1 10
Best Healthy Wrap
Roasted sweet potato wrap by Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Missouri
Ingredients: Whole wheat tortilla, roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy chickpeas, dried cranberries, fresh spinach, garlic-herb yogurt sauce
Why it’s special: It’s rare that just six simple ingredients could become such a complex bite. Sweet elements and earthy elements bring out the best of each other while chickpeas add crunch in this superfood-rich wrap.
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!)
