If your 2012 resolution is to eat healthier and fresher, you should know that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for fewer calories. The options for enjoyable, easy and wholesome meals are endless, and in this post I’m sharing with you 50 ideas for more healthy appetizers, desserts, side dishes and full meals!
Whether your goal is to cleanse yourself completely of fatty foods or simply still enjoy the things you love in moderation, you are making a wise choice and a smart one for your body and overall well being. Learning to cook is an invaluable tool in developing a cleaner diet since you know exactly what goes into everything you eat! Many of the meals listed below can be frozen ahead of time as well, including my Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells, Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Polenta Cakes and Mom’s Curried Butternut Squash Soup. So, really, you’re saving both time and calories!
Click below for plenty of delicious, nutritious recipes, including my personal favorites, Artichoke Stuffed Baked Potato Bites, Spiced Chicken with Tropical Salsa and Mini Apple and Cherry Pies. There’s plenty to choose from and inspire you to make 2012 your healthiest year yet!
Appetizers & Snacks
Spicy White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Artichoke Stuffed Baked Potato Bites
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Spicy Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Dessert
One Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes for Two
Pear Ginger Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Main Dishes
• Beef
Deep Dish Sausage Pizza with Spinach Salad
• Chicken
Spiced Chicken with Couscous Salad
Spiced Chicken with Tropical Salsa
Tandoori Chicken with Basmati Rice
Honey-Dijon Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Rice
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce
Creamy Caesar Salad with Herb Grilled Chicken
• Pork
Country Frittata with Ham, Cheddar and Basil
Cranberry-Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
• Seafood
Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus and Basil Pesto
Grilled New England Seafood Bake
Potato-Crusted Snapper with Bell Pepper Salsa
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Red Snapper with Tomatoes, Olives and Onions
Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Tomato Sauce
• Turkey
Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
• Vegetarian Friendly
Lemon Orzo with Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes
Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini and Parmesan
Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Eggplant Parmigiana on a Toasted Baguette
Side Dishes
Basil Pesto Potato Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Salad
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Strawberry and Mixed Green Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Soup
Mom’s Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Caylee says
This is a fantastic post. I’m one of those whose main resolution for 2012 is to eat *better*. By better, I mean seasonal, healthy, unprocessed food. I’m excited to go through each of those 50 recipes.
thecompletecookbook says
I am going to bookmark this post for the coming year!
:-) Mandy
Sandra says
This is a huge and impressive list Georgia. I will be referring to if often. It seems that I indulged a bit too much over the last couple of weeks. Healthy eating can still be fun and flavorful thanks for the recipes.
Nutritionist Manchester says
I have bookmarked your excellent post! Thank you very much for sharing your delicious recipes. I can’t wait to get started :)
Leslie says
Wow..that is a very delicious round up on healthy recipes.!! Happy New Year to you
A Canadian Foodie says
Holy cow! What a list! Happy 2012 – Beautiful photos!
:)
Valerie
Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Great collection! Bookmarked and buzzed! Happy New Year!
Miranda says
This is the perfect post Georgia, always looking for new healthy recipes.
Paula says
Fantastic compilation post and one that must be revisited throughout the year. Thank you!
eatgood4life.blogspot.com says
I just had the same thing on the works since I did not do a round up of fav posts for the new year ;-) those zucchini fries are my ultimate favorite side dish/appetizer!! Happy new year.
Magic of Spice says
What a fantastic lineup Georgia! I really love your vegetarian chili…
well and everything else :)
Happy New Year!
Jenny @ Savour the Senses says
Wow, great list! So many things jumped out at me to make in the near future!
Melissa @ Kids in the Sink says
There are just too many delicious things to choose from here! I must have just bookmarked at least 5 different delicious looking things. Thanks for the round-up of healthy recipes!
Jo says
Looks delicious. Would love for you to share your pictures with us over at foodepix.com.
Sarah says
What a great list! Will definitely be pulling this out as I try to stay healthy in 2012 (since who doesn’t at least somewhat have that resolution!). Thanks for posting!
Lillian (My Recipe Journey) says
Okay….I looked at some of your delicious food pics & recipes…and now I’m a ‘follower’! YUM! Keep posting!