Black Bean Salsa

Submitted by JANAE55

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.

This recipe creates its own thin crust and can easily be made vegan.

Submitted by STILLFLYIN

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

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

Slow cookers aren’t just for meat! This is a tasty, affordable one-pot vegetarian meal that’s filling and perfect for your slow cooker.

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

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

Submitted by JENNLOVE

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 a great moist snack cake!!

This recipe sings of the fall and early winter harvest.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This classic German stew is made with lean trimmed beef stew meat and cabbage.

A very filling soup that will warm you up on a cold winter day.

Submitted by BRENDA74

This cholesterol-free tasty dish is virtually fat free and is prepared with only 1 tablespoon of oil for 16 servings.

"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

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

2 cups of this stew makes a filling and nutrutious lunch.

Submitted by REVASEAN

An easy, hearty soup-all in one pot!

Submitted by LAURAEXPLORER

To remove eggplant's bitter flavor, sprinkle slices with salt and let sit for 30 minutes before cooking.

Buck tradition this Thanksgiving and forgo standard pumpkin pie. Instead, whip up a smooth, spicy and low-calorie flan.

Submitted by DISTENDASI

Easy, delicious and HEALTHY sushi!!!

Submitted by SARAGRIFFIN

Easy slaw with no fatty mayonnaise.

A sweet, light salad.

Submitted by PROWESS64

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

A great recipe that is easy to make.

Submitted by SPROUT

This Asian-inspired pasta dish is so good and so quick to make and can be served hot or cold. Add some tofu for another healthy option.

Submitted by BCJL13

What a sweet warm treat for a cold afternoon! This dish is like having a piece of apple pie but without the large amount of fat and carbs from the dough. The oats inside will trick your mind into thinking that you did just eat pie!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by KATYDID!

Ready in just 20 minutes.

A terrific dish when served over a bed of brown rice.

Submitted by SERRA55

This protein-rich vegetarian recipe is simple to make and tasty to eat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Based off of my mother's recipe.

Submitted by VICTORIAV

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

This soup is packed with flavor yet low in fat. You can customize it with any vegetables or protein you have on hand.

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

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

Submitted by LILYANN2

This recipe is part of "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Order your copy today! This was an excellent member-submitted recipe that required very few tweaks to improve its healthy profile.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

"This recipe was wonderful! Probably one of the best I have tested!" Chef Meg really didn't have to change this recipe very much. It certainly gets her stamp of approval though! She did increase the serving size.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A lighter take on a pub favorite! For extra veggies, top with chopped tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Love your breakfast sausage but can't handle all the sodium? Try this lower sodium version: 25% less fat, and 1/10th of the sodium.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These healthful muffins freeze well! Low-fat buttermilk and applesauce help lower the fat in these, and the whole-wheat flour and flax seed add fiber.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Use all chickpeas if you don't have fava beans. If you use canned beans, the sodium levels will be higher so omit the salt.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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 tomato soup is so rich and thick you'll swear it's laden with cream and butter. The trick is really good tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

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

This quick and easy meal is a hit with kids. If they can't tolerate spicy foods, reduce or omit the sriracha.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A hearty, homecooked meal that everyone will love! Serve with steamed broccoli and sweet corn for a complete vegetarian meal.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

This recipe was created for kids, but adults will crave a slice, too. I like to add hot pepper rings for the grown-ups!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Skip the drive-through and serve these instead. Split one open, pop in an egg cooked your way and even some shredded cheese. Make a batch on the weekend and keep handy for hungry teenage boys (and their parents)!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Use those extra-ripe bananas to make this hearty, mildly sweet quick bread.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Served cold or hot, these tangy yet sweet noodles are rich and tasty.

I don't know a kid who doesn't love the combo of cheese and barbecue sauce. This dish is a swap on mac-n-cheese and BBQ chicken that's quick and grown-up approved.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe taste delicious and has fruits and veggies in it. Makes a great holiday gift from the kitchen.

Submitted by SAMANTHA_SP

I love to increase the nutrition of baked goods by adding whole grains. That's the secret to these pecan tarts.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

A terrific way to start your day, much better than the frozen waffles you can find at the grocery store.

