Tag: quick & easy

  • 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

    Print Recipe >

    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

  • Beef and Broccoli over Zucchini Noodles

    Beef and Broccoli over Zucchini Noodles

    How to Make Beef and Broccoli over Zucchini Noodles

    This lighter version of a Chinese takeout classic is packed with veggies and low in carbs. You can make “noodles” out of zucchini at home with a special “spiralizer” tool, or use a vegetable peel to create ribbons. Zucchini noodles are also available at many grocery stores now—check the freezer aisle by the vegetables, or in the produce section for fresh, packaged zucchini noodles. To make this dish gluten free, be sure to use gluten free soy sauce, and confirm that the corn starch and beef broth are gluten-free.


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth,
      cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
      Set aside.
    2. Spray large sauté pan or wok with cooking
      spray, add sesame oil, and place over
      high heat.
    3. Add the onion and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add
      the beef and stir-fry 3 more minutes.
    4. Add the broccoli and spiralized zucchini
      and stir-fry 3 more minutes.
    5. Add the broth mixture and bring to a
      boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to
      loosen any brown bits. Reduce heat and
      simmer 2 minutes.
    6. Stir in sesame seeds and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      500mg

      22%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        6g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      29g

    • Potassium
      950mg

      20%

    Ingredients

    no-salt-added beef broth
    1 cup

    Cornstarch
    1 tbsp

    lower sodium soy sauce
    2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    minced fresh ginger
    1 tbsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    toasted sesame oil
    2 tsp

    medium onion (sliced)
    1

    sirloin beef (sliced)
    1 lbs

    fresh or frozen broccoli florets
    4 heaping cups

    small zucchini (spiralized into noodles, or 4 cups prepared zucchini noodles)
    2

    sesame seeds
    2 tbsp

  • 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

  • Crustless Asparagus and Tomato Quiche

    Crustless Asparagus and Tomato Quiche

    How to Make Crustless Asparagus and Tomato Quiche

    With no crust needed, this quiche is so simple to prepare. Sweet grape tomatoes help create a nice balance of flavors and textures and add a striking color contrast with the bright green asparagus. Perfect for breakfast on its own, or serve it for lunch or dinner with a salad of mixed greens or a cup of Tomato Basil Bisque.


    10 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    4servings


    1/4 quiche

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a
      9-inch glass pie pan with cooking spray.
    2. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over
      medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the
      asparagus and green onions for 4–5 minutes, or
      until soft. Arrange the asparagus mixture and the
      tomatoes in the pie pan.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining
      ingredients except the cheese. Pour the mixture over
      the vegetables. Sprinkle with the cheese.
    4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a knife inserted
      in the center comes out clean. Let the quiche cool for
      about 10 minutes before slicing into 4 equal slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 quiche


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      100mg

      33%

    • Sodium
      280mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        7g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      15g

    • Potassium
      500mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    asparagus (trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces)
    10 oz

    green onions (chopped)
    4

    grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
    12

    skim milk
    1 cup

    eggs
    4

    egg whites
    4

    Dijon Mustard
    2 tsp

    fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
    1 1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    cheddar cheese (shredded, reduced-fat)
    1/2 cup

  • 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

  • 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)

  • Simple Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Simple Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

    How to Make Simple Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

    It’s always good to have a go-to side salad with the right
    vegetable portions and a salad dressing to pour over it.
    It takes out the guesswork out of meal prep when you’re
    in a rush, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal.


    5 min prep time


    4servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add the mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes to a large bowl. Toss to combine. 

