3 Recipes That Are Delicious & Nutritious!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition
One of my favorite things to do is cook, and I often get asked for recipes that are good for you! My goal is to eat healthy meals at least 80% of the time (and then treat myself 20%!), so I love to try new recipes that are simple, nutritious and delicious! Below are three recipes from the Denise Austin App. Start your free trial here for even more quick, healthy and most importantly - delicious! - recipes!


Overnight Chia Pudding

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim or soy milk)
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • 2 tsp. honey (or maple syrup or coconut nectar)
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup blueberries (or 3/4 cup any preferred fruit)
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped toasted pecans (or any preferred nuts)

Instructions

  1. In a cereal bowl or plastic storage container, stir together the milk, chia seeds, honey, and vanilla.
  2. Place the bowl in the refrigerator overnight to thicken.
  3. The next morning, top the chia pudding with the blueberries and pecans.


Quick Salmon Salad

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup boneless canned salmon
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups mixed greensInstructions

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the greens
  2. Toss to combine. 
  3. Serve over mixed greens.


Turkey-Kale Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

1 small spaghetti squash (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
1 egg (cage-free)
1 package (16 to 20 oz.) ground turkey breast
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped kale leaves (ribs removed)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or other herbs)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 (24 oz) jar (or 2.5 cups) marinara sauce (preferably a lower-sodium brand)
2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
4 cups mixed greens
4 Tbsp. Denise's Everyday Dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Microwave the squash for 3 to 5 minutes to soften it slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
  3. Place the two squash halves cut side down in a baking dish. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a knife.
  4. While the squash is baking, prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg.
  5. Add the turkey, ricotta, garlic, bread crumbs, kale, basil, salt and pepper to the bowl.
  6. Form the turkey mixture into approximately 20 small meatballs.
  7. Coat a large nonstick sauté pan liberally with oil spray and heat over medium-high heat.
  8. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, turning frequently.
  9. In a medium pot, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked at the center, about 15 minutes.
  10. Use a fork to break up the spaghetti squash into long strands. Divide the squash evenly between 2 plates. Top each portion with 5 meatballs and sauce and 1 Tbsp. parmesan. Package up the leftover meatballs and save them for lunch tomorrow!
  11. Serve each portion with 2 cups greens drizzled with 2 Tbsp. dressing.


These recipes are all made with good-for-you ingredients that will help keep you full and satisfied until your next meal. I always try to include a hefty serving of protein, fiber and good healthy fats - along with some fresh fruits or veggies. If you enjoy these, be sure to check out my app for more quick and delicious recipes you will love!


Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise