Healthy and Gourmet, No Way!

A healthy meal for your family does not mean you have to sacrifice flavor! Lighter fare can be as delicious as those dishes that are calorie laden -- yet many of us still think "boring" when we imagine a healthy diet. You do not need to be a culinary whiz to give your favorite healthy meals a gourmet kick. It’s easy. A few key flavorful ingredients from the grocery store are all you need. We’ll show you!

• Vinaigrettes – Try about 1 tablespoon of this classic:
  • ½ Cup ShopRite™ Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    
  • 2 Tbsp ShopRite™ Imported Balsamic Vinegar
    
  • 1 Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice
    
  • 1-2 Tbsp ShopRite™ Dijon Mustard
    

  Top steamed vegetables, grilled greens, bean salads, potato salad, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Short on time? Try ShopRite™ Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette. Limit it to 2 tbsp per serving.

• Fresh Herbs – Add freshness and flavor without salt or fat!
  • Add them to your marinades, salads, dressings, and sauces. For more information, call 1-800-ShopRite (746-7748) to request a copy of our Herb Guide brochure.
    
• Toasted Nuts – A great topping for many dishes.
  • Toast nuts over a medium heat on your stovetop or in your oven at 250ºF until lightly browned and fragrant. Top wilted greens with Pine Nuts. Try salad, rice or oatmeal with Walnuts, and fruit and yogurt with Slivered Almonds. Delicious!
• Citrus – Zest is Best!
  • Lemon and lime zest can really perk up any homemade sauce, marinade, or dressing. The skin of the fruit holds all of the flavor and aromatic oil. Try this recipe for a Garlic Lemon Paste. It pairs well rubbed on grilled or baked chicken, shell fish, pork, and lamb:
    2 sprigs fresh Rosemary
    1 Garlic clove mashed to a paste
    Zest of 1 lemon
    2 Tbsp ShopRite™ Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Salt and Pepper
    

  Gourmet dining doesn’t have to require complicated recipes with a long list of ingredients. With just a few simple ingredients and additions, you can really turn up the flavor in your favorite healthy dishes. Enjoy!

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com