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Lucky Bites for 2026: Health, Wealth & Happiness the Fresh Way, Simple Recipes to Begin the Year Well

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The New Year is full of promise and food traditions that symbolize prosperity, renewal, and joy. From fresh vegetables that represent new beginnings to colorful dishes that invite abundance, what we eat helps set the tone for the year ahead. The start of a new year also invites reflection and a chance to return to what feels good. Simple meals. Fresh ingredients. Food that supports balance and everyday wellness.

Fresh vegetables have long played a role in New Year traditions, representing renewal, nourishment, and optimism for the year ahead. At Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown®, we believe a fresh start doesn’t need to be complicated, it starts with quality ingredients grown with care.

Many cultures include New Year dishes believed to bring luck, abundance, or a fresh start, simply because it’s fun to begin the year on a hopeful note.  And if a few fresh, colorful dishes happen to bring a little luck along with great flavor, even better.

To welcome 2026, we’re sharing three easy recipes featuring greenhouse grown tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Each one highlights fresh flavor, vibrant color, and the kind of simplicity that fits right into real life.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or keeping it simple, these dishes are an easy way to welcome the New Year with intention and great flavor.

Lucky Texas Caviar: Fresh & Balanced

Why it’s lucky:
Black-eyed peas symbolize prosperity and wealth, while fresh tomatoes represent abundance and joy making for a perfect New Year’s pairing.

Serving Size:
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer or side

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® tomatoes, diced such as Heavenly Villagio Marzano or Sinfully Sweet Campari tomatoes.
  • 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed (about 1½ cups)
  • ¾ cup Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® bell pepper, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh lime juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, black-eyed peas, bell pepper, onion, and basil.
  2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar (or lime juice), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Pour dressing over the vegetables and gently toss.
  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Serving Tip:
Serve with tortilla chips or spoon over grilled chicken or fish.

Piyaz-Inspired Pepper Salad: Bright & Vibrant

Why it’s lucky:
Bright peppers and fresh tomatoes symbolize happiness, optimism, and vibrant new beginnings.

Serving Size:
Serves 4–6 as a side dish

Ingredients

      • 2 cups Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® bell peppers, thinly sliced. Try will out Sweet Bells Red, Yellow & Orange bell peppers.

      • 1 cup Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® tomatoes, chopped. Try will Heavenly Villagio Marzano TRIO tomatoes, or Sensational Slicer tomatoes.

      • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

      • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

      • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

      • 3 tbsp olive oil

      • ½ tsp salt

      • ¼ tsp ground sumac (optional but traditional)

    Directions

        1. Place peppers, tomatoes, onion, and parsley in a mixing bowl.

        1. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.

        1. Sprinkle with salt and sumac; toss gently to combine.

        1. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

      Serving Tip:
      Perfect alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a New Year’s mezze board.

      Fresh Start Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad: Clean & Refreshing

      Cool cucumbers and juicy tomatoes create a refreshing contrast to richer winter meals. Simple, balanced, and versatile. Exactly the kind of dish that fits a fresh start!

      Why it’s lucky:
      Cucumbers symbolize clarity and renewal, a refreshing way to welcome a fresh start.

      Serving Size:
      Serves 4–6

      Ingredients

          • 2 cups Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® cucumbers, sliced. Try will out Luscious Seedless Long English or Scrumptious Mini cucumbers.

          • 1½ cups Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown® tomatoes, cut into wedges. Try will our Sensational Slicer or Sinfully Sweet Campari tomatoes.

          • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

          • ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, halved

          • 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

          • 3 tbsp olive oil

          • 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar

          • ½ tsp salt

          • ¼ tsp black pepper

        Directions

            1. Combine cucumbers and tomatoes in a serving bowl.

            1. Add feta, olives, and dill.

            1. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper.

            1. Toss gently and chill for 10 minutes before serving.

          Serving Tip:
          Pairs beautifully with seafood, brunch spreads, or rich New Year’s comfort dishes

          However you’re welcoming the New Year, we hope these simple recipes help you start 2026 feeling refreshed, nourished, and ready for what’s ahead.

          From all of us at Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown®, here’s to a fresh start, one good bite at a time!

          Tomatoes

          heavenly villagio marzano TRIO® tomatoes

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          The Heavenly Villagio Marzano TRIO® are a red, yellow and orange mini plum variety that has an amazingly crisp and sweet flavor and is the perfect snacker. It is similar in flavor and texture to the tomato originating in Italy renowned by Chefs all over the world for its sauce making qualities. Village Farms grows their very own mini version of this renowned and highly versatile tomato with fantastic shelf life that is great for cooking, roasting, grilling, and sautéing. 

