A hearty, healthier take on an iconic American meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love faux frying foods using panko. This crunchy, spicy chicken would be great on a taco salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Top this soup with toasted tortilla strips and serve with lime wedges and avocado slices.

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

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

This salmon dinner is worthy of a restaurant. Only you will know you're doing something great for your heart in every bite!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a really filling soup that's easy to make. Each serving is a hearty 2 cups!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This light recipe is great for lunch, supper, or both. It serves eight, so cook once and eat twice!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

You'll forget all about beef burgers once you try these. Serve with half a pita pocket, sliced tomato, and mixed greens for a quick and tasty dinner. Salty and rich feta is mixed with lean ground turkey and Greek herbs for a juicy and delicious burgers.

Chef Meg made over a versatile member recipe by adding extra vegetables and reducing the sodium. Serve with a side salad or over whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is part of "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Order your copy today! Cooking fish or chicken in parchment-paper packets is a technique known as en papillote.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Brown rice that's ready when you are--and packed with flavor

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Growing up in the South, sausage gravy was a staple on our breakfast table, so I wanted to create a healthier version--with a secret ingredient.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This spring time stew is a must have at any Derby party! Traditionally made with pork, beef, chicken, and rabbit, I've added more veggies and lightened the meat. The best part: This is a slow cooker recipe, so the burgoo will be ready when the horses are loading into the gate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Nestle eggs into a spicy tomato sauce and bake them for a light and easy supper. Serve over pasta or with crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

My kids never complain about eating both beans and greens in one meal when they're served alongside rich, slow-cooked pork.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Cold, it crunches and pops in your mouth with a bold, nutty taste. Hot, it becomes smooth and more mellow. Either way, buckwheat (kasha) is a healthy, hearty breakfast.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

It looks like jam, but it's bursting with whole fruit and thick enough to eat with a fork. Serve over pork roast, on top of yogurt or cottage cheese, or on your morning toast.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Ditch those packets from the supermarket, and whip up a batch of this simple, tasty taco seasoning!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Even a lunch portion of fettuccine Alfredo has 800 calories and 48 grams of fat. Mine has less than 1/2 the calories, 1/5 the fat, and plenty of veggies, too.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

At 300 calories a pop, donuts are an easy way to wreck a healthy breakfast. Not my baked ones. They're bursting with fruit and flavor--not fat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Satiate your craving for chili dogs with this tasty dish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is part of "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Order your copy today! This salad is even better the longer it sits in the fridge, so we love to make a big batch of it and eat it throughout the week.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

One bite and you're transported to Louisiana!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

What a great dish for one of those nights when your kids have a late soccer game! Brown the meat, layer in the ingredients, set your slow cooker on low, and go! From "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight."

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Gazpacho is one of my favorite summer meals, and it's no coincidence that it's also one of the easiest to make. It's simply a chilled, usually blended vegetable soup of Spanish origin.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love this stew because it can be made from your pantry and freezer. I always keep red potatoes, turkey sausage, and beans on hand. It's great for those nights when you just don't want to brave the cold to go to the supermarket.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is THE most popular recipe on SparkRecipes. We've added more vegetables and reduced the sodium drastically to make it even better.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This refreshing and not-too-sweet beverage is almost too pretty to drink. Almost!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I combined all my favorite Greek ingredients, layered them in a dish and created a dip that's a hit at parties or family game night.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a great dessert that's delicious when strawberries are in season.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Fruit is often a back-up ingredient or side dish at dinnertime, but it gets a co-starring role in this meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The perfect soup to warm your belly on a cold night or soothe you when you're sick.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Did you know that just three buffalo wings have 10 grams of fat? (Who eats just three?) This soup has all the spice, creaminess, and tang you crave--with a fraction of the fat.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe sings of the fall and early winter harvest.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

An easy slow cooker recipe that the family will enjoy!

Submitted by LOSER1231

A hot brown is a Southern classic: An open-faced turkey sandwich is topped with a cheesy sauce, bacon and tomatoes. This one's a lot lighter, but you'd never know from the taste.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Just to clarify for the questions below:
First, YES the cream cheese is figured into the totals...if you use FULL FAT cream cheese, the fat content will be considerably higher. But low fat cream cheese really takes the fat down.

Second, I haven't ever tried it with regular Italian dressing...let me know how it turns out!

Third, I HIGHLY recommend using the low setting for cooking...it allows the juices from the chicken to really seep into the dressing.

Submitted by ORANGECOWCAT

Chef Meg added flavor with parsley and capers to cut the salt, reduced the cooking time and used hearty plum tomatoes instead of canned.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This kid-friendly comfort food is perfect for a weeknight meal. Even better: You can use frozen veggies and leftover chicken.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

While Chicken Parmesan is traditionally fried, this lighter version is delightful atop a hearty green salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a great basic to always have on hand! Instead of spending money on expensive, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG