LaaLoosh » Vegan

Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:02:51 +0000

Since I’ve become more aware of all the amazing quinoa heath benefits, I’m always on the lookout for delicious new Quinoa Weight Watchers Recipes. One of the best I have ever made was this fantastic Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad. The ingredient list looked a bit crazy to me at first and it seemed like such a mad mess. But after combining them all together, all I can say O M G. It was truly amazing. The mint, the raisins, the lime, the toasted almond slices, the sesame oil – all the textures and flavors combine to create a delicious and nutrient rich quinoa salad recipe that boasts just 5 Points + per serving.

And in case you aren’t familiar with the health benefits of quinoa, here’s a little bit of info: What makes quinoa such a healthy option is the protein it provides. The protein quality of quinoa is considered to be on par with the protein quality of milk. This is because quinoa, unlike most grains, includes all of the eight essential amino acids that are needed for tissue growth and repair. Not only is the “mother of all grains” high in protein, but it is also incredibly low in fat. Also, quinoa is high in manganese, which acts as a disease and cancer fighting antioxidant in the body. Other vital nutrients that quinoa provides are: magnesium, fiber, calcium, riboflavin, copper and potassium. Because quinoa is protein-packed, it presents vegetarians with an awesome alternative to the proteins found in meat. Additionally, quinoa provides an alternative to those who are allergic to wheat and who are suffering from Celiac disease. This is because the super seed is entirely glutten free. So, if you are a quinoa virgin, you now have a million and one reasons why you should give it a try. And this recipe would be a fantastic option to be your first quinoa dish. Enjoy!

Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe

Enjoy an amazingly delicious Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe ornamented with fresh vegetables and toasted almonds and seasoned with fresh mint. A truly fantastic and healthy side dish recipe that will cost you just 5 Points +.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
3 tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup radishes, quartered and sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup almond slices, toasted
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Zest from ½ a lime

Instructions

Bring water to boil in a small saucepan. Pour in quinoa, raisins, and a pinch of salt. Cover, and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, radish, cucumber, lime zest and almonds in a large bowl.
Add in the cooled quinoa, then stir in the mint, parsley, cumin, lime juice, sesame oil, and salt & pepper. Chill for 1 hour prior to serving.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein, Gluten free

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 scant cup
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 198 calories; 6g fat; 28g carbohydrates; 7g protein; 4g fiber

Spicy Green Salad Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:38:43 +0000

I love salads, but I often tire of the same old salad recipes with the same old salad dressings. This delicious Spicy Green Salad Recipe I learned from my father-in-law, who makes the most amazing salads I’ve ever had, with just the simplest of ingredients. Full of fresh herbs, crisp romaine lettuce and spicy jalapenos, this low calorie salad definitely does not lack flavor! And rather than using a pre-made bottled salad dressing, I made my own with just a few ingredients, and I truly believe that it tastes much better than any other salad dressing. Each serving of my Spicy Green Salad is just 1 Points +, and makes a great low Points + accompaniment to many different Weight Watchers Recipes.

Spicy Green Salad Recipe

This unique Spicy Green Salad recipe is not only delicious, light and healthy, it’s lovely to look at and goes well with many different low calorie meal ideas.

Ingredients

2 cups baby romaine lettuce, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 jalapenos, seeded and very finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice from 1 small lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl combine lettuce, dill, parsley, onion and jalapenos. Toss well.
Add in garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 ¼ cups
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 68 calories; 4g fat; 2g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 2g fiber

Tabbouleh Recipe with Quinoa – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:31:43 +0000

I love to experiment with Quinoa in a variety of different Weight Watchers Recipes. It’s so good for you, and I really enjoy the flavor and texture. When I used it instead of couscous in a traditional Tabbouleh recipe, I was thrilled with the end result. The calorie and fat content was less and the protein and fiber were higher, thus giving it a lower Points value – each 3/4 cup serving is just 4 Points +. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Quinoa, it’s a South American grain, originating in the Andes. It is loaded with protein, rich in phosphorous, magnesium and iron, and has a mild, nutty flavor. Quinoa is a great idea for a lighter and healthier alternative to rice, couscous and bulgur – and it’s gluten-free. If you love the flavors of Middle Eastern salad recipes, like traditional Tabbouleh recipe, give this version with quinoa a try instead!

Tabbouleh Recipe with Quinoa

A delicious idea for a low calorie Middle Eastern side dish recipe, this Tabbouleh recipe with Quinoa is a wonderful choice. Light, fresh, flavorful, and just 4 Points + per serving, it’s a great compliment to many Weight Watchers meals.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tomatoes, diced
3 Persian cucumbers, diced
2 bunches green onions, diced
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature; fluff with a fork. Set aside in refrigerator to cool.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, pepper, lemon juice, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and parsley. Stir into cooled quinoa.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein, Gluten free

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 3/4 cup
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 167 calories; 6g fat; 21g carbohydrates; 4g protein; 4g fiber

Jimmie’s Chipotle Pepper Jam – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:36:22 +0000

A few years ago, I came across Jimmie’s Chipotle Pepper Jam at a Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles. Since I adore anything spicy, I decided to give it a try, and I am SO glad I did!! This amazingly flavorful spicy pepper jam has so many uses…as a sauce in stir fry recipes, a glaze for chicken or lamb, a topping for crackers, a spicy companion for cheese, or my personal favorite – on top of some cream cheese on a baguette. It has a sweet, tangy smoky flavor with a lot of heat and it is DELICIOUS. I don’t know who Jimmie is, but if he is the man behind this Jimmie’s Chipotle Jam, I would consider leaving my husband for him.

Jimmie’s Chipotle Pepper Jam

Produced by hand and with all natural ingredients in their Southern California kitchen, Jimmie’s Chipotle Pepper Jam is made by Uncle Berch. It has just 4 natural ingredients, no preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. And each serving is just 1 Points +. Since it packs so much flavor, you really don’t need a lot of it. This jam is only available online, or at various Farmer’s Markets across Southern California, so if you want to give it a try, you’ll have to place an order at their online store. If you are located in Southern CA, look for Uncle Berch at your local Farmer’s Markets – if he’s there, you can sample his Jimmie’s Chipotle Pepper Jam along with all of his other amazing products! Yum!

Serving size is 1 tbsp
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 50 calories; 0g fat; 0g protein; 14g carbohydrates; 1g fiber

Roasted Tomatoes and Zucchini Recipe – 0 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:59:05 +0000

I’ve always been a believer that less is more, and this Roasted Tomatoes and Zucchini Recipe supports that theory. With just a few simple ingredients, this roasted vegetables side dish is incredibly flavorful, yet very low calorie. The cherry tomatoes are vibrant, and full of a tart, juicy flavor. While the tender, sweet zucchini contrasts it. The slightly smoky taste from the roasting enhances the natural flavor of the vegetables, and it truly just tastes amazing. It’s such an easy vegetable side dish recipe to make and it goes so well with a variety of meals. Serve it over rice with some soy sauce, on top of some 0 Points spaghetti squash, or just eat it by itself! NOTE: Because this recipe only involves vegetables and trace amounts of olive oil, I count it as 0 Points. However, if you enter the nutritional values into your Weight Watchers calculator, it comes up as 1 Points +.

Roasted Tomatoes and Zucchini Recipe

A great low calorie side dish to any meal, these Roasted Tomatoes and Zucchini are flavorful and fresh. At 0 Points + per serving, it’s a wonderful guilt free vegetable recipe.

