Tag: quick & easy

  • Cilantro Lime Quinoa

    Cilantro Lime Quinoa

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Quinoa

    Quinoa has more protein than any other grain. It is gluten-free, contains 3 grams fiber per serving, and is a healthy alternative to any recipe that uses rice. Add a can of low-sodium black beans to boost the fiber and protein in this recipe.


    20 min prep time


    6servings


    ½ cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and add quinoa. Cook over a low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make sure the quinoa doesn’t burn.
    2. Add the chicken broth and the juice of 1 lime and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until done. Remove from heat.
    3. Stir in the juice of 1 lime and chopped cilantro.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      ½ cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      145

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      35mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      270mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    canola oil
    1 tbsp

    small onion (chopped)
    1

    garlic (minced )
    2 clove

    quinoa
    1 cup

    low sodium chicken broth (low-sodium, fat-free, (gluten-free if needed))
    2 cup

    Juice of 2 limes
    2

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1/2 cup

  • Cilantro Lime Shrimp

    Cilantro Lime Shrimp

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp

    This refreshing dish is low in calories, high in flavor, and so versatile. It can be served hot or cold, and it’s great for a picnic (if you can keep it cool or it won’t be sitting out for too long), and could be wrapped in tortillas as easily as served over lettuce or rice. Serve with Buckwheat (Kasha) and Steamed Broccoli with Lemon-Pepper Seasoning.


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. DO AHEAD OR DELEGATE: Peel the garlic, juice the lime, chop the cilantro, combine the lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
    2. (Start the buckwheat and the broccoli first, if you are serving them.) In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook it for 30 seconds or so until it is fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side.
    3. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl, and combine with the lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days and serve cold.
    4. FLAVOR BOOSTER Double the garlic and sprinkle the finished dish with 1/2 teaspoon lime zest or salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      190mg

      63%

    • Sodium
      260mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g

    • Protein
      24g

    • Potassium
      275mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tsp

    garlic (minced, about 1 clove)
    1/2 tsp

    shrimp (large peeled and deveined, fresh (never frozen), if possible)
    1 lbs

    lime (juice only (2 tablespoons), or more to taste)
    1

    fresh cilantro (chopped, or more to taste)
    1/4 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

  • Chopped Black Bean Chicken Salad

    Chopped Black Bean Chicken Salad

    How to Make Chopped Black Bean Chicken Salad

    You can either use leftover chicken breasts for this quick and easy recipe or purchase a cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store.


    15 min prep time


    5servings


    about 2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large salad bowl, add all of the ingredients, except salad dressing, and toss.
    2. Add the salad dressing and toss to coat well. Divide evenly among 5 bowls.
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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      about 2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      235

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      310mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      27g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%

    • Protein
      22g

    Ingredients

    romaine lettuce (chopped)
    8 cup

    green onions (chopped)
    2

    frozen corn (thawed)
    1/2 cup

    canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
    1/2 cup

    goat cheese (chevre) (crumbled)
    1 oz

    cooked chicken breast (diced)
    2 cup

    black bean tortilla chips (crushed)
    1/2 cup

    Orange Citrus Bottled Dressing (Such as Litehouse or dressing of your choice)
    10 tbsp

  • Chocolate Walnut Mug Cake

    Chocolate Walnut Mug Cake

    How to Make Chocolate Walnut Mug Cake

    When you want dessert, this cake that’s made inside a coffee mug is a great way to enjoy a portion-controlled treat.


    5 min prep time


    1 min cook time


    1serving


    1 mug cake

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Spray a coffee mug with cooking spray.
    2. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, stevia, canola oil, milk and vanilla and stir to combine.
    3. Microwave for 45 seconds.
    4. Top with the walnuts and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    1 Serving



    • Serving Size

      1 mug cake


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      200

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      12g

      15%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.8g

        9%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      250mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      290mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    unsweetened cocoa powder
    2 tbsp

    white whole-wheat flour
    2 tbsp

    Nonstick cooking spray
    1

    baking powder
    1/4 tsp

    pinch salt
    1 pinch

    stevia powder
    1 1/2 tsp

    canola oil
    1 1/2 tsp

    skim milk
    2 tbsp

    vanilla extract
    1/4 tsp

    walnuts (chopped)
    3/4 tbsp

  • Chilled Persian Cucumber Soup with Chives

    Chilled Persian Cucumber Soup with Chives

    How to Make Chilled Persian Cucumber Soup with Chives

    If you enjoy tzatziki, this full-flavored recipe is like a tangy, cool soup version of it. The grated cucumber along with the unique inclusion of tea makes it refreshing and almost spa-like. What’s more, this soup provides bonus health benefits from the green tea, which studies find may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.


    30 min prep time


    4servings


    1 cup each

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Stir together the cucumber, yogurt, 2 tablespoons chives, the mint, shallot, garlic, vinegar, pepper, salt, and tea in a medium bowl. Adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to serve.
    2. Divide the soup among individual small soup cups or bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1 teaspoon chives.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup each


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      410mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      360mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    Persian or 1 English cucumber (unpeeled and coarsely grated)
    2

    Greek yogurt (plain fat-free)
    1 1/4 cup

    fresh chives (minced)
    3

    mint leaves (finely chopped fresh)
    1 tbsp

    shallots (minced)
    1

    large garlic clove (minced)
    1 clove

    white balsamic or champagne vinegar
    1 1/2 tbsp

    black pepper, or to taste (freshly ground)
    3/4 tsp

    sea salt, or to taste
    1/2 tsp

    unsweetened green tea or jasmine green tea (made with 1 tea bag) (chilled)
    2/3 cup

  • Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

    Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

    How to Make Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

    Nothing says summer like corn on the cob. It’s an American favorite and this recipe puts a nice twist of flavor into it. Remember, corn is a starchy vegetable, so serve it with some lean protein and a low-carb vegetable like green beans, zucchini or a salad.


    10 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cob

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
    2. In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, lime zest, margarine, and chili powder.
    3. Using a spoon and your hands, spread the margarine mixture evenly over the 4 ears of corn.
    4. Wrap the corn individually in aluminum foil. Grill 20 minutes, turning frequently. Serve hot.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cob


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      50mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      250mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    lime (zested and juiced)
    1

    light trans-fat-free margarine (softened)
    2 tbsp

    chili powder
    1 tsp

    medium ears corn on the cob (shucked)
    4

  • Chickpea Tabbouleh

    Chickpea Tabbouleh

    How to Make Chickpea Tabbouleh

    Bulgur is the grain used in traditional tabbouleh, but the bulk of this tasty tabbouleh is made up of vegetables, herbs and protein-packed chickpeas.


    30 min prep time


    10servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Rinse the bulgur wheat and add it to a small bowl. Pour hot water over the bulgur, cover, and let soak for about 20 minutes, until doubled in size. Drain excess liquid, if any, and place the bulgur in a large bowl.
    2. Chop the parsley to a medium-fine consistency. It should have some texture left in it and should not look pureed. Add the parsley to the bulgur wheat, and add all the remaining salad ingredients. Cover and set aside.
    3. For the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients. Add to the salad; taste and adjust any seasonings. Add more lemon juice if desired. Turn the tabbouleh out onto a platter to serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      95

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      110mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      275mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    bulgur wheat
    1/2 cup

    hot water (to cover and soak bulgur)
    1

    fresh parsley ((about 1/2 pound), thick stems removed)
    2 bunch

    fresh mint (minced)
    4 tbsp

    cucumber(s) (peeled, seeded, and diced)
    1/2 cup

    green onion (scallion) (finely minced (about 1/2 cup))
    3

    small tomatoes ((about 1 pound), diced (about 2 1/2 cups))
    3

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup))
    1/2

    canned chickpeas (garbanzos) (drained and rinsed)
    1 cup

    fresh lemon juice
    3 tbsp

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    salt
    1/4 tbsp

  • Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

    Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

    How to Make Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

    This delicious dish uses a new type of pasta made from chickpeas. Chickpea pasta is higher in fiber and protein than regular pasta, making it better for blood glucose management. It’s also grain- and gluten-free. Here we use roasted broccoli and zucchini, but you could sub in any seasonal nonstarchy vegetable, or use frozen vegetables.


