"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

Forget buying packets of seasonings. They're expensive and often full of salt. Save sodium and money by making this easy herb blend. Use it in sauces, soups, stews, on meats... anywhere you want to add Italian flavor without fat or sodium!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Use this to dress your salad or as a dipping sauce for cut vegetables. Don't like cilantro? No problem, just swap it out for Italian parsley or dill.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The versatility of this salsa is limitless! Put it on grilled chicken or steak, add it to eggs, or serve with tortilla chips.

Submitted by METALFINGER2U

Submitted by KAIAHZMAHM

garnish for tacos and other mexican food

Submitted by RUTHIEWANNABFIT

adkins and south beach diet friendly

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Submitted by THE_NEW_ME_1

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

My husband is very salt sensitive and diabetic. Many of the taco seasoning packets found in the store contain sugar and lots of salt. Many also contain a thickening agent (usually corn starch) that just adds calories and is not really necessary. Mix this homemade version up ahead to use instead for healthier Mexican-style food.

About 2 Tbsp. equals 1 regular packet for seasoning power. Use 1 Tbsp. for a milder flavor.

Be sure to read the label on your chili powder. It is a combination of spices. Most do not contain salt or sugar, but some might.

If you like the little chunks of onion or garlic in your seasoning, use dried, minced onion or garlic instead of the granulated or powdered version. You will need about twice as much as the amounts listed and it will change the nutritional information slightly.

Submitted by BJMOOMEY

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Submitted by AIMEE131

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

Submitted by SP_STEPF

I have been trying to find a low sodium bbq sauce but have been unsuccessful finding any in the local stores, so I decided to create my own. This recipe is my own take on a recipe from recipezarr.com - you could use splenda brown sugar and whatever spices you like (will alter nutritional information). I will continue to play with this recipe, it was very good (sweet with a little tang) and has a lot of potential to be even better.

Submitted by GIRL*IN*MOTION

Submitted by REVRACE24

Recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, and came up with a super yummy, flavorful, LOW SODIUM sauce to use on spaghetti, lasagna, or pizzas! There are lots of recipes for sauces on here that seem to have a ton of little ingredients - but this one is simple, healthy, and EASY! Just throw it in the crock pot in the morning!

Submitted by KATIEKEISLER

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

Want to know the secret to great chili? Start with great spices--and skip the packets at the supermarket, which are full of sugar and salt. Make your own to save money and skip the salt.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

This sauce is great on grilled meats, and it makes enough for two meals. Try it on cooked pasta or roasted vegetables.

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

There's no need to buy pumpkin pie spice. You can easily make your own at home. And it makes a great hostess gift for any fall event! Feel free to double or triple this recipe!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Gravy gets a bad rap, but this tasty sauce can be made with almost no fat.

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

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Easy and healthier alternative if your love Ranch like I do.

Submitted by CADENCES_MOM

A lowfat delicious creamy Greek dressing

Submitted by BARBSDUCK

Submitted by SUNIBC

Fast, Easy, Tasty Salad Dressing

Submitted by EPS102

Low calorie salad dressing at 27Cal/Tbs

Submitted by TRAVELER100

Greek Seasoning that you can use to pack a flavor punch. Intended for Souvlaki recipes.

Submitted by SOFPAN89

Submitted by JERRYMYERS

make your own Italian dressing

Submitted by MERIREAD

Submitted by JONI043089

Submitted by LESSTHANZERO

Citrus mustard salad dressing

Submitted by LAMPLIGHTER777

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Use this on top of popcorn, pasta, or stews; or add it to stir-fries, soups, and sauces. Some consider it to be vegan "Parmesan," but it is appropriate in a wide variety of dishes--not just on pasta.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This basic white sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it anyplace you would use a Bechamel in non-vegan cooking, and spice it up in any way you'd like!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Submitted by CANDYCEBARTON

This is the full fat version.

Submitted by KARABEL

Submitted by DICK_SANDY1155

I substituted Bragg Liquid Aminos for Worcestershire Sauce to accomodate Celiacs like myself.

Submitted by CARMOORELLA

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

Submitted by SAMANTHA_SP

Use this on falafel or a salad. Add fresh or dried herbs and it becomes goddess dressing. The toasted sesame oil imparts a stronger sesame flavor to the dressing.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Low-cal, low-fat and great with Italian pasta dishes and garlic chicken pizza

Submitted by DORIGIRL

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

Found this salad dressing on line and added different veggies with ended up tasting delicious and the whole family loved it- I serve this with my Ranchera pork tacos

Submitted by MSSBETTYBOOP6

Try this spicy Asian paste in your slow-cooker stews, broth based soups, or combined with yogurt as a zippy sandwich spread.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Submitted by DEANNIE1966

Nice light vinaigrette which can be used on salads or chicken, potatoes, etc...

Submitted by JESSIE6201

Submitted by LIBJMS2

My Gramma Willie taught me how to make this sauce years ago. It's the only way I make Alfredo now (though I use unsweetened soy milk instead of skim milk). Serve with grilled chicken, broccoli and pasta.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

I love ranch dressing, but it's so heavy! Here's a lighter version that also happens to be vegan. You can substitute regular low-fat mayonnaise and skim milk for the coconut milk and vegan mayo.