Playful Treats and Feel-Good Eats

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From wholesome meals to cheeky sweets, these healthy recipes and indulgent treats bring flavor, balance, and joy to your table. Dive into the vibrant freshness of Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese, Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, and Cucumber Gazpacho, then stay for the fun with sweet bites like Brookie Cookies, Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes, and Pineapple Mango Sorbet. Whether you’re after something light, savory, or sinfully satisfying, this lineup has something for every craving.

Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of zucchini noodles topped with bolognese sauce, fresh parmesan and basil.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Looking for a lighter take on a classic Italian dish? This Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, offering a low-carb and gluten-free alternative. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of a hearty bolognese sauce with a healthy twist!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

close-up spoonful of brussels sprouts au gratin
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a cheesy and creamy side dish that will elevate your holiday meals. Made with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, this low-carb recipe is the perfect way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Sesame Sweet Potatoes and Hummus

overhead close up photo of Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Sesame Sweet Potatoes and Hummus
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Sesame Sweet Potatoes and Hummus is a quick and easy dinner that’s healthy and delicious! It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, meal prep, or even a dinner party. The colorful dish comes together in about an hour and is packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Sesame Sweet Potatoes and Hummus

Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce

Slicing roasted prime rib on wooden board
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Make your Easter or Christmas dinner extra special with this show-stopping Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce. With only 15 minutes of prep time, this gluten-free and keto-friendly recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce

Garden Crisps with Herby White Bean Spread

Platter of rice crisps with herbed white bean spread, radishes, carrots, feta, and microgreens
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Looking for a light and healthy snack? These garden crisps are made with rice cakes, a creamy white bean spread, and topped with fresh veggies. Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables and herbs!
Get the Recipe: Garden Crisps with Herby White Bean Spread

Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs

Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs Recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

These Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs are the perfect quick and easy summer meal! The chicken and zucchini are marinated in a simple lemon herb marinade and then grilled to perfection. Plus, they’re gluten-free and kid-friendly, making them a great option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs

Pineapple Mango Sorbet

Pineapple Mango Sorbet Recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Cool down this summer with a refreshing Pineapple Mango Sorbet! This easy recipe only requires 4 ingredients: pineapple, mango, sugar, and lime juice. It’s a delicious and healthy treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Mango Sorbet

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Mexican Street Corn Dip in a bowl with chips ready to be enjoyed.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe combines the best flavors of traditional Elote in an easy-to-make dip. It’s a sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for parties. Serve with tortilla chips and fresh lime wedges for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Cucumber Gazpacho

Green Cucumber Gazpacho in a bowl
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Looking for a refreshing summer soup? This Cucumber Gazpacho is packed with cool cucumbers, spicy jalapeño, and tangy tomatillos for a flavorful no-cook meal. Top it off with charred corn kernels and fresh herbs for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Gazpacho

Rosemary Flatbread with Baked Goat Cheese

Rosemary Flatbread with Baked Goat Cheese | foodiecrush.com #dip #appetizer #onions #recipes
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Rosemary Flatbread with Baked Goat Cheese recipe is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Store-bought naan is topped with creamy goat cheese, roasted vegetables, and fresh rosemary for an easy and flavorful dish. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness!
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Flatbread with Baked Goat Cheese

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Grabbing a bite of our Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with fresh berries and banana
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a delicious and healthy way to start your day! It’s packed with protein and fiber, and it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Stack of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes for a delicious gluten-free vegan breakfast
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

These vegan and gluten-free peanut butter cup pancakes are a decadent breakfast or dessert that comes together in under 30 minutes. Made with oat flour, cocoa powder, and peanut butter, they’re a healthier take on a classic treat that everyone will love. Top with your favorite syrup and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

Healthy vegan Cacao Almond Crispy Treats are made with puffed 7 grain cereal, almond butter, found cacao powder and a boatload of  healthy omega 3-powered seeds- chia, sunflower and pumpkin. A delicious chocolatey fix, full of nutritious ingredients. #ricecrispytreats #cacao #almondbutter #vegan #healthy | www.feastingathome.com
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

These aren’t your average rice crispy treats! This recipe uses puffed 7-grain cereal, seeds, nuts, cocoa powder, and almond butter for a healthier, vegan twist on a classic dessert. Whip up a batch of these Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats for an easy, energizing snack.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

Tuscan Tuna Salad with Arugula & White Beans

A bowl containing mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, white beans, grilled chicken slices, sliced radishes, and cilantro.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This fast and fresh Tuscan Tuna Salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner! Ready in just 15 minutes, it features arugula, white beans, radishes, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a healthy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s also gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Tuna Salad with Arugula & White Beans

Brookie Cookies

Brookie Cookies: dark chocolate brownie on one side, soft chocolate chip cookie on the other.  Stacked on a piece of crumpled parchment paper, with a bottle of milk off to one side and chocolate chips scattered all around.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

Indecisive between a brownie and a cookie? Brookie cookies combine the best of both worlds! A fudgy, dark chocolate brownie on one side and a soft chocolate chip cookie on the other makes for a perfect treat!
Get the Recipe: Brookie Cookies

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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