Tag: italian

  • Caesar-Style Salad with Rustic Croutons

    Caesar-Style Salad with Rustic Croutons

    How to Make Caesar-Style Salad with Rustic Croutons

    Who doesn’t love Caesar salad? This salad makes a great nonstarchy vegetable side that you can enjoy with just about any entrée!


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt (optional) and pepper (optional) to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour in order to thicken slightly.
    3. Meanwhile, place the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake 8 minutes or until slightly firm. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
    4. Place mixed greens in a salad bowl, add dressing and cheese, and toss gently, yet thoroughly to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper, if desired. Add croutons, toss gently and serve immediately.
    5. *Note: Optional salt and pepper is not included in the nutrition information above.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      95

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      215mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    whole wheat bread or French bread (torn into 1/2-inch pieces)
    2 oz

    garlic powder
    1/8 tsp

    reduced-fat mayonnaise
    2 tbsp

    fat-free or low-fat buttermilk
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    1 1/2 tbsp

    prepackaged mixed greens
    4 cup

  • Butternut Squash with Italian Sausage

    Butternut Squash with Italian Sausage

    How to Make Butternut Squash with Italian Sausage

    Cutting butternut squash can be very time consuming. Save time by using pre-packaged squash in this mouthwatering dish. Serve this with a large green salad.


    10 min prep time


    4servings


    1 heaping cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients.
    3. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 30-35 minutes or until squash is tender.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 heaping cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.7g

        9%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      360mg

      16%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      770mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    cubed fresh or frozen butternut squash
    2 (12-oz) packages

    small onion (diced)
    1/2

    Italian-style cooked chicken sausage (sliced)
    3 (3-oz) links

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    dried sage
    1/8 tsp

    Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
    1

  • Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    This frittata is a great way to get more veggies into your day and can be enjoyed for brunch or dinner. By using a combination of egg whites and whole eggs, you cut back on some of the saturated fat and cholesterol.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    2 slices

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add olive oil to an oven safe, non-stick, sauté pan over medium high heat.
    3. Add mushrooms and sauté until all of the liquid from the mushrooms is evaporated.
    4. Add bell pepper, onion and spinach and sauté until vegetables are softened and liquid is evaporated.
    5. Whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, salt (optional), pepper, cayenne pepper and basil in a medium bowl. Pour over vegetables and stir until eggs start to set.
    6. Smooth the top of the frittata with a spatula, and put in oven to bake for 20 minutes or until eggs are set.
    7. Slide the frittata out of the pan onto a plate and slice into 8 pie slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 slices


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      95mg

      32%

    • Sodium
      420mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      550mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    white (button) mushrooms (diced)
    8 oz

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    small onion (diced)
    1

    spinach
    3 cup

    eggs
    2

    egg whites
    5

    skim milk
    1/4 cup

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1 tbsp

  • Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring briny capers and fresh lemon. The chicken is pounded thin and lightly breaded with breadcrumbs making it tender and crispy. This budget-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make. Serve over a bed of spinach and with a side of whole-wheat pasta for a light Italian dinner.


    20 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    4servings


    1 chicken breast and 1 tbsp sauce

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise and then pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season each chicken breast with salt and ground black pepper.
    3. Set up three wide bowls or flat-bottom containers. Fill the first bowl with the whole wheat flour, the second bowl with the egg and 1 tsp lemon juice, and the third bowl with the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Whisk the egg and lemon juice together. Combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning and mix well.
    4. Dredge one chicken breast in the flour and shake off the excess. Then dip the chicken breast in the egg, and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat this process for the remaining three chicken breasts.
    5. Spray the top of each chicken breast with cooking spray and bake for 8 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts over and bake for 5 more minutes. Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
    6. While the chicken is baking, heat the oil and a generous amount of cooking spray over medium heat in a small nonstick skillet. Add the capers and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
    7. Add about 1 tbsp lemon juice and cook until the lemon juice is completely reduced. Add the chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in the parsley.
    8. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve with 1 Tbsp. of sauce drizzled over the chicken.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken breast and 1 tbsp sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      130mg

      43%

    • Sodium
      470mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      35g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    boneless skinless chicken breasts
    20 oz

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    whole wheat flour
    1/4 cup

    eggs
    1

    juice of 1 lemon
    1

    bread crumbs
    1/2 cup

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    capers (drained and rinsed)
    2 tbsp

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

    chopped fresh parsley
    1/4 cup

  • Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    How to Make Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    You should try to fill half your plate nonstarchy veggies, which means you have to be creative so you don’t get bored with the same recipes. These zucchini boats are quick, easy and a delicious change to steamed veggies.


    5 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 zucchini

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Trim and discard the zucchini ends. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.

    2. Using a spoon, scoop out the middle of the zucchini and leave a thin base at the bottom so the “boat” can be stuffed. Place the scooped-out centers into a small bowl; set aside.

    3. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the zucchini boats just until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately place the zucchini boats in a bowl of iced water. Drain the zucchini and place it on a baking sheet.

    4. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the reserved zucchini mixture with black pepper; add to the pan, and sauté about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the bruschetta; lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

    5. Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly into the four zucchini boats. Sprinkle each zucchini boat with 1 Tsp. parmesan cheese.

