26 Easy Easter Dessert Recipes

Easter is a day for treats of all kinds. So what can you do when you’re eating for weight loss on Nutrisystem? Make Easter dessert recipes that give you all the pleasure you want, but that don’t come with loads of calories.

To help you find the best treats for you and your family, we’ve gathered our favorite dessert recipes for Easter. This list of Easter desserts includes cakes, cookies, candy and muffins, along with pudding and a parfait. We’ve even tucked a chocolate Easter egg into this basket of goodies. You’re sure to find some easy Easter dessert ideas that are just right for your holiday meals.

1. Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Celebrate spring with the sunny flavor of lemons in this brilliant Iced Lemon Loaf Cake recipe. It tastes just like the cake from the popular coffee shop, but it has about half the calories and 30 percent less fat. This version comes out light and airy, and the sweet glaze is simple to make with just three ingredients.

Get the Iced Lemon Loaf Cake recipe.

2. Avocado Chocolate Cake

Guacamole is delicious, but the best way to enjoy avocado might be in this frosted Avocado Chocolate Cake recipe. It gives the cake and the icing a smooth creamy texture, while the rich chocolate flavor of cocoa powder takes over for the mild-tasting avocado. You can top this cake with sprinkles or Easter candy if you’re serving it at a party, or add chopped nuts to give yourself a boost of PowerFuel.

Get the Avocado Chocolate Cake recipe.

3. Mixed Triple Berry Scones

Your Easter morning will be extra special when you pull these tasty pastries out of the oven. This Mixed Triple Berry Scone recipe is light, flaky and a little bit buttery. Mix in your choice of berries for a burst of flavor and juiciness. Save any leftovers in the freezer and take one out whenever you want to sweeten up your coffee or tea break.

Get the Mixed Triple Berry Scone recipe.

4. Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding

This just might be the easiest, yet most impressive dessert you’ll ever make. Our Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding recipe is a great alternative to ice cream. It combines fat-free cottage cheese, low-fat cream cheese, strawberries, vanilla extract and natural sweetener in the blender. Simply blend it until it’s all smooth and creamy, then top each serving with slices of fresh strawberries.

Get the Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding recipe.

5. Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait

Parfaits used to be diet-blasting calorie bombs. Good news: This is a healthy version you can enjoy for Easter brunch or dessert anytime without derailing your weight loss progress. If you don’t want to bake dessert, our Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait recipe is built with layers of smooth and creamy Greek yogurt, juicy berries, crunchy granola and tangy lemon curd. It’s full of nutrients you need and fun flavors you love.

Get the Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait recipe.

6. Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Your holiday morning will begin with a win when you make this crumbly, sweet Cinnamon Streusel Muffin recipe. Cinnamon, vanilla and applesauce gives them a lightly sweet taste, with a little extra jolt from the butter-and-brown-sugar streusel topping. They bake in about 30 minutes and the aroma will bring everyone in your home to the table.

Get the Cinnamon Streusel Muffin recipe.

7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Can you believe there are candy eggs that fit into your weight loss plan? It’s true, you can make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs recipe with only five simple ingredients, including real peanut butter and chocolate chips. No special equipment or skills are necessary to make this traditional Easter dessert. Keep the extras in a sealed container in the fridge, so you can enjoy one whenever you’re craving a bite of the perfect combo of chocolate and peanut butter.

Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs recipe.

8. Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti

If you want to serve something sweet with coffee or tea, try our simple and flavorful Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti recipe. They’re made with almond flour, so they have no gluten, plus almond extract and slivered almonds for a lightly nutty flavor. Cocoa powder turns them a rich brown color and adds just the right amount of chocolate taste.

Get the Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti recipe.

9. Easy Fresh Fruit Tart

Your guests will ooh and aah when you bring this Easy Fresh Fruit Tart recipe to the table. It’s topped with your choice of fresh fruit, such as berries, kiwi or mandarin orange segments. Below it is a creamy custard made with cream cheese and vanilla pudding, which rests in a firm whole wheat crust. Each slice is as colorful as it is delicious.

Get the Easy Fresh Fruit Tart recipe.

