Roasted Garlic Potato and Turnip Mash Image by: Jeff Coulson Author: Irene Fong and the Canadian Living Test Kitchen
White foods have gotten a bad rap over the years – think white sugar and white flour – but they're not all bad! Here are some of our fave healthful white foods.
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18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Scallops!
The sharp, sweet licorice flavour of fennel is ideal for punching up this speedy scallop and haddock soup. To cut down on the cook time, slice the parsnip as thinly as you can.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Scallops!
The sharp, sweet licorice flavour of fennel is ideal for punching up this speedy scallop and haddock soup. To cut down on the cook time, slice the parsnip as thinly as you can.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Rice noodles!
A bright, citrusy sauce and tender veggies make this salmon and noodle salad a fresh-tasting dinner option. Marmalade or jam with minimal added sugar works best for this dish, so look for a spread sweetened with fruit juice only.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Rutabaga!
Kohlrabi looks a little like an alien's head, but its raw radish–cabbage flavour is lovely in salads. Didn't know you could eat rutabaga raw too? You bet! The dressing is equally tasty over julienned celery root or broccoli stems, or shredded Brussels sprouts.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Daikon!
This Korean-inspired rice salad features quick-pickled daikon, a sweet and crisp Asian radish. Hot red peppers vary in heat level, so make sure to taste a little piece so you can decide how spicy you want your salad.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Tofu!
This bold dressing—which is also great on chicken, halibut or tilapia—gives tofu a burst of flavour that's enhanced on the grill. For a milder flavour, omit the jalapeño.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Jicama!
Who says fall side dishes have to be full of roasted vegetables? This crisp salad looks unconventional, but trust us: It's a crowd-pleaser! Our Test Kitchen and other Canadian Living staffers gobbled it up in record time during testing.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Celery root!
For this stunning salad, use the thinnest setting on your mandoline to shave crisp root vegetables into delicate medallions. Miso paste is generally used to flavour soups, but here it acts as a savoury base for the simple Japanese-inspired dressing.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Turnips!
Slightly sweet and peppery turnips hold their own in this extra-creamy mash, adding a welcome hit of flavour to the classic comforting side. Make it ahead and simply pop the dish in the oven to reheat before your meal.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Endives!
Endive spears are a sturdy base for this tasty filling and add a pleasant bitterness to the mix.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
White beans!
These tasty little bean cakes are a breeze to make - especially when you use the food processor. Serve them with a side salad or coleslaw with a light vinaigrette to complete the meal.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Parnsips!
Don't limit sweet chestnuts to the festive season. They add a delicious accent to a quick weeknight meal any time of year. You can find ready-to-use peeled chestnuts in vacuum-sealed packages in the grocery store, which help save on prep time. Serve with crusty bread.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Fennel!
This simple but absolutely delicious salad makes great use of freshly shelled peas and baby spinach. Feel free to substitute whatever baby greens appear in your CSA box for the spinach. Out of season, use frozen peas in place of the fresh and cook until tender-crisp.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Onions!
This sweet-and-sour side is a convenient recipe when feeding a large crowd because so much of it can be prepared in advance. The onions become delicate after you peel off their skins, so stir and shake the pan very gently until they're softened and golden. If you can't find cipollini onions, substitute with halved pearl onions.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Turkey!
Bold Asian flavours and thick, chewy udon noodles turn each bowl of this quick turkey soup into a meal that's as exciting as it is comforting. For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of sriracha.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Coconut!
This aromatic Thai-inspired soup is the perfect comfort food to warm up a cold winter evening. Top with finely sliced red chilies for a little extra kick, if desired. You can also swap the rice with noodles, or serve it without a starch, as a brothy starter soup.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Lychee!
Refreshing and not too sweet, this mix of lichees and cucumber makes a delightfully unusual drink for a summer evening.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Dragon fruit!
Dragon fruit is a type of cactus fruit that can be found in Asian markets and in your grocery store's exotic fruit section. Covered with magenta skin and dotted with acid-green scales, it's a beautiful sight. Inside, the mild flesh is flecked with tiny black seeds. We used the white variety, but the flesh can also be red. Buy extra fruit and cut it into pretty half-moons to garnish the rims of the glasses.
18 guilt-free white-coloured foods
Greek yogurt!
These sweet-tart pops are a slam dunk with kids. A bit of seedless berry jam (you choose the flavour) adds sweetness and a rich berry colour. If you don't have ice pop moulds handy, use disposable paper cups and wooden sticks; just peel off the cups when you're ready to eat them.
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