Snacks

I never thought I would see the day that I loved kale or Brussels sprouts in anything.  This Creamy Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts is seriously amazing.  It is also a perfect side dish for summer cookouts!  I’ve created a lightened up version that is similar to the one served by Cracker Barrel, and I am sure you’ll love it as much as I did!

Creamy Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts

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Have you avoided kale and brussels sprouts like I have?  Well, wait no longer.  This slaw or salad recipe is just simply amazing!  It is crunchy, a bit sweet, and a lot tangy.  It packs a ton of nutrients and even more flavor.  I love how simple it is to make, and you can customize if you prefer a different nut or want to avoid the added calories of the dried cranberries.

Ingredients for Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts

2 cups Kale, shredded

2 cups Brussels Sprouts, shredded

1 cup Red Cabbage, shredded

1/2 cup Fat-Free Mayonnaise

1 cup Fat-Free Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds, lightly roasted

1/2 cup Dried Cranberries

Directions for Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts

After shredding Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Red Cabbage mix together in a large bowl until well blended.  I use my Tupperware Large Impressions Bowl for this since it doubles as a storage bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise and vinaigrette.

Pour dressing over kale mixture and combine well.

Mix in sunflower seeds and dried cranberries until just combined.

Creamy Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Kale, shredded
• 2 cups Brussels Sprouts, shredded
• 1 cup Red Cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup Fat-Free Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Fat-Free Balsamic Vinaigrette
• ½ cup Sunflower Seeds, lightly roasted
• ½ cup Dried Cranberries

Instructions

1. After shredding Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Red Cabbage mix together in a large bowl until well blended.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise and vinaigrette.
3. Pour dressing over kale mixture and combine well.
4. Mix in sunflower seeds and dried cranberries until just combined.

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5 SmartPoints per serving

While this is a bit high in points for a simple side dish, it can easily be an entire meal.  It has tons of protein, vitamins, and delicious flavor.  A serving of this with a side of grilled shrimp, grilled chicken or a grilled pork chop would be a great meal that is satisfying.  I calculated this recipe using the Weight Watchers SmartPoints calculator within my account.  You can also use the Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculator without having a Weight Watchers account.

Benefits of eating kale:

Let’s just say, I have been skeptical about kale. I just didn’t enjoy the flavor.  So, I have worked hard to find a way to make it appetizing, because I knew it was beneficial to my health.  This recipe definitely makes it easy to add to our menu plan a few times a month.

• An excellent source of iron
• Has tons of fiber
• Is high in Vitamin K and Vitamin A
• Has anti-inflammatory properties as well as being filled with antioxidants

These are just a few of the best things about eating this creamy kale salad.  Not to mention the great benefits of Brussels sprouts!  Make this on a regular basis, and feel no guilt about adding a cup to your lunch or dinner!

More Salad Recipes:

• Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas
• BLT Chopped Salad: Weight Watchers Salad
• Black Bean Mexican Salad Recipe
• Greek Pasta Salad: Weight Watchers Pasta Salad

For the last few years, I have really become addicted to Greek Salads.  This Low-Fat Greek Salad Dressing Recipe flavorful option that is healthier and makes me feel like I am indulging.  This recipe is one of our favorites for creating a delicious salad with just a few ingredients in the dressing.

Low-Fat Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

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For my Greek salad, I use a bed of butter blend or iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and sometimes pepper rings.  You could really add any vegetables that you want.  I also may sprinkle a bit of extra fat-free Feta cheese on top of the salad for extra flavor.  This dressing adds just what you need to create the moisture you want on a salad that is also full of flavor.

You can mix this up by hand, but I find the texture smoother and better when I use a blender.  We use our Ninja Auto iQ Blender for this, but any good blender will do the trick. I’ve also seen many who enjoyed using the Dressing Salad Shaker to create easy dressings that can be stored in that container at the same time.

Ingredients for Greek Salad Dressing Recipe:

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon fat-free Feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Directions for Greek Salad Dressing Recipe:

In a blender, combine all ingredients until blended smooth.

Low-Fat Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

Makes 4 servings of 2 tablespoons per serving 1 SmartPoint on FreeStyle, Flex, or Your Way Plan 2 SmartPoints on Beyond the Scale 2 PointsPlus

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fat-free Feta cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients until blended smooth.

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1 SmartPoint on FreeStyle, Flex, or Your Way Plan

2 SmartPoints on Beyond the Scale

2 PointsPlus

Making a homemade Greek salad dressing is a great way to stay within your points range for a favorite salad.  With this low point option, you can easily add your favorite salad toppings like croutons, fried onions, seeds, or of course, more zero point options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey breast.  This is a great way to make a low point lunch that really satisfies your craving for a punch of flavor.

If you are looking for more great recipes, don’t forget to join our Weight Watchers Support Group on Facebook!