10. Almond Banana Bread

For Easter brunch or anytime you have bananas becoming overripe, this simple Almond Banana Bread recipe makes a lightly sweet loaf that keeps you full for hours. The bananas and applesauce ensure the bread stays moist, while sliced almonds give it a bit of crunch. Make this snack even more nutritious by spreading on a tablespoon of creamy almond butter, a PowerFuel that’s high in protein and healthy fats.

Get the Almond Banana Bread recipe.

11. Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake

This Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake recipe is a bake-free dessert that comes together in minutes. We make it by blending Greek yogurt with lemon zest, lemon juice and natural sweetener. The tangy filling is spread on a bed of low-fat graham crackers and topped with sliced strawberries, followed by two more layers of crackers, filling and strawberries. After chilling in the refrigerator, the Easter cake comes out firm and ready to slice and serve.

Get the Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake recipe.

12. Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Bundt cake makes an attractive presentation to share with guests or to bring to a family gathering. With our Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake recipe, it comes out with the nice round shape you expect, but the cake is a healthy improvement over the standard version because you use whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. The swirls of cinnamon in the cake provide sparks of flavor while keeping the calorie count low.

Get the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake recipe.

13. Healthy Angel Food Cake with Blueberry Sauce

This Healthy Angel Food Cake recipe is golden brown on the outside, yet light and airy on the inside. The cake makes a simple platform for the sweet blueberry sauce on top or you can use any fresh fruit you like. You can bake it with standard sugar or save calories and try natural sweetener made with tropical monk fruit. Either way, your guests are sure to find the cake heavenly.

Get the Healthy Angel Food Cake recipe.

14. 23-Calorie Almond Meringue Cookies

These dainty cookies are so light, they are almost like tasting sweetened air. Our 23-Calorie Almond Meringue Cookie recipe is made with four simple ingredients, including egg whites, cream of tartar, sugar and almond extract. The adorable Easter cookies look like you bought them at the bakery. Serve them with a bowl of fresh fruit for a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth but doesn’t weigh you down.

Get the 23-Calorie Almond Meringue Cookie recipe.

15. Air Fryer Skinny Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts

Here’s how you can have donuts on Easter morning, even when you’re eating to lose weight. These Air Fryer Skinny Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts have a moist cake base that starts with whole wheat flour, milk and an egg. They’re topped with a sweet glaze made with fresh blueberries and real cream cheese. They come out of the air fryer warm, fragrant and dare we say it, perfect for dunkin’.

Get the Air Fryer Skinny Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts recipe.

16. Healthy Homemade Carrot Cake

You don’t have to be the Easter Bunny to enjoy a carrot-filled Easter treat. This fluffy and Healthy Homemade Carrot Cake recipe is made with lots of freshly grated carrots and applesauce, so it’s naturally sweet. The high-fiber whole wheat pastry flour and protein-rich Greek yogurt keep it moist and crumbly. Instead of classic cream cheese frosting, the finishing touch is a creamy icing made with ricotta cheese and real maple syrup.

Get the Healthy Homemade Carrot Cake recipe.

17. Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Rhubarb is a spring vegetable with a tangy taste that’s the ideal complement to sweet strawberries. They’re commonly paired in pies, but we like them in this creative variation on the classic pineapple upside down cake.

To make this Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake recipe, the rhubarb and strawberries are heated and lightly sweetened, then spread into a baking dish with the whole wheat dough on top. After it all comes out of the oven, you flip it over and the fruit has become soft and juicy and the cake is moist and crumbly.

Get the Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake recipe.

18. 3-Step Banana Pudding

You and your family are sure to love this simple 3-Step Banana Pudding recipe. It’s made with healthy ingredients like low-fat milk and natural flavorings like cinnamon , vanilla and a fresh banana. All you do is puree them in the blender, heat the mix briefly, and then chill the pudding until it sets. Each spoonful is creamy, smooth and oh so satisfying.

Get the 3-Step Banana Pudding recipe.

19. Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

Here is a sweet and tasty Gluten Free Sugar Cookie recipe that you can enjoy along with your family and guests. They have the authentic flavor and texture of the cookies you get at the bakery, but they’re much lower in calories, sugar and fat. Even better, they’re made with gluten-free flour so everyone can share in the goodness.

Get the Gluten Free Sugar Cookie recipe.

20. Easy 5-Ingredient Banana Nut Muffins

If you love muffins but are hesitant to try baking them yourself, this Easy 5-Ingredient Banana Nut Muffin recipe is just right for you. They’re made with only a handful of ingredients: bananas, oats, raisins, cashews and cinnamon. You mix them together into a thick batter, pour it into a muffin tin, then bake for about 20 minutes. The muffins come out golden brown and ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Get the 5-Ingredient Banana Nut Muffin recipe.

21. Lightened-Up Lemon Bars

The fresh taste of lemons takes center stage in this revised version of the popular dessert. To make this Lightened-Up Lemon Bars recipe, the fruit is blended with sugar, butter and eggs to create a thick and gooey filling that’s sweet and tart. It’s layered on top of a flaky crust made with whole wheat flour and a little lemon zest. Each bar is like a bite of spring sunshine.

Get the Lightened-Up Lemon Bars recipe.

22. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies

Cookies can be the perfect little bite of sweetness you crave, and these are made just right to enjoy when you’re trying to drop excess pounds. This Cinnamon Pecan Cookie recipe comes with the perky taste of cinnamon and brown sugar, plus a crunchy, salty pecan. While they will delight your family and guests, no one will blame you for keeping them for yourself.

Get the Cinnamon Pecan Cookie recipe.

23. Mini No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites

This Mini No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites recipe brings together so many flavors we love, including lemon, coconut and vanilla. They’re blended with real cream cheese and Greek yogurt to make a smooth filling. It’s spread onto the lightly crunchy crust, then it’s all chilled in the freezer until firm.

Each muffin-size bite will light up your tastebuds while keeping you on track to your weight loss goal. If you want to switch things up, you can make them with orange zest instead!

Get the Mini Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites recipe.

24. Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Muffins

Start your Easter morning, or any day, with this lightly sweet Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Muffin recipe. They’re made with grated carrots, applesauce and yogurt, so they’re moist and crumbly. Raisins, cinnamon and maple syrup infuse them with flavor, while sliced almonds add a bit of crunch. Enjoy one with a glass of skim milk for protein to pair with the SmartCarbs in the muffin.

Get the Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Muffin recipe.

25. Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a holiday morning tradition in many families. You can join in while you lose weight when you use this Classic Cinnamon Roll recipe. The whole wheat dough is swirled with lots of fragrant cinnamon and the rolls are glazed with vanilla-flavored cream cheese. Your family will clamor for more and only you will know they’re healthier than the store-bought kind.

Get the Classic Cinnamon Roll recipe.

26. Grasshopper Candy Bars

While everyone else is digging into baskets full of high-calorie candy, treat yourself to this healthier Grasshopper Candy Bars recipe. They’re like the rice cereal and marshmallow treats kids love, but the flavor is taken up a notch with cocoa powder, mini chocolate chips and mint extract. They’re easy to make and lots of fun to munch.

Get the Grasshopper Candy Bars recipe.

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3 Positive Thinking Techniques to Unlock Weight Loss Success

You’ve made strides in establishing your nutrition goals and finding the motivation to increase physical activity. But there’s another crucial component of successful weight loss that often gets overlooked: your mindset.

How you think about and perceive your journey towards better health can make all the difference in achieving your goals, especially when faced with challenges. Research consistently shows that maintaining an optimistic mindset and positive self-esteem are key factors in propelling you toward success when the going gets tough.

So, how can you harness the power of positive thinking to maximize your results? Let’s explore three essential positive thinking techniques that will help you cultivate a supportive and empowering mindset.

Avoid Restrictive Thinking

How many times have you heard you need to “cut out” certain things from your life to be healthy? Or maybe you often feel deprived of things you enjoy because you’re trying to shed pounds.

While these approaches may sound like exercises in self-discipline, they can inadvertently produce the opposite effect you desire. Research suggests that overly restrictive behaviors can impact the brain’s reward systems, increasing cravings and overeating.

Instead of fixating on what you’re eliminating from your diet or routine, shift your focus to what you can add in.

