Best Plant-based Seafood

Lemongrass-marinated vegan scallops and Thai curry broth by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, South Carolina

Ingredients: Fresh King Trumpet mushrooms, bottom of lemongrass stalks, fresh scallions, ginger, garlic, baby bok choy, Thai curry broth, yuzu pearls

Why it’s special: We’ve heard of using mushrooms to masquerade as beef, but not so often as seafood! But looking at a fresh King Trumpet mushroom, it’s not hard to make the leap from ‘shroom to scallop. A simple Thai curry broth (curry paste and coconut milk), the special touch of yuzu pearls and bold aromatics complete this dish.

Best Plant-based Chicken

Indian butter cauliflower by HHS (Hospital Housekeeping Systems) at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Pennsylvania

Ingredients: Cauliflower, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, garlic, butter, tomato paste, cilantro

Why it’s special: This vegetarian dish makes cauliflower the star of a familiar Indian favorite—butter chicken. The saucy veggies are perched on aromatic rice with roasted garlic broccoli. And it’s served with fresh, warm, buttery naan—need we say more?

Best Pasta Swap

Garlic-citrus zoodle shrimp scampi by Morrison Healthcare

Ingredients: Fresh zucchini zoodles, shrimp, garlic, fresh basil and oregano, lemon juice, shaved parmesan cheese

Why it’s special: The fresh, craveable nature of shrimp scampi speaks for itself, and swapping zucchini for noodles doesn’t take away from all the garlicky, lemony, herby flavor going on here with the succulent shrimp.

Best Deconstructed:

Nourish Lemon Grass Chicken Bahn Mi Plate by Sodexo, at Sharp HealthCare, California

Ingredients: Lemongrass-marinated free-range chicken thigh, miso-scallion quinoa, kale-carrot-edamame saute, avocado, sesame, radish, cucumber, fresh herbs

Why it’s special: The banh mi without the baguette—genius! We are here for these crisp, taste bud-waking flavors in a different, non-sandwich format.

Best Regional:

Pierogi Skillet by HHS (Hospital Housekeeping Systems) at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Pennsylvania

Ingredients: Pierogis, kielbasa, brussels sprouts, bacon, butter, scallion, onions, bell pepper, shredded cheddar

Why it’s special: Pierogis flourish in Pennsylvania and Ohio, thanks to a strong foundation built on the love of mashed potatoes by Eastern European immigrants generations ago. It’s a tradition that’s endured for a reason, and worth carrying on. We suggest you get to it if you’ve never served (or tried) pierogis!

Best Vegan

Vegan Bolognaise by Metz Culinary Management, Ohio location

Ingredients: Riced cauliflower, tomato, onions, carrots, spices, gluten-free pasta

Why it’s special: When it comes to pasta sauces that traditionally rely on animal protein (and milk!), Bolognese could be the king. But the Metz culinary minds have come up with a plant-forward way to this rustic, homey, comforting dish.

Best Healthy Bowl

Thai Buddha bowl by HHS (Hospital Housekeeping Systems), location in Michigan

Ingredients: Marinated shrimp, chicken or tofu, brown rice-quinoa mix, peanut sauce, coconut-cilantro sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted edamame, thin-sliced avocado, radish, shredded red cabbage, red bell pepper, scallions, Thai basil, lime, cilantro and peanuts

Why it’s special: The choice of protein is up to the diner, and then buckle up! The two sauces and parade of fresh, crunchy veggies, fresh herbs and peanuts are an adventure in each bite.

Best Wild Card

Vegan Whopper by Touchpoint, location in Florida

Ingredients: Grilled focaccia, roasted tomato hummus, herb-marinated squash, zucchini, tomato, onions, portabella mushrooms, balsamic vinegar

Why it’s special: Many of us really do crave fast-food sandwiches now and again. This sandwich runs circles around the drive-thru variety, though, with wellness-boosting ingredients in a fun format.

Best in Show

Kielbasa and veggie bake by HHS (Hospital Housekeeping Systems), location in Kentucky

Ingredients: Kielbasa sausage, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, sweet drop peppers, pearl onions, cumin and smoked paprika.

Why it’s special: This dish proves that you don’t have to drop all traditional meats from your plate in order to still be wellness-focused. The way the kielbasa plays with a whole garden of crisp roasted veggies is our idea of perfect harmony (with polka music!)