(415 results) From the SparkRecipes Kitchen
This homemade alternative to store bought drinks is intended to replace electrolytes and carbohydrates during/after endurance workouts or exercise in hot, humid weather.
This sweet and tart 4-ingredient dessert will be the star of your cookout!
Sweet and salty, this dessert is both healthy and satisfying!
Enjoy a little red, white and blue with these festive yogurt parfaits! Recipe serves one, but can easily be tripled or quadrupled to serve at a cookout or party.
Grilling peaches brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. These are the perfect end to a warm-weather meal!
These creamy portion-controlled cheesecake bites let you indulge without guilt!
Summer's freshest fruit becomes a frosty seasonal treat that's as delicious and refreshing as it is nutritious!
If you like sushi, you'll love this guacamole makeover! The creaminess of the avocado mellows the heat of the wasabi, and other familiar Asian flavors give this south of the border dip an Eastern twist.
Avocado stands in for cheese in this simple, elegant appetizer.
Crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and crisp arugula pair perfectly with smooth and sweet mango in this simple salad.
Hosting brunch? These five-ingredient breakfast sandwiches will be a hit among your guests!
Stir quinoa into your favorite hearty salsa, add avocado and black beans, and what do you get? A simple meal you won't soon forget!
We put a California spin on a classic Italian salad. It's the perfect light lunch or starter.
Smoky and creamy grilled avocados filled with salsa and crumbled Mexican cheese turn any meal into a fiesta.
This chocolate cake is delicious, decadent, and easy. It has some unlikely ingredients that yield a rich, creamy dessert.
Don't be put off by the vibrant green color of this refreshing smoothie. It tastes of the tropics!
Creamy, dreamy and oh-so-good...for you. You'll never guess the secret ingredient in these delightful frozen treats.
Gluten-free and full of protein, these pancakes are guilt-free and easy enough for weekday mornings.
Feta, watermelon and mint are a perfect appetizer for warm-weather gatherings.
Kick off breakfast with these waffles on a stick! Kids will love eating healthy berries when they're presented like this.
A summer classic in its own right, strawberry shortcake becomes the hit of the party when threaded on skewers.
An American classic goes mobile. Serve these sliders-on-a-stick at your next cookout!
Lean but packed with flavor, these meatballs are a comfort food favorite.
Start monkeying around at snacktime! These mini peanut butter and banana sandwiches are a fun way to make over a classic.
Serve up these festive fruit kebabs at your Memorial Day or Fourth of July cookout!
These fruity kebabs will outshine everything else on your Memorial Day or Fourth of July dessert table.
Just when you thought you couldn't improve on the classic BLT, we put it on a stick.
Your favorite Italian appetizer just became a portable snack or hors d'oeuvres.
Cream cheese keeps this pound cake moist, and almond flour gives it a nice texture.
These cute chick cake pops are packed with vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries!
Vanilla cupcakes lighten up just in time for spring. Fondant makes these cupcakes look impressive in mere minutes!
This moist vanilla cake becomes a fun Easter (or spring) treat. Topped with green frosting and candy eggs, they're sure to be a hit!
Unbelievably delicious lemon pound cake that's lightened up with half the sugar and all the richness.
Low-cal, whole-grain cookies have never tasted so good! Simple vanilla frosting finishes these sweet treats.
Turn one of your favorite salads into a portable appetizer, perfect for a spring party or the start to an al fresco supper.
Perfect for a summer lunch or a light supper, this iconic salad from the South of France is as hearty as it is simple to prepare.
Taste the rainbow with this fun fruit tray. It's a cute way to get everyone to eat more fruit--special occasion or not!
Wish for the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day, go green for Earth Day or brighten up a dull day with these festive all-fruit kebabs.
Thread melon balls on wooden skewers for a frosty, delicious treat.
Ready in minutes and fresh as can be, this salad is as simple as it is delicious.
Just like grandma used to make! These sugar cookies are light and fluffy. The secret is sour cream!
If you're a chocolate-mint lover, you'll fall head over heels for these cupcakes!
Dig into this festive cake to celebrate St. Paddy's Day!
This quick and easy kiwi tart makes a delicious, refreshing dessert and a colorful centerpiece. Try it at your next special occasion.
You'll love these authentic shortbread cookies!
This is a yummy and moist cake that's worth the effort!
You'll love this British classic!
You'll never think of a burrito the same way!
This tasty spread is great on sandwiches or with fresh-cut veggies.
Take some help from the supermarket and whip up this Valentine's Day treat in mere minutes.
These fluffy donuts are addictive yet healthier than the fried variety! Your ticker will love that these are baked not fried.
