Easy Manicotti

Easy Manicotti

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 14 servings
Serving Size 1 filled shell

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 egg
1 carton (15 ounces) low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
6 ounces shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced, or 3 tablespoons dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon italian seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) pasta sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. While pasta is cooking, beat egg in medium bowl. Add ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Pour a little of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking pan to prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Stuff shells with filling (about 2-3 rounded teaspoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in pan. Pour remaining sauce evenly over pasta.
6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
7. Let rest 10 minutes outside of oven before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add Parmesan cheese to the filling mixture.
• Add your favorite spices to sauce for additional flavor.

Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 16 servings
Serving Size 1/2 enchilada

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup salsa
1 1⁄2 cups corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheese
8 10" whole wheat flour tortillas
1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix beans, salsa, corn, and half of the cheese together in a bowl.
3. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the bean mixture onto each tortilla.
4. Roll the tortilla and place seam-side down in baking dish.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• This dish can be prepared in a microwave safe dish. Prepare as above and cook on HIGH in the microwave for 7-10 minutes or until steaming hot. Covering the dish will reduce spattering.
• Substitute pinto beans or kidney beans for the black beans.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

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

Ingredients

2 cups diced cucumbers
1 cup seeded and diced tomato
1⁄4 cup chopped sweet onion
2 cups cooked couscous or rice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1⁄2 cup low-fat italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Toss together the cucumber, tomatoes, onions, couscous or rice, dill weed and salad dressing.
2. For best flavor, chill for 1 hour before serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons flour
1⁄4 teaspoon basil
1⁄4 teaspoon rosemary
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 cups frozen green beans
2 cups cooked new potatoes
1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms

Directions

1. Heat oil in a small saucepan; blend in flour.
2. Slowly add basil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and milk.
3. Cook and stir constantly until thickened.
4. Add beans, potatoes, and mushrooms and heat through.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cowboy Salad

Cowboy Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 15 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces) black-eyed peas or black beans
1 can (15 ounces) corn
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch green onions (5 green onions)
3 medium tomatoes
1 avocado (optional)
1 Tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons vinegar or lime juice
1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas (or black beans) and corn.
2. Finely chop the cilantro and green onions.
3. Dice the tomatoes and avocados.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Mix oil, vinegar or lime juice, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
6. Pour oil mixture over salad ingredients and toss lightly.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with your favorite meal or as a snack with tortilla chips.
• Try adding other vegetables such as sweet or hot peppers or zucchini.
• Freeze extra lime 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.

Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup dry couscous
1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup boiling water
1⁄2 cup low fat Italian Salad Dressing
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 green onions, sliced
3⁄4 cup frozen peas, thawed
1⁄4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Place the couscous and cranberries in a large bowl.
2. Pour boiling water over the mixture; cover and let stand until just warm. Fluff with a fork to separate.
3. Add dressing and mix lightly.
4. Wash and prepare vegetables and chop nuts.
5. Add to salad and toss lightly to distribute.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To toast nuts, spread on a baking sheet or pan and heat in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the nuts. Watch closely to avoid scorching. 
• Salad may be refrigerated for up to a day after adding the dressing; then near serving time, toss with vegetables and nuts.
• What is Couscous? Couscous is small precooked pellets shaped from wheat flour or sometimes other grains. It can be found in many bulk food sections and in packages along the pasta aisle. Try whole grain couscous.

Corn Critter Salad

Corn Critter Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 cup cooked (or canned) black beans
2 Tablespoons diced green or red peppers
2 Tablespoons cilantro leaves
1 Tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Drain (or thaw and drain) corn. Drain black beans.
2. Wash and chop peppers and cilantro leaves.
3. Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Enjoy!
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.

Corn & Tomato Salad

Corn & Tomato Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 3⁄4 cups corn, (fresh cooked, frozen or canned and drained)
3 small tomatoes, diced (1 1/2 cups)
1⁄3 cup fat-free Italian salad dressing
1⁄4 cup minced fresh basil

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Try cilantro instead of basil. Add chopped green or red peppers or zucchini.
• Serve this salad as a side dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos or wraps.
• Make your own nonfat salad dressing by placing the ingredients below in a jar. Cover jar and shake well before adding to salad:
  • 5 Tablespoons apple juice
  • 2 Tablespoons wine or cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, dried basil and dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon brown or yellow mustard

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.

