Tag: budget friendly

  • Sheet Pan Salmon and Green Beans

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Green Beans

    How to Make Sheet Pan Salmon and Green Beans

    Here is a super simple weeknight dinner that’s ready under 30 minutes and only requires one dish! This recipe makes 2 servings, but it could easily be doubled or tripled to serve a family. If fresh green beans aren’t available, you could sub in frozen green beans, or another fresh seasonal vegetable.


    5 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    2servings


    1 salmon fillet and 1 cup green beans

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. For easy clean up line a sheet pan with parchment paper or coat sheet with cooking spray.
    2. Pat salmon fillets dry, leaving skin on. Place the fillets, skin-side down on the sheet pan.
    3. Combine the dill and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over both fillets.
    4. Toss the green beans with olive oil and then arrange around the salmon fillets.
    5. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and roast salmon for 14 to 16 minutes. Fish will be done when the flesh begins to flake easily with a fork. Garnish with lemon slices and more fresh dill.
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    Nutrition facts

    2 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 salmon fillet and 1 cup green beans


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      350

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      28g

      36%

      • Saturated Fat
        5g

        25%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1.5g

        5%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      20g

    • Potassium
      450mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    salmon (divided into two portions)
    6 oz

    mayonnaise
    3 tbsp

    fresh dill
    1 tbsp

    fresh green beans
    1/4 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    lemon
    2 slice

  • Tuna Ceviche

    Tuna Ceviche

    How to Make Tuna Ceviche

    Ceviche is a latin dish traditionally made with raw fish marinated and cured in citrus juices. This budget-friendly version uses canned tuna, but delivers the same fresh and zesty flavor. The ceviche pairs great with saltine crackers, but you could use any favorite cracker or eat it by itself for a low carb snack, or part of a light lunch.


    10 min prep time


    3servings


    1/4 cup with 6 crackers

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the tuna, onion, cilantro, black pepper, and seasoning blend in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice and mix everything together well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinate before serving.

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    Nutrition facts

    3 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup with 6 crackers


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      16g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      178mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    low-sodium, water-packed tuna (drained)
    5 oz

    chopped fresh cilantro
    1 tbsp

    chopped red onion
    1/4 cup

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    salt-free herb seasoning, such as Ms. Dash
    1/4 tsp

    lemon juice
    3 tbsp

    low sodium saltine crackers
    18

  • Microwave Egg and Veggie Jars

    Microwave Egg and Veggie Jars

    How to Make Microwave Egg and Veggie Jars

    These make-ahead, low carb breakfast jars are perfect for a quick, on-the-go breakfast. Store in the fridge or the freezer, and just add two eggs to the jar before microwaving. You could use any combination of vegetables—try others like asparagus, green onion, kale, zucchini. You could even use frozen or canned vegetables (look for low sodium).
     


    15 min prep time


    2 min cook time


    4servings


    1 jar

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cook the turkey sausage in a small skillet until browned. Chop into crumbles while cooking.

    2. Toss the dice bell pepper, onion, broccoli, and mushrooms together in a small bowl.

    3. Prepare the jars by spraying the insides with cooking spray. Add 1/4 cup sausage, 1 tablespoon cheese, 1/4 cup diced vegetables mixture and 2 to 3 jalapeno pepper slices (if using) to each jar.

    4. Cover and store the jars for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, on in the freezer for up to 3 months. If storing in the freezer, transfer the frozen jars to the fridge the night before you plan to eat them to thaw.

    5. When ready to eat, add 2 eggs to the jar and stir well (or seal the jar and shake). Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until eggs are set (it may take 1-1/2 to 2 minutes depending on your microwave).

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 jar


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      260

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      18g

      23%

      • Saturated Fat
        5.5g

        28%

    • Cholesterol
      430mg

      143%

    • Sodium
      410mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      20g

    • Potassium
      285mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    turkey sausage
    8 oz

    diced
    1/4 cup

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/4 cup

    broccoli (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    white (button) mushrooms (diced)
    1/4 cup

    cheddar cheese (shredded)
    4 tbsp

    jalapeño pepper (sliced, optional)
    1 whole

    eggs
    8 large

  • Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    How to Make Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    Frozen bananas are the surprising base for this creamy, soft-serve “ice cream.” It’s dairy-free and vegan, low in saturated fat, made with no added sugars, and still totally delicious! Perfect for when you are craving dessert. You could use fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, let them thaw first.