These mini strawberry cheesecakes are irresistible. Make them in silicone heart-shaped liners to up the "cute" factor!
Tastes like a Snickers, but made with ingredients that are good for you! These are a heart-healthier Valentine's treat.
Change up your usual cake by transforming it into whoopie pies. These are perfect for a romantic dinner!
Turn caprese salad into a fun appetizer by serving it in shot glasses!
A Christmas-y twist on a favorite treat!
Traditional cookies get a tasty twist!
This is a decadent treat that's easy to make! Serve in martini glasses for a festive feel.
Turn strawberries into Santa-shaped treats with a paring knife and cream cheese frosting!
This delicious is a hit at parties, and it's so easy to make it's almost embarrassing to share the recipe!
Turns chips and guac into a football field. We love this clever presentation!
Turn veggies into a touchdown of a game-day dish!
A few fresh chives turn a picnic and potluck favorite into football-shaped snacks.
Turn your cheese tray into cute football-shaped snacks!
Your favorite bar snack gets a game-day makeover!
You'll score big when you bring a platter of these to your next tailgate!
This simple cheese ball is a touchdown! Everyone will love it at your next football game party.
This pizza is not your usual game-day pie--it goes all the way! Even better: it has just four ingredients!
Turn chocolate cupcakes into mini football fields!
Turn plump, juicy strawberries into a fun tailgate treat!
Gelatin and air-popped popcorn turn a plain old snack into something worth cheering for!
Turn low-cal sugar cookies into a Halloween treat!
How funny is it that these bone-shaped cookies are also fat-free?
Make a batch of dough early in the month, then bake up these simple cookies as needed.
This fun snack will be a hit at your kids' Halloween party!
Give away these cute clementines instead of candy this Halloween!
Scare your party guests with these cheese wheels turned into eyeballs!
Halloween parties are often short on savory food offerings. Take these simple cheese and olive kebabs to give everyone a break from the sugar!
Serve these orange and black kebabs at your next Halloween party. They're a fun way to get kids to eat more fruit, too.
Turn a snacktime staple into something scary in mere minutes!
Turn your boring sandwich into a spooky lunchtime surprise!
Turn yogurt and juice into a seasonal treat. Serve these on Halloween morning for a fun & healthy breakfast treat!
Turn a quick lunch into a Halloween treat in just a few minutes. It's terrific toasted or not!
Bid adieu to summer with this sweet and savory watermelon salad.
Five ingredients, 10 minutes. Dinner is served!
Layer your salad in a jar for a healthy meal on the go! Use this technique for all your favorite salads.
When berries are in season and bursting with flavor, move them beyond sweet dishes. Here, they shine in a filling salad.
When you're craving something crunchy but don't want the added fat, whip up a batch of these chips.
Sweet peaches and tangy tomatoes pair perfectly in this simple summer salad.
You'll love the contrast of sweet peaches with tangy, creamy goat cheese atop summer's freshest vegetables.
Earthy mushrooms and fresh leeks, plus a creamy white sauce, take your weekly pizza night from routine to something special.
Who doesn't love a BLT in the summer? This salad packs in all the flavors of a BLT plus avocado for a dish that's light enough for even the hottest night.
Baked into mini muffins, these sweet and nutty blondies are perfectly portioned. Brown butter adds a layer of richness.
Packed with fiber and a serving of veggies, these burgers are flavorful and easy to make. Top them with your favorite condiments, just as you would a beef burger.
This penne pasta salad is a healthier take on a classic cookout side dish.
These aren't your mama's meatballs--they're better! Lean but packed with flavor, they cook all day while you're away.
Turn any morning into a special occasion in just 30 minutes. Pair with fresh fruit and a cup of milk for a complete meal.
This slow cooker recipe requires no pre-cooking, and it yields a sweet, caramelized glaze and tender chicken.
This hearty, savory meal was inspired by leftover baked potatoes. The result is a quick breakfast loaded with protein.
Gluten free and low in fat, these fruity cookies are a perfect afternoon treat.
These "chicken pops" are so much fun! Not only are the drumsticks affordable, but they're also full of flavor.
Just like grandma's recipe, only with a lot less fat and salt.
A light summer spin on the classic Italian dish. Colorful and bursting with flavor, this meal pairs perfectly with whole wheat couscous and a green salad.
Light and fruity, this simple fish dish gets a double dose of flavor from the coriander plant. The lemony seeds add freshness to the fish, while the vibrant leaves make the finished meal "pop."
These hunger-busting bars are ready in a snap, and they're perfect for a hike or an after-workout snack.
This protein-packed dish is free of wheat and dairy, perfect for those with allergies. Nutritional yeast lends a cheesy flavor to the dish, while tahini adds richness.
This healthy mac 'n cheese swap is packed with protein!
Not only does this recipe have only six simple ingredients, but it also requires almost no cleanup! Cooking in parchment seals in flavor and moisture without any added fat.
If you like jalapeno poppers, you'll love this recipe! The spicy pepper mellows out a bit as it cooks.
This easy-to-assemble casserole is a tasty twist on enchiladas.
Start or end your day with this healthy treat.
A perfect oven to table dish that can be easily adapted to suit your pantry and palate.
A Chinese takeout favorite, with a fraction of the salt and fat.
Your favorite takeout side dish, made healthier at home in less time.
This sauce pairs well with your favorite Asian dishes.
Tahini (sesame paste) is my favorite base for creamy salad dressings.
Turn healthy staples into a quick weeknight dinner for one.
This version of a classic French comfort food is lighter on fat but heavy on flavor.
This low-carb crust is great on its own or topped as you would pizza.
Forget takeout and TV dinners. This meal is ready in just 10 minutes.
Dried fruit and nuts add flavor and texture to your favorite brown rice. This side dish is fast and fancy!
A creamy, comforting casserole in just 30 minutes!
A hearty side or a light meatless entree, this savory dish is packed with flavor and fiber!
Your entire dinner will be waiting on you when you get home with this meal.
All the flavor of tacos, with far fewer dishes to wash! (And dinner will be ready in just 20 minutes.)
This hearty, healthy salad is great warm or cold. It's even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to mingle.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli and lemons. Even veggie haters will gobble up this dish--guaranteed.
An old family favorite ready in half the time, with all the creaminess you crave.
Finally! A stand-in for condensed cream of mushroom soup without all the fat and salt. This recipe will revolutionize your casseroles.
Perfectly seasoned ground turkey, loads of crunchy vegetables, and a velvety tomato sauce spice up an Italian classic. Queso fresco takes it over the top.
All the flavor you crave, in macaroni and cheese form to keep your fingers clean!
At just over 100 calories per serving, this creamy, delicious soup will become your new favorite comfort food.
Those rotisserie 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!
The perfect way to serve leftover chili.
This homemade soup is ready in 20 minutes but tastes like it cooked all day. We won't tell if you don't!
Crunchy almonds and sweet caramelized onions dress up your favorite green beans. A drizzle of balsamic adds a tangy contrast.
Crispy fillo shells filled with creamy broccoli and cheese are elegant yet simple.
This 10-minute side dish is perfect for fall meals.
This homemade mac-n-cheese is packed with veggies and is ready in just 20 minutes!
This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings or Sunday brunches. And it has half the calories and 1/3 the fat of the original.
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.
A healthier, updated take on the '70s party food classic. These are quick to prepare and easy on both your wallet and your waistline.
These cut-out cookies are a stand-in for gingerbread. Their sweet cinnamon taste is a nice change from the strong spices often used in holiday cookies.
No forks needed! These sweet, crunchy and buttery hand pies will have you licking your fingers.
Dress up your green beans. Miso is a perfect replacement for butter in most sauteed dishes and offers a nice earthy, salty note to the beans.
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.
Combined with chewy wheat berries, a tangy vinaigrette and salty Parmesan, this beet salad makes for a light supper or substantial side.
This meatloaf has the best of both worlds: a great crust and a moist interior! The trick is lining your slow cooker and creating a water bath. Trust me, it's worth the effort!
Take the pumpkin beyond pie. Roasting a pumpkin in wedges cuts down on cooking time, and makes for a fun and tasty side dish.
Ditch the condensed ''cream of whatever'' soups and make this instead. You only need 10 minutes of hands-on cooking time for a filling yet light bowl of comforting soup.
Onions are often part of the chorus in a dish, but this time we're bringing them to center stage. This is the perfect fall side dish to serve with pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
Pair onions and sweet potatoes with tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a stand-out side dish.
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.
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.
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.
These completely sugar-free treats with satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt! Peanut-free, gluten-free, sugar-free--and totally delicious. Just 75 calories each!
Smoky cumin-rubbed pork gets topped with spicy sweet sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
You'll never believe these sweet and crunchy chips were made in the microwave. They'll become your new favorite savory snack.
This hearty yet better-for-you dinner is perfect for a camping trip, a cookout with friends, or just dinner on a Wednesday night.
Craving pizza, but want something a bit more portion-controlled? This flatbread is the ticket! Feel free to pile on extra veggies of your choice.
Start with this simple but flavorful recipe, then add in anything you'd like! Try it with fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, rosemary, or thyme.