Chili Cheese Hominy

Chili Cheese Hominy

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
1⁄2 cup onion, chopped (about 1/2 a medium)
1 can (31 ounces) white or yellow hominy, drained and rinsed, or 2 cans (15.5 ounces each)
1 can (7 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained, or 2 cans (4 ounces each)
1 cup fat free sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and cook until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Stir in hominy, green chilies, sour cream, chili powder and pepper. Add half of the cheese and mix well.
3. Reduce heat to medium (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Cover and cook until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover and cook an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Carrot, Jicama and Orange Salad

Carrot, Jicama and Orange Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 cups jicama, peeled and cut into small pieces (about 1 small jicama)
1 cup carrots, peeled and coarsely grated (about 2 medium carrots)
2 cups oranges, peeled and cut into small pieces (about 2 small oranges)
2 teaspoons oil
2 Tablespoons orange juice (juice from 1/4 orange)
1 Tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons lime juice
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix jicama, carrots, and oranges.
2. In a small bowl, combine oil, orange juice, honey, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
3. Pour over the salad and stir lightly.
4. Serve immediately.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Want to use canned mandarin oranges instead? One 10.5 oz. can equals 1 cup of mandarin oranges.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
• Freeze extra lime juice to use later.

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrots (about 4 carrots)
1⁄2 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 Tablespoons plain yogurt or orange juice

Directions

1. Combine carrots and raisins in a serving bowl.
2. Mix low fat mayonnaise or salad dressing with yogurt or orange juice.
3. Pour mixture over carrots and raisins and chill until serving time.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 7 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 cup celery, washed and sliced
1 cup chopped onion
3 cups shredded or chopped cabbage
1⁄2 cup chopped green pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium tomato, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add celery and onion. Cook 4-7 minutes until soft.
3. Add cabbage, green pepper, salt and pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often so the cabbage sweats.
4. Add tomato and serve immediately.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• If you don’t have tomatoes, try adding 3/4 cup cooked, sliced carrots instead.

Bulgur Pilaf

Bulgur Pilaf

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

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons oil
1⁄2 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup bulgur, uncooked
1⁄2 teaspoon Salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) (see notes)

Directions

1. Add oil, celery, onion and bulgur to a medium skillet.
2. Stir constantly over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until vegetables are tender and bulgur is golden brown.
3. Add seasonings and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Cover pan and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer 15 minutes.  Liquid should be gone. Serve.
6. 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.
• Add other vegetables such as peas, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers.
• Try additional flavors such as dill weed, oregano, sage, marjoram, or parsley.

Bruschetta Salad

Bruschetta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups chopped roma tomatoes
1⁄2 cup chopped red onion
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped basil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups Croutons

Directions

1. Combine the tomatoes, onion, basil, salt, black pepper, vinegar and oil in a bowl.
2. Stir croutons in the salad and serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

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.

Braised Radishes

Braised Radishes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

4 bunches of radishes (30 to 36 radishes)
1⁄2 cup water
2 Tablespoons sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Wash radishes and remove stems and roots.  Cut in half or quarters.
2. In a medium saucepan or skillet, bring water, sugar and salt to a boil.
3. Add radishes and reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until radishes are tender and can be pierced with a fork, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Uncover and cook until liquid reduces to make a shiny glaze. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Radishes are also tasty in a stir-fry or green salad.

Bell Pepper Nachos

Bell Pepper Nachos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

4 bell peppers
1 cup salsa
2 teaspoons seasoning (try a mixture-chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, pepper)
2 cups cooked meat (chopped or shredded), beans or tofu
1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
2. Wash bell peppers, remove seeds and cut into bite-sized pieces. Arrange pieces close together in a single layer on a large foil-lined baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, combine salsa, seasonings and meat, beans or tofu.  Spoon the mixture evenly over pepper pieces then top with cheese.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until peppers are heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• For added flavor, top with chopped cilantro, green onions or black olives!

Asian Chicken Salad

Asian Chicken Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 2 cups

Ingredients

DRESSING
1⁄3 cup rice vinegar
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1⁄2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1⁄2 teaspoon hot chili oil

SALAD
1 package (10 ounces) salad greens or 6 cups of other lettuce
1 medium carrot, grated
1 bunch green onions, sliced diagonally
1⁄2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, rinsed
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
1 package (6 ounces) snow peas, sliced diagonally
2 cups cooked boneless chicken meat, shredded

Directions

1. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Toss greens, carrot, onion and cilantro with dressing.
3. Drain mandarin oranges and water chestnuts, then add to salad.
4. Add snow peas and chicken; mix lightly.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Sprinkle with chopped, dry roasted peanuts