Sesame Broccoli

Sesame Broccoli

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon vinegar or water
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon corn starch
1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Toast sesame seeds (if using) in a dry skillet on medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, sauté broccoli in oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine water, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add the sauce mixture to the broccoli in the skillet. Stir and cook until broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (optional). Serve.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli
1 1⁄2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, toast sesame seeds in a 1 quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook until light brown.
3. Mix together sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in small bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add garlic and broccoli, and cook on medium until soft.
5. Add chicken and cook until heated through.
6. Add drained pasta and soy sauce mixture and mix well. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute diced tofu or a can of drained garbanzo beans for chicken.
• No broccoli? Use peas, green beans, or mixed veggies.
• Flavor boosters: red chili flakes, sliced green onions, and/or a teaspoon of sesame oil.

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds) cut in 1" cubes
2 teaspoons oil
1 1⁄2 cups or more chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (10.5 ounces) low sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups small shell pasta, uncooked
1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add broccoli, broth, soup, pepper, garlic and pasta. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Check near the end of cooking and add a small amount of water, if needed.
6. Add cheese during last two minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat pasta when available

Mexican Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal

Mexican Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
3⁄4 cup onion, chopped (3/4 medium onion)
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained (about 2 medium fresh tomatoes)
1 1⁄2 cups vegetables fresh, frozen, or canned and drained (try one or more-zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, corn, cauliflower)
2 cups water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheese

Directions

1. Cook beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, tomatoes, vegetables, water, and spices. Stir and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked. Add more water if needed.
5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 1 to 2 minutes to allow cheese to melt. Serve warm.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 20 more minutes

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 large chicken breast, cubed (about one cup)
2 Tablespoons oil
2 Tablespoons flour
1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
1 3⁄4 cups nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
3 cups dry penne pasta
2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken in oil.
2. Add flour, broth, milk, spices and pasta to skillet and stir well.
3. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat; simmer until pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add broccoli, cover, and cook until broccoli is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Veggie Quiche Muffins

Veggie Quiche Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size 1 muffin

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup green onion or onion, chopped (1 medium onion)
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1 cup tomatoes, diced
2 cups nonfat or 1% milk
4 eggs
1 cup baking mix (for biscuits or pancakes)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning (or dried leaf basil and oregano)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray or oil 12 muffin cups.
2. Sprinkle cheese, onions, broccoli and tomatoes in muffin cups.
3. Place remaining Ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth. Pour egg mixture over other Ingredients in muffin cups.
4. Bake until golden brown or until knife inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try chopped zucchini or mushrooms as part of the vegetables
• Use any variety of cheese your family enjoys
• Bake in a pie pan instead of muffin cups (baking time will be longer)

Fresh Veggie Pizza

Fresh Veggie Pizza

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 wedges
Serving Size 2 wedges

Ingredients

1 package low-fat crescent rolls
4 ounces non-fat cream cheese
1⁄4 cup non-fat mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup non-fat sour cream
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil (or thyme)
1⁄2 cup broccoli, chopped
1⁄2 cup cauliflower, chopped
1⁄4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
1⁄2 cup carrot, finely chopped
1⁄3 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Unroll the crescent rolls and place them on a baking sheet to bake. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and basil until smooth.
4. Spread mixture on the cooled crescent rolls.
5. Sprinkle the chopped vegetables and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture. Serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try substituting whole wheat flour tortillas for crescent rolls.
• Use vegetables that are in season and lower in cost

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 pound lean ground beef
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1⁄2 cup water
4 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
3 cups cooked bulgur

Directions

1. Sauté beef, ginger, and garlic powder in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned.
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, pepper flakes and water.
3. Add sauce to beef and cook for 5 minutes. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
4. Serve over cooked bulgur.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Vegetables

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1 cup
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup fresh vegetables per person (choose one vegetable or a mix of several – see list below)
1⁄2 teaspoon vegetable oil (per cup of vegetables)
sprinkle of salt and pepper

Directions

1. Wash vegetables, peel if desired, and cut into similar sized pieces. Smaller pieces (about 1/2 inch thickness) brown more and cook more quickly. Long thin pieces (asparagus or beans) can be left whole.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Prepare a baking sheet that will hold the vegetables in a single layer. A metal baking sheet without sides allows more browning. A covering of foil will make cleanup easy.
4. Toss the vegetable pieces with just enough oil to make them shine.
5. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast until tender and slightly browned on the edges. Baking time will depend on the thickness of the pieces. Thin pieces (asparagus or beans) may take 5 minutes; pieces about 1/2 inch thick take about 15 minutes.
7. Stir or turn about halfway through the roasting to obtain more even browning.
8. Remove to a serving dish and sprinkle lightly with salt or seasoning of your choice.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try vegetables like: beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, peppers, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, squash and more.
• Try additional seasonings like: thyme, rosemary, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice.

Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 10 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

4 cups mixed cauliflower and broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup onion, diced
1⁄4 cup sweet bell pepper, any color
1⁄3 cup lite mayonnaise
1⁄3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
1⁄8 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon dried dill weed

Directions

1. Thaw frozen cauliflower and broccoli and drain liquid. If using fresh vegetables, cook first until barely tender.
2. Combine cauliflower, broccoli, celery, onion and bell pepper in serving bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, salt, pepper and dill.
4. Stir dressing gently into salad. Chill before serving.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Tomato Pasta Salad

Tomato Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rotini noodles
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped broccoli
1⁄4 cup sliced black olives
2 teaspoons dry Italian herbs
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces low-fat Italian salad dressing (about 1 cup)

Directions

1. Combine the cooked noodles, tomatoes, broccoli and black olives together in a bowl.
2. Add the herbs, cheese and salad dressing. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup peeled and diced cucumber
1 cup sliced summer squash
3⁄4 cup Italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any colorful vegetables you have on hand. Try carrots, cherry tomatoes, green onions or frozen peas.
• Flavor boosters: 1 cup diced, cooked chicken or ham; 1 cup garbanzo beans.

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups chopped vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned (try a mixture - celery, mushrooms, water chestnuts, bok choy, cabbage, zucchini, carrot or broccoli)
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 thin slices ginger root, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked ground turkey or turkey breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked brown rice or whole grain noodles

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add vegetables, garlic, ginger root and salt. Stir fry for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to prevent scorching. Add cooked turkey and sugar. Cook until vegetables are tender and turkey is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Serve warm over rice or noodles.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Chinese Ramen Cabbage Salad

Chinese Ramen Cabbage Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

5 cups shredded cabbage
2 cups chopped broccoli (or try broccoli florets)
1 cup shredded carrot
1⁄2 cup chopped green onions
1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles crushed. Reserve seasoning packet for dressing
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, broccoli, carrot, green onions and uncooked ramen noodles.
2. For the dressing, combine ramen seasoning packet, vinegar, sugar and oil in a small bowl. Stir well.
3. Pour dressing over salad. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until served.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add chicken, tuna, tofu, nuts or other sources of protein.
• Use any kind of vinegar or substitute lowfat Italian dressing for the dressing ingredients.
• Reduce sodium by leaving out the seasoning packet.

Broccoli and Everything Salad

Broccoli and Everything Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

3 cups raw broccoli, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup onion, chopped
1 cup cooked ham, chicken or turkey
1⁄4 cup light mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Vinegar

Directions

1. Wash and prepare vegetables.
2. In a large bowl mix together broccoli, carrot, celery, raisins, onion and meat.
3. Mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar and vinegar in a separate bowl.
4. Add mayonnaise mixture to salad and mix well.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding apples or jicama.
• You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
• This salad can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 9 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

6 cups chopped broccoli
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion
1⁄4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1⁄4 cup bacon bits
1⁄2 cup light mayonnaise
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Combine chopped broccoli, raisins, chopped onion, sunflower seeds and bacon bits in a large bowl.
2. Combine mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in a small bowl.
3. Stir mayonnaise mixture into salad.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Veggie Skillet Eggs

Veggie Skillet Eggs

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 wedge

Ingredients

6 medium or large eggs
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon oregano or basil
1⁄3 cup shredded cheese (1 1/2 ounces)
2 teaspoons oil
1 small onion, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1 clove garlic, chopped (or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 cups fresh, canned or frozen mixed vegetables (green beans, zucchini, peas, corn, broccoli, mushrooms)
1 medium tomato, sliced

Directions

1. Beat eggs with pepper, oregano or basil, and cheese in a medium bowl.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add onions, garlic, and other vegetables and cook on medium (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until soft.
3. Pour egg mixture over vegetables. With knife or spatula, lift outer edges of eggs so egg mixture flows to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook until eggs are set, about 6 minutes. Top with tomato slices.
5. Cut into 8 wedges; serve hot.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.