Tag: appetizers

  • Sicilian Olive Salad

    Sicilian Olive Salad

    How to Make Sicilian Olive Salad

    This cracked olive medley is a family favorite that is popular both in Calabria and Sicily. Sicilian Castelvetrano olives are becoming readily available in major supermarkets now, and if you have access to those, they are a great choice for this salad. Many Italian-American delis sell “Sicilian Colossal” olives, which also work well. You can toss a few tablespoons of this mixture into hot pasta in the winter, or chilled rice or quinoa in warner weather. It’s also a great way to dress up ordinary vegetables, seafood, and meat.
     

    This recipe comes from The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. 

     


    5 min prep time


    16servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place olives on a cutting board. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and smash them lightly with a meat hammer or the back of a skillet. (The objective is to slightly crush the olives.)
    2. Place olives in a bowl and stir together with remaining ingredients.
    3. Marinate salad for an hour at room temperature, or cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 day and up to 3 days. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    large green olives (rinsed well, drained, and rubbed dry)
    1/2 lbs

    celery (diced)
    5 stalks

    carrots (peeled and diced)
    2

    small red onion (diced)
    1

    garlic
    3 clove

    dried oregano
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/8 tsp

    extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup

  • Cucumber Guacamole

    Cucumber Guacamole

    How to Make Cucumber Guacamole

    Who doesn’t love a great guac? While avocados are so good for us and we can enjoy them on a daily basis, minding the serving size is key. Whenever I make guacamole, I try to complement the avocado with a vegetable to bulk it up and reduce the amount of avocado in the recipe. Cucumber is great because it is refreshing and does not alter the flavor. Zucchini would be great too. Serve with sliced radishes or jicama instead of tortilla chips for a low carb snack or appetizer.


    10 min prep time


    6servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Coarsely mash the avocado in a medium bowl. Add the tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, jalapeño, and salt until well mixed. Serve with sliced radishes for dipping, if desired.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      45

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      100mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      210mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    Hass avocado (pitted and cubed)
    1

    tomato (diced)
    1

    English (seedless) cucumber (finely chopped)
    1/2 (about 4 oz)

    chopped fresh cilantro
    2 tbsp

    lime juice
    1 tbsp

    white wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    jalapeño pepper (minced)
    1/2

    salt
    1/4 tsp

  • White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

    White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

    How to Make White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

     

    Even though it can be made in a flash, this zesty dip combines all the bright flavors of Greece in one easy-to-make dish. If you are a Mediterranean food fan, this dip will make a great addition to hummus in your repertoire. Note that when storing this dip in the refrigerator, it tends to firm up. Before serving, simply stir in water a tablespoon at a time until it becomes the desired consistency.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    15 min prep time


    8servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine cannellini beans, feta, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, mint, and oregano in a food processor. Pulsing on and off, purée until smooth.
    2. Taste and season with salt (if desired) and pepper.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    canned or cooked cannellini beans
    1 1/2 cup

    Greek feta cheese (cut into small pieces or crumbled)
    1/2 cup

    juice and zest of 1 lemon
    1

    extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup

    fresh mint (plus extra for garnish)
    1/4 cup

    fresh oregano (plus extra for garnish)
    1/4 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

  • Baby Artichokes with Herb Dressing

    Baby Artichokes with Herb Dressing

    How to Make Baby Artichokes with Herb Dressing

    This popular Mediterranean side dish is enjoyed in late spring when baby artichokes are at their peak. In addition to their mellow, buttery flavor, fresh baby artichokes have a tender texture and elegant presentation. If you’ve never worked with fresh artichokes before, don’t be intimidated. The steps to preparing them are simple, and after cooking them once, you’ll be a pro. If baby artichokes are not in season, substitute reduced-sodium canned artichoke hearts or frozen ones.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    15 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    3 artichokes

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Soak the artichokes in water to clean. Drain and repeat until the water is clear. Peel away the outside leaves of the bottom half of the artichokes, then cut off the top quarter of the artichokes. If tough, dark-green leaves remain, peel those as well. At this point, the artichoke should look like a flower, and the tough, dark leaves should all be removed, leaving only lighter-colored, more tender leaves.
    2. Add the juice of 1 lemon to a bowl full of cold water, then place the artichokes in the lemon water to prevent discoloration.
    3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the artichokes from the bowl, discarding the lemon water, and add them to the pot.
    4. Bring the water back to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain the artichokes and set aside.
    5. Place the remaining lemon juice, the olive oil, and mustard in a blender. Blend together to form a vinaigrette.
    6. Stir in the pepper, mint, dill, and parsley, and pour the dressing over the artichokes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 artichokes


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        8g

        29%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      280mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    fresh baby artichokes
    12

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    2

    Dijon Mustard
    1 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    finely chopped fresh mint
    1 tsp

    finely chopped fresh dill
    3 tbsp

    finely chopped fresh parsley
    1 tbsp

  • Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    How to Make Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    Beautiful, fresh beets of any color take center stage in this unique vegetarian dish. To prepare raw beets, peel them, cut them into quarters, and boil or roast them until fork-tender. You can prepare large batches of beets at one time to use for this recipe, in salads, or to eat by themselves, drizzled with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkled with salt.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    16servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the beets in a food processor. Add the tahini, olive oil, salt, and yogurt to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
    2. Add water, tablespoon by tablespoon, to get an extra-creamy consistency (you should need less than 1/4 cup).
    3. Scrape down the sides of the food processor, then puree for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the dip is extremely creamy.
    4. Spoon onto a small, round dish, and serve immediately. (If desired, use the back of the spoon to create a smooth top on the dip and make dents in the top, filling them with olive oil.) Store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      85mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      55mg

