Chef Meg's homemade and natural ricotta cheese is easy to make and a fun project for someone who likes to cook.

In summertime, when herbs are abundant and fresh berries are in season, it's the perfect time to try this. You can even get the kids involved.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A beautiful way to "wrap up" a healthy dinner!

Submitted by KRIS1975

Delicious chili that is a meal in itself! Can easily be prepared in a slow cooker. Serve with a salad and pita bread for a perfect dinner.

Submitted by HUDDLESK

Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research

Need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This recipe makes that happen.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Pumpkin is subbed for butter in this lowfat treat! Cranberries and almonds add flavor and nutrition!

Submitted by CMWELLS83

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

I love enchiladas! These are full of vegetables in addition to the cheese and creamy sauce. Each one has a full serving of veggies, plus almost 20% of your daily fiber.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love this recipe! It can be used as a sauce for grilled meats, a dressing for salads or steamed vegetables, or as a marinade for tofu or other lean proteins. You will always find it in my refrigerator.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The trend of mini desserts is a healthy eater's salvation. When sweets are pre-portioned, it's harder to cheat. You can't say, "Well, I'll just have a small sliver" or "I'll just even out this side of the cake..."
These Lemon-Berry Tartlets scream summertime to me. I imagine eating them on a patio after a luncheon with my girlfriends while sipping iced mint tea and feeling the warm breeze. They're just so refreshingly clean on the tongue.
Lemon and raspberries pair well. Each has a sourness with hints of sweetness and an acidity. You could use blueberries or strawberries, but I just love this combination.
Phyllo dough is a secret weapon for the healthy baker--it even comes in whole wheat varieties. The paper-thin layers of dough are often painted in butter for pastries like baklava, but they'll serve as a low-calorie pie crust with minimal added fat. The dough itself is basically just flour and water.
The "curd" filling is basically a lemon pudding. You can serve it on scones or muffins, as a topping for ice cream or sorbet, or as a pie filling, as you see here.

Rich, flavorful honey mustard chicken with carrots and potatoes.

All the flavor of bruschetta, in a mushroom!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Though we loaded up on the veggies, we didn't skip on the good stuff!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This is seriously the world's best spinach and artichoke dip! It's creamy and fairly low fat. I use low fat cream cheese, but you could use fat free. This slimmed down version of your favorite dip is easy to make--and it's light enough for you to load up on it! This can also become a decadent pasta sauce. (As a sauce, it makes 10 servings. You might need to thin it a bit with cooking water from the pasta.)

This vegetarian chili can be made on the stove top or in a slow cooker.

Submitted by AEGARRISON

Hummus goes South of the Border!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

All the good stuff in a quick and simple biscuit!

Submitted by KITHKINCAID

Ditch the crust and boost your veggie intake with these eggplant "pizzas."

Submitted by GONZOSTAR

Featured in the revised edition of The New American Plate.

Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research

Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Panzanella is an Italian salad that can be found on trendy bistro menus in the hot summer months. This salad was invented when times were tough, as a way to use up stale bread.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A very easy, very good tasting bread.

Submitted by AMYBETH70

Submitted by MISSEB1986

Those who know me well will say that I am not a snob--except for when it comes to icing. I want the real stuff! To me cakes are ruined with fake whippy icings made with shortening.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Make this ahead of time and then refrigerate for a quick, protein-packed breakfast that's also portion-controlled. Top with salsa (optional) and serve with toast for a complete breakfast.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Roasted chicken is a simple and versatile protein. Use it in soups, throw it on pasta or pair it with a simple salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

No, you did not just walk into a fancy restaurant. You can make this springtime dish in your own kitchen--in mere minutes!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These burgers are rich and meaty, the kind of burger that vegetarians have been craving. Even meat eaters will appreciate these tasty and fiber-rich burgers.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A lovely egg dish that highlights all the flavors of late spring. This dish can be made ahead of time and served room temperature. Perfect for brunch or even a light lunch!

Submitted by RICKIEBETH

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

An Italian favorite gets a below the border twist. Chef Meg made just a few tweaks before giving this one her seal of approval! She adds the spices early in cooking to help boost flavor and added a full pound of turkey for a more filling meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Perfect for your next party--or turn any snack into a festive event!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Sweet and sour pork takes a trip to the islands! Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Sweet and tangy oranges pair perfectly with rich, salty miso.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Scones are perfect for weekend house guests, hostess gifts, or picnics. Traditionally made with loads of butter and cream, mine use far less butter--and whole-grain flour.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Manchego cheese and Simply Dressed® Pomegranate Dressing give this salad an appealing sweetness. Pear slices and almonds give it a delightful crunch. This recipe is from a SparkPeople sponsor.

Submitted by SIMPLY_DRESSED

These spicy and moist pork chops are made with no added fat, egg whites, evaporated skim milk, and a lively herb mixture.

Fresh and juicy during spring and summer months, strawberries are delicious when combined with tender spinach and crunchy toasted almonds.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Tasty and good for you!

Submitted by CHELLESHOCKED

Strawberries are combined with tangy and sweet balsamic vinegar and creamy ricotta in this quick and simple dessert.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Enjoy this savory afternoon snack.

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES