Ellen ~~Defining Myself

Here are a few ideas for your holiday parties!

photo credit: ctw fitness

Coleslaw is pretty much always a staple at any summer picnic or BBQ. And if you are a Weight Watcher, most of those coleslaw recipes can have some pretty scary stats which can use up a lot of your allotted Daily Points Plus Allowance. But try making this slimmed down version instead, and you’ll satisfy your craving for crisp and creamy coleslaw, but you’ll only be sacrificing 2 Points + for each 1 cup serving. Combining some traditional coleslaw ingredients with some not so traditional ones gives this tasty, low calorie side dish recipe a wonderful flavor, while still fulfilling the sweet and creamy texture you’d expect. So the next time you want a great idea for a Weight Watchers Side Dish Recipe, give this Creamy Coleslaw with Red Onion and Apple a try.

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Don’t feel guilty about serving coleslaw at your next Weight Watchers friendly summer meal…instead try this healthier version that has just 2 Points + per serving. It makes a wonderful and light no cook summer recipe that’s easy and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 2 small red apples, peeled, cored, shredded
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fat free mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp celery salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery salt, pepper and sugar.
2. Add in the cabbage, onion, carrot and apple, and toss well to coat.
3. Cover and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and marinate. Toss again before serving.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 0 minutes (s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +
PER SERVING: 76 calories; 0 g fat; 15 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber


Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/08/15/creamy-coleslaw-recipe/#ixzz1zCH4bDVp

Try this classic American Macaroni Salad Recipe at your next picnic or barbeque this summer, and enjoy a low calorie side dish that tastes so good, it’s hard to believe it’s Weight Watchers friendly. Each 1 cup serving has just 4 Points +, and trust me when I tell you that it is not lacking in fabulous flavor or creamy texture at all. By using less mayo, a healthier pasta, and adding in some plain non fat Greek yogurt, I was able to put a much healthier spin on a traditionally fattening recipe. Now you can enjoy this popular BBQ recipe and not feel an ounce of guilt. Seriously folks, if you love yourself some creamy macaroni salad recipes, this low calorie version is a must try!

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

This classic, creamy macaroni salad recipe is a real hit and is sure not to disappoint. Loaded with all the amazing flavor and texture you’d expect, but with a lot less fat and calories, making it just 4 Points + per 1 cup serving. Make this as your next summer BBQ recipe and everyone will be happy.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Ronzoni Smart Taste Macaroni Pasta
• 6 sweet gherkin pickles
• 1 red bell bepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain, fat free Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add in peppers, onion, pickles, celery, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and paprika.
4. Pour over macaroni and toss well to combine. Serve chilled.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 full cup
Each serving = 4 Points +
PER SERVING: 187 calories; 5 g fat; 27 carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber


Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/08/02/classic-macaroni-salad-recipe/#ixzz1zCHl0gS6

photo credit: clean eating

Can you really ever get tired of trying out new versions of Weight Watchers Potato Salad Recipes? I know I certainly can’t! There’s something about potato salads that I just cannot resist, and I love experimenting with different ways to prepare them. One of my favorite versions, is this Minted Potato salad Recipe with Peas and Cauliflower. The cauliflower and peas help give the dish some extra bulk, while the tangy, creamy minted dressing adds a deliciously unexpected flavor. The colors and textures are beautiful, making this low calorie Potato Salad Recipe a great way to add some pizazz to your summer picnic or barbeque. Enjoy!

Minted Potato Salad Recipe with Peas and Cauliflower

Another delicious twist on a traditional potato salad that is so yummy, it’s hard to believe each serving has just 2 Points +. It makes a perfect, low calorie summer recipe to dress up your summer BBQ or picnic.

Ingredients

• 1 lb baby red potatoes, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dry white wine
• 1 tbsp fat free mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large sauce pan, bring potatoes and cauliflower to a boil and simmer until tender, about 12 minutes, adding in the peas during the last 2 minutes. Drain and let cool a bit. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine vinegar, wine, mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes and cauliflower.
3. Add in the chopped mint and toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Cooking time: 12 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +
PER SERVING: 112 calories; 0 g fat; 20 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 4 g fiber


Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/07/14/minted-potato-salad-recipe-with-peas-and-cauliflower/#ixzz1zCHvwf1H

If you want a delicious low calorie salad recipe that’s easy to make and would make a great addition to your Weight Watchers 4th of July Recipes, then you came to the right place today! This Broccoli Bacon Salad Side Dish Recipe is a wonderful and healthy addition to just about any meal. Instead of the same old boring salads you see at every Fourth of July BBQ, why not live things up with this tasty salad instead? With each 1 cup serving having just 2 Points +, you can serve a delicious dish that everyone will love while still staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals. And did I mention it has bacon and mayo?!?!!? Yeah….this one is a must try!

Broccoli and Bacon Salad Recipe

For just 2 Points Plus per serving, why not serve this healthy side dish recipe at your summer barbeque this year? Or take it along as Weight Watchers friendly dish to a potluck! Either way, it’s a tasty low calorie salad recipe that everyone will love and will still help keep you from going overboard with your daily Points Plus Allowance.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 cups jicama, chopped into small, bite sized pieces
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 6 slices cooked extra lean turkey bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup fat free Greek yogurt plain
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk garlic, mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add broccoli, jicama, onions, bacon, cranberries and pepper; stir to coat with the dressing.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time:

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, Raw

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +
PER SERVING: 92 calories; 3 g fat; 13 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber


Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/06/28/broccoli-and-bacon-salad-recipe/#ixzz1zCIEazUy