Dressings get a bad rap—and usually for good reason. Creamy condiments like caesar and ranch can add loads of extra calories to even the healthiest salads. Ask for it ‘heavily dressed’ and your midday meal could pack a good fraction of your daily value of fat. Yet fat-free alternatives aren’t always the answer, either. Low-fat or fat-free dressings tend to have plenty of added sugars to make up for the lack of flavor that typically comes from fat. So what’s the answer to dressing your salads smarter? The key to keeping your meals healthy and delicious is using dressings that deliver all-star taste without icky ingredients. If you need help finding one you like, try our light and tangy rice vinaigrette that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. The simple dressing in this video is made with easy-to-buy ingredients like rice vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and avocado and sesame oils. The rice vinegar lends an aftertaste that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes, while avocado oil is higher in heart-healthy fats than alternatives like canola oil. Honey also provides a subtle hint of all-natural sweetness, creating a dressing that’s perfectly balanced in flavor. RELATED: How to Make Buttermilk Dressing That’s Actually Healthy Making the rice vinaigrette is fool-proof too. All you need to do is combine pickling juice (made from water, rice vinegar, honey, and salt) with the avocado and sesame oils and salt, then whisk. In seconds you’ll be stocked with a tasty rice vinaigrette you can use right away, or store at room temperature until you’re ready to use. We love drizzling it over crunchy green salads or warm grain bowls to create a well-dressed meal that’s way healthier than one you’d get at your local salad bar. Watch the video above to see how you can dress up any dish when you make this easy rice vinaigrette at home.

How to Make It Step 1 Combine onion, celery, garlic, thyme, sage, and 1 tablespoon oil in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until vegetables have slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Step 2 Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 … Continue reading →

There’s not much tastier than a falafel pita in all its savory goodness. But the traditional Middle Eastern dish isn’t all that healthy since falafel is usually deep-fried–which is why you might feel bloated or weighed down after enjoying one. Luckily, we’ve got a healthier–and still crazy delicious–take on the falafel pita. It’s packed with nutrients and pan-fried, which makes this dish lighter but majorly satisfying. Here’s how it’s done. First, you’ll be creating the falafel mixture with good-for-you ingredients like chickpeas (which are high in fiber and protein to fill you up, as well as rich in energizing iron and zinc), bulgur (for even more fiber), and nutrient-and-flavor packed parsley, mint, garlic, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Then, the falafel patty is pan-fried, skipping the typical deep-frying, which adds oil and fat to the dish. Pan-frying also keeps the cholesterol under control in this falafel. RELATED: 22 Mediterranean Diet Recipes The tahini sauce for this dish is also healthy and simple, with only three ingredients. Just mix together tahini, lemon juice, and water for an easy sauce to top your falafel with a burst of flavor. You can also pack your pita full of veggies to up the fiber and vitamins in the dish. This delicious pan-fried falafel pita is only 396 calories, with 15 grams of protein per serving. Served in patty form, it’s a veggie burger even meat-lovers are sure to enjoy, and it just happens to be vegan too. Make this meal for an on-the-go lunch or easy weeknight dinner. Top with the usual veggies served on a falafel pita, like tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion, to add even more crunch, flavor, and nutrients. Or, get creative with other plant-based toppings! You’ll feel full and satisfied for hours after enjoying this tasty falafel pita with tahini.

Takeout cravings taking hold? Put down the phone: We’ve got a healthier option for you that’s just as tasty. In it you’ll find lean protein in the form of turkey tenderloin, instead of beef, as well as good-for-you veggies like broccoli and immune-boosting garlic. This satisfying turkey stir-fry also delivers plenty of iron and calcium for only 262 calories per serving. It’s packed with nutrients and so easy to make. What’s not to love? To whip up a stir-fry, all you have to do is throw everything in a pan, cook it, and, if you like, pour over rice. It’s really that easy. The beauty of using turkey is that it cooks fast and is lean yet filling at the same time. If you can’t find turkey tenderloin, it’s fine to use turkey cutlets or breasts instead–the dish works well either way. And if you’re just not a turkey fan, you can easily swap in chicken or tofu for your protein. This simple and modifiable recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and makes for yummy leftovers the next day too. Plus, it’s a great dish for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. RELATED: 5 Steps to the Perfect Stir-Fry By making your own turkey stir-fry, you’re cutting out a lot of the salt and oil used in restaurant preparations, and you can control the portion sizes more easily. Your box of takeout might seem like one serving, but it can end up being a calorie bomb. Here, you’ve got a tasty meal that packs enough flavor to satisfy you without going overboard. Cook it up and you may not crave that takeout so much anymore.

When it comes to getting enough protein–from a lean source–chicken is pretty much the MVP. But it can get boring to eat plain chicken breast over and over again. Luckily, we’ve got a flavorful chicken recipe for you that will totally change up your chicken-cooking game. We’ll show you how to make this quick dinner in the video above. Bonus: It has tons of healthy fiber in it too, so you’ll get a nutritious, complete meal in minutes. One easy way this recipe changes up traditional chicken breast dishes is by not making it the star of the dish. The chicken is mixed in with whole-wheat pasta, which provides fiber and healthy carbs to help fuel you. Whole-wheat pasta is also a low-glycemic food, meaning unlike sugary white pasta, it won’t spike your blood sugar and have you headed for an energy crash later. This pasta keeps your blood sugar and energy steady. RELATED: 32 Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner Tonight This dish also stars lemon and broccoli rabe, which are full of health-protective antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic adds immune-boosting properties, and parmesan cheese adds calcium and more protein to the dish. You’ll get 35 grams of protein for just 424 calories per serving. Not bad for a chicken and pasta dish! Try this dish for a fast weeknight dinner, and if you have leftovers, pack them for lunch the next day. The nutrient-dense, balanced meal is just what your body needs after a long day or a tough workout–it will replenish the nutrients you lost, fill you up so you won’t need to snack afterwards, and give you plenty of energy.