          Tomatoes

          good day sunshine® tomatoes

          Savor the vibrant burst of flavor with our Bright & Crisp yellow cherry tomatoes, a sensory delight delivering sweet and juicy citrus notes with every bite. Sweeter than a sunny day sipping lemonade, these tomatoes boast a remarkable Brix level of 8-9, ensuring a delightful sweetness that elevates your culinary experience. Meticulously grown to perfection, they are a premium and flavorful addition to your creations.

          Tomatoes

          lip smackn’ grapes® tomatoes

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          Tiny but mighty, our grape tomatoes give other sweet varieties a run for their money. They’re a bite-size of juicy sweet flavor. Splendid for snacking or salads, perfect for school lunches, or as a nutritious treat anytime—the ways to enjoy these miniature tomatoes are countless. Though small, grape tomatoes are packed with nutrients. An excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, grape tomatoes are a natural immune booster. Try these Lip Smackn’ Grapes® for happy taste buds and a healthy mind and body.

          Tomatoes

          maverick mix® tomatoes

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          From our Olde World Flavor™ collection, Maverick Mix® is a radical pack containing a mix of 4 to 6 different flavorful plump varieties like cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes, each one with a distinct shape and flavor. Brilliant colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, green, and brown—a rainbow of color distinction each deliciously sweet & intense with flavor. Break away from the norm in your culinary creations by mixing this variety into salads or other delicious dishes. These tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which works as a natural sunscreen and protects against UV rays. Full of other essential nutrients and antioxidants, this mix is as healthy as it is revolutionary.

          Tomatoes

          heavenly villagio marzano® tomatoes

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          The Heavenly Villagio Marzano® is a mini plum variety that has an amazingly crisp and sweet flavor and is the perfect snacker. It is similar in flavor and texture to the tomato originating in Italy renowned by Chefs all over the world for its sauce making qualities. Village Farms grows their very own mini version of this renowned and highly versatile tomato with fantastic shelf life that is great for cooking, roasting, grilling, and sautéing. 

          Tomatoes

          cabernet estate reserve® tomatoes

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          A beautiful dark cherry tomato with deep wine coloration and rich crisp sweet fruit flavor… reminiscent of a fine wine with a wonderful smoothness. These cherry tomatoes are excellent for roasting, superb for sauce, and creates a striking presentation in a simple caprese salad. With its mini size, the Cabernet Estate Reserve® also makes for a perfect snack. Besides being deliciously sweet, it boasts a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-6, which helps the body metabolize protein and reduces the risk of heart disease. Low in calories and rich in fiber, it’s a crisp, healthy pick, as easy to reach for as your favorite glass of wine.

          Tomatoes

          lorabella blossom®

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          Tucked away along the sun-drenched beaches amidst the sparkling seas of Italy’s Amalfi Coast we discovered an exciting orange tomato.With an untraditional tomato flavor reminiscent of old world sensibilities, this tomato blooms with a unique citrus floral essence. Lorabella Blossom® is an exceptional snacking tomato that is extremely versatile, making it great for grilling, roasting and sautéing. Try this tomato roasted in a chunky sauce, grilled on kabobs, or as a refreshingly zesty salsa. Packed with a special type of lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that helps build strong bones and encourages a healthy heart. These tomatoes are also a good source of potassium and vitamins A and C.

          Tomatoes

          cherry no. 9 fall in love again® tomatoes

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          Outside the walled city of Avignon in France, within the fragrant region of Provence, we fell in love again with cherry tomatoes when first trying this variety… and you will too. Smooth and sweet, their flavor is intoxicating, compelling anyone who eats one to eat another. As if the taste wasn’t enough, the vibrant red color of these cherry tomatoes makes them only more lovely. Wonderful roasted or raw, enjoy the Cherry No. 9 Fall in Love Again® alone, make a delicious sauce for pasta or use them in a dessert for something completely unexpected. A healthy choice, the nutrients in these cherry tomatoes, like riboflavin and carotenoids, help reduce migraines and boost the immune system.

          Tomatoes

          sinfully sweet campari® tomatoes

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          A cocktail-size tomato with the perfect combination of sweetness and acidity. Larger than a cherry tomato, but smaller than a TOV— campari tomatoes are ideal for a variety of dishes. Campari tomatoes are popular for salads, paired with mozzarella on a savory baguette, or as the base for a zesty gazpacho or bloody mary. They’re also great for roasting and make an exceptional sauce. The Sinfully Sweet Campari® is a low-calorie source of vitamin C and K, supporting brain health and strengthening bones. Indulge in the superb sweetness and juiciness of this tomato sans guilt.

          Tomatoes

          juicy beefsteak® tomatoes

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          Big, bold, and bright red—beefsteak tomatoes are famous for their great size and firmness. A favorite of many for its rich tangy flavor and exceptional juiciness. Beefsteak tomatoes are the ideal slicer tomatoes for savory sandwiches and burgers or great simply seasoned with salt and pepper. Our Juicy Beefsteaks® are vine-ripened for maximum flavor and nutrition. Beefsteak tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients like potassium, which helps to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, making these big guys a healthy and flavorful choice.

