Healthy Comfort Foods

Healthy Comfort Foods

Pssst… Want to know the secret to keeping those resolutions you made? Finding healthy versions of the dishes you love lets you indulge your taste buds without derailing your commitment to healthy living. From casseroles to pasta dishes to pizza, you can eat it all as part of your balanced diet. Here are some healthy comfort food recipes to help get you started.

Pesto Pizza

Your favorite takeout dish doesn't have to be off limits. Here's how: pesto pizza that uses a whole wheat crust, veggie-packed pesto, gooey cheese, and more veggies on top. You still get that pizza flair, but with tons of nutrients that the traditional pie lacks. Make your pesto using a combination of leafy greens, garlic, lemon zest and juice, walnuts, olive oil, and sea salt. Spread that on your pizza crust, top it with mozzarella, and then add more veggies before baking for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Macaroni and Cheese

Pizza's great, but is there anything cozier or more comforting than a casserole fresh out of the oven? Take one bite of this lightened-up macaroni and cheese and you'll be a believer. The secret to the sauce is less cheese and a surprise ingredient: cauliflower. Simply steam cauliflower florets until they're super tender. Then, puree them in a sauce made with evaporated milk and a blend of cheeses like gouda, cheddar, and parmesan for bold flavor. Toss cooked whole wheat pasta with the sauce, transfer to a casserole dish, and pop it under the broiler until golden.

Enchiladas

You don't need a meat-laden dish for a satisfying meal. Lighten up enchilada filling by combining baked and mashed sweet potatoes with black beans and the veggies and seasonings of your choice. Roll the blend up in corn tortillas, top with mild salsa verde and a sprinkling of cheese, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bubbly. Top with some chopped scallions, parsley, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to serve.

Cheesecake

Lighten up while saving prep time with a no-bake cheesecake made with just a few simple ingredients. Crush graham crackers and mix them with melted coconut oil. Press that into the bottom of a serving dish. To prepare the cheesecake, blend cream cheese with vanilla Greek yogurt, a little honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour into your serving dish and refrigerate for about three hours or until set.