    2 hre prep time


    4servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Peel bananas and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Place in a bowl and freeze for at least 2 hours.

    2. Once bananas are frozen, add them to a blender or food processor along with the strawberries and coconut milk. Blend on high speed 30 seconds. 

    3. Scrape down the sides of the blender and blend on high 30 more seconds. Repeat this process until mixture is smooth and the texture of soft-serve ice cream. 

    4. You can serve immediately or freeze for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      0mg

      0%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        10g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      310mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    banana(s)
    2

    sliced strawberries
    1 cup

    coconut milk
    2 tbsp

  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Vinaigrette

    Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Vinaigrette

    How to Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Vinaigrette

    A whole roasted cauliflower is an impressive centerpiece to a plant-based meal. This low carb show-stopper is well worth the cook time—it tastes as good as it looks, and the prep is quick and easy.


    5 min prep time


    1 hr cook time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
    2. In a small bowl mix together 2 tbsp of the olive oil
      and salt. Place cauliflower, cut side down, in a
      large baking dish. Pour olive oil evenly over
      cauliflower and use your hands to rub the
      oil and salt mixture into the cauliflower.
    3. Place on the middle oven rack, and roast
      1 hour (if cauliflower starts getting too dark,
      then cover with aluminum foil).
    4. While cauliflower is roasting, whisk together
      the lemon juice, remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, parsley, and black pepper in a small bowl.
    5. When cauliflower is finished roasting,
      pour vinaigrette evenly over entire head.
    6. To serve, cut whole cauliflower in half,
      then cut each half into 4 pieces.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      260mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    olive oil (divided use)
    4 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    cauliflower (leaves and stem trimmed)
    1 whole head (about 2 1/2 lbs)

    lemon (juiced)
    1/2

    dried parsley
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

  • Zucchini Egg Boats

    Zucchini Egg Boats

    How to Make Zucchini Egg Boats

    This low carb dish is packed with veggies—a great example of how to incorporate more veggies into a low carb eating plan. This simple entree is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. To make this gluten-free, confirm that your chicken sausage and hot sauce are gluten-free.


    15 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    4servings


    1 filled zucchini half

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking
      sheet with cooking spray. Slice zucchini in
      half lengthwise, scoop the seeds out to make
      a boat, and place on the prepared baking
      sheet. Roast the zucchini 25 minutes.
    2. While the zucchini is roasting, add cooking
      spray to a medium nonstick sauté pan
      over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms,
      onion, and sausage to the pan and sauté
      7 minutes, or until mushrooms and onion
      are tender.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs,
      water, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour the
      egg mixture over the sautéed veggies and
      sausage, gently stirring over medium-low
      heat until eggs and vegetable mixture are
      thoroughly combined, about 4 minutes.
    4. Remove the zucchini from the oven and
      top each zucchini half with a scant cup of
      the egg mixture.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 filled zucchini half


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.6g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      210mg

      70%

    • Sodium
      410mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      15g

    • Potassium
      570mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    zucchini
    2

    sliced mushrooms
    8 oz

    small onion (diced)
    1

    chicken breakfast sausage links (fully cooked)
    4 oz

    eggs
    4

    water
    2 tbsp

    hot sauce
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Unstuffed Eggroll

    Unstuffed Eggroll

    How to Make Unstuffed Eggroll

    This quick and easy recipe features the familiar flavors of a Chinese takeout eggroll, but without the added grease from deep frying. This is a great low-carb entree on its own, or serve over a grain, like brown rice or quinoa, or over cauliflower rice.


    5 min prep time


    15 mintues cook time


    4servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Season pork with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the garlic powder. Sauté pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat until completely cooked. Drain fat if needed. Remove pork from pan and set aside.

