Spinach Artichoke Dip, Cashew Salad and Patties

by Ana
(Houston, Texas)

Our family has pretty much switched to a healthier way of eating. One of the challenges has been creating tasty full course dinners that everyone will love.

I have modified quite a few recipes and here are our favorite healthy recipes for a full course dinner. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Try this yummy appetizer:

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 jar artichoke hearts (drained)

1 C spinach (thaw frozen, drained)

¼ C parmesan cheese, grated

1 C ricotta cheese

1 T lemon juice

2 t Kosher salt

½ t pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Puree mixture to a smooth dip.

Serve with raw chopped broccoli, cauliflower and celery sticks.

Next course try this fresh salad:

Cashew Salad

1 Bag of Salad

1 t minced garlic

1 bunch green onions, chopped

½ C Kalamata Olives

½ C cashew pieces (substitute almonds or walnuts if you prefer or delete if you don’t want any nuts)

Toss the above ingredients in a large bowl. Squeeze lime over salad.

Dressing:

2 parts olive oil

1 part balsamic vinegar

Salt

Mix together and pour over salad before serving.

Tasty Patties

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Up to 1# of ground pork loin or sirloin

½ C Oatmeal

1 Egg

½ to 1 Green (or red or yellow) Pepper chopped

½ to ¾ C Feta Cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together, form patties.

Bake at 350, 30-45 minutes

For salmon patties use the same recipe just delete Green Peppers and cheese and bake up to 30 minutes.

Serve with roasted vegetables, peppers, onions and mushrooms are a good mix.

*C=cup ; t=tea spoon ; T=Table spoon

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