You're looking at the best of the best! Try our contest-winning healthy recipes including tasty sweet potato hash, roasted cauliflower and more.
40 Healthy Contest-Winning Recipes
1/39
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
2/39
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it's excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as a dip with corn chips. —Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
3/39
Kale Slaw Spring Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 192 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch.
4/39
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
5/39
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
6/39
Mini Mediterranean Pizza
Total Time
19 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was on a mini pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 287 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
7/39
Shaved Fennel Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad tastes even more impressive than it looks. It has an incredible crunch thanks to the cucumbers, radishes and apples. And the finish of fennel fronds adds just the faintest hint of licorice flavor. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/39
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
9/39
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/39
Ginger Chicken and Quinoa Stew
Total Time
3 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. &mash; Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 373 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
11/39
Caribbean Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/39
Southwest Hash with Adobo-Lime Crema
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adobo sauce adds so much extra flavor that you won't even miss the smaller amounts of butter and egg yolks in this smoky hash. Here's a tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the poaching water right before you drop in the eggs. It helps keep them from separating as they cook. —Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without avocado): 304 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat.
13/39
Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
14/39
Butternut Squash Chili
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
15/39
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created my own cauliflower recipe in honor of my grandma, who taught me to love this delicious and healthy vegetable. She cooked with it all the time.—Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cauliflower wedge with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 177 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
16/39
Wintertime Braised Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it's even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/39
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/39
Mango and Jicama Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty salad has become part of my regular summertime rotation because of its freshness and versatility—it's delightful with everything from grilled chicken to seafood! Try it with coconut-flavored vinegar for a fun tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 143 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
19/39
Mushroom Marsala with Barley
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It's terrific as a main dish, but it can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup mushrooms with about 1/3 cup barley: 235 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/39
Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Before serving, give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 1/2 grilled onion: 224 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
21/39
Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato with 1/2 cup black bean mixture: 400 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
22/39
Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
23/39
Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 broccoli pieces: 144 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/39
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/39
Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 1 egg: 199 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 200mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
26/39
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
27/39
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
28/39
Pot Roast with Mushrooms
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree all ages will like. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2/3 cup vegetables and 1/2 cup gravy: 310 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
29/39
Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
30/39
Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 0.500 starch.
31/39
Italian Chicken Chardonnay
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 282 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 43g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
32/39
Chicken Florentine Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
33/39
Cherry Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
34/39
Southwestern Scallops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"My saucy sea scallops are popular at dinner parties-plus, they're in my repertoire of easy weekday meals. The seasoning gives the sweet shellfish a pleasant kick." —Maggie Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops with 1 tablespoon sauce: 180 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
35/39
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture : 278 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/39
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
37/39
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
38/39
Florence-Inspired Souffle
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light, beautiful and absolutely delicious souffle is sure to impress your brunch guests every time you serve it. They will be eager to grab their forks and dig in to this little taste of Italy. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 223 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
39/39
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My entire family just loves this delicious and comforting soup. Loaded with chunks of tender beef, the rich broth also includes plenty of fresh mushrooms, sliced carrots and quick-cooking barley. —Barbara Beattie, Glen Allen, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 306 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.