Chewy, homemade flatbread makes any meal seem special. Use in place of pitas, bread, or crackers!
Topped with lean, juicy flank steak, this salad is sure to satisfy. Marinate the steak in the morning and dinner will be ready in a flash at night.
We've slimmed down this classic hefty sandwich--so you can enjoy it more often!
Call it a parfait, call it a sundae, call it anything you want. Just call on it at snack time.
This meal is fast and fun, a great way to spice up a dull morning and bring a brunch favorite to the work week.
Creamy 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.
You will think you are dining in a screened in-porch with the colonel as your host when you bite into this pan-fried chicken.
Easy and low in calories, these cool treats are perfect when you want something small and sweet.
These are so cute and colorful! The kiwi in the bottom of the cup not only adds more fruit and color to the freezer pop, it also holds the stick in place.
Order a banana split at the drive thru, and you're looking at 800 calories. This version has 110, and it's easy enough for kids to make!
Did you know that just three buffalo wings have 10 grams of fat? (Who eats just three?) This soup has all the spice, creaminess, and tang you crave--with a fraction of the fat.
You will never guess that the dressing is oil-free and packed with three cups of greens, zucchini and avocado! I call it great green dressing.
If you love fajitas, but are watching your sodium intake, try this salt-free rub! It lends a complex flavor to meat without the high sodium counts traditionally found in Mexican dishes.
Choose summer's ripest peaches for this refreshing lemonade. It's ready in no time--you can keep the skins on the peaches, which speeds up prep work.
This refreshing and not-too-sweet beverage is almost too pretty to drink. Almost!
This tea is ready in no time, and it turns any afternoon into a special occasion.
Even a lunch portion of fettuccine Alfredo has 800 calories and 48 grams of fat. Mine has less than 1/2 the calories, 1/5 the fat, and plenty of veggies, too.
A budget version of the rustic Spanish favorite. An herbed-citrus olive pesto adds color and intensifies the flavor.
Who says you have to serve fajitas in a flour tortilla? Instead of serving peppers in the fajitas, I serve fajitas in a roasted pepper!
Tofu is the little black dress of veg proteins. Dress it up, dress it down, grill it up!
It looks like jam, but it's bursting with whole fruit and thick enough to eat with a fork. Serve over pork roast, on top of yogurt or cottage cheese, or on your morning toast.
Whether you make these on the grill or in the oven, these quick-fix potato packs are mom's best friend. No mess, no clean-up, and only 5 minutes to prep!
These sweet and spicy shrimp will be the star of your next barbecue!
Rather than topping your burgers, try stuffing them. Including veggies saves fat and calories, adds moisture and flavor, and offers a surprise twist.
These calzones can be made from start to finish on the backyard grill. You'll love the rich and creamy filling!
Watermelon is a favorite summer dessert, but it makes a lovely salad, too. Here, creamy citrus dressing pairs with the sweet melon and crunchy celery.
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 wheat flour.
This sauce hails from Argentina, a country that's known for tasty grilled meats. Pair this with grilled beef, pork, chicken and even fish. It's also a great dipping sauce for grilled vegetables and whole-wheat bread.
Who needs deep-fried chips, when pitas crisp up so perfectly with minimal added oil? Pair these with hummus or as a crunchy side to your Greek salad.
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.
Growing up in the South, sausage gravy was a staple on our breakfast table, so I wanted to create a healthier version--with a secret ingredient.
Get perfect grilled chicken every time with this foolproof basic recipe!
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.
This Southern staple gets a dose of fiber--with half of the fat of the original. Make a double batch over the weekend and freeze for the busy weekday mornings.
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.
A simple, hearty miso soup.
Sweet and tangy oranges pair perfectly with rich, salty miso.
No, you did not just walk into a fancy restaurant. You can make this springtime dish in your own kitchen--in mere minutes!
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.
Who said finger food is unhealthy?
This versatile spread can be used as a dip, filling for burritos, or as a boost of protein for quesadillas.
Start the day off right with sweet and creamy slow cooker oats for breakfast. The evaporated milk adds such creaminess that you'll think you're having pudding for breakfast.
Nestle eggs into a spicy tomato sauce and bake them for a light and easy supper. Serve over pasta or with crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping.
This is my go-to dressing. I use it on everything from steamed veggies to salads and sandwiches.
The combination of rosemary and maple, with a hint of spice from the black pepper, is delightful.
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.
Even kale needs some love. Massaging an acid-based dressing into the fibrous green leaves tenderizes them, making the healthy vegetable more palatable in its raw form.
Vinaigrettes are perfect as salad dressing, a dipping sauce for steamed vegetables, and a marinade for lean cuts of meats.
