5 Healthy Recipes for Seniors to Savor

Memorial Day is just around the corner, so it's time to dust off the grill and enjoy something special for dinner. Whether you're cooking a cozy meal for two or going all-out for a family gathering, you don't have to choose between flavor and nutrition. These healthy recipes for seniors are quick, easy to prepare, and packed with goodness.

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1. Herby Potato Salad
Potato salad is always a welcome addition to any potluck dinner, but a mayo-based dressing can make traditional versions high in calories and saturated fat. This lighter herb potato salad switches mayonnaise for olive oil — a source of unsaturated fats that could help support healthy aging in older adults. Although any small potatoes work beautifully in this recipe, waxy baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and don't require chopping.

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Fresh herbs and a dash of tangy Dijon mustard give the dressing a tart, piquant flavor that goes perfectly with grilled fish, poultry, or meats. It's also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an ideal option for catering to different dietary requirements.

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2. Bruschetta Chicken
If the glorious springtime weather in Columbus, Georgia, puts you in the mood for lighter fare, this Italian-inspired bruschetta chicken recipe is perfect for an outdoor lunch or as part of a more formal feast. Delish recommends marinating the chicken with lemon, olive oil, and herbs to infuse it with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Meanwhile, a topping of gooey mozzarella and chopped tomatoes provides all the familiar zing of the Italian classic.

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This recipe requires just 20 minutes of active prep time, allowing you to enjoy socializing with friends and family while the chicken marinates in the fridge. It's also straightforward to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, consider swapping the mozzarella for a reduced-fat option if you're watching your weight or cutting down on saturated fat. Cooking for vegetarians? Reserve some of the topping to spoon over a grilled chicken substitute or toasted flatbread for a speedy vegetarian option.

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3. 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad
Packed with peppery arugula and roasted red peppers, this simple five-ingredient pasta salad contains two servings of veggies and is substantial enough to serve as the main accompaniment to your Memorial Day cookout. The recipe calls for whole-wheat pasta, a high-fiber alternative to regular white noodles that can help regulate blood sugar. Its short ingredient list includes a jar of zingy premade pesto, so you can whip it up in just 5 minutes.

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This elevated pesto pasta is ideal for family gatherings because it's popular with young kids and adults alike. However, some children don't like the punchy flavor of fresh arugula. If you're catering to pickier eaters, consider serving the arugula separately or swapping it for mild spinach or romaine lettuce.

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4. Healthy Mocktails
Many of us enjoy our favorite cocktails with a special meal, but you may find that alcohol affects you more quickly as you get older. Alcoholic beverages may also be unsuitable if you take certain medications, so having a few delicious, no-booze options up your sleeve can be handy. Mocktails aren't just refreshing — they're also a great way to add more fruit to your diet.

The beauty of mocktails is that you can invent your own signature drinks to suit your preferences or for a special occasion. Start with a base of seltzer, fruit juice, or even black tea, and then get creative with your flavors. Bitters and chopped herbs add flavor and color, while fresh fruit slices are a great source of nutrition for older adults.
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Unsure where to start? Alcohol-free sangria is simple to make using readily available ingredients. Simply mix equal parts black tea, orange juice, and pomegranate juice in a large pitcher and add apple and orange slices.

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5. Grilled Fruit
Eating healthily doesn't mean you have to skip dessert. Grilling fruit gives it a luscious, caramelized flavor and takes just 3 minutes per side on a barbecue or grill pan. Any firm stone or tropical fruit is perfect for grilling, and you can also experiment with hard-skinned fruits such as melons. Juicy Georgia peaches are a popular option — simply cut the fruit in half and remove the stone before grilling.

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Alternatively, you could consider making fruit kabobs to keep active grandchildren busy during family gatherings. Chop larger fruits into 1-inch cubes while leaving berries whole and thread them onto wooden skewers. Grill each skewer for around 3 minutes per side or until you see char marks appearing on the fruit.
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Grilled fruit is delicious served on its own or with various creamy accompaniments. Vanilla ice cream creates a hot-cold contrast, or you could switch to low-fat frozen yogurt for a healthier alternative.

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Discover Dining Options at Spring Harbor
At Spring Harbor, we understand the importance of good nutrition for seniors and champion healthy, seasonal produce. From tasty, informal lunches in our on-site Bistro to elegant meals in our dining room, we offer various dining plans to suit your unique needs and preferences. Book a tour today to discover our community and learn more about our dining options.