Pistachio Pairing #2 (with raspberries, Greek yogurt & cinnamon)

“We received free pistachio samples from the Pistachio Health Institute mentioned in this post. By posting this pairing we are entering a contest sponsored by Pistachio Health Institute and are eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. We were not compensated for our time.”

In our last post, we mentioned that pistachios make our job easy. And it’s true – they really do. They’re packed with nutrition and health promoting properties, and are relatively low in calories compared to other nuts. In-shell pistachios, in particular, have their own health perks. In a study published in 2011, people who consumed in-shell pistachios ate 41 percent fewer calories than those who consumed pistachios without shells. This suggests that empty shells may be a helpful visual cue as to how much has been eaten – thereby potentially encouraging mindful eating practices. And the best part? They taste amazing. So they’re an easy food to incorporate into your eating pattern.

But pistachios are not alone. There are a few other foods that we put in the “they make our job look good” category.

Enter: raspberries. Who doesn’t love these little gems? Perfectly sweet, while also being packed with nutrients and fiber (8 grams per 1 cup serving!), raspberries may just be pistachio’s best friend.

Greek yogurt is another easy food to promote. It’s higher in protein than regular yogurt, yet has this smooth consistency that is simply irresistible.

When you add these all together for our Recipe ReDux pairing, the result is nothing short of wonderful:

In-shell pistachios + red raspberries + non-fat plain Greek yogurt + a sprinkle of cinnamon

Cinnamon really is this icing on the cake in this combination. Cinnamon may have more to offer than its trademark sweet aroma and flavor. While scientists have known that cinnamon provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, research now adds other potential benefits for cinnamon, including a blood-glucose lowering effect.

 Now, this is a combination worth celebrating. It's packed with fiber, protein, and flavor; it's guaranteed to hold you over until your next meal.

 We hope you enjoy our pairing idea! (preferably with those you love).