For instance, rather than searching for sugary foods to cut out, concentrate on incorporating a serving of fruits or vegetables into your meals. By doing so, you’ll not only nourish your body with energy-boosting vitamins, minerals and fiber, but also develop a more positive and proactive approach to your nutrition.

Another powerful technique is practicing gratitude. For example, rather than approaching your workouts with a sense of obligation, reframe your mindset to one of appreciation.

You can do this by picking activities you generally enjoy, and then expressing gratitude for your ability to move your body in ways that feel good. This shift in perspective can make your weight loss journey feel less of a punishment and more rewarding.

Additionally, recognizing and honoring your cravings can have a significant impact on cultivating a healthier mindset—the feeling of being unable to have something often magnifies the desire for it.

Rather than completely depriving yourself, permit yourself to enjoy some of the food you crave while reminding yourself that you can always have more later if you choose. Adopting an approach where no food is off-limits makes you less likely to be tempted to overeat due to the fear of missing out on the opportunity to have that particular food again.

Banish Negative Self Talk

For many people (especially women), engaging in negative body talk has become an ingrained behavior. It has even become a norm in social interactions, where self-deprecating comparisons are exchanged as a bonding mechanism.

But negative self-talk extends beyond our physical appearance. We often criticize ourselves when we perceive we’ve fallen short of our self-imposed ideals. For instance, many people have experienced feeling like a failure after stepping on the scale and not seeing desired results.

The trouble is, in each of these scenarios, what we say to ourselves shapes how we think and feel about ourselves. Negative self-talk can lead to broader negative emotions like depression and hopelessness, acting as a substantial barrier between where you are now and where you want to be.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to overcome these patterns.

The first step is to catch yourself in the act of negative self-talk. Just as you wouldn’t tolerate someone speaking negatively about a loved one, it’s crucial to intervene when you start putting yourself down. Take a deep breath and say the word “stop” aloud to interrupt the cycle of negativity.

Next, replace those negative thoughts with positive thinking and affirmations tailored to your needs. Crafting your own affirmations is key, but here are a few examples to get you started:

• “I am grateful for my body and all that it does for me. I deserve love and respect, regardless of my size or weight.”
• “I am making healthy choices to nourish and care for my body. I trust in the process of my health journey and celebrate every small victory along the way.”
• “I can achieve my health goals. I have the strength, determination and discipline to create a healthier lifestyle that supports my overall well-being.”
• “I do not need to be perfect to be successful. I am doing my best, and mistakes are part of my learning, growth and achievement.”

By consciously replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, you can reshape your mindset and build a foundation of self-compassion and encouragement.

Visualize Success

What does your life look like once you’ve achieved your health goals? What is the process you will use to get there? How does the “new you” navigate daily life? How do you feel about yourself, and how have your relationships benefited from reaching your goals?

Visualization is a powerful meditation technique that involves creating vivid mental images to answer these questions. By painting a detailed mental picture of your desired outcomes and the steps you will take to get there, you establish a long-term mindset that deeply connects you with your goals.

Visualization offers numerous benefits when it comes to weight loss, including:

• Boosts motivation: When faced with challenges, visualizing the steps you will take to achieve success can be a powerful motivator to keep you on track with your goals.
• Fosters sustainable changes: Visualization encourages you to focus on sustainable, long-term changes instead of falling into the trap of “all or nothing” thinking.
• Aligns actions with benefits: By envisioning the positive impact of reaching your goals, you gain clarity on how your daily choices contribute to your overall well-being.

You can also use visualization techniques to imagine common roadblocks and challenges you may face. You should picture when these obstacles will arise, how they feel and how you will navigate them. This practice cultivates an optimistic mindset, boosting your confidence in your ability to overcome challenges and push forward toward your ultimate goals.

To incorporate visualization into your routine, follow these three steps:

• Find a quiet moment where you can relax and focus without distractions.
• Create a clear mental image of what life looks like when you achieve your goal. Watch yourself go through the steps required to achieve that goal. Engage all your senses and immerse yourself in the positive emotions associated with accomplishing your goals.
• Practice this visualization regularly, allowing yourself to fully think through your process and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with your future success.

