Light and Fresh Recipes

This recipe features a Southwestern spin on a dish we love. We’ve replaced the croutons with Parmesan crisps and added a zesty lime dressing.

Could this light appetizer be any more beautiful? Filled with rice noodles, avocado, crunchy carrots, and cucumber slices, they also make deceptively simple party hors d’oeuvres. We like to serve them with a tangy hoisin dipping sauce.

Move over, mayo! This recipe gets its creaminess from goat cheese. The result is a clean and tangy flavor -- with far less fat than traditional pasta salads. Prepare it in advance before your next party or picnic.

This meal is a weeknight no-brainer. Grilled chicken gets dressed up in a mild parsley vinaigrette. Everything sits on a bed of raisin-studded vegetables that adds a hint of sweetness to this super-fresh dinner.

We can’t think of a better way to add flavor without the fat than with herbs. This relative of tabbouleh is loaded with fresh chopped herbs (your choice) and features plenty of whole grains. Eat it on its own or serve as a side dish to grilled or roasted fish or chicken.

These light cod cakes have very few fillers (unlike their less-healthy crab cake counterparts) so each bite is packed with protein and flavor. Freeze them so you have a ready-to-go meal without the fuss.

Highlight one of summer’s best produce options -– summer squash -– by dressing it simply with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. These raw zucchini ribbons don’t need many embellishments to shine.

Why would you ever need potato chips when you have these spicy snacks? Make this tangy favorite to squeeze more greens into your family’s diet and to hit your weekly Sriracha quota (a necessity, right?).

How often do you get to make a starch, vegetable, and protein all in one pot? Not very. This lean dish gets its burst of flavor from a homemade spice rub that includes bold ingredients like ground coriander, paprika, and ground ginger.

Pack all your food groups into one meal. This egg and vegetable scramble gives you a protein boost that will start your day off on the right foot.

Get into the Mediterranean spirit by slathering creamy Greek yogurt and honey on whole–grain toast. Pistachios add the necessary crunch factor.

There’s nothing like sweet pineapple and zingy ginger to wake you up in the morning. Not a fan of smoothies for breakfast? This drink doubles as a light dessert or snack. Freeze it for a refreshing summertime treat.

This lighter take on a typical pizza uses creamy ricotta and is topped with our favorite spring vegetable –- asparagus. We’re sure you won’t miss the greasy cheese and pepperoni this time.

End your meal on a sweet note. This simple bowl of fresh fruit is enhanced by honey and mint.