We mean it when we say we're big fans of Italian food. Homemade pasta, fresh-baked bread, and refreshing salads are all dishes we regularly enjoy here at Bob's Red Mill. That being said, a giant bowl of pasta isn't something that we choose to eat for every meal. Though pasta is delicious (and we might want to eat it daily), a large bowl of it is usually accompanied by a lot of carbs and calories. If you're trying to eat healthier and cook in a light homemade meal, then traditional pasta probably isn't the right choice. However, that doesn't mean that you have to give it up altogether! You can turn a heavy meal into a light, healthy one by swapping out grain-based pasta noodles for a veggie-based version like spaghetti squash or butternut squash.
At first glance, this Roasted Butternut Squash Gnocchi looks like a traditional bowl of pasta, yet underneath that creamy vegan sauce is a hidden boost of nutrients to support your health journey. Instead of potato, butternut squash is used to create this pasta. Besides its beautiful and vibrant orange color, squash is bursting with crucial nutrients like fiber and potassium. Vegetables contribute to strong immunity and health, and with this recipe, you get a serving of veggies in each bite!
Upgrading your healthy lifestyle is a big decision. It's no secret that we're a fan of healthy and wholesome foods. But just because we love eating healthy, doesn't mean that we don't love flavorful comfort food. In fact, it's just the opposite. By using wholesome and fresh ingredients, we've found that we can create healthy versions of our favorite foods with just as much, or more, flavor! Now, if you're wondering how you can turn a comfort food like a pizza into a delicious, light dinner option, then keep reading.
This scrumptious Chickpea Flatbread recipe is a crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside treat that serves as the perfect crust for your favorite pizza. Load it up with all of the best Italian flavors, including melty mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and fresh herbs. Easy to make and quick to cook, this flatbread is a great way to lighten up dinnertime. Pair it with a fresh caprese salad for added deliciousness!
Delicious meals don't have to kill your healthy-eating mojo! If you're searching for lighter foods that will leave you satisfied without feeling like you over-indulged, try out these bite-sized ones. Bite-sized food is a great way to practice portion control, plus it's fun to eat. Add these bite-sized meals to your recipe rotation to keep things light and healthy at dinnertime.
Use Greek yogurt instead of traditional sauces and high-carb dairy ingredients. Greek yogurt is a low-carb, high protein food that can be used in everything from desserts to savory pasta dishes. Adding Greek yogurt to a recipe is a great way to lighten up the carbs and calories while maintaining the same great taste.
For a fun protein-filled greek yogurt dessert, try making these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Muffins!
Try swapping cheese for nutritional yeast if you're trying to stay away from dairy or looking for a quick way to lighten up your meal. A vegetarian supplement used in baked goods, Nutritional yeast is a great way to add a creamy, cheese-like flavor to your dinner while still keeping it completely dairy-free! Aside from taste, nutritional yeast will help thicken the texture of whichever dish you add it to. Add it to soups, sauces, dips and even baked goods for a deliciously cheesy flavor.
Apart from its flavor-boosting properties, nutritional yeast has some pretty great health benefits. High in vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and B 12, nutritional yeast packs a nutritional punch that's hard to overlook. Adding this cheesy substitute will boost the flavor of your favorite dishes and elevate the health benefits!
To get started using nutritional yeast, make this Nutritional Yeast Cheese Sauce. Use it to make vegan nachos or a creamy pasta sauce!
If you love the sweet taste of milkshakes and want to find a way to include this sweet drink into a healthy diet, then you're in luck. Many healthy, veggie and fruit-based smoothies can be made to taste just as sweet as milkshakes! By adding wholesome, naturally gratifying foods like berries, honey and mango to your smoothies, you can create a milkshake-like meal with half the calories!
Looking for a sweet drink to start your morning with? Try out this Matcha Mango Smoothie Recipe.
Are you a fan of rice-based dishes and appetizers? We're right there with you! While rice can be great for you, it depends on which kind you use. White rice is heavily processed grain. During processing, many of the healthy nutrients are removed, and what's left is a high-carb filler. To lighten up your meals, start adding new, healthier grain variations to your dishes. Swap in quinoa for rice when you're making sushi, or try out a less common grain like buckwheat! Your meals will be packed with more nutrients and new flavors.
For a unique way to work new grains into your brunch menu, make these Buckwheat Blini Bites. During the summer, when planning out your weekend adventures becomes a full-time job, a healthy brunch recipe may be just what you need to help power through the day's activities. These buckwheat blini bites are a thin, crepe-like pancake made with buckwheat flour. Bite-size and full of flavor, they are the perfect combo of sweet and savory.
