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

Asian Beef and Noodles

Asian Beef and Noodles

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
2 cups water
2 packages oriental flavor instant ramen-style noodles, broken into small pieces
16 ounces frozen asian-style vegetables, or any other frozen vegetables
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), brown ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add 2 cups of water and ONE seasoning packet to cooked beef and mix well.
3. Add frozen vegetables, green onion, ginger, and garlic and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Add ramen noodles, reduce heat to low, and simmer 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Watermelon and Fruit Salad

Watermelon and Fruit Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup watermelon, diced
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen/thawed)
1⁄2 cup apple, banana or pear, diced
2 teaspoons lime juice
2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar

 Directions

1. Place watermelon, strawberries and blueberries in a serving bowl.
2. Add your choice of diced apple, banana or pear. Gently mix well.
3. In a small bowl combine lime juice and honey. Pour over fruit and toss to coat.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Pumpkin Pudding

Pumpkin Pudding

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin or 2 cups cooked mashed squash (such as Hubbard)
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cloves)
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 package (3.5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, salt and pumpkin pie spice together.
2. Slowly stir in milk and mix well.
3. Add instant pudding mix and stir for 2 minutes until it thickens.
4. Refrigerate until serving time.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Pumpkin Fruit Dip

Pumpkin Fruit Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 26 servings
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin (about 1 ¾ cups cooked pumpkin)
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese or plain yogurt or low-fat cream cheese
3⁄4 cup sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon Nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, ricotta cheese or yogurt, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with apple slices, bananas or grapes. 
• For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or food processor to mix ingredients.

Peach Cooler

Peach Cooler

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup 

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup non-fat dry milk
1 cup frozen peaches, chopped
1⁄2 cup cold water
1⁄2 cup orange juice (juice from 1 orange)

Directions

1. Put all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 cup chopped or sliced peaches (about 1.5 to 2 medium fresh)
• Serve as a snack or dessert during the summer months.

Magical Fruit Salad

Magical Fruit Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or canned fruit (try a mixture - apples, bananas, oranges, grapes or pineapple)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon or vanilla pudding mix
1 3⁄4 cups cold nonfat or 1% milk (or mix nonfat dry milk with cold water)

Directions

1. For fresh fruit: Rinse fruit and cut into bite-size chunks. For canned fruit: Drain fruit and cut into bite-sized chunks, if needed.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and cold milk. Add the fruit and stir gently. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• This salad is best if eaten as soon as it is ready.

Fruit Cooler

Fruit Cooler

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups fruit
3 cups 100% fruit juice
1 Tablespoon sugar and/or lime juice (optional)

Directions

1. Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces, place in blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Using frozen fruit will make your fruit cooler thick and icy!

Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt Parfait

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 bananas
24 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 cups low-fat granola

Directions

1. Peel and chop bananas.
2. Take half of the fruit and split it between the bottom of six cups or bowls.
3. Take half of the yogurt and split it between each cup or bowl, placing it on top of the fruit.
4. Sprinkle each cup with 1/4 cup granola.
5. Repeat layers.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Drizzle with honey and top with chopped nuts.
• Try other fruits, such as strawberries, apples, oranges, etc. (Use 2 cups fruit for the recipe.)
• Use different flavors of yogurt, such as lemon or strawberry, or plain for less sugar.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Yogurt Fruit Dip

Yogurt Fruit Dip

Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size 2 tablespoons

Ingredients

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mix well.
2. Serve with sliced apples or other fruit.
3. 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.

Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie

Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1⁄2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1⁄2 cup canned sliced beets, drained

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a thicker smoothie, use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit.
• Use plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Add a banana.

Tropical Smoothie

Tropical Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup 

Ingredients

1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh, frozen or canned and drained)
1 banana
1 cup cold water

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in a blender. Put lid on tightly.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into cups or glasses. Serve chilled.
4. Refrigerate or freeze extra portions for a fast, healthy snack.

Notes

• For a thicker smoothie, use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit.

Super Sundae

Super Sundae

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2⁄3 cup canned chopped peaches
2⁄3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 Tablespoons granola

Directions

1. Divide yogurt between 2 clear glasses or dishes.
2. Spoon half of the peaches and blueberries on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle each sundae with granola.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute any fruit you have on hand: try sliced bananas, canned mandarin oranges, or grapes cut in half.
• Try different flavors of yogurt like lemon or strawberry.