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5 Healthy Recipes for Your Next Potluck

healthy potluck

Love to get together for a meal with your friends and family, but worry about meeting your nutritional goals? Try one of these healthy recipes for your next potluck and enjoy a meal without sacrificing any flavor.

Baked Nachos

Nachos are a traditional favorite for any gathering. With a few small changes, you can have yourself healthy nachos as well as the extra point for taste. Upgrade your crunch by brushing some multigrain tortillas in olive oil, cumin, oregano and garlic powder and baking them up to a warm crisp.

Next, add your toppings: salsa, low-salt black beans, corn and lime juice in two layers, alternating with the chips. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated part-skim mozzarella over each layer before broiling.

Cheddar Cornmeal Biscuits

Enjoy a traditional biscuit without the guilt with this recipe. The butter is reduced to keep it healthy, but the addition of low-fat sour cream ensures that they’re still as moist as ever. Use some tangy, old sharp cheddar and a healthy handful of chives for a savory burst of flavor.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a must-have at just about every gathering, and with a few tweaks, you don’t need to say the words “calories” or “healthier.” Trust us, nobody will be the wiser. The star of the show here is the addition of garlic cloves, which get boiled with the potatoes.

Once they’re cooked, using a ricer to do the mashing in softer, fluffier potatoes. Then add creaminess with low-fat buttermilk and milk. You can serve them as is, or broil your mash in a casserole dish, adding some chopped chives as a finishing touch.

Broccoli Salad

A mixture of textures and flavors helps ensure that every bite is never quite the same. Using a base of chopped broccoli florets, this salad is all about layering flavors.

Slivered almonds add some crunch, while dried cranberries give it a pop of tart-sweetness. Avoid calorie-loaded dressings and make your own. No one will think of accusing you of sneaking in “health” food.

Fresh Fruit

For a sweet treat, try fresh fruit. Follow this recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 apples
  • 2 peaches
  • 1 pear
  • 1 plum
  • Mint leaves, chopped
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Maple syrup (approx 2–3 tablespoons)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Chop your favorite assorted fruits and place them in a glass bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing. Separately, halve the peaches and remove the pits. If you have access to a grill, place the peaches flesh-side down onto a hot grill for about 5 minutes or until charred. No grill? A broiler works too.

While peaches are grilling, combine lime juice, black pepper, cinnamon, mint leaves and maple syrup in a bowl. Place grilled peaches into the lime juice and toss. Once they have cooled, cut the peaches into smaller wedges and mix into the chopped fruit. For added flavor, place a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of each serving and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

With any one of these five healthy recipes, you’re sure to make a strong impression at any Tennessee potluck!

Mary Luz Mejia

Mary Luz Mejia is a NATJA nominated freelance food/travel journalist, Gemini-nominated former food TV producer and food communications professional. When not on the road, you’ll find her testing and developing recipes or in front of her laptop. You can read some of her work here and follow her culinary escapades @MaryLuzOnFood.

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Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.

Filed under: Food & Recipes

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Mary Luz Mejia is a NATJA nominated freelance food/travel journalist, Gemini-nominated former food TV producer and food communications professional. When not on the road, you’ll find her testing and developing recipes or in front of her laptop. You can read some of her work here and follow her culinary escapades @MaryLuzOnFood.

WellTuned provides inspiration and practical advice for healthy living.
WellTuned does not offer medical advice. Any personal health questions should be addressed to your doctor.

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