Let fresh ingredients inspire you tonight with these spring dinner ideas. You can have any of these delish dishes on the table in 30 minutes or less.
44 Super-Quick Spring Dinner Ideas
Easy Stuffed Poblanos
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
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Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy, quick and family-friendly, this spring dinner idea comes together in just 30 minutes. The secret is the flavor-packed sauce and crunchy tortilla chips. — Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Asparagus Ham Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
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Spring-Dinner Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick, simple and oh, so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It's just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 416 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 49g protein.
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Tzatziki Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
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Pepper Ricotta Primavera
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless spring dinner idea you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 229 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
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Greek Sausage Pita Pizzas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned my favorite sandwich into a pizza. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, but don't forget it when you're having a bunch of people over—it makes a fantastic appetizer, too. —Marion McNeill, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 632 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
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Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 455 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Chicken with Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup couscous: 357 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Garlic Lime Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist and tender fish is lightly seasoned, so leftovers work well in other recipes. —Gail Uchwat, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (4 ounces) equals 380 calories, 30 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 67 mg cholesterol, 68 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 23 g protein.
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Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
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Korean Salmon Skewers with Rice Slaw
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy dinner is light and lovely, with so many delicious flavors and textures all in one stunning dish. It's so impressive that I often serve it to guests. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 533 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
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Spring Dinner Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Larb gai (Thai chicken salad) is a spring dinner idea made with ground chicken, chiles, mint and basil. Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer in lettuce cups. For a heartier version, serve with rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 262 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
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Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 498 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 9g fiber), 29g protein.
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Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 473 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
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Cod and Asparagus Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 141 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It’s now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 419 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
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Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 258 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
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Feta Shrimp Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without avocado): 443 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
24/44
Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 347 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Rosemary Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
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Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
8 shrimp with 1/2 cup couscous: 363 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Spicy Tilapia Rice Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love healthy living and tilapia is a staple in my kitchen. Fresh vegetables are always good but take more prep time, so I use boil-in-bag rice for a shortcut. —Rosalin Johnson, Tupelo, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 33g protein.
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Air-Fryer Steak Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 309 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Buffalo Tofu Wrap
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves the tofu filling in this wrap! For parties, we often serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or pita bread. My husband requests this often, and it's super easy to double the recipe if needed. —Deanna Wolfe, Muskegon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 452 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
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Chicken Quesadillas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
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Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 330 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
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Ham and Pea Pasta Alfredo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want a filling meal that even the kids enjoy, I toss ham and sugar snap peas with Romano cream sauce and pasta. —C.R. Monachino, Kenmore, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 582 calories, 32g fat (18g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 1032mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
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Salmon Veggie Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
36/44
Crab-Topped Tomato Slices
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When camping, my wife and I top large beefsteak tomatoes with spicy chunks of crab. Then we warm this summer treat over the fire. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
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Scallops with Wilted Spinach
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Two of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops with 1/2 cup spinach mixture: 247 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
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Pork & Mango Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups pork mixture with 3/4 cup pasta: 515 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
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Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup tomato mixture: 318 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 475 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Garlic & Herb Steak Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We crave pizza that’s super fast, cheesy and original. This one with steak and veggies is for folks who like their pie with everything on top. —Jade Fears, Grand Ridge, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 440 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
42/44
Vegetarian Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
43/44
Easy Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Skip the takeout restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 361 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1669mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
44/44
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
