12 “Healthy Your Way” Contest-Winning Recipes

Asiago and fresh parsley help turn this healthier mashed potato alternative into a flavorful side dish that won’t leave you feeling guilty or completely stuffed. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

These gluten-free waffles made from chickpeas lend perfectly to a Moroccan-spiced chicken with cucumber relish. They’re a savory, low-carb spin on a classic comfort dish. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don’t have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Since I’m especially busy with three active teenagers, I don’t have much time to get dinner on the table in the evening. Instead, I rely on quick options, like this one-skillet dish that boasts essential proteins, veggies and good carbohydrates. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

My daughter and daughter-in-law got me hooked on quinoa. I dressed up a regular pancake recipe to create these delicious apple-cinnamon breakfast treats. The shredded apple remains slightly crunchy with the short cooking time, but it really compliments the chewy texture of the quinoa. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

I created this soup for my vegan relatives for Christmas Eve, but everyone ended up loving it, too! It’s so creamy and delicious. —Susan Sabia, Windsor, California

I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or snack on when I’m in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it’s the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona

When I experimented with making more vegetarian-friendly recipes, this was one of my biggest hits—we still eat it weekly! My now-preschooler will always eat all of these tangy lentil joes. —Christina Rock, Covington, Washington

These tender cookies are so soft and flavorful. You’d never guess they’re also low-fat! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

My grandson refuses fruits and vegetables almost completely. After he and our son moved home, I tried everything to improve his diet. This smoothie was one of the only ways I could sneak him something nutritious, and he loves it! —Sandra Roberts, Dexter, Missouri

I loved tuna casserole as a kid and found myself craving it as an adult. However, the massive amounts of fat and salt in the traditional recipe were a turnoff healthwise, and it just didn’t taste as good as I remembered. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables and the result was delicious. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California

I have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. I made a diabetic version and my family couldn’t even tell! I serve mine with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio