shanthieats

Crudité cups are an easy appetizer that everyone can enjoy at the table or when socializing. These individual cuts of blanched and fresh vegetables, paired with an herb-based dipping sauce, are light and refreshing.

Waffles are a classic celebratory breakfast. Their health value can be elevated by skipping the syrup, making them whole grain, topping them with fresh strawberries and a light creamy topping.

These three-ingredient cookies’ natural sweetness comes from fiber-rich dates. They are a more wholesome, nutrient-dense alternative to the door-to-door sold cookies.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as a family is a great way to break the routine and make the day-to-day exciting. Creating colorful, creative snacks is a good way to foster a love for healthy eating while making memories. Here are two easy-to-make, nutritious ideas.

Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.

Made by simmering rice in milk with spices, rice pudding takes on a creamy consistency that pairs well with fruit. This recipe features cardamom and allows the pudding to take on a complex flavor profile with a sweetness that marries well with the hint of brown sugar.

These glazed carrots are roasted until fork tender and served with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce for a dose of protein. The pistachios add a nice contrasting crunch and flavors that work so well with this spring crop. Enjoy this vegetarian delight as an appetizer or a side.

This refreshing salad has crisp romaine and sweet strawberries. The vinaigrette is made from champagne vinegar and fresh strawberries that perfectly marry basil and heart-healthy olive oil. The quick-pickled onions and goat cheese add complex flavors to this spring salad.

Many of us are looking for keto soup and high protein soup recipes this winter to complement our fitness goals. Check out these two hearty winter soup recipes, both of which are health and easy to make.

Cherries are abundant in Michigan because the state is the top producer of tart cherries and the fourth largest producer of sweet cherries in the U.S.

The Big Game day is America’s second largest food consumption day after Thanksgiving. Popular dishes include wings, chips and dips - the latter being a particular Midwest favorite.

Wings are a Big Game staple. In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates Americans eat 1.45 billion chicken wings during the special night.

These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and antioxidants content.

This smoothie is naturally sweet and creamy from mango and banana. The oats add a subtle nutty flavor and contribute to a more filling and nourishing smoothie.

This pancake batter consists of only five ingredients and is easily made in a blender. Blueberries and lemon zest add refreshing elements and are a perfect flavor combination in this breakfast treat.

These oat bars are a perfect chewy and refreshing snack packed with antioxidants from the deep colored raspberries. Between the raspberries, chia seeds and oats, this recipe is packed with fiber that’ll help keep you full until your next meal.

Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Holiday festivities often mean pulling out recipes we only eat once a year. But seasonal dishes don’t have to be complicated – or lacking nutrition.

The holiday season often brings an abundance of indulgent foods. While it’s OK to enjoy your favorite foods, it’s a good idea to mix in nutrient-dense and vegetable forward options with the traditional spread.

These seafood crab and dill bites are a perfect refreshing and protein-packed starter. Dill adds a burst of flavor while cucumber brings a crisp element to this dish.

These appetizer bites are earthy and savory. Sautéed mushrooms and a zesty horseradish cream filling make an elegant and flavorful appetizer.

This bite-sized appetizer brings balanced flavor with fat from avocado, acid from lime, salt from turkey bacon and a sweet-tart flavor from sundried tomatoes. These bites will bring color to your holiday table.

Leftovers are nice, but after a few meals of Thanksgiving turkey, it might be time to spice things up. Here are some delicious ways to do that.

While turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are often the stars of the table, Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to make twists on family favorites and share cultural dishes. Consider featuring dishes that offer a modern twist on classic sides.

Crispy rice salads are trending all over social media. This one is a fall-inspired take with nutrient-dense kale, sweet-tart cranberries and a thyme vinaigrette.

Dips and spreads often lean on heavy cream cheese or mayo-based ingredients. This whipped feta provides a creamy, tangy alternative with more health value.

Green beans are a classic vegetable side, but the fresh, sauteed versions often get overshadowed by heavier, richer dishes. This simple yet elevated recipe takes the humble green bean to the next level.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many Americans find comfort in seasonal beverages. While these drinks can be a treat, they often come with excess ingredients that can negatively affect your health if consumed frequently.

A chai latte is a spiced beverage that combines warm, creamy milk with a robust blend of black tea and aromatic spices that provides a balance of sweetness and warmth. Simply steep tea bags in oat milk heated in a pot and add spices.

This cozy fall drink features the creamy, nutty and earthy flavor of pistachio. The pistachio syrup is incorporated with the espresso shot, to allow the flavors to melt together. By adding the pistachio syrup to the espresso rather than the milk, it helps prevent the milk from burning and provides a smoother taste.

Whether going door-to-door or attending a party, candy is synonymous with Halloween. Between the sweets, it can be a good idea to add in nutrient-dense recipes and talk to children about healthy behaviors around candy.

This layered taco dip is bound to be a Halloween party crowd-pleaser from flavor to presentation. The dip is made up of protein-rich lean turkey, seared with vegetables and taco seasoning for a fragrant base.

