shanthieats
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Cilantro lime dressing is a zesty and flavorful condiment that not only enhances the taste of your favorite dishes but also offers several health benefits.
Mexican-Inspired Shrimp Bowl
One way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by exploring the Hispanic nations’ cuisine. Here is a recipe to get started.
Winter Holiday Simmer Pot
Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Is someone baking apple pie?” with this blend of simmer pot ingredients on the stove.
Fall Holiday Simmer Pot
This delightful blend of colorful fruits, herbs and spices brings a scent of warmth to your home, whether you’re expecting company or spending a cozy day at home.
3 Healthy Apple Recipes
Apples are often referred to as nature's toothbrush and offer a plethora of health benefits. Here are three simple and healthy apple recipes to savor the goodness of this super fruit this fall.
Drizzled Apple ‘Donut’ Snacks
This donut-shaped snack packs in both flavor and health value. This easy-to-make recipe takes under 15 minutes: simply slice the apples, core them, and then drizzle and add toppings.
Fall Spiced Yogurt Dip with Apple Slices
The fall-spiced Greek yogurt provides a creamy source of protein, while the crisp apples add a fantastic source of fiber and contrast.
Apple Crumble For Two
When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crumble is made with just a few ingredients.
3 Healthy Labor Day Party Dip Ideas
Whether you’re using them with crisp veggies to whole-grain crackers, dips can add tang and flavor to your spread.
Herb and Greek Yogurt Whipped Feta
This dip is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and blends bold flavors with creamy textures.
Classic Fresh Salsa
Not only is salsa delicious, but it's also a nutritious powerhouse, filled with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh ingredients.
Baked Salmon Rice Cups
Transform this nutritional powerhouse salmon into a delightful school lunch option by creating baked rice cups.
Mini Black Bean Quesadillas
This Tex-Mex dish is packed with plant-based protein from black beans.
Healthy Out-of-the-lunch-box Ideas for Kids
Different food groups provide vital nutrients to fuel a child’s day. Here’s how to get at least three of the five groups into your child’s lunch.
Vegan Lemony Hummus Sandwich
This vegan sandwich features creamy hummus, fresh lemon juice, roasted red pepper, oregano and peppery arugula.
3 Actually Healthy Sandwich Ideas
Check out these healthy sandwich ideas that will elevate any lunch.
Salmon Burger with Lemon Dill Sauce Sandwich
The seared salmon patty is made with canned salmon, an egg to bind, panko breadcrumbs for texture and plenty of flavor.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Whipped Feta
This recipe leans on grilled chicken, a protein superior to deli meats for a sandwich.
Peach Shaved Ice
This shaved frozen fruit treat relies on the natural sweetness of ripe seasonal peaches.
Peach Bruschetta
This summery recipe combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with tomatoes and fragrant basil.
3 Unique Ways to Use Peaches
While peaches taste great on their own, they are also delicious when incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes.
Shark Week-friendly TV Snacks
Enhance your Shark Week viewing routine with these nutritious themed snacks.
3 Summer Recipes Featuring Juicy Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes taste most sweet at their peak summer ripeness, so it’s best to use them at this stage in refreshing recipes.
Creamy Tomato Orzo
This one-pan recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for a summer weeknight.
Seared Crispy Halibut with Cherry Tomato Piccata
Elevate any summer evening with this refreshing dish. This recipe features lightly pan-seared halibut that has a crispy edge without frying.
Michigan Cherry and Chocolate Vegan Ice Cream
Looking for a delicious way to cool down on a hot summer day? We’ve got you covered with this vegan ice cream recipe featuring Michigan cherries.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Jicama Slaw
If you’re firing up the grill this Fourth of July, try these savory Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Jicama Slaw.
Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini
In this summer favorite, sweet cherry tomatoes are roasted in olive oil, dry white wine, garlic and herbs.
4 Small Plates for the Fourth of July
If you are looking for food ideas for your Fourth of July celebration, we’ve got you covered – from grilled sliders to a refreshing dessert.
Sundried Tomato Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad recipe packs in nutrients from a variety of vegetables and adds a nice crunch from bell peppers and cucumbers.
Watermelon Jalapeño Gazpacho Shooters
Indulge in the ultimate summertime soup with this delectable gazpacho recipe.
5 Healthy Picnic-friendly Foods
Check out Shanthi’s surprising must-haves for your best sunny day. Plus, some fun and healthy food options.
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Bruschetta and Herbs
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of zucchini, which goes great with cherry tomato bruschetta.
Hummus Dip with Summer Vegetables
Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful chickpea spread, hummus, with a delicious vinaigrette-tossed seasonal vegetable medley on top.
Maximizing Farmers Market Finds with Seasonal Vegetable Recipes
If you’re looking for delicious meal ideas using the summer crops, check out these tried and true recipes.
Roasted Zucchini Pasta
In this summer pasta recipe, zucchini slices with olive oil and panko breadcrumbs get roasted until golden and slightly crisp, then added to a marinara sauce.
Best of Shanthi’s Summer Recipes
If you are looking for some menu inspiration, consider some of Shanthi's favorite summer recipes.
Chili Lime Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a delicious blend of herbs, aromatics, olive oil and an acid that is very versatile in nature.
Cucumber Mint Feta Salad
This refreshing salad can be served as an appetizer or alongside grilled meats and vegetables.
Grilled Caprese Skewers – Makes 8 Skewers
These caprese skewers feature traditional flavors but take it to the next level on the grill.
Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu
Skewers are a great option to mix meats and veggies, and are easily customizable to an individual’s preference. Try one of these skewer pairings.
Shawarma-inspired Veggie-Loaded Chicken Skewers – Serves 4-6
In this recipe, the grill marries the Middle Eastern-inspired flavors of the marinade, chicken and veggies beautifully.
Tropical Citrus-glazed Salmon Skewers – Serves 4
In this recipe, salmon is marinated then skewered and grilled to perfection with cherry tomatoes and pineapple for a tropical element.
Pear and Parmesan Arugula Salad with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
This spring salad contains only whole ingredients and leans on olive oil and lemon for a simple, but nutrient-dense vinaigrette.
Shrimp and Apple Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette
Grilled shrimp marinated in a heart-healthy olive oil-based mixture add a delightful contrast to the crunchy salad.
3 Delicious Salads with Seasonal Greens
Salads don’t have to be boring. By using a variety of creative ingredients and dressings, you can build a delicious salad that is tailored to your tastes.
Grilled Salmon and Pepper Salad with Avocado and Grapefruit
This balanced salad packs in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and K along with plenty of phytonutrients and fiber to support overall health.
Strawberry No-Jito
This Strawberry No-jito is a mocktail made with fresh mint leaves and strawberries, lime juice, sparkling water and simple syrup.
Fresh-squeezed Mimosa Mocktails
This refreshing drink is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of a mimosa without the alcohol content.
3 Brunch Mocktails for Mother’s Day
Raise a glass to the mothers in your life and enjoy a refreshing mocktail in their honor with these three delicious options.
Non-alcoholic Sangria
This sangria-inspired antioxidant-packed drink is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the classic drink, sans the alcohol.
Blood Orange Mock-A-Rita with a Kick
This refreshing mocktail — made with blood orange, jalapeño, lime juice, simple syrup and lime-flavored sparkling water — is perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
Margarita-marinated Chicken Tacos with Citrus Avocado Salsa
These balanced tacos offer fresh, tasty elements like avocado and grapefruit that are rich in heart-healthy fiber.
Healthy, Fresh Cinco de Mayo Recipes
As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, consider these easy reicpes, which put a fresh spin on Mexican-American cuisine.
Stinking Good – Reap the Health Benefits of Garlic
In addition to its culinary uses, garlic has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Toum Recipe: Everyone’s Favorite Garlic Sauce
Toum is a Lebanese garlic sauce with a creamy, fluffy consistency that’s a perfect addition to grilled meats and veggies alike.
A Week of Healthy, Easy School Lunches
Need inspiration for balanced school lunches? These easy options have all the nutrients kids need and some take just a few minutes to make.
Spring Veggie Puff Pastry Tart – Serves 6-8
A crispy puff pastry base topped with a creamy spread as the vehicle for spring produce like chives and arugula.
Roasted Miso Glazed Carrots and with Grilled Chicken – Serves 4
This miso glazed dish takes advantage of colorful spring produce like carrots and green onion.
Sizzling Garlic and Spring Herb Yogurt Dip
This sizzling garlic and spring herb yogurt dip is a great protein- and nutrient-packed snack or party appetizer.
3 Vibrant and Nutrient-packed Spring Recipes
Spring brings an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce in Michigan. Here are three recipes featuring fresh produce.
Spring Salad Essentials with 3 Mason Jar Salad Dressings
There are plenty of ways to spice up your salad. Here are some tips and three mason jar salad dressing recipes.
Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes
Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.
Chilled Creamy Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad Recipe
A side of this chilled crunchy salad is a refreshing addition to any grilled protein.
Seared Cabbage Wedges with Bacon Ranch Recipe
Seared and roasted cabbage is topped with a protein-rich creamy Greek yogurt-and-bacon ranch dressing in this recipe.
Thai-inspired Cabbage and Glass Noodles Recipe
This dish works as a side or the star of the show as a light meal.
Three Non-Alcoholic St. Paddy’s Day Drinks
Here are three delicious and easy-to-make non-alcoholic St. Paddy's Day drinks that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Two Easy and Kid-friendly Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Here are two healthy breakfast ideas for children.
4-Ingredient Pancake in a Blender
Move aside boxed mixes, there’s a new pancake in town. It has only four ingredients — household staples — and can be made in a blender.
Slow Cooker Canned Tomato Salsa Chicken Tacos
Flavorful shredded chicken for tacos gets less complicated in this slow cooker recipe.
Roasted Eggplant with Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Roasted tender eggplant is the star of the show in this vegetarian pasta sauce recipe.
Canned Tomato Roasted Salsa Recipe
This recipe brings home the restaurant-style salsa you love. The ingredients are simply roasted for extra flavor then tossed in a blender.
Three Ways to Use Canned Tomatoes
Want to switch up the way you use canned tomatoes? Try these three easy and budget-friendly recipes.
Whipped Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
These easy-to-make stuffed mini peppers are bite-sized and perfect for hosting.
Healthier Big Game Recipes
Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests.
Roasted Cauliflower ‘Steak’ Over Red Pepper Sauce with Pesto
This plant-forward and colorful dish is packed in fiber and antioxidants from bell peppers, basil and cauliflower.
Spiced Brown Sugar Baked Pears with Cardamom Yogurt
Using warm baking spices and brown sugar, pears are roasted to tenderness and caramelized.

Cooking as a ‘Love Language’: Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
Many people express love for their family and friends by making food for them. Here are three plant-forward, heart-healthy dishes that deliver love.
Date Night Easy Tomato and Garlic White Wine Pasta
This simple pasta dish consists of fragrant garlic in olive oil and sweet cherry tomatoes reduced down to a delicious sauce.
Poppin’ Flavors for Your Popcorn
Deciphering what’s best among popcorn options can be tricky. Here’s what to look for on the Nutrition Facts label for maximum health benefits.
Vibrant Beet Hummus Recipe
In this recipe, canned beets are blended into heart-healthy and protein-rich hummus for a vibrant result.
Three Recipes Using Canned Beets
Beyond their nutrition benefits, canned beets are shelf-stable and relatively low-cost. Consider these three recipes using canned beets.
Apple and Beet Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette Recipe
Beets add excellent health value to this salad. The pleasant earthiness of beets combines well with the tart goat cheese and crisp apples.
Beet Bruschetta with Yogurt and Pistachios Recipe
The orange-infused yogurt is the perfect flavor accompaniment for the bruschetta while pistachios add a contrasting crunch.
6 Health and Food Trends to Watch in 2023
Supplements, natural sweeteners and whole foods: here are some of the top health and food trends to watch for in 2023.
9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try
Mocktails are rising in popularity – offering fun refreshment without the booze. Here are 9 mocktail recipes from A Healthier Michigan.
Tips for Maximizing Your Grocery Budget
With food prices on the rise, here are some tips to maximize your grocery budget and minimize spending.
Festive Holiday Mocktails the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Enjoy cozy holiday flavors in these no-alcohol renditions of the mimosa and Moscow mule.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts “Chips” with Thyme Honey Mustard Sauce
In this recipe, steamed Brussels sprouts are smashed then roasted to crisp perfection perfect for dipping.
These Seasonal Holiday Dishes Are Packed with Antioxidants
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.
Dark Chocolate-covered Filled Dates
This frozen combination of minimally processed ingredients mimics the flavor and texture of popular candy bars.
Caprese Wreath
A wreath of tomato, mozzarella, and basil serves as an elegant presentation for a delicious caprese salad.
Dairy-Free Pie Crust
Many traditional pie crusts are made with butter or shortening – ingredients that aren’t exactly heart-healthy. Try this dairy-free recipe for your next pie.
Healthier Holiday Desserts: 2 Recipes to Try
For your holiday baking needs, try these two minimal-ingredient recipes that feature healthy swaps.
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie
Here's a heart-healthy swap that makes a delicious holiday cookie: peanut butter oat bran cookies sweetened with maple syrup instead of processed sugar.
Crispy Cast Iron Potatoes with a Sage-infused Light Aioli
A lighter version of a potato side dish, this recipe doesn't include heavy cheeses or cream.
Mini No-bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes
While this recipe uses a fair share of heavy whipping cream, it’s served in small containers to keep portion sizes in check.
Fall Herb-whipped Spread with Crudites
Spreads and dips aren’t known for their health benefits. But this recipe adds filling protein and calcium by whipping goat cheese with Greek yogurt.
Festive and Healthier Seasonal Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving dishes and healthy eating aren’t often synonymous, but there are ways to bring in healthy elements while keeping things festive.