Ingredients

2 medium sized zucchini, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 small container of cherry tomatoes (about 20 tomatoes), sliced in half
Non-fat olive oil cooking spray
1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 450 degrees.
Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and lightly mist with the non-fat cooking spray.
Place tomatoes and zucchini onto baking sheet and lightly mist with non-fat cooking spray or olive oil mister, then sprinkle evenly with the sea salt.
Roast in oven until vegetables start to char, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Quick Notes

NOTE: Because this Roasted Tomatoes and Zucchini Recipe only uses vegetables and trace amounts of olive oil, I count it as 0 Points +. However, if you add up the nutritional information and plug it into your Weight Watchers Calculator, you’ll see that it comes up as 1 Points +. So it’s up to you how you want to count it.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1/2 cup
Each serving = 0 Points +

PER SERVING: 43 calories; 0g fat; 8g carbohydrates; 3g protein; 3g fiber

Baked Kale Chips Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:48:52 +0000

If you haven’t tried a Baked Kale Chips Recipe yet, you are really missing out! When you are craving something crunchy and salty, this is a MUCH healthier alternative to potato chips, Pop Chips or popcorn. I admit that I was a bit reluctant to believe that roasted kale would actually taste good, but I was pleasantly surprised and I’ve been a fan of baked kale chips ever since. I also love that these are a kid friendly veggie. My 3 year old son gobbles these down, which says a LOT! If a picky toddler eats them, then they’ve got to taste good, right? They are easy and cheap to make, and each 1 cup serving is just 1 Points +. Which means you don’t have to fee guilty about mindlessly eating them while watching TV at night :). So the next time you are thinking about grabbing a bag of potato chips, just make this Baked Kale Chips Recipe instead, and save yourself a ton of Weight Watchers Points Plus, while still feeling satisfied.

Baked Kale Chips Recipe

A delicious and healthy alternative to potato chips, this Baked Kale Chips Recipe has all the crunch and flavor you crave but for just 1 Points + per cup.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of fresh kale leaves
1 tsp sea salt
Light misting of olive oil

Instructions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces.
Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Pat excess water with a paper towel.
Lightly spray kale with olive oil from an oilve oil mister and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 2

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 2 servings
Serving size is about 1 cup
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 44 calories; 1g fat; 7g carbohydrates; 2g protein; 3g fiber

Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad Recipe – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:33:21 +0000

Treat yourself to this delicious and easy Autumn inspired Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach salad for just 4 Points + per serving. Fresh and light, this quinoa salad makes a wonderful low calorie side dish recipe to serve with a variety of Fall meals, or as a non-traditional Thanksgiving dish. By removing the nuts and the chickpeas, as well as making a few other changes to the traditional version of this recipe, I was able to create a much lighter rendering without sacrificing the fabulous flavors. The slight nutty flavor of the quinoa grains is enhanced with a walnut oil and pomegranate vinegar dressing, and is a tasty contrast to the sweet, delicate pears. Definitely a great salad recipe to try out if you are want to enjoy some fabulous Fall flavors in a new way.

Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad Recipe

The perfect vegetarian side dish recipe, this Pear, Quinoa and Spinach Salad is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season. And each serving is just 4 Points + making it a great low calorie side to accompany any meal.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 ripe but firm pears, diced
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh chives
2 cups and 1 tbsp fat free vegetable broth
1 tbsp walnut oil
1 1/2 tbsp pomegranate vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Bring 2 cups of broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
Add in quinoa, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa has popped, about 15 minutes.
Whisk oil, vinegar, 1 tbsp broth, chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add pears, spinach and onion and toss to coat.
Drain any excess liquid from the cooked quinoa, if necessary.
Add the quinoa to the pear mixture; toss to combine.
Transfer to the refrigerator to cool for about 15 minutes or serve warm.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 146 calories; 3 g fat; 24 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein; 5 g fiber

Roasted Tomato Gazpacho Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:37:09 +0000

Traditionally, a tomato based cold soup made with raw vegetables, this version calls for roasting or grilling the vegetables first, to add a delicious smoky flavor. Light and refreshing this Roasted Tomato Gazpacho is just 1 Points + for a cup and is jam packed with fiber, antioxidants and Vitamin C. It’s so flavorful and satisfying and goes great with your favorite salad or sandwich. The first time I made this, I served it in little cups as an appetizer for a party…and it was a huge hit! This is a super tasty way to get your veggie servings in too. Enjoy!

