Simple yet special with the addition of the cheese and sunflower seeds. Serve this up and watch it disappear !

Broccoli Tomato Side Salad

8 servings
108 calories per serving

6 c broccoli florets, chopped coarsely
1 c grape tomatoes, halved
1 c shredded low fat cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
2 T sunflower seeds
½ c light vinaigrette dressing
1 T Splenda
2 t Dijon mustard

Mix broccoli, tomatoes, cheese, and seeds. Mix dressing, Splenda and mustard and then mix with veggies.

This dish is worthy of any Mexican restaurant out there ! The salsas give the beans a subtle flavor and the velvety consistency of the refried beans is a perfect side to all Mexican fare. Try serving with Mini Chile Rellenos for a great Mexican inspired night.

Jazzed Up Refried Beans

6 servings
159 calories per serving

16 oz. can nonfat refried beans
15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed
¼ c prepared salsa
¼ c prepared salsa verde
2/3 c shredded low fat sharp cheddar cheese
4 scallions, sliced
Pam

Preheat broiler. Mix Beans, refried beans, salsas and 1/3 c of cheese in a pan and cook until hot throughout and the cheese has melted. Turn into a casserole dish sprayed with Pam. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and the scallions and broil 2 minutes or until cheese is brown.

This is a great lunch, or when cut into smaller portions, appetizer or lunch. It is very similar to a Stromboli that you would find in most of your local pizzerias. You can easily change this up and use turkey pepperoni or smoked turkey for the meat, shredded mozzarella or some ricotta for the cheese – it’s very versatile and a definite family favorite.

Ham and Cheddar Loaf

6 servings
346 calories per serving

1 lb. prepared pizza dough, thawed
9 oz. deli shaved smoked ham or Canadian bacon
1 c low fat shredded cheddar cheese
¼ c Miracle Whip
¼ c Egg Beaters
1 T grated parmesan cheese
Pam

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Flatten dough on a floured surface and roll out into a 12×8 rectangle then put ham on it leaving a ½ inch border then mix cheese with Miracle Whip and spread that over the ham. Fold lengthwise into thirds (fold over twice) and pinch the seams to seal it then place on a baking sheet sprayed with Pam. Cut a few slits in the top to let out steam, brush with the Egg Beaters and sprinkle with parmesan then bake 35 minutes or until golden. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.