I adapted this recipe from one found on choosingraw.com; adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your palate. This makes an excellent grilled cheese!
Ditch the toaster pastry. They're loaded with sugar and fat--and not much else. My hand tarts are full of fruit, and if you make them ahead of time your kids can grab them and go.
Soy substitutes are so convincingly delicious that no one will know this isn't real chorizo. Bonus: This dish has zero cholesterol!
Cold, it crunches and pops in your mouth with a bold, nutty taste. Hot, it becomes smooth and more mellow. Either way, buckwheat (kasha) is a healthy, hearty breakfast.
Brown rice that's ready when you are--and packed with flavor
Vindaloo is one of my favorite dishes in the world! This spicy Indian curry can be made vegetarian or with meat and is packed with spices. For those new to Indian cooking, I simplified the spice list, choosing five you might already have on hand.
Biting into a perfectly crispy fried shrimp is so satisfying. The 10 grams of fat per serving? Not so satisfying. This dish has all the crunch, with much less fat.
Eat as a side salad or add two grilled scallops and a slice of grilled whole-grain bread for a meal!
Sweeten up your morning grapefruit by baking it! This easy dish will make a grapefruit lover out of you.
Puttanesca is one of my favorite Italian sauces. This version turns ordinary dried brown lentils into real comfort food.
Try this spicy Asian paste in your slow-cooker stews, broth based soups, or combined with yogurt as a zippy sandwich spread.
Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.
Roasted peppers and almonds pair with fresh parsley in this tangy Spanish-inspired sauce.
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.
This seasonal salad is ready in a flash. You will love the softness of the greens with the crunch of the radish and pomegranate.
By roasting these hearty winter vegetables, we soften their strong tastes and bring out their natural sweetness.
A light and minty holiday cookie!
The secret to this hearty vegetarian chili is butternut squash. It holds its shape and adds a layer of flavor and sweetness.
This creme brulee recipe is full of flavor, not fat. The cranberry-orange combo is perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Save money and increase nutrition in your burgers. The secret ingredient? Lentils!
This salad is full of distinct, strong flavors. It's a great way to get new greens onto your plate.
Try this over whole wheat toast with nut butter or to thicken fall soups. You won't believe we didn't add any sugar!
Kid prepared and approved! I am always looking for a salad that my kids can make and then devour. This is a winner for kids and moms.
Corn pudding is a Southern favorite, but boy is it heavy. I lightened it up and pumped it up with vegetables. This dish has 4g fiber per serving!
Make your basic grilled cheese tastier and healthier with these grown-up tweaks to your basic bread and cheese. Serve with steamed broccoli or tomato soup filling meal for under 400 calories!
We made over a church supper stand-by. Gone are the gobs of cheese and ground beef, but all the flavor remains.
You and your family will love these super easy pretzels. The dough only needs 5 minutes to rest so from start to finish, this snack is ready in a flash.
This simple and delicious appetizer is very festive--red and green for the holidays.
This pumpkin smoothie is a sweet and healthy treat perfect for cooler months.
This fruit crisp is equally delicious when made on the backyard grill or eaten around a campfire. Use any combination of fruits in these simple packets.
This almond shortbread recipe replaces my mom's buttery shortbread. My new and improved version has less than half the calories and fat.
Did you know that watermelon rind was edible? It is--we use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer first, then we pickle it!
Keep summer's freshest green beans around a bit longer by making quick refrigerator pickles.
Pickling is a great way to extend the season. The basic pickling mix can be used for just about any vegetable.
These tostadas are healthy, easy to make and kid-friendly. Feel free to top them with extra veggies of your choice!
Take some help from the store: Feta and pesto dress up grilled zucchini.
Caponata is a Mediterranean vegetable stew. Eat it as is, or atop toasted whole-wheat bread or pasta.
This homemade alternative to store bought drinks is intended to replace electrolytes and carbohydrates during/after endurance workouts or exercise in hot, humid weather.
Tahini replaces mayonnaise for a creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor, plus some fiber, protein, and calcium.
It will be our little secret that this recipe isn't high in fat. It's so creamy no one will ever know!
This crunchy cole slaw is a healthier version of that summer favorite: ramen noodle salad. Two servings of vegetables in every portion!
Broccoli salad is a summertime party staple. This version is healthier--with plenty of flavor from almonds and raisins!
These are addictive. They're sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. Cut back on the sriracha/chili flakes to tame these fiery nuts. Use smoked (not hot or sweet) paprika.
This salmon dinner is worthy of a restaurant. Only you will know you're doing something great for your heart in every bite!
This meal tastes of springtime, and it's light enough that it fits into a heart-healthy diet.
