A fun appetizer!

Submitted by MISS_KITTY

Chef Meg lightened up a picnic and potluck favorite! Her secret ingredient (shh, don't tell!) is pickle juice.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

We cut the grease and used reduced-fat string cheese to re-create a pub favorite.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a slimmed down version of one of my favorite party foods--cheese fondue. Mashed cannellini beans slim down the recipe but keep a thick and luscious texture!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

a new twist on salsa, great for using cukes from the garden in the summer!

Submitted by SLINKY78

This is an amazing salsa best made with fresh ingredients.

Submitted by BILLIEBUNNY19

The versatility of this salsa is limitless! Put it on grilled chicken or steak, add it to eggs, or serve with tortilla chips.

Submitted by METALFINGER2U

Making homemade peanut butter is easy, as long as you have a good blender or food processor.

Hummus goes South of the Border!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Take pita bread to a crunchy new level.

Use as a dip for veggies or a spread on pita and sandwiches.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

These almonds will be the hit of your party!

Popcorn makes a great snack, but can be a little mundane. Chili, garlic, and cumin give this popcorn a kick!

For a snack or dessert, they're good!

Submitted by FIREFLY75

A quick and delicious smoothie to satisfy that sweet tooth in a healthy way! My kids LOVE these smoothies.

Submitted by RAEBRALOP

These sophisticated popped are stuffed with creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon, and tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Watch the game with these healthy snacks!

Whether you're suffering from nausea, heartburn, or just in need of a cool and refreshing snack or breakfast idea, this is the perfect nutritious pick-me-up. Leftover shake can be frozen in pop molds or 5 ounce paper cups with popsicle sticks.

I got this out of our Fry's (Kroger) mailer, courtesy associate Ramona.

Submitted by KHDOESMK

A healthy and filling middle eastern dip! Eat it as an appetizer or snack with some pita. Why buy your hummus ready made from the store, when you can make it yourself?

Submitted by GRANT_ME_WINGS

This is a great recipe for summer, when you have a surplus of zucchini in the garden. Double or triple the batch and freeze them for quick and healthy breakfasts.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is really easy; it's really more of a process than a recipe. Rice paper wrappers, which are available in the ethnic sections of most larger supermarkets these days, are a great way to wrap your veggies and protein for a quick snack or light lunch.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The use of canned pumpkin really packs a Vitamin A punch in these muffins.

Snack or condiment

Submitted by PFROTH

Make this restaurant favorite at home for a quick snack.

Filling and sweet -- try this good-for-you treat!

The vegetables can marinate for a couple of hours, so all you'll have to do at party time is arrange them on a platter and top with olives and cheese. Immediately place the prepared vegetables in the marinade so they won't discolor. Be sure to use fresh mozzarella, which comes packed in water and is usually found with the specialty cheeses. Coarsely chop leftovers and toss with pasta for a cold salad.

You don't have to go on vacation for a taste of the tropics!

You can make this healthier by using whole wheat flour and leaving out the chocolate chips. They have a very moist, fluffy texture.

Submitted by CATARATA17

This is a low fat version of the classic with a lot less fat and tons more zesty flavor!

Submitted by CINDYSIOUX

These healthy breakfast bars provide a respectable level of protein and fiber without a ton of calories. Best of all, they can be eaten on the run. Reconfigure the "additions" to suit your fancy.... or replace the Splenda with another sweetener if you're trying to stay "au natural." This is a base recipe that can be tweaked to your taste!

Submitted by TUESDAYS

Good high protien candy for the kids as well as the adults.

Submitted by AKCRAVER

Serve this delicious dip with low carb vegetables like green pepper strips, celery sticks, and cucumber slices.

These are yummy and super easy to make. My kids loved them and they are heathy!

Submitted by SARACRONK

Creamy pudding makes fantastic frozen treats.

A great gift idea, or serve with a hot cup of joe for a yummy dessert.

Moist and chocolatey.

Submitted by VERA7163

This slimmed down version of your favorite dip is easy to make--and it's light enough for you to load up on it!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Mixes up fast and is fun to make with the kids. My daughter won't eat veggies so I made these and she loves them (she's 15 months old). I had to use part white flour and part whole wheat because her digestive system couldn't handle that much whole wheat, but feel free to use all whole wheat flour. You can use zucchini instead of carrot - I added about a cup of raisins when I did this.
Taste great and are nice and moist (don't over bake!)

Submitted by LDSVARC

Easy refreshing drink in the summer

Submitted by MICHCAT17

Nice Summer Drink

Submitted by MICHCAT17

Reduced fat and sugar free dip for all sorts of fruit.

Submitted by BEACHEDBUM

The onion is puréed so that its flavor carries throughout the biscuits. You can make and freeze the biscuits up to a week ahead. When ready to serve, thaw, wrap in foil, and heat in a 325º oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

This homemade alternative to store-bought granola bars, is a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Tasty and so simple to make! A quarter cup of raisins (not included here) also make a yummy addition!

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

It's summertime and you probably want to have a drink at a barbeque... here's one with minimal guilt attached.

Submitted by BRYCEW

Wow.....save yourself HUNDREDS of calories with this margarita. Try out different flavors of powdered drink mix too!!!

Submitted by MRSDUDLEY

Nonfat yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise make this creamy dip a good addition to any veggie plate.

With "The SparkPeople Cookbook," desserts and treats are part of the plan. Chef Meg slims down favorite sweets, ditching most of the fat and calories--but keeping the flavor. This is a "must-try" recipe!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This "Spinach & Avocado Cannellini Bean Hummus" is what would happen if hummus and guacamole mated!

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

These are SUPER easy, quick, and amazing – perfect for snacking on the go.

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

Tasty Low fat/Low calorie version of the bar room favorite

This is the perfect nutritious pick-me-up. Leftover shake can be frozen in pop molds or 5 oz paper cups with popsicle sticks.

Fresh salsa is always better than bottled, and it is much lower in sodium. This salsa is great with tortilla chips, on tacos or burritos or tostadas, or even straight out of the bowl!

Submitted by TAHLON

Submitted by GMRKITTY

A great appetizer for a casual spring or summer dinner.

My dip has all the flavor of the original, but it's much easier on the waistline. I prefer to eat this "dip" with a fork or raw vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love Wendy's Honey BBQ Wings, but at 580 calories I can't even get fries or a frosty to go with them. I came up with this to satisfy my craving, and still be able to enjoy a side.

Submitted by OIL_FIELD_WIFE

Great for a party. It's actually something low fat to munch on!

This recipe can serve as a tasty snack or lite lunch.

Submitted by TURTAPOE

Tapenade is a traditional sauce or condiment from Provence, in the south of France. It adds a punch of flavor for very few calories. You can buy premade tapenade, but you'll spend more money and be consuming more sodium than if you made it at home.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These bite-size tacos are always a hit in our house! Have some fun with this recipe; try adding chopped chives, avocado, different varieties of beans, or red onions.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG