Throwback Thursday, Satisfying Lighter Sides

I have been hibernating lately,

I’m not a fan of January cold weather! 

One thing I’ve been doing is looking back through old posts

and I found some recipes in the archives

that you might want to consider

for your lightened up January menus

When the weather is cold, we all crave comfort food,

but when you want to eat lighter this can be challenging

Instead of having bread with your soup or casserole,

have Zucchini Parmesan Ribbons

You’ll never miss the high carb bread!

Keep things interesting and serve some unexpected vegetables like

Lemon Parmesan Broccolini and Roasted Radishes

Even if you think you don’t like kale,

try cutting it into ribbons and pan frying it with garlic

and you will become a fan!

Pan Fried Kale Ribbons with Garlic

Instead of french fries, lighten up with vegetable “fries”

Parmesan Crusted Vegetable Fries with Lemon Aioli

Green beans and zucchini spears are roasted with Parmesan and garlic

for a crunchy and flavorful bite

Asparagus Parmesan Aoili Fries are delicious too,

and just like the vegetable fries, they can be a side or an appetizer

Onion Straws are light and they have a lot of flavor

yes they are fried,

but since they aren’t battered they don’t soak up oil

Try them in place of french fried onions in your favorite casseroles

or a garnish on your salad or meat

Golden Zucchini Chips are better than potato chips!

Zucchini is cut into thin slices,

seasoned and topped with Parmesan,

and baked until golden

Trust me they’re addicting…

Quinoa is low in fat and a great source of fiber,

protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Try Vegetable Patch Quinoa, a very healthy side dish

Roasted Cauliflower Gratin tastes just like scalloped potatoes,

but is lower in fat and calories

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

is full of sweet and savory flavors to compliment

any meat, chicken, pork or fish entree

You could also put it on a salad of greens, spinach or kale

It would be great on pasta too,

and you could mix in cooked chicken, ham or bacon to make it a meal

I hope you enjoy these satisfying lighter sides!

I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:

Sundays on Silverado/  Happiness is Homemade

What’s for Dinner / Love Your Creativity

Between Naps on the Porch / Monday Linky Party

Turn About Tuesday 

Wednesday Linky Party / Karin’s Cottage Linky Party /  Creative Crafts

Full Plate Thursday /Thursday Favorite Things

Home Matters

Comments
28 Responses to “Throwback Thursday, Satisfying Lighter Sides”
  1. Mary says:

    Delicious and lighter ways to eat your veggies Jenna! I’m enjoying hibernating and the slower pace of January after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Stay warm ♥

  2. Bernadette says:

    A lot of delicious sides. I could eat a lot of them alone for dinner.

  3. Better than potato chips??? Hmmm. As a chip lover – but also as a zucchini lover, I’ll have to test this. The cheese may tip the decision. I actually like all of these ideas. If you need me I’ll be snacking on all sorts of chips. (Chips Ahoy?)

  4. They look healthful and delicious!

  5. It all looks so yummy! Just what we need this time of year.

  6. Pam says:

    Happy Thursday, Jenn! Vegetable fries look delicious and healthier than the potato version. Thanks for sharing the satisfying and lighter recipes. Jenna, stay warm and cozy these next few days.

    I am sad that Saban is retiring, but everyone needs to when it is right for them. I can’t imagine Bama football without him!

    • Thank you Pam. I first had these at North Italia at the Summit, they are so good! Yes, we were in SHOCK yesterday when we heard the news! Even my 8 year old grandson is sad! The end of a very special era, what a legend!! I can’t wait to see who is going to be the next coach!

  7. Nancy Sharp says:

    I hate cold weather too. Thankfully, we don’t have very much in Northeast Florida. All I want to do is eat and sit under a blanket or quilt. I love your recipes especially your appetizers.

  8. lghiggins says:

    These all look delicious. I love vegetables.

  9. Artfully created and looks so very yummy!

  10. Anonymous says:

    All of these sides look delicious! I happen to be a big vegetable fan. My mother was as well. In fact, she would say that she could make an entire meal out of vegetables. I’m with her. Beginning with the onion straws. I also love the artwork.

  11. kitty says:

    The asparagus and cauliflower dishes are calling to me, Jenna! Thank you!
    It’s freezing 🥶 here today; 16 degrees! I’m not a fan either.

  12. helenfern says:

    It all looks great! I love the cheesy ones the best. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope your week is starting great!

  13. Kim Goddard says:

    Oh my gosh Jenna – these are all perfect. I have squash and brussel sprouts in my fridge as we speak and what a fabulous way to combine them. I adore zucchini and the cauliflower gratin looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing this wonderful collection of light dishes!

Leave a Reply to Kim GoddardCancel reply

  • Spam Blocked

Discover more from The Painted Apron

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading