Tag Archives: Vegetables

Corn and Zucchini

A very simple and different side dish – feel free to substitute fresh corn kernels.

Corn and Zucchini
Corn and Zucchini

4 servings
159 calories per serving

1 can corn
1 T oil
1 medium zucchini
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 c fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 t white vinegar

Heat oil over medium high heat. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and slice into half moons. Add zucchini and garlic to pan. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add corn and season with salt and pepper. Cook 3 minutes then remove from heat and stir in vinegar and basil.

Asian Chicken Soup

If you use Perdue Chicken Shortcuts, the prep on this is 5 minutes – that’s it ! And it tastes like you spent hours putting it together – it is a very spicy, super flavorful and highly nutritious meal. Don’t serve to the kids with the chili sauce in it, but if you are adventurous, try 2 t instead of 1 ½ of the chili sauce – -it makes it a kickin’ hot soup 🙂

Asian Chicken Soup
Asian Chicken Soup

5 servings
120 calories per serving

3 c fat free chicken broth
2 c shredded cooked chicken (Perdue Shortcuts work great here !)
2 t soy sauce
1 1/2 t chili sauce with garlic (available in the Asian section of your food market)
2 1/2 c frozen broccoli stir fry mix

Combine broth, chicken, soy and chili sauce. Cover and bring to a boil and then add vegetables and return to boil. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Lemony Green Beans

Way better than the standard green bean and Durkee onion casserole ! So much fresher and oodles more flavor !!

Lemony Green Beans
Lemony Green Beans

4 servings
49 calories per serving

1 pound green beans in 1 inch pieces
2 teaspoons butter sprinkles (I Use Molly McButter)
2 teaspoons finely chopped basil
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon oil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large pan, bring 1 inch water to a boil and place the beans on a steaming rack inside the pan. Cover and steam for 5 – 7 minutes. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with the butter, basil, zest, oil and pepper. Mix well and serve immediately.

Homemade Lo Mein

It is sooooo worth finding these noodles and making this dish. It is authentic, satisfying , soooo low cal considering the big portion you get and it is truly delicious.

Homemade Lo Mein
Homemade Lo Mein

4 servings
212 calories per serving

2 8 oz. packages of House Tofu Shiratake Noodles (available in most food markets and definitely in Asian markets. You’ll find them with the tofu products – SO LOW cal and so noodly!)
4 T olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 T green onions, sliced
1 c celery, sliced thinly
2 c carrots, shredded (buy them pre-shredded to save time)
3 T teriyaki sauce
3 T Kraft Asian Sesame Dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare noodles according to package instructions (rinse, microwave 1 minute, dry on a paper towel). Cut the noodles into 3 or 4 inch lengths. Using a pair of kitchen scissors makes this task easy. Heat oil in a non stick pan. On medium high, cook garlic, onions, celery and carrots. Cook 5 -7 minutes, until veggies are soft. Stir in noodles and press into a flat layer. Cook 3 minutes on high heat. Add the teriyaki and dressing and mix well. Cook 3-4 minutes longer on medium high heat.

Tortellini Alpesto

Cheese tortellini, even in smaller portions, are very filling and satisfying. This meal also packs in tons of veggies and a great sauce that sooooo does not say diet. It’s almost a pesto alfredo the way the sauce flavors combine.

Tortellini Alpesto
Tortellini Alpesto

4 servings
335 calories per serving

9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
16 oz frozen broccoli stir fry vegetables
8 oz fat free sour cream
2 T pesto sauce (Buitoni makes a good one)
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
1/8 t pepper
¼ t garlic powder
Salt to taste

Cook tortellini and vegetables together in 3 quarts of water 7-9 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. Combine sour cream, pesto, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Stir into pasta and veggies. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Spinach Salad

This one is high in calories as salads go – but I can’t skimp on the egg or bacon or it just does not feel like a TRUE spinach salad to me. So I pair it with some really low cal seafood like Cajun Seafood Mix and it makes a great meal.

Spinach Salad
Spinach Salad

1 serving
250 calories per serving

2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 hardboiled egg, sliced
3 sliced bacon, cooked, cooled and crumbled
1 c sliced mushrooms
2 T fat free thousand island dressing

Lay spinach on a plate. Top with egg, bacon and mushrooms. Spoon dressing over the salad.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

This literally takes 5 minutes to cook and just a couple to prepare, especially if you have a handy dandy garlic chopper.

Garlic chopper

The spinach wilts in no time and you can make this as mild or as spicy as you wish by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Serve with Rice and Pasta with Parmesan Cheese and Crock Pot 20 Clove Chicken for a great complete meal under 400 calories.

sauteed spinach
Sauteed Spinach

3 servings
58 calories per serving

2 t olive oil
Pam
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bags prewashed baby spinach leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ t red pepper flakes
¼ t garlic powder

Heat the Pam and oil in a large skillet. Stir in minced garlic and sauté a minute or two on medium heat. Do not let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter. Pour in the 2 bags of spinach. It seems like a HUGE amount, but it will cook down to nothing in no time. Add all the spices and continue to sauté on medium heat, 2-3 minutes or until leaves are all wilted.

Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

This recipe makes oft boring broccoli taste much more special, but only take a few minutes to whip up. Add more lemon and garlic if you want it zestier…it adds basically no extra calories.

broccoli with lemon
Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

4 servings
96 calories per serving

6 cups broccoli florets
1 t oil
2 t minced garlic
1 lemon, cut into slices
2 t lemon juice
1 t buttery spread
Salt and pepper
1 T grated lemon peel

Fill 3 quart saucepan ¾ with water and bring to boil. Add broccoli florets and lemon slices. Keep at a low boil and cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on how crispy or soft you like the broccoli.

While the broccoli is cooking on low heat sauté the garlic in the onion and lemon juice. When soft, add butter to melt and set aside.

Drain the broccoli. Stir in the garlic mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated lemon peel over the top and serve immediately.

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