.

The US government came out with a new set of dietary guidelines earlier this summer recommending 5-7 portions of fruits/vegetables per day. It seems that the majority of people are not getting enough fruits and vegetables. More than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains (we can get into the gluten free topic some other time), fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains. Make sure you and your loved ones are getting enough fruits/vegetables with the “plate test”, at least half of the plate should be full of fruits and vegetables.

.

Here is a different recipe that should help entice you and your families to not only eat their veggies, but actually try some different foods.

.

Fire up your grills for this one or you can use an indoor grill pan:

.

.

2 to 3 small heads radicchio, halved

3 Japanese eggplants, halved lengthwise

2 large yellow crookneck squash, halved lengthwise

1 large red bell pepper, halved

1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

1 large tomato, halved, seeded

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup//60ml red wine or balsamic vinegar

½ cup/125ml olive oil

1tsp/5ml dijon or wholegrain mustard

handful basil, chopped

1 head leaf or your preferred lettuce*

2 oz/56.7g grated Parmesan cheese

1tbsp/15ml sea salt

ground black pepper to taste

.

Place the first 6 ingredients on a baking sheet drizzle with 2tbsp/30ml olive oil. Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent the vegetables from sticking. Place veggies on the grill flipping after 2-3 minutes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or they are slightly tender. While veggies are cooking whisk together the garlic, vinegar, oil and mustard. Place lettuce on a large platter, top with grilled veggies, season with salt and pepper. Top veggies with basil, cheese and drizzle with vinaigrette.