    2. Heat olive oil in pan and add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. 

    3. Add coleslaw, soy sauce, ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 6 minutes, stirring frequently.

    4. Add pork back to pan and top with green onions; heat 1–2 minutes.

    5. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice if desired.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      220

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      490mg

      21%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      680mg

      14%

    Ingredients

    lean ground pork
    1 lbs

    black pepper (divided use)
    1/2 tsp

    garlic powder
    1 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    packaged coleslaw mix
    16 oz

    lower sodium soy sauce
    2 tbsp

    ground ginger
    1 tsp

    green onion (scallion) (sliced)
    3 stalks

  • Peruvian Chicken Saltado

    Peruvian Chicken Saltado

    How to Make Peruvian Chicken Saltado

    Peruvian saltado is traditionally made with beef, but this healthier version uses chicken without sacrificing traditional flavors. It’s a rustic, fast, and comforting recipe that can easily be doubled for a crowd (or for leftovers).


    10 min prep time


    16 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. Heat 2 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

    2. Add the onion and the remaining 1 tsp oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes.

    3. Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      200

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      65mg

      22%

    • Sodium
      300mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      510mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    chicken tenderloins
    1 lbs

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil (divided use)
    3 tsp

    red onion (thinly sliced)
    1 whole

    large tomatoes (cored, halved, and sliced)
    2 (about 1 lb)

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    lower sodium soy sauce
    2 tsp

    red wine vinegar
    2 tsp

  • Vaca Frita Beef

    Vaca Frita Beef

    How to Make Vaca Frita Beef

    Vaca Frita, or “fried beef”, is a decadent Cuban dish of tender, crispy pan-fried beef. This healthier version features leans flank steak simmered for over an hour. Then the beef is shredded and pan-fried with just a little bit of cooking oil spray. Save the broth from the simmered beef for future cooking, like for a soup base or for cooking rice.

    Receta en Español aqui


    10 min prep time


    1 hr, 30 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large saucepan, combine the beef, quartered onion, bay leaf, and water.
      Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and simmer until the
      beef is tender, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer the beef to a cutting board and
      let cool. To save the broth for another use, skim any fat and strain the broth,
      discarding the bay leaf. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
    2. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the sliced onion and
      cook, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very tender and
      begins to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, with two forks, shred the beef and transfer to a large bowl. Add the
      lime juice, garlic, remaining 1 tsp oil, salt, and pepper. Let stand 20 minutes.
    4. Spray a griddle or nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and heat over mediumhigh
      heat. Add the beef and caramelized onion and cook, turning occasionally,
      until the beef and onions are browned, about 8 minutes. Serve garnished with
      lime wedges and cilantro.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      220

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      11g

      14%

      • Saturated Fat
        3.1g

        16%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      23g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    flank steak (cut into 4 equal pieces)
    1 lbs

    medium onion (cut into quarters)
    1

    bay leaf
    1

    water
    4 cup

    olive oil (divided use)
    1 tbsp plus 1 tsp

    large onion (thinly sliced)
    1

    lime juice
    1/4 cup

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    lime wedges
    for garnish

    chopped fresh cilantro
    for garnish

  • Oven-Baked Maduros (Sweet Plantains)

    Oven-Baked Maduros (Sweet Plantains)

    How to Make Oven-Baked Maduros (Sweet Plantains)

    This might not look like much of a recipe, but fried sweet plantains are a staple side dish in most Latin countries.
    Typically lunch consists of rice, steak, and beans plus a side of maduros. Baking
    them is much easier than frying and it brings out all their natural sugars. The secret here is to use super-ripe plantains.
    Plantains are one of the better carbs you can consume, because they’re filled with potassium, they can help regulate
    digestion and boost the immune system, and much more. So go ahead and enjoy them in moderation.


    10 min prep time


    18 min cook time


    6servings


    about 4 slices

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a small baking pan with foil. Spray the foil with
      nonstick spray.
    2. Place the plantains slices in one layer on the baking pan and spray the tops with
      nonstick spray. Bake until softened, about 12 minutes.
    3. Turn the slices, spray with nonstick spray, and bake until the plantains are
      tender, about 6 minutes longer.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      about 4 slices


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      0mg

      0%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        7g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      230mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    very ripe plantains (black skin) (peeled and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices)
    2 (about 1 lb total)