Trying to add flavor to your meals without adding extra calories? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of delicious and healthy options to enhance your dishes. These simple recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to eat better while keeping their calorie count in check. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, these ideas are easy to follow and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Contents
- 1 Fresh Herbs
- 2 Lemon Zest
- 3 Garlic
- 4 Spices
- 5 Vinegar
- 6 Mustard
- 7 Salsa
- 8 Hot Sauce
- 9 Citrus Juice
- 10 Ginger
- 11 Vinegar-Based Marinades
- 12 Sriracha
- 13 Green Onions
- 14 Smoked Paprika
- 15 Coconut Aminos
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 Iconic Comfort Foods Unique to the Midwest
- 18 17 Retro ’60s Desserts You’ll Want to Bake Again
Fresh Herbs
Chop a mix of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. Sprinkle over salads, soups, or grilled meats. For a simple herb dressing, combine chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of salt, and a splash of vinegar. Toss with your favorite greens or use as a marinade.
Lemon Zest
Grate the zest of a lemon over fish, chicken, or vegetables to add a tangy flavor. For a refreshing salad dressing, mix lemon zest with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Drizzle over your salad for a zesty kick without extra calories.
Garlic
Mince fresh garlic and sauté it in a non-stick pan with a splash of water or broth until fragrant. Add to pasta, vegetables, or soups for a rich, savory flavor. For a simple garlic sauce, blend minced garlic with plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Use as a dip or spread.
Spices
Combine spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder to season your dishes. Sprinkle on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or add to soups and stews. For a quick spice rub, mix your favorite spices with a little bit of salt and rub onto chicken or fish before cooking.
Vinegar
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over roasted vegetables, salads, or grilled meats for a burst of tangy flavor. For a simple vinaigrette, mix vinegar with Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water. Shake well and drizzle over your favorite salad.
Mustard
Add a spoonful of Dijon or whole-grain mustard to dressings, marinades, or sauces. For a quick mustard vinaigrette, mix mustard with apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water. Toss with greens or use as a marinade for chicken.
Salsa
Top grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables with fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. For a quick and easy salsa, mix diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and serve with your favorite dishes.
Hot Sauce
A few dashes of hot sauce can add a spicy kick to eggs, soups, or roasted vegetables. For a simple spicy dressing, mix hot sauce with plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over tacos or salads.
Citrus Juice
Squeeze fresh lime, lemon, or orange juice over salads, fish, or chicken for a bright, tangy flavor. For a quick citrus marinade, mix citrus juice with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Use to marinate fish or chicken before grilling.
Ginger
Grate fresh ginger and add it to stir-fries, soups, or marinades for a zesty, warming flavor. For a simple ginger dressing, mix grated ginger with rice vinegar, a splash of soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. Toss with your favorite salad or use it as a marinade.
Vinegar-Based Marinades
Combine apple cider vinegar, a splash of soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of pepper for a tangy marinade. Use to marinate chicken, tofu, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Sriracha
Mix Sriracha with plain Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice for a spicy, creamy sauce. Use as a dip for vegetables or a topping for tacos and salads.
Green Onions
Slice green onions and sprinkle over soups, salads, or grilled meats for a fresh, mild onion flavor. For a simple green onion dip, mix chopped green onions with plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve with raw vegetables or whole-grain crackers.
Smoked Paprika
Sprinkle smoked paprika over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or soups for a smoky, rich flavor. For a simple seasoning mix, combine smoked paprika with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Use to season chicken, fish, or vegetables before cooking.
Coconut Aminos
Use coconut aminos as a lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce. Drizzle over stir-fries, salads, or grilled meats for a savory, slightly sweet flavor. For a simple stir-fry sauce, mix coconut aminos with minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Toss with your favorite vegetables and protein.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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