Category: side dish

Zucchini and Arugula Salad

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I belong to a private group on Facebook. The purpose of this group is to encourage each other and share ideas about living a healthy life style. We post and converse about many things, but my favorite thing is sharing ideas about food. One of my friends posted this original “Zucchini Carpaccio” recipe. It looked amazing; refreshing and simple with only 5 ingredients. I just happened to have all 5 ingredients on hand for lunch that day so I made it. I loved it so much, I made it for dinner that night and then for breakfast the next day! A big thank you to Gina Homolka from http://www.skinnytaste.com for this recipe. I hope you all can enjoy it too!  Cheers!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, vegetarian

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Zucchini Quinoa Patties w/ Dill Cream

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

These wholesome little patties pack in so much flavor using simple ingredients, and they are carb/gluten free! You can enjoy them as a light snack or lunch, or alongside a lean protein for a healthy meal. The delicious dill cream adds a bright contrast to the savory patties. Hope you love them as much as my hubby and I did!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory Read More »

Roasted Corn with Chipotle Mayo and Cotija

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

You HAVE to make this chipotle mayonnaise! It is good on so may things; use as a dip for chips, taquitos, fried calamari, on a burger, or this recipe-roasted corn!  I bet it’d be great in a sushi roll too! With the summer months coming up, this is a perfect side dish to consume at any BBQ! I’m making it again this weekend for Father’s Day! And you should too! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kidney friendly*, diabetes friendly*

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Dilly Salt and Vinegar Cucumbers

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This is one of my, and also my nephew Aidon’s favorite, healthy snacks. And it seriously only takes 5 minutes to make. I found this recipe on the Recipe Book and More blog and adjusted a bit to decrease the salt and increase the dill. Enjoy that slightly salty, tart flavor of salt and vinegar chips with the brightness of dill, without all the carbs. It’s also very refreshing on a hot summer day!

 -Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead More »

Chipotle Ranch Bacon Potato Salad

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I created my 2nd new favorite potato salad for summer BBQs! Besides Tyler Florence’s delicious dilly lemony potato salad I posted previously, I am now in love with the flavor of chipotle in salads, especially a creamy potato salad. I was inspired by a yummy chipotle pasta salad that I just fell in love with during an air show a few weeks ago. Mixing ranch in with the chipotle softens the spice for a larger crowd and adds a tangy creaminess to it. Hope you enjoy!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead More »

Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

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My sisters and I spent Mother’s Day harvesting some fresh strawberries at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine a few weeks ago. What a fun experience…only $6 per person, and you get a tour of the vast property on a hayride truck, and your own container for picking plump, sweet strawberries! I picked up this yummy recipe from their farm store and just had to try it. It’s the perfect salad for this spring!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Pork Loin and Veggie Kebab with Garlic Lemon Marinade

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We had a nice, warm day this spring week. I didn’t feel like cooking inside. And I definitely didn’t feel like eating a gut-busting meal either. With the warmers days ahead, I’ve been into lemons more than usual lately. That, and I’m lucky enough to have friends with lemons. J So I created a recipe that I am quickly becoming obsessed with; garlic lemon…it could be a quick marinade or the perfect vinaigrette! It’s perfect for poultry, pork, veggies, and salads. It’s so refreshing and adds the perfect amount of brightness to many dishes. If anything, make this marinade/ vinaigrette to keep on hand. Enjoy!

 –Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Quinoa Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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Craving a different kind of salad? I cannot tell you how delicious this salad is.  And if you think you don’t like quinoa…you’re wrong! When you add the flavors of lime, cilantro, and avocado, along with the “poppy” texture from the quinoa, your mouth is going to explode!  If you are going to give quinoa a try, please make this! And the best part is that you can feel great about eating it!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free, vegetarian, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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Beet, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad

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Talk about a perfect mix of flavors! I love this beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad. This salad hits all the bells and whistles; it’s earthy, a little sweet from the beets, tangy, has crunch from the walnuts, has some creaminess from the goat cheese, and just has a unique flavor-not your typical salad! Plus, there are so many healthy benefits from eating beets!

Confession time- I used to hate beets! Until one day, I went to a restaurant to meet up with some friends. My friends were munching on a salad just like this recipe. I wanted to give it a try. Yup, explosion in my mouth! Who knew beets were so delicious! I went back to the same restaurant a few weeks ago and found out they do not serve that salad anymore. Bummer. So I did some searching a found this recipe. It could not be easier! And thank goodness, now I can have the salad whenever I want! And now you can have it whenever you want!

-Tammy

Health tips:  anti-inflammatory, kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian

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Easy Cheesy Tomato Caprese Bites

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

This super easy snack is one of my favorites! It only takes 3 ingredients to make and is ready in a jiffy. You can even share them as an appetizer for a get together or potluck. It’s very light, and satisfying at the same time…almost reminds me of a tiny low-carb pizza! =)

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »