Beautifully Balanced Meals

May 16, 2025

By Gretchen Westdal Centers 

Food fads come and go. Diets are often attempted and then discarded. Meal staples can get boring. What really satiates over time? Well-balanced meals. Recipes that feature a variety of foods and flavors not only encourage trying new things but also introduce a variety of nutrients and vitamins, promoting health without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. This month’s recipe feature highlights dishes that incorporate fan favorites while also introducing a variety of other elements and flavors to enjoy. 

Steak and Blue Cheese Wraps | Iowa Beef Council 

Steak and blue cheese are a decadent pairing that some may reserve for a special night dining out. Indulge in the tangy, creamy blue cheese and spice-rubbed, sautéed sirloin at home with this sensible Steak and Blue Cheese Wrap. Since you're using smaller portions of the mouthwatering steak and blue cheese, this is an easy and healthy weeknight meal that can even be enjoyed the next day for lunch. The wrap features crunchy vegetables and a filling tortilla to round out your food groups. Enjoy it with a side salad or roasted potatoes! Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Beef Council

Get the recipe here: Steak and Blue Cheese Wraps

 

Miso Ginger Pork Kabobs | National Pork Board 

This recipe is one that delights a crowd without overwhelming the chef. By combining your protein-rich, boneless pork top loin with vibrant, vitamin-filled bell peppers and earthy, umami-rich white miso all on one skewer, your time in the kitchen is reduced. These Miso Ginger Pork Kabobs are a striking array of flavors and ingredients — all carefully balanced to create a flavor-focused meal. Pork and soy (white miso is a fermented soybean paste) are the standouts, while ginger, sesame oil, honey and vegetables all complement each other to delight the taste buds. Serve the skewers with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a special springtime meal. Recipe and photo credit: National Pork Board

Get the recipe here: Miso Ginger Pork Kabobs

 

Turkey Meatloaf | Iowa Turkey 

While meatloaf may seem unassuming, it’s a versatile meal that allows for customization of ingredients. With this Turkey Meatloaf recipe, you're getting lean, protein-filled ground turkey, omega-rich eggs, bright and vibrant salsa, along with a sprinkling of herbs. It’s all topped off with salty, creamy Parmesan. To make it an even more appealing dish, it's easy to put together between work, school pickups, and evening activities. And depending on who you’re serving it to, you can even sneak in other finely diced vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots — whatever you think you can get away with. Round out the meal with mashed sweet potatoes or use the remaining Parmesan to sprinkle on top of roasted broccoli. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Turkey Federation

Get the recipe here: Turkey Meatloaf

 

Mixed Berry Delight | The Soyfoods Council 

As summer approaches and the bounty of fresh berries beckons, this Mixed Berry Delight is the perfect recipe to showcase the special sweetness of seasonal berries while incorporating some plant-based protein. Tofu is the sneaky workhorse of the show, adding filling protein without detracting from the berries. With the tofu, this dessert provides the sweetness you crave while also delivering the protein your body needs. Additional standouts include the subtly sweet and rich graham cracker crust that lays the foundation for the dish, as well as the decadent cream cheese and whipped topping, which bring an element of richness to the bright flavors. Whether you're serving this at a party or simply celebrating the everyday, this dessert is a delicious choice. Recipe and photo credit: The Soyfoods Council

Get the recipe here: Mixed Berry Delight

 

Breakfast Biscuit Quiches | Incredible Edible Egg 
Ready-made, hearty and delicious breakfast foods can make a mundane Monday morning feel tolerable — maybe even enjoyable. With these Breakfast Biscuit Quiches, you'll savor light and fluffy eggs that hold little bites of salty, sweet ham, creamy Swiss cheese and zesty green onions. It’s a great way to start your day with a variety of wholesome food groups. A little prep work on the Sunday before a work week can start your days off on a satiating note — just pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to reheat. These quiches are also the perfect dish to prepare for any brunch or breakfast get-together your social calendar may bring. Recipe and photo credit: Incredible Edible Egg

Get the recipe here: Breakfast Biscuit Quiches

 

Colby Cobb Salad | Midwest Dairy 

A Cobb Salad has been a restaurant staple for nearly 90 years. Dating back to 1937, the Cobb has many iterations and interpretations. This Colby Cobb Salad is another take on this classic, lightening up the ingredients to feature a delicious array of proteins, veggies and a yogurt-based dressing. By using fat-free plain yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon, a touch of honey, and a small amount of mayonnaise, the dressing still packs a punch of flavor without feeling like you’ve overindulged. It’s all dressed over a medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, egg, turkey breast and bits of bacon to make for a filling and well-balanced dinner or lunch. Recipe and photo credit: Midwest Dairy

Get the recipe here: Colby Cobb Salad