Cookbook creator says: Check out the variations from comments

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 dip is great for a midday snack alongside vegetables or whole-grain crackers or as a cold sauce for sandwiches. This version is full of vegetables and fresh herbs instead of beans.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Black Bean Salsa

Submitted by JANAE55

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

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

Submitted by AEGARRISON

This colorful low-sodium cholesterol-free vegetable baked dish is prepared without any added fat.

Using low-fat milk instead of cream lowers the saturated fat content in this hearty summer soup.

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Fast, easy, comforting and healthy!!! I love this soup!!!

Submitted by MRSDUDLEY

This dish is baked and flavored with a Mediterranean-style tomato, onion, and garlic sauce to make it lower in fat and salt.

Cookbook creator says: Read the comments too

Submitted by CARPROTH

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

Cookbook creator says: Substitute olive oil

Submitted by MATCM81

Rich and creamy, this risotto is full of whole grains and vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a delicious and easy Pakistani recipe

Submitted by QUILTBUGJ

A quick and easy pasta dish perfect for any night of the week.

Submitted by LILYANN2

A much quicker version of the Italian classic; less time, but no less taste.

Submitted by VEGGIEKITTY

A double-hitter: Each portion has almost two servings of vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg lowered the fat and calories in this member-submitted recipe, which contains two servings of cooked vegetables per portion!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A delicious salad that brings together many flavors.

"Vanilla extract" usually isn't made with real vanilla. The good news is that it's really easy--and affordable--to make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The dressing makes the fruit an extra-sweet treat.

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

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

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

Citrus and cilantro dress up grilled fish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This light pasta dish has 2 1/2 servings of vegetables in each portion.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Quinoa is similar to brown rice, with a higher protein content. This is a delicious side dish or light meal.

Submitted by SLIMKATIE

Most pasta salads are heavy on the pasta and light on everything else. This version, which can be served warm or cold, includes a hefty portion of vegetables--both spinach and tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Low-fat cottage cheese is the secret to the dressing in this delicious low fat and saturated fat, low cholesterol, low sodium mixture of vegetables and herbs.

Good for brunch, a special breakfast, or anytime you want to feel pampered.

Submitted by THIS_UTOPIA

Serve these holiday cookies with a cup of tea or lowfat vanilla ice cream.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Frozen bananas rival soft serve when given a whirl in the food processor. Trust us, it's AMAZING: no fat, no cholesterol, no added sugar, just creamy and sweet bananas!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

In 15 minutes, this easy recipe will take the chill off a cold evening.

Triathlete Brendan Brazier shared these raw energy bar recipes with us. While energy bars can be pricey, you can make them at home to control costs.

Submitted by DAILYSPARKGUEST

This is a recipe i put together last night with the veggies I had in the fridge and my husband and daughter LOVED it. Very yummy over ride pilaf or couscous. You can add chicken or fish to make this a non-veggie meal

Submitted by VEGGIEDOC4LIFE

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These have a great flavor, the perfect amount of sweetness, and a nice, soft texture (be sure to use whole wheat PASTRY flour, not regular whole wheat!). Nutritious, too!

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

Great for the fall holidays! Or just for a healthy snack!

Submitted by ANDREWMOM

Try this inexpensive and fresh version of a chicken casserole--no need for processed soups or sauces!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Technically this is a crustless quiche, but the addition of flour makes for a delicious crusty bottom and sides.

Submitted by JENNLOVE

Great recipe for a healthy but not always yummy food. I add lots of black pepper and a little grated parmesan cheese if I need a little extra calcium. Can be refridgerated and used as a snack or a side for up to week after cooking. PREP TIME CUT BY AT LEAST 20-25 MINUTES IF USE FROZEN SPROUTS, but fresh tastes better!

Submitted by ANNIEMNM

A light and delicious salad that's perfect for a summer picnic.

Easy, delicious and HEALTHY sushi!!!

Submitted by SARAGRIFFIN

This veggie stock has a stronger, richer flavor than most.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A makeover of a favorite nutrition bar!

Submitted by GUEST_CHEF

Tzatziki is a Greek and Turkish appetizer, also used as a sauce or dip. This recipe is perfect with Mediterranean dishes or anything else on a hot summer's day.

Submitted by LOULOUB

This salad uses fresh spinach and seasonal berries. It tastes good and is very healthy.

Submitted by KARLYOH

A sure family favorite, make the night before and pop into the oven.

This salad is full of distinct, strong flavors. It's a great way to get new greens onto your plate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try a two for one: The next time you are turning on the oven to 375 degrees, roast the squash, cool it slightly, peel and package to freeze. You'll have butternut squash on hand whenever you need it, and you can have dinner on the table in no time!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

High in protein, low in carbs, and all for just 300 calories

Submitted by CINDYSUE48

Kimchi's sour flavor goes away when it's broiled or barbecued. Serve this alongside bulgogi or other Korean barbecued meats.

A taste of the Caribbean

Submitted by INTENSIVE

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

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

Recipe courtesy of National Pork Board. For more recipes and ideas, please check out www.TheOtherWhiteMeat.com

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This dip / spread is a great way to add flavor to any snack or meal item.

Submitted by SAMANTHA_SP

Try this dip on a toasted whole-wheat bagel at breakfast or with apple slices or whole-grain crackers for a snack. It's even good with carrots.

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Who said finger food is unhealthy?

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This makes an easy weekend brunch or quick breakfast.

Submitted by NANALINDA5355

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 creamy, tangy dip does double duty: with mint, it's a perfect pair with Greek fare; with coriander and cumin, it cools down spicy Indian curries.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A quick and hearty soup with plenty of spice!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Peanut sauce is one of my favorite things to eat, usually with tofu, green vegetables (like broccoli, spinach and edamame) and brown rice.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Quick, easy and tasty turkey burgers with a kick.

Submitted by JIMINNYC

Hummus goes South of the Border!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A budget version of the rustic Spanish favorite. An herbed-citrus olive pesto adds color and intensifies the flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Our healthier taco salad uses a salt-free taco seasoning from Chef Meg, plus plenty of dark, leafy greens.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This chilled creamy soup is great for hot days. It is filling and very low in calories. Perfect for a light lunch or as a dinner starter.

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

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

Submitted by SLINKY78

Chewy, homemade flatbread makes any meal seem special. Use in place of pitas, bread, or crackers!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

We've bumped up the nutrition--and kept all the flavor--of Pizza Margherita, the traditional Italian pizza with tomato, sliced mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

Submitted by SPCOOKBOOK

Sweet and crunchy, you'll never believe these chips were made in the microwave. They'll become your new favorite savory snack.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is better (and better-for-you) than takeout!

Submitted by TAM101

What? Canned tomatoes in a tomato sauce? Yes, that's right. Garden tomatoes are only available for a short time, but crushed canned tomatoes are on shelves year-round and packed with flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Turn any night into a special occasion with this 20-minute meal inspired by a Parisian bistro.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

No forks needed! These sweet, crunchy and buttery hand pies will have you licking your fingers.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A fast, healthy recipe for the nacho lover in your life.

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES

These grab-and-go bars could not be simpler to make! At over 15 grams of protein per bar, they would make a great breakfast or post-workout snack.

Submitted by CTCLOUGH