What’s America’s Favorite Vegetable? You Might Be Surprised

It’s got to be potatoes, right? When Green Giant polled 4,000 Americans earlier this year about their favorite vegetable, you’d probably guess that spuds—whether baked, mashed or fried—would be a slam dunk (into ketchup) as the national winner.

Wrong. Turns out, Americans love broccoli, according to a poll posted by Fox News. In 24 states, respondents chose those little trees as their favorites, compared to just five for potatoes. (Perhaps most surprisingly, Idaho wasn’t one of them—the home of the world’s most famous tubers was the only state to pick peas.)

The good news is that broccoli loves you back. According to Oregon State University, sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like kale helps prevent cancer in two different ways. Studies of mice have shown that those little trees may aid in gut health, and the veggie is also loaded with filling fiber. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, a 31-calorie, one-cup serving of broccoli has 2.4 grams of fiber. And that’s huge: For every 10 grams of fiber you eat, you’ll have as much as four percent less fat around your belly, according to research published by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Whether you already love broccoli or not, these six recipes will make America’s favorite vegetable your favorite side dish—and a tasty part of your weight loss plan:

1. Cheese Sauce Smothered Broccoli >

If there’s one way we can all agree to love crucifers, it’s covered in cheese. And with this simple recipe combining reduced fat cheddar with Dijon mustard for a little zing, you can have all the gooey, cheesy goodness you love for just 110 calories per serving. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one Vegetable and one PowerFuel.

2. Super Cheesy Broccoli Fritters >

Fritter means fried, and fried means delicious—and when it’s broccoli, that deliciousness comes without guilt. Packed with flavor from Parmesan and carrots, and held together by nearly calorie-free egg whites, you’ll be amazed that 84 calories (for two fritters) can taste so satisfying. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one Vegetable and two Extras.

3. Breakfast Quesadilla with Broccoli and Cheddar >

Three-quarters of Americans don’t eat enough veggies each day, according to Dietary Guidelines, but there’s an easy way to get more: Have some at breakfast! Maybe you aren’t ready for a salad with your coffee, but a melty quesadilla with broccoli and spinach tastes like a wake-up meal, and can help you get all your servings in for the day. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one PowerFuel, one SmartCarb and one-and-a-half Vegetables.

4. Broccoli Cheddar Quiche with Loaded Potato Crust >

You don’t have to choose between broccoli and spuds—this easy quiche has both! Using the Nutrisystem Loaded Mashed Potatoes as a base instead of pastry crust, this cheesy meal has fewer calories and less sodium than traditional quiche, but all the fluffiness you love—and even more flavor. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one-and-a-half PowerFuels, half a SmartCarb and half a Vegetable.

5. Broccoli Slaw with Cranberries and Lime >

Americans throw away 141 trillion calories per year as food waste, according to NPR, an amount that accounts for 31 percent of our total food supply. You can reduce your overall waste by making good use of forgotten veggie parts—like American’s favorite vegetable. They’re amazing in recipes like this tangy, sweet broccoli slaw (and often, pre-cut in bags for less work), offering a new flavor for your barbecue that’s good for your waist, your taste buds and the environment. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one SmartCarb and one Vegetable.

6. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry >

Chicken and broccoli is a takeout classic, but with this recipe, it’s simple to replicate deliciously at home—with America’s favorite vegetable. With a half cup of brown rice, it could be your new go-to meal for a quick midweek flex dinner. On Nutrisystem, this recipe counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, two Extras and two Vegetables.