          Eggplant

          eggplant

          Greenhouse grown Eggplant
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          A delightful deep purple, eggplant as wonderful to eat as it is to behold. Bake these shiny, oval-shaped fruits for a full nut-like flavor or roast them for a creamy on the inside, crunchy on the outside texture. Eggplant is low in calories yet rich in soluble fiber content. Keep the skin and you get the added kick of phytochemicals—powerful antioxidants that nourish the brain. It also boasts essential B-complex groups that aid the body’s metabolism, making eggplant a refreshing fruit and healthy choice.

          Peppers

          sweet bells® peppers

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          A sweet and tangy taste with a crisp, crunchy, and firm texture—these sweet bell peppers thrill the senses. They are sensational grilled, stuffed or roasted, or try them in a sizzling stir-fry or on a zesty pizza. These sunny veggies are a great healthy snack alternative and are fan favorites on the ‘Football Sunday’ tray. Sweet bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C and are packed with carotenoids, mighty antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Just another reason to reach for Sweet Bells®.

          Tomatoes

          baby beefs® tomatoes

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          These babies have all the flavor and richness of their big brothers, but in a more compact size. Our brilliantly bright red baby beefsteak tomatoes boast a juiciness unlike any other variety. Perfect for a crowd at a summer barbecue, slice them for sandwiches or quarter them for pasta salad. Their fierce flavor needs nothing more than a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Despite their size, Baby Beefs® are mighty in vitamins A and C—essential nutrients for clear vision and a strong immune system.

          Tomatoes

          sensational sara™

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          She’s stunning deep red through and through with flavor that’s a perfect natural balance of sugar and acid ratio. She’s a petite TOV but bigger than a cocktail with a super-hero sturdy vibrant green vine. 

          Think of her as the love child of Delectable TOV and Sinfully Sweet Campari. A rarity, versatile for sandwiches, salads, and a phenomenal cooking tomato! Wonderful to roast, grill, and sauté. 


          Read- Sensational Sara shocks the Tomato World with Hypnotic Beauty, True Flavor, & Sublime Versatility

          Tomatoes

          delectable tov® tomatoes

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          Growing in “clusters,” tomatoes on the vine are a deep rich red that comes from ripening on the vine. Their delicious fresh flavor boasts a sweet taste that bursts through salads and salsas alike. Or slice them up and have them complement other fresh ingredients on a sandwich. A benefit is the additional nutrients from their longer length of time on the vine. Tomatoes on the vine are naturally rich in skin-boosting and cancer-preventing vitamins and even help to reduce inflammation. Our Delectable TOV® are a healthy pick that is sure to excite your taste buds!

          Cucumbers

          scrumptious mini® cucumbers

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          Crisp and crunchy with a refreshing taste, mini cucumbers are a snappy snacking choice. Eat them with a bit of sea salt, or a side of peanut or almond butter for dipping. These mini cucumbers make a healthy choice for kids’ lunches or a fun after-school nibble. Consisting of mostly water, they rehydrate the body and replenish essential nutrients like vitamin C, a key antioxidant that wipes out harmful chemicals from the body. These mini cucumbers are also packed with potassium, making our Scrumptious Mini® cucumbers a heart-healthy snack.

          Cucumbers

          luscious seedless long english® cucumbers

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          Cool and refreshing, the Luscious Seedless Long English® cucumber is 95% water, yet packs a crisp and smooth bite. Eat them raw or add a satisfying crunch to your favorite smoothie, salad, or sandwich recipe. Loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins K and C, they promote a healthy heart and skin. Cucumbers also an excellent source of potassium—an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure. Reap all the benefits of these crisp, cool cucumbers by not peeling, as most of the nutrients are in the skin.

          Tomatoes

          savory roma® tomatoes

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          Perfectly pear-shaped in a bold red color, our roma tomatoes boast a sharp, tangy flavor. With fewer seeds and a denser flesh, this beauty is popularly used for cooking in sauces, soups, and stews. Or slice it up and add it to a salad or as a tasty topping to a pizza. Roma tomatoes are chock-full of lycopene, attributing to the brilliant red color and providing antioxidant protection from cell damage. Vitamins A, K, and E are just a few of the essential nutrients packed in the Savory Roma®.

          Tomatoes

          exquisite heirloom® tomatoes

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          A pleated beefsteak with a striking variegated coloring of green and red on the outside with the occasional dark green stripe and a full red flesh on the inside. Its balanced sweet-tart classic tomato flavor is sought after by gourmets and foodies alike. Craft a colorful, mouthwatering salad or add them to your favorite pasta for an awesome new taste experience. They are rich in vitamins A and C and contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage from menacing free radicals—and give these Exquisite Heirloom® tomatoes their brilliant red color.