Healthy Recipes
Discover nutritious and delicious recipes that celebrate your cultural heritage while promoting good health.
About Healthy Living
Learn about the best practices in nutrition for a healthier lifestyle based on MyPlate guidelines.

Apple Cinnamon Bars
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup oats, uncooked
- 1/2 cup margarine, 1 stick (or butter)
- 4 sprays of cooking spray
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Put the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, brown sugar, and oats in the mixing bowl. Stir together.
- Add the margarine to the bowl. Use the 2 table knives to mix the ingredients and cut them into crumbs.
- Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the crumb mixture in the greased baking dish.
- Remove the core from the apples and slice them. Put the apple slices into the baking dish.
- Top the apples with the rest of the crumb mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
- Cut into squares. It will fall apart easily. Watch Video
You can use applesauce (16 ounces) or canned apples in place of fresh apples. You can use either peeled or unpeeled apples.
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 82 |
Total Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 53 mg |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Total Sugars | 7 g |
Added Sugars Included | 4 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 7 mg |
Iron | 0 mg |
Potassium | 37 mg |
Source: Pennsylvania Nutrition Education
Network
(original)
Recipe modification adapted from SNAP-Ed New York, October
2023

Quick and Healthy Black-Eyed Peas
- 4 slices turkey bacon (chopped)
- ½ of a small onion
- 1 tsp of minced garlic
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, frozen (about 2 pounds)
- 1 reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon salt-free or low-sodium seasoning
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Over medium-high heat, cook bacon and onions for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add black-eyed peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle seasoning over peas, add chicken stock, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook until the peas are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot. Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 98 |
Total Fat | 2 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 270 mg |
Carbohydrates | 13 g |
Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
Total Sugars | 3 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 17 mg |
Iron | 1 mg |
Potassium | 242 mg |
Source: Recipe adapted from Cooking Demo II Food and Health Communications, Inc.

Collard Greens with Turkey Bacon
- 18 cups collard greens, cut into strips
- 6 strips of uncured turkey bacon
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon salt-free or low-sodium seasoning
- 16 oz reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove the spines from the collard greens and cut the leaves into strips.
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large stock pot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add the collard greens to the pot, stirring occasionally, and sauté until they soften.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the greens and allow them to cook for about 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and vinegar. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the greens are fork-tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 109 |
Total Fat | 1 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 278 mg |
Carbohydrates | 17 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Total Sugars | 0 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 268 mg |
Iron | 4 mg |
Potassium | 93 mg |
Source: Recipe adapted from USDA CACFP https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Collard_Greens.25-50.pdf

Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon salt-free seasoning
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced onions
- ¼ cup finely diced bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, salt-free seasoning, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into meatballs (about 10-12).
- Place the meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until their internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Transfer the partially cooked meatballs to a skillet, add marinara sauce, and simmer until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for five minutes.
- Serve warm with whole-wheat spaghetti Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 0 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 0 mg |
Carbohydrates | 0 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
Total Sugars | 0 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 0 mg |
Iron | 0 mg |
Potassium | 0 mg |

Salt-Free Five-Spice Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container for storage. This blend is perfect for seasoning up to 1 pound of meat.
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 16 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 5 mg |
Carbohydrates | 3 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Total Sugars | 0 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 26 mg |
Iron | 1 mg |
Potassium | 93 mg |
Source: Recipe adapted from USDA CACFP https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Collard_Greens.25-50.pdf

Honey Mint Melon Salad
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 3 cups watermelon cubes
- 3 cups honeydew cubes
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Blend lime juice, mint leaves, and honey in a small food processor or blender
- Place melon cubes in a bowl. Drizzle over the melon and toss gently.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 54 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 13 mg |
Carbohydrates | 14 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Total Sugars | 12 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 13 mg |
Iron | 0 mg |
Potassium | 221 mg |
Source: Adapted from Food Hero Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service.

One Pan Spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- 3 1/2 cups of water
- 1 can tomato sauce, low sodium (15 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles (broken)
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Brown meat and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat (300 °F in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
- Stir in water, tomato sauce, spices, and boil.
- Add spaghetti, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- When spaghetti is tender, top with grated cheese.
- Refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours. Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 296 |
Total Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Cholesterol | 35 mg |
Sodium | 154 mg |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
Total Sugars | 4 g |
Added Sugars Included | 3 g |
Protein | 18 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 128 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Potassium | 336 mg |
Source: Food Hero Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service

Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs
- 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 ½ tablespoons salt-free five-spice seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Place chicken thighs in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the chicken with oil, then sprinkle with seasoning and salt if desired.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken to coat.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake, uncovered until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes).
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy! Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 0 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 0 mg |
Carbohydrates | 0 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
Total Sugars | 0 g |
Added Sugars Included | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 0 mg |
Iron | 0 mg |
Potassium | 0 mg |

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 4 small to medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of low-fat milk
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into slices that are 3/4 inch thick.
- Put them in a saucepan with enough water to cover the potatoes.
- Bring the water to a boil on medium heat.
- Cook the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes until soft.
- Drain then transfer to a mixing bowl and add butter, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and milk.
- Serve hot Watch Video
Nutrition Fact | Amount |
---|---|
Total Calories | 148 |
Total Fat | 3 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Cholesterol | 9 mg |
Sodium | 278 mg |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Total Sugars | 12 g |
Added Sugars Included | 3 g |
Protein | 38 g |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
Calcium | 65 mg |
Iron | 1 mg |
Potassium | 568 mg |