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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
These flavorful chicken skewers are a perfect healthy addition to any graduation party. They're packed with protein and marinated in a zesty lemon herb dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve hot with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
What makes this recipe healthy is the use of lean chicken breast and fresh herbs, which provide flavor without the need for heavy sauces or additional fats.
Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers
This vibrant dish features bell peppers loaded with nutrient-rich quinoa, vegetables, and beans, making it a hearty yet healthy option for your party guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, beans, tomatoes, corn, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.
The use of quinoa provides protein and fiber, while the variety of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals with low calories.
Avocado Mango Salsa
This refreshing salsa uses ripe mangoes and avocados to create a uniquely flavorful dish, perfect as a party dip or topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, gently mix together avocado, mango, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
This salsa is rich in healthy fats from avocados and packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the mango, making it a nutritious and low-calorie option.
Lentil and Veggie Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps filled with lentil mixture are a delightful finger food for any graduation party, offering a crisp and satisfying bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Bibb or Romaine lettuce leaves for wrapping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine lentils, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the lentils are coated with dressing.
- Divide the mixture evenly among lettuce leaves and roll to enclose the filling.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or light meal.
The protein-rich lentils paired with fresh vegetables provide a nutrient-dense, low-carb snack that’s full of flavor.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This salad is a colorful blend of vegetables and chickpeas, bringing Mediterranean flavors with fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large salad bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, sprinkled with parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
This salad offers high fiber from chickpeas and a variety of vitamins from the fresh vegetables, making it both filling and nutritious.
Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfaits
These vibrant parfaits are a fruity delight filled with layers of creamy Greek yogurt, making them a healthy and visually appealing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granola
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Honey to drizzle (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, layer the Greek yogurt, followed by a layer of granola, and then a layer of berries.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is filled.
- Drizzle with honey if desired and garnish with mint leaves.
- Serve immediately as a healthy dessert or snack.
The use of Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics, while fresh berries deliver natural sweetness and antioxidants for a low-calorie dessert option.