Making these spooky treats is a great crafty family activity with a delicious aftermath. Naturally sweet Honeycrisp apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate to form a festive webbed pattern.

These ghostly bites feature classic Italian fresh flavors of tomato, oregano, basil and mozzarella cheese.

Diet culture has made many reluctant to consume pasta. However, a 2020 study found that in general, pasta eaters had better diet quality compared to those who avoided it.

This pasta sauce is a twist on the classic pesto, adding sundried tomatoes for a flavor punch. Olive oil provides a healthy source of fat compared to many pasta sauces, while the sundried tomatoes, basil and nuts add a generous amount of fiber to the dish to support a healthy gut.

A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but a little planning and preparation can go a long way.

With only about 50 calories per cup, pumpkin is a great low-calorie addition to add nutrients to a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are three recipes featuring pumpkin to start your morning.

This healthier no-bake breakfast rendition of a cheesecake blends fall flavors of pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice with yogurt and light cream cheese.

This fall spiced smoothie bowl is a delicious way to start the morning. The combination of pumpkin and banana provides fiber and natural sweetness, while the toppings add healthy fats and crunch.

These fall flavored pumpkin pancakes pack a protein punch thanks to cottage cheese, milk and eggs, making them perfect for a filling breakfast.

Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

This salad in a jar recipe showcases fall flavors from Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin seeds. The layered nature of the salad ensures freshness and makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this seasonal salad as a nutritious lunch on-the-go or a light, easy dinner.

This recipe reimagines indulgent caramel apples as a lighter, more wholesome option. Apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with a light coat of caramel and topped with walnuts. These skewered treats offer the classic caramel apple flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.

In this twist on a familiar favorite, Honeycrisp apples and celery add sweetness and crunch to a sweet and spicy tuna melt. Whole wheat bread provides a hearty and fiber-rich base for melty Swiss cheese, juicy Campari tomatoes and crisp iceberg lettuce.

Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer and a chance to enjoy outdoor grilling before the cool temperatures set in. This Labor Day, elevate your menu with these vibrant and nutrient-dense recipes featuring seasonal produce like corn and jalapeños.

This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the zesty kick of jalapeño. The pineapple juice adds natural sweetness, and its enzymes help tenderize the chicken. To make this a full meal, serve with our grilled corn and avocado pasta salad.

This dish combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with creamy avocado and pasta for a satisfying side. Tossed in creamy and zesty cilantro lime dressing, this salad offers a balance of textures and flavors. Corn packs in a healthy dose of fiber that helps boost satiety while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats.

This healthier twist on a classic dip is rich in protein and lower in saturated fat compared to traditional recipes. The cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds a creamy texture without the need for excess cream or cheese. Spinach, artichokes and chestnuts contribute to a variety of textures in each bite and bring essential vitamins and minerals to the mix.

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and guardians are tasked with the job of packing nutritious lunches for their children. Students who consume a balanced lunch perform better academically and have more energy throughout the day.

August is Kids Eat Right Month, and it appropriately falls during a time when kids across the country are packing their backpacks and lunch bags. This month brings attention to the importance of fueling kids with healthy foods and establishing nourishing snacking and mealtime habits ahead of the school year.

This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings.

Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of fiber, serving up 8 grams in just a 1-cup serving.

This breakfast dish could double for dessert with its creamy and sweet essence. Simply let the raspberries take a ride in the blender with some milk, honey and vanilla extract. Then, add chia seeds and let them work their magic transforming the texture into a pudding over just four hours.

These single servings of raspberry crumble serve two and are perfect for those evenings when you want a little something sweet without overdoing it. If making a serving for one person, simply cut the ingredients in half.

These little frozen bites are a perfect, moderately sweet treat to enjoy after a weeknight dinner. The 60% dark chocolate in this recipe allows the chocolate to melt while still offering the antioxidant and fiber benefits of dark chocolate.

Frozen bananas keep excellent in the freezer for up to a year. In this recipe, they act as both ice and a sweetener to make a creamy smoothie.

In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. If you’re looking to refresh your picnic basket ideas, try one of these fresh recipes:

Though traditional fried spring rolls in a sweet and sour sauce serve up a delicious treat, these fresh and nutrient-packed Vietnamese spring rolls are perfect for a healthy appetizer or part of a meal.

Watermelon tastes great on a hot day - it’s crunchy and thirst-quenching. These watermelon fries are served with a lime protein-packed yogurt sauce.

This corn salsa is packed in veggies like creamy avocado and colorful Roma tomatoes and bell peppers. Easy to make, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes.

Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes for entertaining or bringing to a cookout.

The red, white and blue salad provides a fresh and light option, showcasing seasonal produce with the sweetness of blueberries complementing the savory mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.

These skewers are packed with protein and feature a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick. Lightly marinated and grilled instead of fried, these are lighter than their traditional “bang bang shrimp” counterpart.

While the word “smoothie” is synonymous with “healthy,” many smoothies may be packed in added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. However, smoothies can be a great vehicle to pack in nutrient-dense ingredients into a snack or meal replacement if made right.

This smoothie contains a chockful of anti-inflammatory ingredients from almond butter, cocoa powder, kale and berries. It’s packed in healthy fats, fiber and goodness.

Nothing says decadent like the combination of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. In this recipe, cocoa powder provides that chocolate flavor without the added fat and sugar. Instead, it adds anti-inflammatory properties and fiber. Powdered peanut butter provides the flavor of peanut butter but at a fraction of the calories and fat.

In this recipe, frozen bananas provide a nice smooth texture and natural sweetness. In addition, the fruit contains potassium which aids in promoting healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure has been shown to put strain on the brain. This smoothie also contains many ingredients promoted on the MIND Diet, specifically designed for brain health and to prevent or delay dementia.

While many sushi chefs spend upwards of 10 years studying their craft, it’s possible to make delicious beginner rolls at home. If you’re new to making sushi at home, try one of these easy rolls using approachable seafood and ingredients.

Philadelphia rolls are a staple at the majority of American sushi restaurants. This easy beginner roll is made with smoked salmon and cream cheese, but with some added vegetables for a crunch. Jalapeño adds a little bit of heat, while green onion adds an extra pop of flavor.

This roll features shrimp, creamy avocado and a hint of spice from sriracha. The green onion sprig adds both a nice crunch and pop of flavor.

Strawberry season is here, and it’s a fruitful time for Michiganders. According to Michigan Grown, our state generates $6.6 million from strawberry production, including more than 43,000 tons of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are not just a staple to the local economy, but also to health.

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the warmer weather and indulge in delicious grilled foods. Try one of these healthy grilled skewer pairings for your Memorial Day celebration.

Making something for mom is special - you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special dishes for mom is a great way to celebrate her.

These refreshing shrimp bites combine a balance of sweet from the crisp watermelon and spicy from the jalapeño. Simply prepare a sauce, marinate the shrimp and cook for a short time before assembly.

These savory roll-ups are easy to make and are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini slices are grilled until grill marks appear and softened for rolling. They’re then filled with a mixture of ricotta, sundried tomato, fresh basil and lemon

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day for margaritas and tacos; it commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its historical significance, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

Traditional tostadas are made up of fried corn tortillas, topped with refried beans and beef and toppings. In this lighter version, flour tortillas are baked with spray oil to achieve a crispy base.

Ceviche means fish or shellfish marinated in citrus and seasoning. The very definition of the dish is “refreshing” and makes it perfect for a hot summer day.

Did you know that more than one-third of families in the U.S. have a dog, and most people consider their dogs as family members? As our furry friends are part of our family, it's essential to take care of their health. Making your own healthy dog treats can be easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.

These no-bake bites are made from healthy and delicious ingredients for your furry friend. The recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and is ready to serve within an hour.

Dogs go crazy over this recipe and it requires no visit to the drive-through. Simply add a few staple household ingredients to a blender, scoop and serve.

Here are three delicious and easy-to-make non-alcoholic St. Paddy's Day drinks that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.

Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American staple and an ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a lighter option to the deep-fried dish, this air fried version skips the heavy fat and crisps up similar to the real deal.

While bruschetta involves simple ingredients and a few simple steps, this appetizer is full of flavor. The bruschetta topping is prepared a traditional Italian way, leaning on the simplicity of the herbs and tomatoes to deliver mouthwatering bites.

Chocolate-covered fruit is a delectable treat that leans on fruit for natural sweetness. To get a perfectly coated strawberry, it’s important to first wash and dry the fruit to allow for a stable surface for the chocolate to adhere to.

Watching a football game makes it easy to mindlessly snack and forget about portions. It’s a good idea to mix in some lighter appetizers for nutrients and balance. Here are three easy appetizers to enjoy during the next big game.

This healthy nacho cheese sauce recipe features a cottage cheese-based cheese sauce that packs in filling protein and gut-healthy probiotics while reducing the overall saturated fat of the dish. Use it for loaded nachos during the big game.

These mozzarella sticks are tossed in flour, covered with beaten egg and then drenched with an Italian herb-seasoned parmesan cheese panko breading. Rather than the traditional deep-frying, these are lightly coated in olive oil then baked until crispy.

These sesame seared green beans are bursting with flavor and have the perfect level of crunch. In this recipe, the green beans are seared first to ensure the other ingredients don’t burn.

In this healthier paczki recipe, banana slices are dipped in a fluffy batter, seared to golden perfection, then served on a platter with drizzles of raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy as breakfast or dessert.

Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests. We’ve got you covered with these nutrient-rich options, many of which are plant-forward, packed with antioxidants and high in protein.

The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.

This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.

Ready to take part in Dry January? Here are some recipes for mocktails and DIY garnishes.

This spicy tropical drink offers a balance of sweet and spicy with a kick of acid. Because pineapple juice is naturally sweet, add honey as needed to suit your sweetness preference.

Mocktails are getting more popular by the month. Good ones are fun, flavorful, refreshing, and they don't leave you hungover the next day. Keep these easy-to-make recipes on your radar.