More About CHEF_MEG

In summer, when there always seems to be leftover barbecue chicken, turn it into this simple, tasty soup.

Two of our favorite summer fruits star in this simple yet sophisticated salad.

When you're craving something crunchy but don't want the added fat, whip up a batch of these chips.

These chewy snacks are a perfect afternoon snack or lunchbox treat.

Consider this your weekly "clean out the fridge" or "use up what's ripe in the garden" meal.

This pesto is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect addition to everything from dressings and pasta to soups and pasta salads.

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.

Shortcake usually involves strawberries, but it's just as delicious with other summer fruits, including peaches. This dessert is not too sweet and ready in just 30 minutes.

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.

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.

Depending on how small you chop the veggies, this light summer side can be a salad or salsa. Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. As a dip, opt for endive, jicama slices, or lime tortilla chips.

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."

This veggie-packed chicken stir-fry gets a flavor boost from bourbon. (Not a fan? Use OJ or apple juice.)

These hunger-busting bars are ready in a snap, and they're perfect for a hike or an after-workout snack.

After a long day, sit down to a hearty meal of tender beef, slow-cooked carrots, and melt-in-your-mouth mushrooms and onions.

Light on fat with plenty of fresh lemon, this one-dish meal requires only just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.

My boys love this overstuffed burrito--and they need both hands to eat it. Beefy and packed with veggies, it's a quick weeknight dinner

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.

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.

Serve this comforting Hungarian classic with steamed brown rice and spinach or over whole-wheat egg noodles.

This sauce pairs well with your favorite Asian dishes.

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

This no-cook treat is a quick way to satisfy a craving for chocolate and cheesecake.

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.

Your entire dinner will be waiting on you when you get home with this meal.

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 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.

Get all the smoky flavor with far less salt by swapping the ham hock for Canadian bacon in this favorite winter soup.

A lighter take on a Greek favorite makes for a quick lunch or brunch item.

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

This sweet sauce is perfect on roast pork, chicken, or salmon.

You'll love the tangy-sweet sauce paired with smoky pork tenderloin! Serve with roasted squash and garnish with pom arils.

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.

Brisket is one of the toughest cuts of beef so it needs some help from a marinade and a slow moist cooking environment. This fork-tender dish requires almost no work from you.

Tostadas, basically open-faced tacos or tortilla pizzas, are perfect for weeknight meals.

Does your fish always stick to the grill? Not with this super easy method!

Roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish for a cool weather dinner.

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.

Smoky cumin-rubbed pork gets topped with spicy sweet sauce for a quick weeknight meal.

Perfect snack for school lunches, after school or work snacks, or as a side dish with meals.

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.

What's the secret to moist and flavorful chicken? Poaching it! Chicken breasts contain very little fat; this method keeps the meat from drying out.

We ditched the mayo from this sandwich staple and boosted the nutrition with crunchy vegetables.

With the abundance of squash in summertime, zucchini cakes are a popular seasonal treat. This one is light and not too sweet.

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.

Guacamole or sour cream? Sour cream or guacamole? Why choose? My avocado "cream" combines the flavor of both--with a boost of protein!

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!

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.

Vegetables are delicious on their own, but this light lemon sauce is a great addition to roasted
or steamed vegetables. I love it over roasted asparagus. Use this in place of Hollandaise
sauce in any recipe. It has all of the tang with much less fat.

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.

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.

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!

Thinner than pancakes, these French crepes are easy to make and fun to eat. They're perfect for weekend brunch!

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.

Not only is this dish pretty on the plate, it's quick and easy to make.

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.

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!

The best boiled eggs are simmered gently then steeped to keep them tender, not rubbery.

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

Try this fragrant seasoning blend anytime you want to replace salt in your recipes.

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!

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

When I want chocolate mousse, only the real deal will do. This version is low in fat, but it's still creamy and rich. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool!

Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.

Roasted peppers and almonds pair with fresh parsley in this tangy Spanish-inspired sauce.

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.

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

A hearty, healthier take on an iconic American meal.

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!

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.

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and zero calorie gifts from the kitchen idea for the holidays? This one is my all-time favorite.

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.

This dish is simple and quick--you'll love it. Serve it for Thanksgiving or any night of the week.

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!

Satiate your craving for chili dogs with this tasty dish.

We made over a church supper stand-by. Gone are the gobs of cheese and ground beef, but all the flavor remains.

This dip is so easy but looks fancy. Experiment with different colored peppers and flavors of salsa and hummus to change up each batch.

Use this spicy, creamy sauce on pretzels, on sandwiches or even on a baked sweet potato.

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.

Low in fat, but big on taste, everyone wins with this comforting soup recipe!

Consider these a grown-up version of jalapeno poppers.

This is the best kind of healthy recipe makeover: the kind no one will notice. Believe us when we say this dish is one of the best meals we've ever eaten.

