tart the meal out with tasty, nutritious bites. Parties and celebrations are even more fun when you lighten up by serving healthy fare you can feel good about!
If you can make pancakes, you can definitely make crepes! I know that they might seem fancy, but they are incredibly versatile and can be served with both savory and sweet fillings and store extremely well.
Fresh tropical fruit is so sweet, it livens up any dish. I like to make a big batch of this salsa to use for chip-dipping and to accompany my grilled fish or meat. Just eating this salsa makes me feel like it’s 80 degrees and sunny outside year-round!
Avocado in a milkshake might sound unusual, but in Vietnam it’s a traditional treat that you can order in local restaurants. Enjoy a creamy, rich shake while getting a serving of vegetables to boot!
Asparagus is the quintessential spring vegetable but is easy to find year-round. Balsamic mixed with chicken broth and cornstarch adds a sweet-and-sour flavor to this dish. Top with grilled, sliced chicken to make it a meal.
Try this elegant and low-fat party appetizer in place of the usual, calorie-rich fare you’ll find at most gatherings. Apples and onion can be made up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Everyone loves grilled cheese. This high protein version has less fat and a serving of veggies. Serve with a wedge of apple and you’ve got the four food groups.
Corn makes a sweet and satisfying soup. The potatoes help to thicken the broth without adding any fat. Top it off with low-fat cream cheese to give this soup it’s sinful texture that is so rich and thick, they won’t believe it’s not made with heavy cream. Use the flour for a thick heavy soup or skip it if you want a lighter texture.
Chicken fingers are always a hit for kids but grown-ups will love this version with the added nutrition that quinoa provides. I tested these out on my “big kid” (my husband) as well as my friend Chad’s seven year old son, Luke.
Need your vitamin C? Look no further, between fresh tomatoes and red bell pepper you’re getting a huge helping of vitamin C with a this sweet and savory salad. Fresh goat cheese adds a note of creaminess without too much fat.
Shrimp add flavor and low-fat protein to this easy veggie side dish. It’s a fast way to use up the best a summer vegetable garden has to offer. Enjoy a slice of cornbread or toast some whole wheat pita to make it a main course for two.