Submitted by JOGANRAY

All the taste of a loaded baked potato, in a hearty soup.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This chili is packed with flavor and fiber. Make a big batch for a crowd or freeze it in single-serving containers for up to 4 months.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Toss the canned cranberry jelly and use this homemade version instead. It's ready in no time, and it's full of healthy fruit!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Sweet and nutritious Yojo to restore your mojo! Many thanks to my friend Julie for giving me this recipe.

Submitted by YERVANT

Serve this dip at your next party or prepare it for a healthy afternoon snack.

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES

Whole wheat bread gives this side staying power. The fruits and vegetables bulk up the dish, so a little goes a long way. A bit of turkey bacon adds another layer of flavor without adding many calories.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

You will be so surprised when you taste this dish! To balance the sweet potatoes, we've added celery root, chives, and garlic, plus a dab of Greek yogurt and butter.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try these light and low-fat personal pies for dessert during the fall. They're a great substitute for pumpkin pie or sweet potato casserole.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Pair onions and sweet potatoes with tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a stand-out side dish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This creme brulee recipe is full of flavor not fat--perfect for a dessert on a chilly evening.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

If you don't like beets, give the golden variety a try. Not only will they not stain everything they touch, but they are sweeter. Combined with chewy farro, a tangy vinaigrette and salty Parmesan, this makes for a light supper or substantial side.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This sweet and spicy soup is a staple of Thai takeout. Chef Meg recreated it for a fraction of the cost and sodium!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A gourmet appetizer to start a meal without the calories and fat.

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES

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

Submitted by CMWELLS83

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

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

This is a nice snack with crackers or veggies.

Submitted by RODHUB

Stretch your party budget by turning pricey smoked salmon into a tasty dip! It's ready in no time and is sure to impress your guests.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by SAMANTHA_SP

This very easy recipe works either as a curry over rice or as a great alternative to hummus. Serve hot or cold with fresh vegetables, naan, pita, or baked tortilla chips. It's a good way to get enough fibre into your diet!

Submitted by BLUESENOUGH

the perfect dish for potlucks when you want to have something healthy on the table.

Submitted by CHIQUITA72979

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

Delicious dip I found a recipe for that I tweaked a bit to make it lower in fat and calories. My family gobbled this up at a recent holiday party!

Submitted by BETHPROVERBS31

This is a wholesome chewy cookie that satisfies the sweet tooth, but isn't just empty calories--it's a great way to incorporate whole grains. Substitute a multi-grain mix for added nutrition and fiber. Add mini chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or coconut for variation.

Submitted by LIVE_TO_LOVE

A healthier, updated take on the '70s party food classic. These are quick to prepare and easy on both your wallet and your waistline.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I fell in love with tzatziki the first time I tried it and was on a quest to find the recipe that included those ingredients that pleased my particular palate best. This recipe is low-fat, high-protein, nutritious, smooth, Mediterranean, refreshing, light, and hopefully the best you've ever had!

Submitted by KEEPITMOVING

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

Calorie cut from the original

Submitted by MACHELLE74

Those rotisseries chickens from the supermarket are a busy cook's best friend. When you have time to plan ahead, make your own--in your slow cooker!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Spice up an Italian classic, and have it on the table in half the time!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by GONZOSTAR

Looking for a simple curry that's flavorful but not too hot? This hearty stew fits the bill.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

By choosing a darker chocolate and fat-free evaporated milk, Chef Meg was able to cut the calories of this chocolate dip in half!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a recipe that sounds (and tastes) fancy but is actually quite easy to make--and ready in just 15 minutes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Crispy fillo shells filled with creamy broccoli and cheese are elegant yet simple.

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

Turn your favorite side dish into something special in just a few minutes. Only five ingredients and packed with flavor, this dish is a winner!

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

Creamy cole slaw pairs well with fried chicken, but who needs all that mayo? This one uses Greek yogurt and a healthier mayo, plus a few other secret ingredients.

Submitted by SPARKSOLUTION

This recipe came about because I had just made vegetable enchiladas and had leftovers, plus quinoa from earlier in the week. Thankfully, this experiment yielded a hearty, delicious meal.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

These delicious donuts are a great way to start the day.

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

We swapped shrimp for crab in this Chinese takeout favorite to save sodium and money, but we didn't skimp on flavor!

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 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