Many health-conscious cooks are paragons of virtue when it comes to concocting low-fat entrées, but tend to slide with side dishes. Sure, we’re all seduced by mashed potatoes with butter and cream, or salad with creamy blue cheese. But even if you balance these items with an entrée of healthy broiled fish, they’ll bring plenty of calories and fat to your plate. These recipes will make your mouth water and keep fat to a lean 0-30% of calories.
Red Cabbage Salad
Mix 1/2 c. nonfat plain yogurt and 2 Tbsp frozen apple juice concentrate in a large bowl. Add 1 pkg (8 oz) shredded red cabbage, 1/3 c. chopped walnuts, and 1/3 c. raisins. Serves 6. Per serving: 82 cal, 2.7 g fat (30% of calories), 21 mg sodium.
Mashed Potatoes with Onion and Basil
Peel back the cover of 1 pkg (20 oz) refrigerated mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with 1 sm onion (grated) and 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or prepared pesto. Dot with 1 Tbsp butter. Replace cover and microwave on high 2 min. Stir well and microwave 1 min. Serves 4. Per serving: 148 cal, 4.9 g fat (30% of calories), 243 mg sodium.
Speedy Spanish Rice
Combine 1 can (14.5 oz) fat-free vegetable or chicken broth and 1/2 c. prepared salsa in a med saucepan. Bring to a boil, add 3 c. instant rice, cover, and simmer 5 min. Serves 6. Per serving: 212 cal, 0 g fat, 152 mg sodium.
