Spring is in the air. Help your family and those in your care celebrate spring by upping the menu a bit with pineapple for quick, healthy meals. Pineapple is in season March through June and canned pineapple readily available. Rich in vitamin C and manganese, it’s a go to food for the health conscious.

Consider the following ideas even if you are thinking pineapple is not a food you use often. I want to move you from thinking desserts or plain pineapple to some new ideas NOTE: be sure to read to the end for a great recipe.

Think of pineapple to replace other foods. Tomatoes, for instance, are extremely expensive and tasteless right now. See below how they are replaced on sandwiches for an exciting change.

Here are five simple ways to incorporate pineapple into your menu.
1. Sandwiches: bacon, lettuce and pineapple slice on a bun; grilled chicken and pineapple sliders; ham and pineapple croissants; tuna, celery and pineapple on toast.
2. Shrimp salad: diced pineapple and chopped shrimp with ground ginger and olive oil on a bed of romaine lettuce. Also a simple salsa of diced pineapple and chili peppers makes a great complement to fish dishes.
3. Pineapple salsa: fresh pinapple, diced peppers, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), chopped onions, one chopped chili pepper, ¼ c fresh cilantro, ¼ cup orange juice and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill pineapple slices in a little butter, olive oil, or vegetable oil or on the grill outside. Add a little soy sauce or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a snack or fun side dish. Pineapple goes well with port, fish and chicken dishes.
5. Add pineapple tidbits or chunks to scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, or other dishes for a touch of spring in your taste buds!

Here is a recipe for healthy teriyaki pineapple chicken.
2 chicken breasts cubed
Veggies: thin sliced red, green and yellow peppers; 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms; small chopped onion.
1 8 oz can pineapple chunks with liquid
1 tsp garlic powder

Cook chicken cubes in 2 T oil until pink is gone; add veggies and simmer until tender, stir in ¼ cup flower and simmer to thicken. Serves 8. Serve over rice or pasta. AlsoThis also makes a good pita sandwich or as a side dish.
Please let me know if this stretched your thinking a bit on varying your menu.

Hugs,

Check out my store page for information on my book. I’m so excited about how God is using this rewrite with a Discussion Guide at the end of each chapter. Great gift idea! Click on book at right for more information.