20 Nutritious and Easy Recipes for Seniors at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, IA

At Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, IA, we understand the importance of proper nutrition and easy-to-prepare meals for seniors. Planning and preparing nutritious meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here, we’ve compiled simple yet flavorful recipes designed to nourish the body and delight the tastebuds.

Veggies shine in these easy recipes for seniors

1. One-pan salmon and vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, arrange salmon fillets, cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears and zucchini slices. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until salmon is flaky and vegetables tender.
2. Tasty tomato tart: Roll puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread pesto on top, layer sliced tomatoes and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Finish with fresh basil.
3. Roasted root vegetables: Dice sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and beets. Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and tender.
4. Berry chicken salad: Mix diced cooked chicken, spinach leaves, blueberries, strawberries and feta cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful meal.
5. Vegetable stir-fry: In a hot skillet, sauté broccoli florets, snow peas, bell peppers and mushrooms with ginger and garlic in sesame oil. Add soy sauce and serve over cooked brown rice.
6. Garlicky roasted eggplant with creamy yogurt sauce: Slice eggplant, brush with olive oil and garlic. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve topped with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and dill.
7. “Anything goes” quiche: Whisk eggs, heavy cream and your favorite diced veggies, meats and cheeses. Pour into ready-made pie crust, bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until set.

Easy pantry staple meal ideas for elderly adults

1. Healthy-ish tuna veggie casserole: Mix canned tuna, cooked pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
2. Southwest stuffed sweet potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes until tender, split and fill with black beans, corn, salsa, avocado and cheese. A delicious and nutritious meal.
3. Chickpea tuna salad: Combine chickpeas, canned tuna, diced cucumber, red onion and mayo. Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve as a sandwich or over greens.
4. Simple soup: Simmer chicken broth with diced vegetables, canned beans and pasta. Season with herbs and enjoy.
5. Four bean salad: Combine green beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans and wax beans. Dress with olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
6. Italian-style stuffed peppers: Stuff bell pepper halves with cooked ground turkey, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
7. Creamy pasta and peas: Cook pasta and frozen peas, drain and mix with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic.

Family recipes for senior fun with grandchildren

1. Easy-peasy pizza dough: Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt and 1 cup self-rising flour until dough forms. Roll out and top with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings. Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.
2. Three-ingredient homemade ice cream: Blend 2 cups heavy cream, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and 1–2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
3. Healthy vegetable nachos: Layer tortilla chips, black beans, diced peppers, tomatoes, corn and cheese. Bake at 350° F until cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and diced avocado.

Prevent dehydration in seniors with these delicious infusions

1. Rosemary citrus water: Fill pitcher with water, sliced oranges, lemons and fresh rosemary sprigs. Refrigerate overnight.
2. White tea with berries: Brew white tea; add fresh raspberries and blueberries. Serve chilled for refreshing hydration.
3. Cucumber melon water with mint: Combine sliced cucumbers, honeydew melon and fresh mint leaves in water. Chill and serve.

Senior living for seniors who don’t enjoy cooking

At Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, IA, we understand some seniors prefer convenience without compromising nutrition. Our dining services provide fresh, chef-prepared meals, so you can enjoy healthy and delicious meals in an engaging dining environment.

Discover our vibrant lifestyle at Cottage Grove Place, where joy and fulfillment are part of everyday life. With our exceptional amenities and welcoming community, you’ll find countless opportunities to live your best life. Want to learn more? Visit our Contact page for details.

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