      1%

    Ingredients

    cooked beets
    1 cup

    tahini
    1/3 cup

    extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tsp

    sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    1/4 cup

    water
    1 tbsp to 1/4 cup as needed

  • Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    How to Make Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Bruschetta is a colorful and delicious appetizer for any gathering. For a lower carb option, try this simple bruschetta stuffed in mushrooms instead of serving it on the traditional baguette.

    This recipe can be found in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner.  

     


    10 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    7servings


    2 mushroom caps

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut tomatoes into quarters and set aside.
    2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic. Saute garlic for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and continue to saute for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil and both cheeses.
    3. Remove stems from mushrooms and fill with tomato mixture. Bake in oven for 15 minutes.
    4. Let cool slightly, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve warm.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    7 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 mushroom caps


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      3mg

      1%

    • Sodium
      55mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      270mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    grape tomatoes
    1 pints

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    garlic
    2 clove

    dried basil
    2 tsp

    2% mozzarella cheese
    1/3 cup

    freshly grated parmesan cheese
    2 tbsp

    large “stuffer” mushrooms
    14 oz (about 14 mushrooms)

    balsamic vinegar
    1 tbsp

  • Brazilian Guacamole

    Brazilian Guacamole

    How to Make Brazilian Guacamole

    With so many colors and flavors dancing together, this guacamole is a party on your tongue! Use this as a dip for fresh vegetables or tortilla chips, or add it to sandwiches and wraps. It tastes delicious the day you make it, and it gets even better the day after, when all the flavors blend. The result is refreshing and so very satisfying.


    15 min prep time


    13servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours so that flavors can develop but remove from the fridge at least 20 minutes before serving.
      Chef’s Tip: Cut the other half of the bell peppers and cucumber into sticks to serve with the guacamole for dipping
    2. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh out of their shells. Dice or mash the avocado and add it to the vegetables. Slowly add the olive oil and fold everything together.
    3. Combine the garlic, scallions, red onion, bell peppers, cucumber and tomato and toss well. Season with the soy sauce, salt and pepper, parsley and clinatro and fold well.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    13 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      5g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1/2 cup

    ripe Hass avocados
    2

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    lower sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    plum tomato (seeded and finely diced)
    1

    English cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely diced)
    1/2

    yellow bell pepper (finely diced)
    1/2

    red bell pepper (finely diced)
    1/2

    green onion (scallion) (chopped)
    1

    garlic (finely minced)
    1 clove

  • Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    How to Make Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    Enjoy this dip with fresh cut vegetables such as baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, or mini bell peppers. It’s a simple way to incorporate more vegetables (and therefore, more nutrients) into your next party spread!

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here


    15 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    20servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add artichokes and thyme and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until veggies begin to brown. Add spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Remove skillet from heat.
    3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine light mayonnaise, cheese wedges, and 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds to soften, then mix well. If needed, heat mixture in 15-second increments until cheeses are softened and easily mixed with mayonnaise.
    4. Add cheese mixture and lemon juice to sauteed vegetables and mix well. Spread dip into a small baking dish, top with remaining 1 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, and bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      35

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      2mg

      <1%

    • Sodium
      115mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      110mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    onion(s) (finely diced)
    1

    artichoke hearts (drained and rinsed)
    1 (15-oz) can

    dried thyme
    1/2 tsp

    spinach (coarsely chopped)
    6 oz

    light mayonnaise
    1/4 cup

    light spreadable cheese wedges (such as laughing cow)
    4 wedges

    freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
    2 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    1

  • Lemony Pesto Hummus

    Lemony Pesto Hummus

    How to Make Lemony Pesto Hummus

    Enjoy this hummus as a dip for snacking with nonstarchy vegetables, whole-wheat pita, or whole-grain crackers.

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here

     


    5 min prep time


    5servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (drained and rinsed)
    1 (14.5 oz) can

    jarred pesto sauce
    2 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    1

    fresh ground black pepper
    1/2 tsp

  • Fig and Walnut Yogurt Tarts

    Fig and Walnut Yogurt Tarts

    How to Make Fig and Walnut Yogurt Tarts

    These beautiful yet simple tarts can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light dessert. If you can’t find figs, other fruit like apple, pear, or berries would also work.

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here

     


    15 min prep time


    6servings


    2 tarts

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, yogurt, and orange juice together.
    2. Fill each phyllo shell with 1 tbsp of cheese mixture. Top each with 1 piece of mint leaf, a walnut half, and a fig piece. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tarts


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.7g

        9%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      60mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    crumbled goat cheese
    1 oz

    nonfat, plain Greek yogurt
    1/4 cup

    freshly squeezed orange or clementine juice
    2 tbsp

    mini phyllo dough shells
    12

    fresh mint (each cut into 3 pieces)
    4 leaves

    walnut halves
    12

    large fresh figs (each cut into 3 pieces)
    4