Creamy refried beans are a perfect side dish for any Mexican main course. Beans and smoky bacon are a delectable combo but I use turkey bacon to keep them light and low-fat.

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.

Butternut squash adds flavor and color to this classic fall recipe. Since butternut squash is naturally creamy and non-fat, it creates the “risotto” texture without relying on Mascarpone that is extremely high in saturated fat. Frozen butternut squash puree can be found in most freezer sections of your local grocery store.

Sweet potatoes have a naturally creamy texture. They also happen to have over 200% of your daily vitamin A per serving. Lower in carbs than white potatoes, they make sense for a lower carb diet and I added Cabot cheese, my favorite reduced fat cheese

Winter is the perfect time for soup and this one can even help you to keep your New Year’s resolution. High in protein and low in fat, this chunky soup will help you to feel full without packing on the pounds.

My granny makes the moistest stuffing and here is the “skinny” version with all the flavor and less fat. Even though she calls it stuffing, Granny likes to bake this Thanksgiving classic outside the bird.

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.

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.