    10 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    5servings


    1 1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. Place the zucchini and broccoli in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt (optional), and pepper; toss to coat and spread on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the oven.

    3. While the vegetables are baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Note it says not to boil water for pasta, but rather to bring the water to near boiling and let the pasta sit in the water 4-6 minutes; stirring occasionally.

    4. Drain the pasta after cooking. Add the chicken broth to pot. Add the pasta, cooked vegetables, and oregano to the pot and mix well.

    5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      260

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      340mg

      15%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      29g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        7g

        25%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      764mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    medium zucchini (diced)
    2

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    broccoli florets
    12 oz

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    box chickpea penne pasta
    8 oz

    low sodium vegetable broth
    1/2 cup

    dried oregano (dried)
    1/4 tsp

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    3 tbsp

  • Chicken–White Bean Soup With Fresh Veggie Topper

    Chicken–White Bean Soup With Fresh Veggie Topper

    How to Make Chicken–White Bean Soup With Fresh Veggie Topper

    This recipe from Two-Step Diabetes Cookbook, by Nancy S. Hughes. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 1/4 cups soup and 2/3 cup topping per serving

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the broth, chicken, beans, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until pepper is tender. Remove from heat.
    2. Combine the diced tomatoes, avocado, green onion, cilantro, oil, and salt, and spoon equal amounts on top of each serving of soup. Serve with lime wedges.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/4 cups soup and 2/3 cup topping per serving


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      325

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      12g

      15%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.2g

        11%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      560mg

      24%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      25g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        10g

        36%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      31g

    • Potassium
      1010mg

      21%

    Ingredients

    low sodium chicken broth (reduced-sodium)
    3 cup

    chicken breast meat (cooked diced)
    2 cup

    Great Northern beans (no-salt-added, rinsed and drained)
    1 (15-oz) can

    green bell pepper or 1 medium poblano chili pepper (diced, finely chopped)
    3/4 cup

    chili powder
    1 tbsp

    ground cumin
    1 1/2 tsp

    tomato(es) (diced)
    1 cup

    ripe medium avocado (diced)
    1

    green onion (finely chopped)
    1/2 cup

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1/2 cup

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

    medium lime (cut in four wedges)
    1

  • Chicken With Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salsa

    Chicken With Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salsa

    How to Make Chicken With Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salsa

    Cookbook author Robyn Webb says, “When I was a kid, I actually wasn’t a big fan of fresh fruit. But canned mandarin oranges always excited me and I have warm memories of a little cut glass bowl my Mom used to serve the tiny orange segments. I’ve of course expanded my fruit repertoire, but still think mandarin oranges are a great versatile fruit. Here, a simple salsa spiked with tropical coconut pairs well with cumin flavored seared chicken breasts.”


    20 min prep time


    16 min cook time


    4servings


    1 breast, 1/2 cup salsa

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Line a baking sheet with foil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine all the ingredients for the salsa in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
    2. Meanwhile, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Combine the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub each piece of chicken with the spice rub.
    3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides for a total of 10 minutes. Add the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil or parchment paper. Continue to cook the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6–7 minutes.
    4. Bring the salsa up to room temperature. Serve the cooked chicken with the salsa.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 breast, 1/2 cup salsa


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      225

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.3g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      65mg

      22%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      390mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    pineapple tidbits packed in their own juice (well drained)
    1 cup

    water- or juice-packed mandarin oranges (well drained, coarsely chopped)
    1 cup

    green onion (scallion) (white part only, minced)
    2

    red bell pepper (minced)
    1/4 cup

    unsweetened coconut flakes
    1 1/2 tbsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp

    chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
    1 lbs

    ground cumin
    1 tsp

    mild or hot chili powder
    1 tsp

    Kosher Salt
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper to taste
    1

    vegetable oil
    1 tbsp