Embracing the Power of Positive Thinking

While nutrition and exercise play pivotal roles in weight loss, the importance of cultivating a positive mindset cannot be overstated. This is why the Nutrisystem weight loss plan includes resources to support you in making long-term, transformational changes to your health and happiness.

By embracing positive thinking techniques, such as avoiding restrictive thoughts, banishing negative self-talk and visualizing success, you can unlock your full potential and propel yourself toward achieving your goals.

References

• Elfhag K, Rössner S. Who succeeds in maintaining weight loss? A conceptual review of factors associated with weight loss maintenance and weight regain. Obes Rev. 2005;6(1):67-85. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2005.00170.x
• Avena NM, Murray S, Gold MS. Comparing the effects of food restriction and overeating on brain reward systems. Exp Gerontol. 2013;48(10):1062-1067. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2013.03.006
• Duarte C, Stubbs J, Pinto-Gouveia J, et al. The Impact of Self-Criticism and Self-Reassurance on Weight-Related Affect and Well-Being in Participants of a Commercial Weight Management Programme. Obes Facts. 2017;10(2):65-75. doi:10.1159/000454834
• Pham, L. B., & Taylor, S. E. (1999). From thought to action: Effects of process- versus outcome-based mental simulations on performance. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 25(2), 250–260. https://ift.tt/LBr13v5

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30 Easy and Healthy Spring Recipes

Spring is the time for fresh, flavorful eating. Savor the tastes of the season with these easy and healthy spring recipes that show off nature’s bounty!

With an abundance of fresh ingredients hitting their peak, there are so many nutritious and delicious meals that you can make in the spring. From healthy dinners your family will love to tasty sides, breakfast recipes worth waking up for, shareable snacks and some show-stopping desserts that won’t sacrifice nutrition, this list of our favorite spring recipes is sure to inspire you to enjoy the bounty of the season.

With our favorites at your fingertips, what will you be cooking up this spring?

1. Healthy Lemon Salmon Pasta

Pasta meals are so filling that they satisfy even the biggest appetites. This Healthy Lemon Salmon Pasta recipe features salmon, a lean protein, along with one of spring’s most popular vegetables: asparagus. A tasty sauce made with lemons, basil, garlic and olive oil gives the fish, veggies and noodles a bright flavor.

2. Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Rhubarb is sometimes known as “pie plant” because the tangy stalks are a common ingredient in spring pastries, often paired with another seasonal favorite: strawberries. We bring them together in a light and moist Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake recipe made with whole wheat flour, eggs, butter and nonfat plain Greek yogurt. The cake goes into the oven upside down and when it’s done, you flip it so the blend of rhubarb and berries becomes the sweet topping.

3. Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad

Here’s a light side dish that features fresh spring vegetables, including peas, watercress and asparagus. They’re blended with your choice of pasta, such as rotini or penne, and it’s all bathed in a lightly tart lemon dressing. This Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad recipe is so easy, you can serve it on a weeknight. You will also be proud to bring it to any gathering of friends or family.

4. Air Fryer Roasted Parmesan Carrots

If carrots are one of your family’s go-to vegetables, this fresh preparation is sure to become a favorite. The orange roots are roasted in the air fryer, which brings out their natural sweetness as it tenderizes them. Add a little parmesan cheese for a bit of salty, savory flavor, then spice this Air Fryer Roasted Parmesan Carrots recipe with herbs, cayenne pepper, garlic powder or any other seasonings you like.

5. Easy Lemon Meringue Pie

The closest you can get to a taste of a spring day just might be this luscious Easy Lemon Meringue Pie recipe. Each bite treats you to sunny lemon filling and puffy clouds of meringue on top of the sweet graham cracker crust. With this simple recipe, you can whip up the pie for a party or anytime you want a diet-friendly treat.

6. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and satisfying. This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet recipe is a complete meal, featuring chicken breast, brown rice and zucchini or any other vegetable you and your family like. It all cooks together in a single skillet and comes out fork-tender and full of flavor.

7. Air Fryer Asparagus

There are many ways to enjoy asparagus when it’s in season, but we believe that cooking the spears in the air fryer brings out the best in them. All you do is toss them in a little olive oil with garlic and pepper, then heat them for 10 minutes in the air fryer. The asparagus stays firm but tender and juicy, with a lightly sweet flavor. Top this Air Fryer Asparagus recipe with a little grated parmesan cheese for a hint of salty taste.