Roasted Tomato Gazpacho Recipe

Fresh, light and super healthy, this Roasted Tomato Gazpacho is wonderful as an appetizer or a side dish. Each 1 cup serving has just 1 Points +, making it a great low calorie soup recipe that tastes decadent.

Ingredients

2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes
2 small red bell peppers
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup torn day-old whole wheat bread, (crusts removed)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 cloves garlic
3 tbsp red-wine vinegar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high.
Grill tomatoes, and bell pepper, turning a few times, until they soften and the skins are blistered and charred in spots, about 8 minutes.
Transfer the pepper to a plastic bag and let it steam until cool enough to handle. Peel off the skin; cut the pepper in half and discard the stem and seeds. Place in a blender.
When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, core and roughly chop. Add the tomatoes, to the blender.
Add in the cucumber, bread, garlic, vinegar, parsley, cayenne salt and pepper. Blend until mostly smooth. Add oil and blend until well combined. Refrigerate until room temperature or chilled, at least 1 hour.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Spanish

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 64 calories; 3 g fat; 7 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 4 g fiber

Autumn Spiced Squash Saute Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:32:34 +0000

If you’ve ever seen this pretty, Fall-looking squash at the grocery store but wondered what it was and what you could do with it, you’re not alone! I have seen it many times, but didn’t even know what kind of squash it was, let alone how to cook it. Well, apparently, it’s called a delicate squash, and it’s delicious. I came across a recipe using it, and decided to give it a try. So glad I did!! Now I have another yummy vegetable in my repertoire to work with. I revamped the recipe, and made a lot of delicious changes. The end result was a tasty Autumn Spiced Squash Stir Fry that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect as a healthy side dish recipe to many meals, this dish has just 2 Points + per serving. It’s a great way to really enjoy the fabulous flavors of Fall!

Autumn Spiced Squash Saute Recipe

This low calorie Delicata and Butternut Squash Recipe is the perfect Fall side dish to go with a variety of meals. Flavored with delicious autumn spices, this sweet and savory recipe is a real bargain at just 2 Points + per serving.

Ingredients

1 large (4 cups) delicata squash, thinly sliced
1 cup butternut squash, chopped into bite sized pieces
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 gloves garlic, minced
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp orange zest
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.
Add both types of squash, orange zest and juice, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring once, until the squash is almost tender, 8-10 minutes.
Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the squash is tender and beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes more.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1/4 of recipe
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 80 calories; 1 g fat; 19 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 5 g fiber

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Bisque Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:18:00 +0000

photo credit: kitchen scoop

It’s no doubt, fall is HERE!!! And I am super excited to start blogging some of my favorite, and oh so yummy Weight Watchers Fall Recipes. There are some seriously good low Points Recipes coming up, you may just never leave your kitchen! To kick things off to a tasty start, today I’m sharing my Pumpkin Sweet Potato Bisque Recipe that is to die for. So rich and flavorful, and FULL of fiber and antioxidants. It’s a delicious fall soup recipe that’s a great idea for a low calorie Thanksgiving side dish, a healthy soup recipe for lunch, or a delicious low Points Plus dinner idea. With just 3 Points + per serving, it’s a very satisfying accompaniment to any meal and will definitely help fill you up.

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Bisque Recipe

An easy and delicious low calorie bisque, this fabulous Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup is a great idea for any meal. With akk the delicious autumn flavors we love, but with a lot less fat and calories.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
1 cup of canned pumpkin
3 cups fat free vegetable broth
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Bake sweet potatoes in oven until fully cooked and soft inside.
Meanwhile, spray a large saucepan with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.
Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook, stirring, about another minute or two.
Mix in tomato juice, ginger, allspice and salt & pepper. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and roughly chop. Place them in a food processor or blender along with broth and pumpkin. Puree until completely smooth.
Add the puree and Greek yogurt to the pot and stir well to combine. Heat until hot. Serve immediately.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 1 3/4 cups
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 188 calories; 1 g fat; 20 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein; 5 g fiber