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.

Think you don't like beets? You'll love these tangy pickled ones!

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!

A healthy appetizer or side dish that's heavy on the veggies. Use store-bought or homemade hummus.

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

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.

Take a break from eating corn on the cob to make this simple soup. Pair with a grilled steak and green salad, and dinner's ready.

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!

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 juicy and delicious burgers.

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.

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.

Those who know me well will say that I am not a snob--except for when it comes to icing. I want the real stuff! To me cakes are ruined with fake whippy icings made with shortening.

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.

This is a lighter take on the classic Italian preparation of Chicken Cacciatore (or Chicken Hunter Style). Our made-over version uses white meat rather than dark and less oil to cut almost 60 calories per serving and reduce the fat and sodium of the traditional recipe.

One bite and you're transported to Louisiana!

A hot brown is a Southern classic: An open-faced turkey sandwich is topped with a cheesy sauce, bacon and tomatoes. This one's a lot lighter, but you'd never know from the taste.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

I love to use unsweetened cocoa powder in rubs for pork. It offers a great depth to the flavor.

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.

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.

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.

Warm meat, gooey cheese, and grilled vegetables--what's not to love about a Philly cheese steak? How about the more than 1,600 calories in each one! This take on the classic skimps on fat but not flavor.

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.

This easy, cheesy eggplant packs a mean veggie punch! A simple vegetarian meal that even meat-eaters will love.

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.

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.

This is THE most popular recipe on SparkRecipes. We've added more vegetables and reduced the sodium drastically to make it even better.

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.

Need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This recipe makes that happen.

I love faux frying foods using panko. This crunchy, spicy chicken would be great on a taco salad.

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

While a salmon burger at a restaurant can cost more than $10 each, you can make four for less than that amount!

These meringues are a fun treat when served with low-fat vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit.

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

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

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

Chef Meg's Beef Roast becomes a full dinner, complete with two servings of vegetables.

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.

This an easy, affordable recipe that will impress your guests.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

In the morning, throw all the ingredients for this simple recipe in the slow cooker. A hearty and healthy dinner will be waiting for you when you get home!

Serve these fruit kebabs at your next party.

This fresh fish stew is chock full of herbs and veggies. It's slightly unusual and completely delicious.

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.

These sophisticated popped are stuffed with creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon, and tomatoes.

Chef Meg lightened up a picnic and potluck favorite! Her secret ingredient (shh, don't tell!) is pickle juice.

This lightened-up version of caramel popcorn is our favorite tailgate treat.

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.

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 four months.

This recipe takes a traditional French dish and gives it a California twist. A good portion of the fat comes from the avocado, which has mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

My kids never complain about eating both beans and greens in one meal when they're served alongside rich, slow-cooked pork.

Added more vegetable with whole yellow or red pepper and lettuce. Increased spice with cumin and changed cheese for flavor to a monterey Jack and melting abiltiy.

Dinner on the table in 15 mintues!

By choosing a darker chocolate and fat-free evaporated milk, we've cut the calories of this chocolate dip in half!

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!

Chef Meg turned a member-submitted dish into a slow cooker meal that's easy yet exotic!

This is a great slow cooker side dish that's incredibly easy to make!

Turn leftovers into a tasty movie night meal.

This is a really filling soup that's easy to make. Each serving is a hearty 2 cups!

This kid-friendly comfort food is perfect for a weeknight meal. Even better: You can use frozen veggies and leftover chicken.

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

Fried, battered, dripping sauce--hot wings are calorie bombs! But not these.

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

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

This traditional Mexican sauce is spicy and goes well with Chef Meg's Cocoa-Crusted Pork Tenderloin.

Tostada means toasted in Spanish, and in this simple recipe, Chef Meg makes a crunchy, crispy, chewy, cheesy tostada using leftovers from her Slow Cooker Provencal Chicken and Beans dish.

This is a great recipe to use as a basis for plenty of meals!

While chicken Parmesan is traditionally fried and served with pasta, this lighter version is delightful atop a hearty tomato and basil salad.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

We love shredding this sweet and savory chicken to turn it into tacos, but it's also delicious as is with a side of grilled veggies.

Parsley and capers add flavor to this veggie-packed, heart-healthy dish.

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.

Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry--choose any berry you want. You can't go wrong with these healthy, tasty muffins.

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

An Italian favorite gets a below the border twist. Chef Meg made just a few tweaks before giving this one her seal of approval! She adds the spices early in cooking to help boost flavor and added a full pound of turkey for a more filling meal.

We're serious about the spice in this recipe. Whole-grain pasta and tender shrimp pair perfectly with a luxuriously rich, piquant sauce.

Citrus and cilantro dress up grilled fish.

A simple, hearty meat-free meal. Pair with a green salad, and dinner is ready.

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.

All the flavor of bruschetta, in a mushroom!