8. Spring Sausage and Herb Pasta

Turkey or chicken sausage have all the flavor of standard varieties, but much less fat and fewer calories. They’re perfect for this Spring Sausage and Herb Pasta recipe, paired with your favorite shape of whole wheat pasta, fresh spring peas, herbs and a rich lemon-butter sauce. Make the meal even more filling and nutritious by adding your choice of non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, tomatoes or summer squash.

9. Easy Lemon Berry Trifle

If you want to bring out an eye-catching dessert at your next dinner party, this Easy Lemon Berry Trifle recipe will spark lots of oohs and aahs. It’s made by alternating layers of fluffy angel food cake (try our Healthy Angel Food Cake recipe! >), berries, low-sugar lemon Greek yogurt and light whipped cream. Because it’s made with healthy ingredients, you can dig in guilt free.

10. Spring Asparagus Frittata

Frittatas are light yet filling meals that are ideal for warm spring days. This Spring Asparagus Frittata recipe features Swiss and parmesan cheeses along with seasonal vegetables like shallots, spinach and asparagus. You can serve this for an impressive weekend brunch or make it for yourself and keep the extra servings in your refrigerator for quick and healthy breakfasts or lunches all week.

11. Air Fryer Rack of Lamb

Lamb is a spring holiday tradition for many families, and it can be a healthy choice when you’re trying to lose weight. It’s high in protein and heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s loaded with flavor. We marinate the classic rack of lamb and season it with lots of fresh herbs in this Air Fryer Rack of Lamb recipe. Cooking it in the air fryer keeps it juicy and tender yet it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

12. Baked Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Get the party started with this warm and cheesy Baked Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip. It’s made with two tasty spring vegetables blended with parmesan, mozzarella and cream cheeses. Serve the dip with carrot and celery sticks, whole wheat pita bread or whole grain crackers.

13. Ham and Spinach Quiche

Quiche, a kind of savory pie, can be a filling breakfast or lunch. Like the classic version, we make this Ham and Spinach Quiche with eggs and lots of Swiss cheese, along with low-fat ham and fresh spinach. It’s all baked until the filling is firm and the whole wheat crust is crisp. Each slice is a balanced serving of SmartCarbs and PowerFuels, all in one dish.

14. Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Muffins are sweet and fun to eat, but the ones that come from bakeries and coffee shops usually are loaded with fats and sugar. Our Healthy Blueberry Muffin recipe is moist, fluffy and crumbly, and has the lightly tart taste of blueberries. We make these muffins with healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt, so you can enjoy one for breakfast or snack time without derailing progress to your weight loss goal.

15. Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Asparagus

A healthy meal can be delicious and sophisticated, yet simple to make. This Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Asparagus recipe, for instance, has tender and juicy shrimp sauteed with asparagus, garlic, and lemon juice and lemon zest, then served over pasta. It’s a complete meal that’s not too heavy for a warm day but still hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

16. Creamy Radish Feta Dip

Spring is prime time for radishes at farmers markets and grocery stores, and in gardens. We like to use their lightly spicy flavor to put a little zip in this Creamy Radish Feta Dip. The red roots are blended with feta cheese, sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, and herbs to make a zesty partner for dipping fresh vegetables or whole grain crackers.

17. Spring Quinoa Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Quinoa, the high-protein grain, makes a hearty foundation for this easy spring salad. It features creamy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts and fresh parsley. An easy homemade vinaigrette dressing flavored with basil and shallots ties it all together. You can make this Spring Quinoa Salad with Basil Vinaigrette recipe into a satisfying meal by adding grilled chicken or salmon.

18. Spring Beet Orzo Risotto

Treat yourself to the naturally sweet taste of beets with this simple Spring Beet Orzo Risotto recipe. The roots are roasted to tenderize them and then pureed before mixing with orzo, the rice-shaped pasta. Creamy goat cheese is added for its tangy flavor, while toasted almonds give the dish a bit of crunch and a hint of salty taste.

19. Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

We understand that it’s hard to resist the iced lemon loaf at the popular coffee shop chain, so we came up with a version that tastes just as good but has healthy ingredients. Our Iced Lemon Loaf Cake recipe is moist and sweet, with a rich lemony icing, just like the store-bought cake. But it is so nutritious you can enjoy it for breakfast.

20. Creamy Avocado Pasta with Vegetables

The creamy texture and mild taste of avocados make them a healthy base for a simple pasta sauce you don’t have to cook. To make this Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe, you just put the avocados in the blender with basil, garlic and lemon juice. The smooth sauce is tossed with whole wheat spaghetti, cherry tomatoes and asparagus tips, or you can use any non-starchy vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers and summer squash.

21. Mixed Triple Berry Scones

This Mixed Triple Berry Scone recipe can be the highlight of an elegant brunch or just a healthy companion for your morning coffee or tea. We make them with whole wheat flour to provide lots of fiber. A combination of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries add color and natural sweetness. If any scones are leftover, store them in the freezer and pull one out whenever you’re ready for a tasty start to your day.

22. Simple Smoked Salmon and Spinach Frittata

You don’t need a special occasion to whip up this flavorful and filling breakfast. The smoked salmon provides a salty, savory contrast to the creamy eggs and cottage cheese, with spinach and scallions adding color and nutrients. Best of all, this Simple Smoked Salmon and Spinach Frittata recipe is easy to make even if you’re an inexperienced cook.

23. Garlic and Mint Lamb Chops with Spinach and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

We’ve put together this complete dinner that’s perfect for sharing. It starts with tender and juicy lamb chops, a perfect portion of protein, which are topped with a flavor-boosting garlic mint sauce. Spinach sauteed with garlic and mashed sweet potatoes round out the meal. Whip up this Garlic and Mint Lamb Chops recipe for a hearty main course that’s perfect for spring!

24. Roasted Radishes and Brussels Sprouts

Roasting softens both the texture and taste of these two spring vegetables, allowing their natural sweetness to come out. To make this Roasted Radishes and Brussels Sprouts recipe, you need only a little olive oil, pepper, garlic powder and a half hour in the oven to be transformed into a side dish you can enjoy with your favorite chicken or seafood entrée.

25. Skinny Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb bring out the best in each other. You can enjoy them in this super-easy Skinny Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe that also features the flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup. Almond flour and real oats keep the calories down and the nutrition up.

26. Easy Cheddar Scones with Spinach

This Easy Cheddar Scones recipe is buttery and crumbly. We give it a savory flavor with cheddar cheese, spinach and green onions. They bake for about 20 minutes in the oven and come out golden-brown on the outside, yet warm and soft inside. For even more flavor, top them with salsa, an unlimited Free Food when you’re on a Nutrisystem weight loss plan.

27. Healthy Homemade Carrot Cake

Carrot cake usually just sounds healthy but is loaded with empty calories. Our version is made with freshly grated carrots and crisp walnuts, it’s seasoned with plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg, and it’s topped with rich maple icing. We use Greek yogurt and applesauce to ensure this Healthy Homemade Carrot Cake recipe is moist and lightly sweet. Now here’s the best part: each serving has less than 150 calories, so you can enjoy it while you’re losing weight.

28. Leek Mushroom Quiche with Quinoa Crust

This Leek Mushroom Quiche recipe is bursting with the flavors of spring, thanks to leeks (a mild relative of onions), mushrooms and fresh goat cheese. They’re blended with eggs and milk to make the creamy filling. The simple quinoa crust provides a crisp, protein-rich base for each slice.

29. Roasted Rosemary Beets and Carrots

Break up your same-old, same-old vegetable routine with this simple and savory Roasted Rosemary Beets and Carrots recipe. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of beets and carrots, while making them perfectly tender. We add a little red onion and rosemary to pump up the flavor.

30. Crustless Spinach Feta Pie

You can have pie for lunch when you make this easy Crustless Spinach Feta Pie recipe. Along with the spinach and feta, it includes eggs, cream cheese and asiago cheese, so you get lots of protein. There’s no crust, so the pie comes together in just a few simple steps and is ready to eat in under an hour.

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