From heavy to healthy: 17 Healthy twists on time-tested classics!

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Looking to lighten up your favorite classic dishes with a healthy twist? This collection of recipes does just that, letting you indulge in mouthwatering bites without the guilt!

Whole wheat pasta salad in a white bowl.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious and healthy turkey smash burgers have patties smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that’s crisp, savory, and delicious without the heavy beef.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Whole wheat pasta salad in a white bowl.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy whole wheat pasta salad is packed with flavorful ingredients! Sundried tomatoes, salami, artichoke hearts, tangy feta cheese, creamy pine nuts, and fresh basil combine with whole wheat noodles to create a delicious and healthy twist on the classic pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy and delicious dinner recipe pairing Dijon and chipotle-rubbed baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and thyme. With healthy vegetables and a flavorful protein with healthy fats, this dinner is a powerhouse of goodness!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Soy Garlic Wings

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These soy garlic chicken wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory. With one simple trick, you’ll have consistently crispy wings every time without the frying for a healthier option.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Penne al Salmone

Penne pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and parsley on white plate next to a pan filled with pasta.
Penne al Salmone. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Penne al Salmone is a salmon pasta without the unhealthy cream. Instead, it is a fresh, light, summery twist highlighting sweet and savory burst cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with thyme. It’s extremely flavorful with lots of lighened up ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Penne al Salmone

Ranchera Meat

Grilled, sliced ranchera meat is shown on a black stone plate surrounded by lime and orange slices and cilantro.
Ranchera Meat. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Forget the big, bulky cuts of meat! Ranchera meat, or flap steak, lends itself well to marinating, then grilling over high heat. This recipe will teach you how to create a flavorful carne asada using this lighter and more economical cut.
Get the Recipe: Ranchera Meat

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Closeup of fingerling potatoes roasted in air fryer coated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme dressing.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craving fried potatoes but don’t want alll that junk that comes with fast food? These crispy, light, creamy air fryer fingerling potatoes come together in 20 minutes for an easy, versatile, feel-good side that’s a twist on classic fried potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Blackened Fish Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These smoky and savory pan-fried blackened fish tacos have crisp cabbage, fresh lime juice, bright pico de gallo, and lightly charred tortillas. Without the heavy batter, they’re a lightened up weeknight dinner you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Chile Lime Grilled Chicken is an easy and delicious dish pairing the flavors of lime, chile, and sea salt with juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast! With no oil or heavy ingredients, this is an ideal lightened up dinner and twist on classic grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Healthy Tuna salad without mayo sits on a bed of iceberg lettuce surrounded by two forks, dill, and a green linen.
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This flavorful, healthy tuna salad recipe leaves out the traditional mayonnaise and instead uses Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil for a healthier spin. You can make this tuna salad creamy with Greek yogurt, or keep it dairy free!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Vegetable Yaki Udon

A bowl of vegetable yaki udon is shown with wooden chopsticks, a wok of yaki udon, and scallions in the background.
Vegetable Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Forget unhealthy takeout! This vegetable yaki udon recipe is a stir-fried Japanese udon noodle dish that’s savory, sweet, and just a bit spicy – a perfect twist on classic stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Yaki Udon

Layers of Meaty Lasagna

Lasagna inside casserole.
Layers of Meaty Lasagna. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic lasagna recipe with a healthy twist. The layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave you in culinary bliss. Get ready to experience lasagna perfection with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Layers of Meaty Lasagna

Sizzle and Savor Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Sizzle and Savor Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Let the flavors of juicy sausage and tangy sauerkraut unite in a delectable dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Baking the sausage and sauerkraut together creates a mouthwatering combination that is both savory and satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a meal that celebrates the perfect balance of flavors filled with healthines.
Get the Recipe: Sizzle and Savor Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Flavory Stir Fry

Stir Fry Chicken with cauli rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
Flavory Stir Fry. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this sizzling stir fry chicken dish that’s a healthy twist on the classic takeout. Enjoy the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tantalizing flavors as they dance together in a hot skillet. This quick and easy healthy recipe will transport you to the bustling streets of Asia with every savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Flavory Stir Fry

Coco-nutty Creation Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coco-nutty Creation Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this coconut cauliflower rice. The delicate flavors of cauliflower are enhanced by the richness of coconut, creating a healthy side dish that is a light and indulgent twist. Get ready to experience a burst of exotic flavors and enjoy a healthier twist on classic rice.
Get the Recipe: Coco-nutty Creation Cauliflower Rice

Virgin Bloody Mary

garnishes on a virgin Bloody Mary.
Virgin Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Skip the booze and enjoy a Virgin Bloody Mary for a healthier twist! Even without alcohol, the classic brunch cocktail really shines. You will be surprised at how mouthwatering this savory drink is.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Bloody Mary

Sugar-Free Simple Syrup

A jar of sugar free syrup next to a grey towel.
Sugar-Free Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

For a lighter version of classic simple syrup, use your favorite sugar substitute, such as Stevia. This Sugar-Free Simple Syrup is a perfect way to sweeten coffee and tea drinks as well as skinny cocktails and mocktails.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Simple Syrup

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