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

Ever tried turning zucchini into "pasta"? With a vegetable peeler, it's easy to create ribbons of squash.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

You'll forget all about beef burgers once you try these. Salty and rich feta is mixed with lean ground turkey and Greek herbs for a juicy and delicious burgers.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Make this chicken the next you have company for dinner, and they'll swear you hired caterers. It tastes like it came from a restaurant, but for much less money and effort.

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

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

a basic sauce for lasagne, pasta, soup base.

Submitted by MRSKATEDUVALL

All the flavor of bruschetta, in a mushroom!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

As simple, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A simple tasty italian appetizer

Submitted by LADYSITH13

Broccoli salad is a summertime party staple. This version is healthier--with plenty of flavor from almonds and raisins!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This is my go-to dressing. I use it on everything from steamed veggies to salads and sandwiches.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

"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

This hearty yet better-for-you dinner is perfect for a camping trip, a cookout with friends, or just dinner on a Wednesday night.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Soy substitutes are so convincingly delicious that no one will know this isn't real chorizo. Bonus: This dish has zero cholesterol!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Caponata is a Mediterranean vegetable stew. Eat it as is, or atop toasted whole-wheat bread or pasta.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

One bite and you're transported to Louisiana!

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

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Garlic lovers, rejoice! This recipe contains a whopping two heads, but the flavor mellows and sweetens when baked.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Citrus and cilantro dress up grilled fish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

As the sweet grapes, creamy cheese, and hint of salty fish hit your mouth you will fall in love with this quick and easy appetizer.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Summer freshness in every bite!

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES

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

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

Main course

Submitted by ANTONIAC1

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

OK, so Great Northern Beans are not "gigantes," but they yield a creamy, delicious dish. Use Greek gigantes beans if you have them for a more authentic dish.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Submitted by CSIMPSON75

Submitted by DARLENEGILL

A wonderful dish that is delicious and nutritious.

Submitted by CRYSCHNIT

Tired of the same old red sauce from a jar? Try this instead.

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

part 2 of my butternut squash fascination! This time baked the squash and then put the flesh into a colander overnight to drain. Then I mashed it, mixed in egg & flour (the exact amount of flour will vary due to humidity and wetness of the squash)and created yummy little dumpling!

Submitted by JANETMS

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

A wonderful fish dish that is made perfect with a large serving of steamed vegetables.

Submitted by MAISIEMAMA

Light & luscious, just right for your appetite.

Submitted by LOVE2COOK

A brown rice dish with some really good kharma.

Submitted by FCHOVITZ

A great classic Italian dish that your family is sure to enjoy.

Submitted by ERINAG1978

Mama knows best! This New Orleans-style one pot meal is hearty, tasty, and healthy!

Three ingredients, 10 minutes and dinner is ready!

Submitted by GOT2RUN

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

This seasonal salad is ready in a flash. You will love the softness of the greens with the crunch of the radish and pomegranate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Puttanesca is one of my favorite Italian sauces. This vegan version turns ordinary dried brown lentils into real comfort food. I added some eggplant

Submitted by MRSKATEDUVALL

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by WENDYEWOLF

Delicious and quick, this recipe is a great way to get more fish into your healthy meal plan!

Submitted by RACHIELOO

This is a quick & easy recipe that tastes great!

Submitted by CARLASKIS

Quick and easy wraps

Submitted by WANTMEBACK2

This easy one-dish meal is prepared and cooked in only one pot, saving you space and cleanup. You can decrease the sodium by using less anchovy paste or by replacing it with the olives.

We tend to think of herbs as garnishes, but parsley takes a starring role in this fresh pesto.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Full of fiber and fresh herbs, this whole-grain salad is perfect as a side or light lunch.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

Portobello, shiitake and white mushrooms blend together in a mélange that almost melts in your mouth.

This hearty soup is perfect for when there is a chill in the air, and you want dinner waiting for you as you walk in the door. NOTE: You must soak the beans overnight.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A Mediterranean eggplant stew with zucchini

Submitted by BEAUCHEMIN

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Think you dislike beets? Not after trying this recipe! Roasting brings out the beets' natural sweetness, and the feta offers a nice, salty contrast.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This spicy Thai-inspired recipe will give your guests the freedom to enjoy these wraps anyway they want!

Submitted by GORTONS_RECIPES

Frittatas are basically an open-faced omelet finished in the oven, perfect for a quick meal any time of day.

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

Delicious and flavorful carbonara pasta made with pancetta and extra vegetables, i added cauliflower.

Submitted by MRSKATEDUVALL

A perfect oven to table dish that can be easily adapted to suit your pantry and palate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This version of a classic French comfort food is lighter on fat but heavy on flavor.

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

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

Chicken and a savory sauce wrapped up.

Submitted by *SPARKLEMAMA*

Tasty and Nutritious

Submitted by FLYAWAYFREE

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

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Quick and easy grilled shrimp

Submitted by ASULLYTN

A tasty way to get your veggies during BBQ season

Submitted by EMMAPALE

Chicken from the freezer, everything else from the cupboard.

Submitted by LEAKAY59