This recipe was inspired by moussaka, eggplant Parmesan and lasagna. The result is a light and tasty meatless meal that makes any night a special occasion.
We tend to think of herbs as garnishes, but parsley takes a starring role in this fresh pesto.
Use yogurt instead of eggs and water for the moistest, most delicious cake you've ever eaten.
This veggie stock has a stronger, richer flavor than most.
Just like Chef Meg's mom (who was from Britain) used to make!
This is Chef Meg's take on a turkey reuben!
If you want a stock packed with flavor, this is the one to make. Change it up: Add ginger for Asian-style stock and garlic for Italian flair.
Chicken and beef stocks are easy to find on store shelves, and many of them taste almost as good as homemade. It's a bit trickier to find seafood stock, and I've never found one that I really like. Thankfully, making your own is fairly easy.
One bite and you're transported to Louisiana!
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.
These cookies are packed full of whole grains and fiber to fill you up and keep you satisfied. They're great for snacks and suitable for those with diabetes!
I love a good sandwich, one that's so big you have to smash to fit into your mouth. This one is big on flavor, light on fat!
Make these rolls at night and pop them in the microwave (about 20 seconds) or toaster oven (on low) until warm. Pair them with a banana or apple, a peeled hard-boiled egg, and a cup of milk, and breakfast is ready to go in two minutes flat!
This soup is packed with flavor yet low in fat. You can customize it with any vegetables or protein you have on hand.
This is such a hearty savory soup--and it's vegan! The color alone should win you over. By roasting the vegetables you get a sweet smoky smell and taste.
What a sweet warm treat for a cold afternoon!
This vegetarian chili uses some secret tricks to boost the flavor without adding calories!
This stew can be made from your pantry and freezer from ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, making it perfect for busy days--or lazy snow days!
This dish is perfect for busy nights.
Families have gone to war over chili recipes! I love a thick, meaty chili with loads of beans and vegetables. Thankfully my family agrees!
Garlic is good for more than keeping away vampires. It's also quite good for you and full of flavor. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and gives it a creamy texture.
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.
This dip is great for a midday snack alongside vegetables or whole-grain crackers or as a cold sauce for sandwiches.
What a treat these burgers are! I love how the tangy flavor of the sauce and the peppery notes of the greens play off the savory burger.
A friend issued a challenge to cure a Nutella addiction. This recipe was just the ticket! No hydrogenated oils, fewer calories, less fat--and more fiber and protein!
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.
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.
This light recipe is great for lunch, supper, or both. It serves eight, so cook once and eat twice!
A lighter take on a pub favorite! For extra veggies, top with chopped tomatoes.
This quick and easy meal is a hit with kids. If they can't tolerate spicy foods, reduce or omit the sriracha.
Looking for a simple curry that's flavorful but not too hot? This hearty stew fits the bill.
This simple and delicious appetizer is very festive--red and green for the holidays.
This is truly just a little bite, but it packs so much flavor. You'll love this fancy appetizer! It proves that you can enjoy rich ingredients in small portions.
As simple, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres.
This quick and easy appetizer will be a hit at your next party. We think it would make a great sandwich or salad idea, too.
Perfect for your next party--or turn any snack into a festive event!
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.
This pie crust has a crunchy addition: pepitas, or shelled pumpkin seeds. They add a nice nutty flavor.
I love to increase the nutrition of baked goods by adding whole grains. That's the secret to these pecan tarts.
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.
After one sip of this savory pumpkin soup, you will be surprised to find it packs a little heat.
A double-hitter: Each portion has almost two servings of vegetables.
Rich and creamy, this risotto is full of whole grains and vegetables.
Try using an English Cut Beef Roast. It is economical and flavorful. This cut of meat comes from the shoulder or neck area of the animal.
Lemony coriander and smoky cumin pair perfectly with sharp Cheddar in this grown-up spin on scalloped potatoes.
An experiment with leftovers yields a delightful, filling vegetarian meal.
Full of fiber and fresh herbs, this whole-grain salad is perfect as a side or light lunch.
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.
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.
This soup, based on a Turkish recipe given to me by a friend, is incredibly filling. (It is called Bride Ezo Soup.)
Sweet summer corn gets a tangy twist.
In summertime, I like to use this stone fruit salsa over fish or chicken, or as a topping for Greek yogurt.
Gazpacho is one of my favorite summer meals, and it's no coincidence that it's also one of the easiest to make. It's simply a chilled, usually blended vegetable soup of Spanish origin.
Chef Meg's homemade and natural ricotta cheese is easy to make and a fun project for someone who likes to cook.
The only turkey recipe you'll ever need--no basting necessary.
