Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry wheat kernels
1 1⁄4 cups carrots, peeled and diced
1 1⁄4 cups red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 2 small peppers)
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced
1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1⁄2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place dry wheat kernels in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and continue to simmer for 1 hour, or until the wheat kernels are tender but still chewy. Drain the cooked wheat berries and rinse with cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, onions and parsley to the wheat berries in the mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, water, vegetable oil, garlic powder and salt. Pour dressing over the salad and mix until salad is well coated.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Prep time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Chill Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

1 cup dry bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
1⁄2 cucumber, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped mint (or cilantro)
1 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

DRESSING
1⁄4 cup lemon juice (or vinegar or half of each)
2 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and soak in the hot water until the water is absorbed, (about 30 minutes). When it's ready, drain any excess water.
2. Mix the dressing Ingredients together. Set aside.
3. Chop the vegetables and add to the prepared bulgur. 
4. Add dressing to salad and stir. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and serve chilled.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Top with plain yogurt.
• Add other chopped veggies including red or green peppers, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), grated carrots, or summer squash.
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.
• Serve as a side dish or serve on lettuce leaves or make sandwiches with whole wheat or pocket (pita) bread.

Lentil Confetti Salad

Lentil Confetti Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup dry lentils
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup reduced fat italian dressing
1⁄2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
1⁄4 cup green peppers, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 a small pepper)
3 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped celery
6 sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and drain lentils. Place in saucepan, add water and salt.
2. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. The lentils should be tender with skin intact. Drain immediately.
3. Combine the lentils with cooked rice, pour dressing over mixture and refrigerate until cool.
4. Add rest of Ingredients, except parsley, mix well.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving (optional).
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Dry Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Dry Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounce) garbanzo beans
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Drain garbanzo beans in a strainer and rinse with cool water. Shake strainer to help remove water. Dry beans with paper towels to prevent "popping" in the oven.
3. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley and dill weed in a small bowl.
4. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Pour garbanzo beans onto baking sheet and spread in a single layer.
5. Lightly spray the tops of beans with cooking spray. Sprinkle seasoning mix over the beans. Shake pan to help distribute the seasoning and make sure beans are in a single layer.
6. Place pan on the lowest rack in the oven.  Cook 30-40 minutes.  Gently shake and rotate pan every 10-15 minutes to make sure nothing burns.  Beans are done when crispy and brown. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pearl barley (cooking Directions below)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1⁄4 cup sliced green onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Mix barley with remaining Ingredients, except garnish, in a large bowl.
2. Cover and chill several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
3. Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Freeze extra lime or lemon juice to use later. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
• To cook pearl barley:
  • In medium saucepan with lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup pearl barley and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Makes about 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Place any extra cooked barley in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze. Add cooked barley to soups, stews, casseroles and salads for a healthful whole grain boost

Veggie Stew

Veggie Stew

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

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup diced onion (1/2 medium onion)
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced in 2” sticks
1 can (about 15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 medium potato, diced
1 zucchini (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable broth granules (or 1 bouillon cube)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a deep pot heat 1 Tablespoon of oil.
2. Add onions and celery and sauté until they are soft.
3. Add the rest of the vegetables, 1 cup water and vegetable broth granules.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer slowly for 30 minutes or until carrots and potatoes are tender.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• If stew gets too dry, add more water.

Quick Lasagna

Quick Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups spaghetti sauce
4 Tablespoons fresh parsley, or 4 teaspoons dried
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 pint (2 cups) low-fat cottage cheese
2⁄3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1⁄3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until it is no longer pink.
2. Drain fat, add onion, and cook until onion is clear.
3. Add garlic, 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce, and herbs; spread evenly in skillet.
4. Reduce heat to low (200 degrees in an electric skillet), spread cottage cheese over mixture, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Top with 4 noodles, breaking remaining 2 to fill in open spaces.
5. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of noodles; gently press noodles down to moisten.
6. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until noodles are tender. Top with remaining cheeses, cover, and simmer 2 more minutes or until cheeses are melted.
7. Let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Italian Veggie Soup

Italian Veggie Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced or diced carrots
1 1⁄2 cups sliced or chopped cabbage
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato pieces with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ouncse) cut green beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole kernel corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
2 cups water
3 teaspoons or 3 cubes low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaf
1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaf
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup small macaroni (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add to soup pan.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until limp but not brown. Add to soup pan.
3. Add all the remaining Ingredients to soup pan.
4. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Savory Turnips

Savory Turnips

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons margarine or butter
3 medium turnips, peeled and diced
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup broth (try chicken or vegetable)
1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 1⁄2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1⁄8 teaspoon salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in margarine until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add turnips and sugar. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates and the turnips are tender (about 30 to 40 minutes).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Chicken Creole

Chicken Creole

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

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup chili sauce (about 9 ounces)
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Heat pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add oil and chicken, and cook until no longer pink when cut.
2. Reduce heat to medium (300 degrees in electric skillet).
3. Add tomatoes with juice, chili sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, and cayenne pepper.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve over hot, cooked rice or pasta.
• No chili sauce? Make your own and reduce sodium using these Ingredients:
  • 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Orange Rice Salad

Orange Rice Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
1⁄2 cup celery, diced
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon orange juice or vinegar
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all Ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.
2. Chill for an hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding 2/3 cup diced green peppers or other crunchy vegetables.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 9 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

SALAD
1 cup quinoa (dry)
2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
3 large celery stalks, diced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 green onions, sliced
3 Tablespoons minced parsley

DRESSING
1⁄2 cup rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh wire strainer under running water for 1 minute.
2. Bring the water or broth and quinoa to a boil in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Refrigerate until cool.
3. Meanwhile, combine all the vegetables in a salad bowl.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the dressing Ingredients. Add to the vegetables.
5. Add quinoa and stir gently to combine.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Spinach Pasta Salad

Spinach Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (try whole wheat shells, bow ties, macaroni or other small shapes)
4 cups spinach
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

DRESSING
2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar and vegetable oil.
2. Add cooked pasta, spinach, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, mandarin oranges and cilantro or parsley, if desired. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try a low fat Asian Salad Dressing from the store to replace the dressing ingredients.

Ranch Dip

Ranch Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 16 servings
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt, depending on thickness desired
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
2 sprigs of parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Directions

1. For a chunky dip, mix cottage cheese, yogurt and seasonings of your choice in a bowl.
2. For a smoother dip, mash cottage cheese with a fork before adding yogurt and seasonings.
3. For a smooth dip, blend all ingredients in a blender.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Low-Fat Tartar Sauce

Low-Fat Tartar Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup nonfat plain yogurt or nonfat sour cream
1 Tablespoon chopped pickle or relish (sweet or dill)
2 teaspoons dried minced onion or 1 tablespoon minced fresh onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parlsey
1 teaspoon mustard
2 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until used.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Veggie Patties

Veggie Patties

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 7 servings
Serving Size 2 patties

Ingredients
1 cup shredded carrots (1 to 1.5 carrots)
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup shredded potatoes
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced onion
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Form vegetable mixture into small flat patties.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Cook patties on both sides over medium heat for about 8 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Salmon Pasta Skillet

Salmon Pasta Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup       

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups whole grain pasta (try shells, elbow, or bow tie)
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 Tablespoons chopped onion
1 can (5 ounces) canned salmon, drained (about 1/2 cup cooked fresh salmon)
2 small tomatoes, chopped
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, then set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and cook until tender.
3. Add cooked pasta, salmon, tomato, lemon juice, parsley and salt. Cook until heated through.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.