Save on Pinterest

45 Superfoods for Your Brain

Eat yourself smart! These brain foods are loaded with omega-3s, iron, folate and antioxidants to keep your mind sharp and focused. Oh, and they're delicious, too.

1 / 45

Watermelon and Spinach Salad

Summer’s the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You’d never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

Get Recipe

2 / 45
Breakfast Sweet Potatoes Exps Sdon17 205477 C06 30 6b 6

Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes aren't just for dinner anymore. Top them with breakfast favorites to power up your morning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3 / 45
Orange Pomegranate Salmon

Orange Pomegranate Salmon

A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
4 / 45
Kale Slaw Spring Salad Exps Bmz19 197793 E11 30 8b 10

Kale Slaw Spring Salad

My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
5 / 45
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread Exps Hplz17 4366 C06 07 4b 9

Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread

Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon
6 / 45
Couscous Meatball Soup Exps Ssbz18 138577 C03 13 4b 2

Couscous Meatball Soup

This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
7 / 45

Pumpkin with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Don't hold off on serving pumpkin, thinking it can be only the finale to dinner. Bring it to the forefront with this unique and lovely side dish that will garner you lots of recipe requests. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
8 / 45
Exps188017 Cw153050a06 24 6b 3

Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
9 / 45

Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"

In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina
10 / 45

Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better after it sits for a while in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York
11 / 45
Blueberry Chops With Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes Exps Sdfm18 206302 C10 05 8b 10

Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
12 / 45
Kale Quinoa Salad Exps Thca19 137805 B11 16 4b 5

Kale Quinoa Salad

Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
13 / 45

14 / 45
Strawberry Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Exps Sdam17 43225 D12 07 5b 9

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
15 / 45
Creamy Lentils With Kale Artichoke Saute Exps Sddj18 205743 D08 08 4b 1

Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute

I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
16 / 45

17 / 45
Exps47900 Cw143042b02 27 7b Web 9

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I'm hooked on this salad's light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
18 / 45
Exps39678 Sd132779a06 11 1b Web 4

Beef & Spinach Lo Mein

If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
19 / 45
Spinach N Broccoli Enchiladas Exps Miopbz17 36076 C10 13 2b 14

Spinach 'n' Broccoli Enchiladas

I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
20 / 45
Crispy Fish Chips Exps58536 Th143193c04 10 4bc Rms 6

Crispy Fish & Chips

A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
21 / 45
Exps186044 Th153340b09 25 3b 2

Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry

Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
22 / 45
Rosemary Chicken With Spinach Beans Exps58954 Sd132779d06 05 4bc Rms 6

Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & Beans

With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. —Sara Richardson, Littleton, Colorado
23 / 45

Kale Salad

I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
24 / 45

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

There’s nothing to this recipe—the preparation and cooking times are so quick. I sprinkle in a few dried cranberries, but you can let your imagination take over. Add a handful of raisins or walnuts at the end, or even sliced oranges. If your Brussels sprouts are large, cut them in half. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
25 / 45
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Exps68299 Th2379797b11 15 3bc Rms 2

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Spinach salad looks best-dressed when it's dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
26 / 45

Fruit-Filled Puff Pancake

This fruity puff pancake is a top breakfast request at my house. The combination of cinnamon, blueberries and bananas is wonderful. —LeAnne Senger, Oregon City, Oregon
27 / 45
Apple Walnut Slaw Exps Cwfm17 32690 A10 11 2b 2

Apple Walnut Slaw

A co-worker shared this slaw recipe with me. Now it's a favorite at my house, too. Apples, walnuts and raisins are a fun way to dress up coleslaw. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
28 / 45

Cranberry-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

If you ask me, the best part of a holiday dinner is the sweet potatoes! You can make the sauce up to a day ahead—just leave out the walnuts until you're ready to serve. —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
29 / 45
Exps24050 Hck153422a09 03 1b 6

Spinach Chicken Manicotti

Pepper and nutmeg spice up the rich sauce in this hearty chicken and spinach manicotti. I made this for my boyfriend on our first Valentine’s Day. It was a big success—now we're married! —Amy Luce, Dallas, Texas
30 / 45

31 / 45

Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic

I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
32 / 45
Exps20451 Sd163614d12 04 3b 3

Spinach Steak Pinwheels

Bacon and spinach bring plenty of flavor to these sirloin steak spirals. It's an easy dish to make and perfect for backyard grilling. I always get lots of compliments.—Helen Vail, Glenside, Pennsylvania
33 / 45

34 / 45

Strawberry Tomato Salsa

Here’s a sweet and tangy salsa that's miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas
35 / 45

Garlic-Herb Salmon Sliders

The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
36 / 45
Roasted Green Beans With Lemon Walnuts Exps166677 Hck143243c08 29 6bc Rms 8

Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts

I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
37 / 45
Exps85825 Sd153320b12 10 5b 1

Honey-Yogurt Berry Salad

I wanted my family to eat more fruit but not more sugary ingredients. This berry salad lets you play with different low-fat yogurts and fruits. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
38 / 45
Sesame Beef Asparagus Salad Exps Thfm17 2708 D09 27 7b 8

Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad

Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
39 / 45
Exps120236 Th153345b07 30 6b 6

Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts

I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California
40 / 45
Exps192988 Th163619b09 30 5b 3

Honey Kale Currant & Almond Salad

This honey-flavored kale salad makes our taste buds tingle. It has a subtle sweetness from currants and a nutty almond crunch. Add grated Asiago and you’ve got a stellar side. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
41 / 45

Cranberry-Walnut Oatmeal

My family loves cranberries but we can get them fresh only during the holiday season. This recipe lets us enjoy the tartness of cranberry with the comfort of oatmeal all year long. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
42 / 45

43 / 45

Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa

The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
44 / 45

45 / 45
Exps176112 Sd163575d10 08 10b 19

Carolina Shrimp Soup

Fresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina