Chicken Skewers – 5 Smart Points

October 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

chicken-skewers

Whenever I feel like I need a break from cooking for the evening and we don’t have leftovers – I ask my husband to grill something. Sometimes it’ll be something really simple like hamburgers or grilled pork chops, but other times (when I warn him early enough), he marinates something. This time the marinade was really simple – a fat free Italian dressing. We marinated the chicken for about 1 hour, then threaded it on the skewers with the veggies we wanted. We brushed a bit more dressing over the top and grilled it. It was perfect. It’s simple but adds a zesty flavor to the chicken skewers. It’s easy to add a bright and colorful salad, whipped up while the chicken is grilling. We added squash, mushrooms, tomatoes and little red onions to our skewers. We also tried grilled plantains, since my husband wanted to try them (we weren’t fans). Another great thing about these skewers is that I can heat up the leftover skewers and add them to couscous, quinoa or a whole grain pasta for lunch (or dinner).

 

Chicken Skewers
Print Recipe
Simple, easy and delicious marinated chicken with bright and juicy veggies.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 1 hour
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 1 hour
Chicken Skewers
Print Recipe
Simple, easy and delicious marinated chicken with bright and juicy veggies.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 1 hour
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 1 hour
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Cut the chicken into pieces.
  2. Marinate the chicken in a Ziploc bag for 30-60 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, slice the squash, peal the onions and clean the tomatoes and mushrooms.
  4. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers.
  5. Grill on a preheated grill for about 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked.
  6. Baste the skewers with additional dressing, if desired.
Recipe Notes

These skewers can also be baked at 350 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 4 oz chicken with vegetables (total of about 12 oz)
Each serving = 5 Smart Points
PER SERVING: 247calories; 4.8g fat; 1.3g saturated fat; 11.9g carbohydrate; 6.9g sugar; 38.4g protein; 2.8g fiber

Filed Under: 5 Point, American, Chicken, Grilling, Main Dish, Vegetable

Chicken and Broccoli Slaw Salad with Almond Butter Dressing – 6 Smart Points

October 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Chicken and Broccoli Slaw with Almond Butter Dressing

When I want a quick and easy salad recipe for lunch, this Chicken and Broccoli Slaw Salad with Almond Butter Dressing is one of my absolute favorites. I don’t know about anyone else, but I get so tired of traditional lettuce based salads all the time. This salad has broccoli slaw as the base, which packs in a ton of nutrition and crunch! Over the weekend, I’ll often cook a few chicken breasts to keep on hand during the week so that I can throw this salad together for myself on a busy day. And did I mention how delicious the Thai-inspired dressing is!?! If you don’t like/have almond butter, you can use peanut butter. I just personally prefer the flavor and health benefits of the almond butter. But regular peanut butter works just fine. And at just 6 Smart Points per serving, you get a delicious and satisfying salad without an ounce of guilt!

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Filed Under: 6 Point, Broccoli, Chicken, Chicken Salad, Dressing, Sauce, Gravy and Dip, Healthy, Low Calorie, Main Dish, Thai

Roasted Eggplant Salad Recipe – 1 Smart Point

October 11, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Roasted Eggplant Salad

In my opinion, eggplants are one of the most under-used vegetables. This Roasted Eggplant Salad is perfect example of how easy they are to use and flavorful the eggplant is. By roasting it, the eggplant develops a beautiful, smoky flavor. Combine it with the crunchy, fresh bell peppers and onions, then finish it off with fresh lemon juice and olive oil, and you’ve got one amazing mouthful of deliciousness. And since the only ingredient that’s counted in this recipe is the olive oil, each serving comes out to just 1 Smart Point per serving. I’ll use this salad as a topping for my chicken, a dip for my pita, or I’ll add a chopped hardboiled egg to it for protein packed side salad. It’s so versatile and so flavorful, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.

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Filed Under: 1 Point, Appetizer, Dressing, Sauce, Gravy and Dip, Eggplant, Healthy, Low Calorie, Middle-Eastern, Salad, Side Dish, Tomato, Vegan, Vegetarian

Portobello Eggs Benedict Recipe – 4 Smart Points

September 29, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Portobello Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is always my go to brunch choice when dining out. I am absolutely obsessed with it, and I love all the different varieties out there! Seriously…soooooo many good ones. Occasionally, I’ll make it at home for myself, and when I do, I use my homemade hollandaise sauce which helps to save a ton of extra fat and calories. If an effort to make my eggs benedict even more light and healthy, I created this Portobello Eggs Benedict Recipe that is just 4 Smart Points (including the hollandaise!) and is absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get those veggie servings in. Enjoy!

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Filed Under: 4 Point, American, Breakfast, Easter, Egg, French, Healthy, Low Calorie, Main Dish, Mushroom, Spinach

Honey Ginger Cod – 4 Smart Points

September 28, 2016 By 5 Comments

Honey Ginger Cod

I’ll freely admit that my favorite type of seafood or fish is salmon. I don’t mind tuna (and have definitely made some tuna noodle casseroles when I’m in a hurry), but most fish and seafood, I just don’t care for too much. I typically make it because my husband likes it. I have had some incredible beer battered fish and chips, but living in the Midwest, it’s hard to replicate that fresh caught fish flavor with what comes from the frozen section. As a result, I tend to shy away from things that I see as relatively “fishy” unless I can smother them in tartar sauce. However, I had some cod, so I thought I’d break from my usual oven baked fish and chips and go with something Asian inspired. I combined honey, soy sauce, lemon juice and some ginger. I wanted the fish well done, but not dry. I just broiled it for a few minutes until it was cooked through. It might take slightly longer based on how thick your fish is. I love the rich soy-ginger flavor. It was perfect to off-set the fishy flavor but wasn’t overpowering. And it was so simple! Just mix the marinade ingredients together, brush it on the fish, broil and you’re done. Serve it with a big side salad or some steamed vegetables and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Honey Ginger Cod
Print Recipe
Simple and delicious cod flavored with a honey ginger soy glaze. Ready to serve in less than 15 minutes.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Honey Ginger Cod
Print Recipe
Simple and delicious cod flavored with a honey ginger soy glaze. Ready to serve in less than 15 minutes.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil and ginger.
  2. Spray a baking sheet with the cooking spray.
  3. Place the fillets on the baking sheet.
  4. Evenly divide the honey ginger sauce over the fillets.
  5. Broil for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily.
  6. Serve hot, with additional sauce, if desired.

Entire recipe makes 4 serving
Serving size is 1 fillet
Each serving = 4 Smart Points
PER SERVING: 172 calories; 2g fat; .3g saturated fat; 14g carbohydrates; 13.2g sugar; 23.8g protein; .2g fiber

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mexican Quinoa – 8 Smart Points

September 28, 2016 By 2 Comments

mexican-quinoa

CEven though not everyone in the house likes quinoa, I do. I like to make up a batch in my rice cooker and then make simple, nutritious and delicious lunches with it. It provides a nice change from salads on some days. However, I’m a huge fan of one pot meals. Anything that I can do that doesn’t have the kitchen covered in dishes is great (my husband is even more a fan, since he does the dishes when I cook!). This one is great. All those delicious Mexican flavors that I love – black beans, corn, onions, cumin, garlic and cilantro all wrapped up into one delicious dish. Since avocadoes were on sale recently, and we had a perfectly ripe one, I sliced up avocado to put on top after it was done cooking. My favorite part was how easy it was. I just put everything in a pan, covered it with a lid and waited.

Mexican Quinoa
Print Recipe
Everything gets tossed in one pot - it's easy and simple to make. It's packed with nutrients and flavors, and is great for a quick and delicious dinner.
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Mexican Quinoa
Print Recipe
Everything gets tossed in one pot - it's easy and simple to make. It's packed with nutrients and flavors, and is great for a quick and delicious dinner.
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add the garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the quinoa, broth, beans, corn, chili powder and cumin.
  4. Cover and cook over medium heat until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
  5. Add the lime juice, salt, pepper and tomatoes.
  6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the avocado, onion and cilantro, and serve immediately.

Entire recipe makes 6 serving
Serving size is about 1 cup
Each serving = 8 Smart Points
PER SERVING: 301 calories; 9.9g fat; 1.4g saturated fat; 44.6g carbohydrates; 2.8g sugar; 11.5g protein; 10.8g fiber

Filed Under: 8 Point, American, Bean, Corn, Healthy, Main Dish, Mexican, Vegan, Vegetable, Vegetarian

Quinoa Burgers

September 27, 2016 By 1 Comment

Quinoa Burgers

I don’t know about you, but the thought of tofu burgers, isn’t very appealing. Granted, I’m not a vegetarian or vegan (in fact, I love meat), however, I’m all about great tasting options that are packed with nutrients. That’s where these delicious quinoa and black bean burgers come in. I’ll admit, my husband isn’t a fan, but that’s because he doesn’t like quinoa. I love the flavor of these. It’s rich and nutty, and it’s obviously made with real foods. They’re so easy to make, just combine everything in a food process and then make your patties. They’re great to grill, pan fry, bake or broil. While they can be eaten plain, I found one of the best ways to eat them is served with a side of caprese salad. The juicy tomatoes, basil, a little fresh mozzerella and a dash of balsamic really brought the flavors out of these burgers.

Quinoa Burgers
Print Recipe
Simple and delicious - homemade vegetarian burgers. They're perfect with a caprese salad on top, your favorite chipotle mayonnaise, or anything else you like to top your burgers with!
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Quinoa Burgers
Print Recipe
Simple and delicious - homemade vegetarian burgers. They're perfect with a caprese salad on top, your favorite chipotle mayonnaise, or anything else you like to top your burgers with!
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. In a food processor combine all the ingredients.
  2. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and ground.
  3. Form the mixture into 6 patties.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
  5. Cook the patties for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until brown and heated through.
  6. Serve warm with sides and toppings of choice.

Entire recipe makes 1 serving
Serving size is entire salad
Each serving = 7 Smart Points
PER SERVING: 170 calories; 6.9g fat; 1.4g saturated fat; 23g carbohydrates; 16.5g sugar; 8g protein; 5.4g fiber

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Honey Soy Chicken Recipe – 6 Smart Points

September 15, 2016 By 6 Comments

Honey Soy Chicken

Today’s Honey Soy Chicken Recipe is yet another dish that my whole LOOOOOOOVED. Including me. I love chicken that has incredible flavor, but to achieve that, it usually requires a long marinade time. During the week, when I’m super busy, I often have to come up with a meal on the fly, and typically don’t have time to wait for a marinade. So when I forget/don’t have time to marinade, I rely on this Honey Soy Chicken dish to deliver a tender and juicy chicken, with knockout flavor. The sauce has all the sweet, salty, and tangy flavors combined to make for one seriously mouthwatering chicken recipe. Serve the chicken (and the remaining sauce from the pan!) over steamed brown rice and veggies for a complete meal.

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Filed Under: 6 Point, Asian, Chicken, Dinner, Dressing, Sauce, Gravy and Dip, Low Calorie, Main Dish

Homemade Chipotle Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise – 3 Smart Points

September 13, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Homemade Chipotle Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise

The funny thing about mayonnaise, is that I always hated it as a kid. For some reason, I could never get on board with the flavor. Nowadays, as a an adult, I am full-fledged, car carrying mayo lover. If it wasn’t so high in Points, I’d eat it straight out the jar with a spoon. In fact, my love for mayo has led me to get a little experimental in making my own, homemade mayonnaise recipes. Recently, I tried making a cholesterol free version, using just the egg white instead of the whole egg. And I used less oil. For added kick, I added in some chopped up chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This turned out to be the BEST DECISION EVER. I cannot even begin to tell you how good this is. Im actually eating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich right now, with some if this Homemade Chipotle Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise because just writing about it was driving me mad. I needed to eat it…NOW. Super easy to make, and though its not as low in Smart Points as I wanted it to be, it is still cholesterol free and absolutely delicious. Totally worth the 3 Points per serving. Treat yo’self!

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Filed Under: 3 Point, 4th of July, American, Dressing, Sauce, Gravy and Dip, Healthy, Vegetarian

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe – 8 Smart Points

August 31, 2016 By 12 Comments

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Mexican food is my happy place. In fact, I have yet to try a Mexican dish that I didn’t like, and the good things is that many Mexican food recipes can be petty easily adjusted to suit my Weight Watchers plan. This is great, because I eat it ALL.THE.TIME. One of my favorite Mexican foods are enchiladas…..cheese enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, shredded beef enchiladas…you name it. I ADORE them. But when making them at home, I sometimes have an issues with rolling up those corn tortillas without having them break apart. I’ve tried a few tricks, and I can make it work, but it’s still a pain. So I decided to try doing some chicken enchiladas in casserole form and the result was AMAZING. Seriously, amigos. This dish is soooooo goooood. I actually just made these for dinner last night, and couldn’t wait to post them here on the blog for you to try! Feel free to top them with any extras you see fit…jalapeños, sour cream, diced red onions….whatever floats your boat. This Chicken Enchilada Casserole was loved by the whole family and I highly recommend you get in the kitchen and make this bambino ASAP.

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Filed Under: 8 Point, Bean, Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Corn, Dinner, Main Dish, Mexican, Super Bowl Recipes

Basic Egg White Salad Recipe – 2 Smart Points

August 30, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Basic Egg White Salad

When trying to eat a high protein/low fat diet, it’s no secret that egg whites can play a huge a role in your eating plan. I always keep a big bowl of prepared, hardboiled eggs stashed in my refrigerator for quick and easy access. Eating the yellow part of the egg does provide a lot of nutrients, healthy fats, and cholesterol, but when I want to keep my Smart Points low, I stick to just the whites. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in this Basic Egg White Salad Recipe. It has all the beloved flavors of a traditional egg salad, but with a lot less fat, sugar and calories. At just 2 Smart Points per serving, this egg white salad goes great on a sandwich, on top of a salad, or straight out of the bowl! You can’t go wrong with this reliable recipe.

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Filed Under: 2 Point, American, Breakfast, Egg, Healthy, Low Calorie, Salad, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetable, Vegetarian

Chickpea “Salsa” – 3 Smart Points

August 29, 2016 By 1 Comment

Chickpea Salad

I really like to use beans in things because it makes it much lower in fat than meat, but it’s still a great source of protein. Beans are also a great source of fiber – which really helps when you’re trying to eat healthy and lose weight. The fiber helps to fill you up and when you feel full longer, you’re less likely to eat as much. They’re also so handy to have on hand. I usually just have a variety of canned beans on hand (several cans of each) so that I have them ready to go when a recipe calls for them. I wanted to do something with fresh garden vegetables, but something with a definitely Mediterranean flavor to it. I ended up combining a couple of recipes, including one with a really tasty oil and vinegar dressing. I used a low calorie pita bread as a scoop and I fell in love with it. It’s easy to put together and right now you can get garden fresh veggies and herbs to put in this. It’s fabulous fresh, and (I think) even better after it’s had a day or two to marinate. While I had it with pita bread the first time, it really wasn’t necessary. It was just as good with a spoon! This will definitely become a favorite salad for my lunch options. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Appetizer, Healthy, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetable, Vegetarian