A steakhouse-quality supper ready in 10 minutes!
This is a great kids' meal, or cut each quesadilla into eight pieces for an appetizer.
This easy, cheesy eggplant packs a mean veggie punch! A simple vegetarian meal that even meat-eaters will love.
We've bumped up the nutrition--and kept all the flavor--of this traditional Italian pizza with tomato, sliced mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
These brownies have a few secret ingredients that boost the nutrition, while the dark cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips keep the rich flavor that you crave in a brownie.
Low-fat buttermilk and applesauce help lower the fat, and the whole-wheat flour and flax seed add fiber. These healthful muffins freeze well!
Take some help from the market if you're not an experienced baker. A spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin become a tasty, easy-to-make cookie.
Instead of reaching for fried chicken or frozen chicken nuggets, turn to these spicy, crunchy ones instead.
I started making my own granola, and I wanted a recipe with no added fat.
My dip has all the flavor of the original, but it's much easier on the waistline. I prefer to eat this "dip" with a fork or raw vegetables.
Cheesy, rich, delicious--just what you expect in macaroni and cheese. What you won't expect? 2/3 the fat and half the calories of the original!
Skip the drive-through and serve these instead. Split one open, pop in an egg cooked your way and even some shredded cheese.
With this dish you get a serving of fruit in every portion. Dice the orange if you prefer smaller pieces and--if you're feeling creative--use a vegetable peeler to create curls of orange zest.
Though we loaded up on the veggies, we didn't skip on the good stuff!
Granola is incredibly affordable when you make it yourself. This recipe combines some of my favorite ingredients: maple syrup, almond butter and seeds!
Need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This recipe makes that happen.
The perfect soup to warm your belly on a cold night or soothe you when you're sick.
Serve these holiday cookies with a cup of tea or lowfat vanilla ice cream.
Load up on Roma tomatoes when they're in season, then dry them in the oven to intensify their flavor and savor them all year round.
Instead of a whole pie, try making bite-size tarts. The diminutive desserts cook quicker and are automatically portion controlled. Plus, they're easier to make for a crowd, and there's no need for a fork and plate.
Sandwiches so good, you'll think someone brought home takeout from your neighborhood deli!
Lean and versatile, this recipe is the little black dress of your healthy recipe arsenal. Cook this roast on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. We used no salt, just pepper for a truly flavorful roast.
Learn how to make caramelized onions to add flavor to any dish, from soups and sandwiches to stews and dips.
I can't get enough of this easy recipe; it's ready in 15 minutes!The still-runny egg yolk adds a creaminess to the sauce and perfectly mixes with the spinach.
Gravy gets a bad rap, but this tasty sauce can be made with almost no fat.
Use leftover roast beef to make this quick, hearty, healthy soup.
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.
This recipe sings of the fall and early winter harvest.
Chef Meg shares a secret for getting the perfect grilled sandwich!
Tired of the same old red sauce from a jar? Try this instead.
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.
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.
This is a great meal for a busy night--for some added fun, bring out the chopsticks! Change up the veggies, and you'll have a new meal each time you make this dish.
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.
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!
This recipe sings of the fall and early winter harvest. This side dish is quite affordable: about 60 cents a serving for the vegetables!
Toss the canned cranberry jelly and use this homemade version instead. It's ready in no time, and it's full of healthy fruit!
After you've roasted a chicken or turkey don't throw away the bones. They can be used to make homemade, low-sodium stocks, which can add flavor to your healthy, home-cooked meals.
What a great dish for one of those nights when your kids have a late soccer game! Brown the meat, layer in the ingredients, set your slow cooker on low, and go!
This is a great recipe when the garden is overflowing.
This tomato soup is so rich and thick you'll swear it's laden with cream and butter. The trick is really good tomatoes.
Chef Meg lightened up a picnic and potluck favorite! Her secret ingredient (shh, don't tell!) is pickle juice.
We cut the grease and used reduced-fat string cheese to re-create a pub favorite.
Making homemade stock is so easy! It's a third the price of buying it in stores.
My kids never complain about eating both beans and greens in one meal when they're served alongside rich, slow-cooked pork.
Try this inexpensive and fresh version of a chicken casserole--no need for processed soups or sauces!
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.
This is a great dessert that's delicious when strawberries are in season.
This protein-rich vegetarian recipe is simple to make and tasty to eat!
This dish inspired by Costa Rican spices seems exotic, but it uses spices and ingredients you already have around the house: coffee, cocoa and cinnamon. You'll wonder why you've been relegating these flavorings to dessert!
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!
Ditch those packets from the supermarket, and whip up a batch of this simple, tasty taco seasoning!
This is a great recipe to use as a basis for plenty of meals!
This soups works well with most vegetables from the garden-- experiment and use vegetables that are in season.
Cooking fish or chicken in parchment-paper packets keeps the dish moist and tender, with no added fat. Plus, it's done in minutes!
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!
Think you dislike beets? Not after trying this recipe! Roasting brings out the beets' natural sweetness, and the feta offers a salty contrast.
Fresh and juicy during spring and summer months, strawberries are delicious when combined with tender spinach, creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted almonds.
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.
This Mexican pizza is a tasty alternative to traditional pizza. Add grilled chicken or cooked shrimp to change this up!
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.
This one-dish meal is great for a weeknight meal or as a appetizer for a party. Serve it with steamed broccoli or a green salad.
All the taste of a loaded baked potato, in a hearty soup.
There is room for red meat in a healthy lifestyle. The key is choosing lean cuts and healthful cooking methods.
This sauce is great on grilled meats, and it makes enough for two meals. Try it on cooked pasta or roasted vegetables.
Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Citrus and cilantro dress up grilled fish.
Roasted chicken is a simple and versatile protein. Use it in soups, throw it on pasta or pair it with a simple salad.
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.
A quick and hearty soup with plenty of spice!
This is my favorite way to eat pineapple. I throw it on the grill with chicken, pork or beef! It is a great way to satisfy the sweet/savory tooth.
Smoky from the cumin with a hidden serving of vegetables, this dip is equally delicious in a burrito as it is spread on tortilla chips.
My aunt Gwen was a great cook and she kept go-to, quick recipes that were always as good as her spent-all-day-making recipes. This was one of my favorites from her go-to, quick list.
This is the easiest recipe I know, and it's quite tasty, too. Grill or saute chicken, cook rice and top with salsa!
This slimmed down version of your favorite dip is easy to make--and it's light enough for you to load up on it!
Peanut sauce is one of my favorite things to eat, usually with tofu, green vegetables (like broccoli, spinach and edamame) and brown rice.
This light pasta dish has 2 1/2 servings of vegetables in each portion.
Addictively delicious and unbelievably easy, this dish is perfect on pasta, in tacos, or simply atop steamed rice and veggies.
Large hard pretzels are drizzled in chocolate for a decadent treat!
Butternut squash helps slim down this macaroni and cheese. You can't taste it, and it boosts the nutritional value of the dish!
Delicious and easy, this salad combines all of my favorite sushi ingredients in one bowl! And, because it's based on a California roll, it uses fully cooked seafood.
Turn any night into a special occasion with this 20-minute meal inspired by a Parisian bistro.
My favorite Mexican restaurant serves a guacamole that's heavy on vegetables--and flavor. To slim it down even more, serve with carrots, celery and cucumber slices.
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.
This was my first attempt at making my own granola, because let's face it--that stuff is expensive at the store! You can use any combination of your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruit, but these are my favorites.
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!
These seasonal waffles are easy to make and are packed with protein and fiber. The perfect fall or winter breakfast!
Cucumbers give this guacamole a refreshing flavor while also cutting the calories in each serving.
Use as a dip for veggies or a spread on pita and sandwiches.
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!
A hearty, homecooked meal that everyone will love! Serve with steamed broccoli and sweet corn for a complete vegetarian meal.
Full of fiber and fresh herbs, this whole-grain salad is perfect as a side or light lunch.
Low-cal cookies have never tasted so good! Add color and flare with your favorite decorations.
When the craving for chocolate hits, try this Chocolate-Cinnamon Bread Pudding. The warm melted chocolate makes it a definite comfort food, while the whole wheat bread and evaporated skim milk adds to its nutritional punch.
Sauteed sweet peppers dress up plain chicken. Serve on top of a bed of brown rice.
This healthy, hearty salad is packed full of fruit AND vegetables.
Tender spinach and sweet pears are drizzled with tangy vinaigrette, then topped with rich blue cheese and crisp red onion for a salad you'll love.
Simply seasoned eggplant is great as a dip, a spread for crackers or crusty bread, or a flavor-booster for chicken.
Serve this delicious dip with low carb vegetables like green pepper strips, celery sticks, and cucumber slices.
A spicy Cajun twist to the familiar Caesar salad.
A low-fat, heart healthy version of this traditional comfort food.
Start your day with this hearty, low-fat granola.
Ready in just 20 minutes.
Baked potatoes stuffed with seasoned cottage cheese are a lavish low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium treat.
If you like lemons, you'll love this simple chicken dish!
Using low-fat milk instead of cream lowers the saturated fat content in this hearty summer soup.