my Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a hearty start to your day.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, this veggie dish complements the rich flavors of the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe perfectly. For an elegant twist, add a side of duck using ideas from the Bluebill Duck Recipes.
More 2 Fruit 5 Veg Recipes to Try
Autumn Harvest Salad with Pear and Pomegranate
- Fruits: Pear, pomegranate seeds
- Vegetables: Kale, butternut squash, red cabbage, carrots, red onion
- Dressing: Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey
- Roast diced butternut squash with olive oil and salt until tender.
- Massage kale with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Toss all ingredients with dressing and top with pomegranate seeds.
Stir-Fried Veggie Bowl with Pineapple and Mango
- Fruits: Pineapple chunks, mango slices
- Vegetables: Snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, green onions
- Sauce: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan.
- Add ginger and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Add pineapple and mango, toss with soy sauce, cook for 1-2 minutes.
Warm Roasted Veggie and Fruit Medley
- Fruits: Apple slices, dried cranberries
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, red onion
- Seasoning: Olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss all vegetables and apple slices with olive oil and herbs.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries before serving.
Conclusion
- Fruits: Pineapple chunks, mango slices
- Vegetables: Snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, green onions
- Sauce: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan.
- Add ginger and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Add pineapple and mango, toss with soy sauce, cook for 1-2 minutes.
Warm Roasted Veggie and Fruit Medley
- Fruits: Apple slices, dried cranberries
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, red onion
- Seasoning: Olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss all vegetables and apple slices with olive oil and herbs.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries before serving.
Conclusion
Incorporating a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables into your diet is a delicious way to fuel your body with essential nutrients. These 2 fruit 5 veg recipes offer simple yet flavorful solutions to brighten your meals and support your health.
From sautéed medleys to vibrant salads and hearty roasts, you can enjoy a wide range of textures, colors, and tastes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Remember, small changes like adding a couple of fruits and a handful of veggies to your meals can make a big difference over time. Try these recipes as a foundation, then experiment with your favorite produce and seasonings.
For more exciting ideas, explore my other recipes such as the Bread And Gravy Recipe or the Bison Tongue Recipe to keep your culinary adventures fresh and inspiring.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your colorful, nutritious meals!
📖 Recipe Card: 2 Fruit 5 Veg Salad
Description: A fresh and vibrant salad combining two fruits and five vegetables for a healthy meal. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fruits and vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine apple, orange, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, and spinach.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g
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