    6. Heat the broiler. Broil the stuffed zucchini boats until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes; watch closely to avoid burning.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 zucchini


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      75

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      220mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      530mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    zucchini
    2 large

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    jarred bruschetta
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    4 tsp

  • Blood Orange Salad (Insalata D’ Arrance Sangouse)

    Blood Orange Salad (Insalata D’ Arrance Sangouse)

    How to Make Blood Orange Salad (Insalata D’ Arrance Sangouse)

    Sicily is known for its beautiful, lush orange groves, which produce some of the world’s most fragrant oranges. First introduced by the Arabs during their rule of the island, orange trees flourished in the ashes along the base of Mt. Etna. Look for the sweetest oranges possible for this recipe. If you can, use Sicilian blood oranges; their red color imparts festive flair to this sumptuous salad.


    5 min prep time


    0 min cook time


    6servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place orange slices on a large platter and scatter green onions over the top.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk orange juice and olive oil together, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red chile flakes. Drizzle over the salad, and serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      100mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      175mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    blood oranges (about 1 pound total), peeled and sliced into rounds
    4

    green onions, finely chopped
    2

    Juice of 1 orange
    1

    extra virgin olive oil (preferably first cold-pressed and unfiltered)
    2 tbsp

    unrefined sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    crushed red chile flakes
    1 pinch

  • BBQ Chicken Pizza

    BBQ Chicken Pizza

    How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

    Serve this pizza with a big garden salad drizzled lightly with low-fat Ranch dressing. It’s a quick, easy and budget-friendly meal!


    25 min prep time


    50 min cook time


    8servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

    3. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the oven and chop into half-inch pieces.

    4. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar-free apricot preserves, barbeque sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil.

    5. Spoon the sauce over the pizza crust. Top the crust with cooked chicken, sliced onion, carrot, and cheese. Sprinkle the cheese with the dried oregano.

    6. Bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      240mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      44mg

      <1%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    boneless, skinless chicken breast
    1/2 lbs

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    sugar-free apricot preserves
    1/4 cup

    barbeque sauce
    1/4 cup

    hot sauce
    1/2 tsp

    12-inch prepackaged whole-wheat pizza crust
    1

    shredded carrots
    1 cup

    medium red onion (thinly sliced)
    1/2

    reduced-fat shredded Italian-style cheese
    1/2 cup

    dried oregano
    1/2 tsp

  • Basil Pesto Cream

    Basil Pesto Cream

    How to Make Basil Pesto Cream

    This flavorful dip is surprisingly healthy and low-fat. Use it as a dip or spread. It’s great served over grilled or broiled fish too!


    20servings


    1 Tbsp.

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place spinach, garlic, shallot, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and basil in food processor. Process to a paste.
    2. With motor running, add cottage cheese and oil. Process until smooth. Add milk to achieve the desired consistency, if desired.
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    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 Tbsp.


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      15

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0.5g

      <1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      50mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      2g

    Ingredients

    cottage cheese (non-fat)
    1 cup

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tsp

    fresh basil
    1/2 cup

    Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated)
    1/4 cup

    shallots (minced, about 1 large)
    1 tbsp

    baby spinach
    1 cup

    skim milk
    2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

  • Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    This simple chicken entree is budget-friendly and a perfect start to a healthy plate. Serve with a simple vegetable side like Easy Middle Eastern Green Beans or Tarragon Tomatoes.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    1 chicken breast with heaping 1/4 cup mushrooms

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the chicken breast in a plastic bag and pound thin with a mallet.

    2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.

    3. Dredge the chicken in flour and coat it on both sides. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

    4. Melt the margarine in the pan. Add the mushrooms and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and bring it to a boil to reduce the liquid.

    5. Add the chicken broth to the pan and simmer 2 more minutes. Add the chicken breast back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken breast with heaping 1/4 cup mushrooms


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      260

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      85mg

      28%

    • Sodium
      105mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      29g

    • Potassium
      630mg

      13%

    Ingredients

    boneless, skinless chicken breast (divided into 4 (4-oz) portions)
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    all-purpose flour
    1/4 cup

    trans-fat-free margarine
    1 tbsp

    sliced mushrooms
    10 oz

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    balsamic vinegar
    1/3 cup

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

  • Asparagus Frittata

    Asparagus Frittata

    How to Make Asparagus Frittata

    This can make a great breakfast, brunch or quick dinner packed full of protein and veggies. If you don’t like asparagus you can substitute zucchini or broccoli.


    15 min prep time


    5 min cook time


    6servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    2. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil. Place on baking sheet and bake in oven for about 12 minutes. Chop cooked asparagus into 1/2 inch pieces. Set aside.
    3. In a medium bowl whisk together the egg substitutes, milk, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Set aside and prepare broiler.
    4. Spray a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet with cooking spray. Add margarine to skillet and melt over medium heat. Add asparagus to skillet and pour the egg mixture over the asparagus. Cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set.
    5. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes.
    6. Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 2-4 minutes. Let the frittata stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide the frittata onto a plate. Cut frittata into 6 equal slices and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      430mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

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

        0%

    • Protein
      12g

    • Potassium
      240mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    thin asparagus (trimmed)
    1 bunch (about 12 oz)

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    egg substitute
    2 cup

    skim milk
    2 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
    1/8 tsp

    margarine (trans-fat-free)
    1 tsp

    reduced fat, shredded mozzarella cheese (reduced-fat, shredded)
    1/4 cup

    grated Parmesan cheese
    1/4 cup