    2. Drizzle with the Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette and toss again to evenly coat the vegetables.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1g

      1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      105mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g
      • Added Sugars
        1g

        2%

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      174mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    light balsamic vinaigrette
    1/4 cup

    cherry tomatoes (halved)
    1 cup

    medium cucumber (sliced thinly)
    1

    mixed greens
    3 cups

  • Nicoise-Inspired Salad

    Nicoise-Inspired Salad

    How to Make Nicoise-Inspired Salad

    Low carb and packed with protein, this simpler version of Salade Nicoise relies on pantry staples, and can be eaten on it’s own or paired with another side for a more filling meal. You can sub ingredients for what you have on hand—use any kind of salad green instead of arugula; any kind of olive will work, or sub something like capers or feta cheese for the same savory, briny flavor; instead of tomatoes (or in addition!) you could use bell peppers, cucumber, sugar snap peas, or any other fresh vegetables. If you don’t have bottled dressing, you can make a simple vinaigrette with lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper.

     


    8 min prep time


    4servings


    2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, add the lettuce and
      3 Tbsp of the vinaigrette and toss well
      to combine. Arrange on a platter or
      individual plates.
    2. Top the salad with the eggs, olives,
      tuna, and tomatoes. Drizzle with the
      remaining vinaigrette and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      200

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      13g

      17%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.7g

        14%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      190mg

      63%

    • Sodium
      320mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

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

        0%

    • Protein
      14g

    • Potassium
      490mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    arugula or other salad greens
    1 (5-oz) package

    light Italian salad dressing (divided)
    1/3 cup

    hard-boiled eggs (peeled and quartered lengthwise)
    4

    canned, sliced black olives (or any other olive) (drained)
    1/4 cup

    tuna packed in water (drained and flaked with a fork)
    1 (5-oz) can

    grape tomatoes
    2 cup

  • Italian Tomato-Basil Soup

    Italian Tomato-Basil Soup

    How to Make Italian Tomato-Basil Soup

    This simple soup is a perfect companion to a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad. But that’s not all you can do with it! Serve it on top of pasta as a homemade, no-sugar-added marinara sauce (add some garlic and crushed red pepper for extra kick) or serve it chilled for a refreshing summer side dish.

     


    8 min prep time


    18 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook while stirring occasionally until fully softened, about 8 minutes.
    2. Add the tomato purée, broth, and salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, until flavors are combined, about 5 minutes. (Hint: For a thinner soup, drizzle in more broth.) Stir in the basil and vinegar.
    3. Ladle into bowls. Serve hot or chilled.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      230mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        12g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      970mg

      21%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    red onion (diced)
    1 small

    no-salt-added tomato purée
    1 (28-oz) can

    low-sodium vegetable broth
    1 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
    1/3 cup

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tsp

  • Veggie Breakfast Wrap

    Veggie Breakfast Wrap

    How to Make Veggie Breakfast Wrap

    Packed with protein, antioxidants and fiber, this breakfast will sustain your energy and your hunger all morning. A light egg mixture featuring veggies you have on hand (such as spinach, mushrooms fresh herbs and scallions) is wrapped in a whole grain toasted tortilla and served with salsa. 


    10 min prep time


    8 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 wrap

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until nicely brown at edges (about 3 minutes), set aside.

    2. Beat eggs with egg whites or egg substitute in medium sized bowl, using a mixer or by hand, until blended.

    3. Stir in shredded spinach, and scallions. You could also add fresh or dried herbs such as basil or parsley for more flavor.

    4. Begin heating medium/large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Coat pan generously with cooking spray. 

    5. Pour in egg mixture and continue to scramble the mixture as it cooks using a spatula. When eggs are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and stir in mushrooms.

    6. Spread half of the egg mixture down the center of each tortilla. top each with 1 tablespoon fresh salsa or other sauce of your choice. Then roll it up to make a wrap.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 wrap


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      80mg

      27%

    • Sodium
      270mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      258mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    olive oil or other vegetable oil
    2 tsp

    sliced mushrooms
    1 cup

    eggs
    2

    egg white or egg substitute
    1/2 cup

    spinach or other greens
    1 cup, firmly packed

    chopped scallions or other onion
    2 tbsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    whole wheat, low-carb flour tortillas, such as La Tortilla Factory
    2

    salsa
    2 tbsp