More Weight Watchers Salad Recipes:

• Easy Chopped Salad Recipe
• Black Bean and Corn Salad with Avocado
• Creamy Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts
• Weight Watchers Greek Pasta Salad
• Black Bean Mexican Salad Recipe
• BLT Chopped Salad Recipe
• Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad with Ham & Peas
• Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
• Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe

I grew up eating bean dip, and never thought to make my own Homemade Refried Bean Dip until recently.  I remember my mom making refried beans when she made enchiladas.  They were always great, but not quite the same as the dip we would buy at the grocery store.  So, over the weekend I decided – why not try my hand at making my own homemade?  Plus, it is super Weight Watchers friendly at only 2 SmartPoints per serving!

Homemade Refried Bean Dip

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Did you know that the Crockpot was originally invented to cook dry beans without standing over the stove all day?  Well, why not use it for it’s intended purpose?  We cook beans in our Crockpot on a regular basis, but this time I decided to do things a little bit differently.  I have multiple sizes of Crockpots, but my smaller 2-quart ones are ones I love for things like this.  Small portions of sides cook easily in these.

To make my bean dip, I added 1 cup of dry pinto beans.  I didn’t soak them.  I never soak my beans.  Some do. Just not me.  I added in cumin, garlic, onion, chili powder and salt and pepper.  I put just a bit less water than I normally would and set them to cook for about 3 hours.

Once the beans had cooked through and were tender, I used a slotted spoon and spooned them into a bowl and added a bit more seasoning and salsa.  I simply hand mashed them leaving a few chunks of beans here and there.  I didn’t add all of the juice.  In fact, I tried to spoon just the beans out because I knew the salsa would add some moisture.

I ate some right away with some tortilla chips.  Still hot from the Crockpot, they were pretty delicious.  The next afternoon I sat down with some for lunch straight out of the refrigerator, and I was surprised at how much I loved them cold too!  They are definitely a new favorite in our house.

Homemade Refried Bean Dip

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

3 hours

Total time

3 hours 5 mins

 

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry pinto beans
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons cumin, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup mild salsa

Instructions

1. Rinse pinto beans and add with water to Crockpot.
2. Add in half the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and salt.
3. Cook on high heat for 3 hours.
4. Once beans are cooked through, remove from Crockpot with slotted spoon. You want beans without the juice/cooking liquid.
5. Add beans, remaining seasonings and salsa to bowl and hand mash to desired consistency.
6. Refrigerate leftovers and serve with chips of choice.

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2 SmartPoints per serving on Beyond the Scale

Zero SmartPoints per serving on FreeStyle Plan or FlexPlan

Using the Recipe Builder in Weight Watchers, I calculated this recipe to be only 2 SmartPoints per serving.  This recipe divides into 8 portions.  I will be making again soon and will update with exact measurements per serving, but for now, simply divide this equally into 8 portions.  If you want to follow the Weight Watchers plan without a monthly fee, you can grab a Weight Watchers Calculator to being learning more about you point needs and food points.

I used an organic basic salsa from Kroger, but you can use any brand you prefer.  If you like things especially spicy, you can choose a hot salsa versus mild.  The same goes with the chili powder added to the beans. You can skip it or add less if you prefer.  We tend to prefer mild instead of spicy in our house.  I like a little heat, but not so much I can’t taste anything else in the dish.

Make our homemade refried bean dip recipe as a snack, or to go inside a tortilla as a burrito!

More Great Recipes: 

Easy Taziki Dip (great with Greek or Mediterranean foods and super low in calories)

Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip (great side that is lighter and super tasty)

Healthy Ham & Pea Pasta Salad

Southwest Grilled Cream Corn

I grew up eating dips and chips all too often.  One of my favorites is this Healthy Spinach Dip Recipe.  Subbing in a few different ingredients makes it a much healthier option.  I serve with tortilla chips, but you can also have with veggies, crackers, or toasted pita chips.

Healthy Spinach Dip Recipe

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Making a spinach dip recipe ahead of time is the best way to make it even better.  While it is delicious right away, it is best when refrigerated for at least a few hours.  We love having this recipe with some of our favorite tortillas chips, but I have been known to spread it inside a tortilla and eat as a wrap or slice into pinwheels.

Ingredients for Spinach Dip Recipe

1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach

1 8oz can water chestnuts

1 shallot

1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 cup fat-free mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Knorr vegetable soup mix

Directions for Spinach Dip Recipe

Thaw spinach and drain.  Use paper towels or cheesecloth to strain and remove as much water as possible.

Drain water chestnuts and dice into small pieces.

Dice shallot.

Mix all ingredients together in large bowl until well incorporated.

Refrigerate until time to serve.

Healthy Spinach Dip Recipe

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach
• 1 8oz can water chestnuts
• 1 shallot
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Knorr vegetable soup mix

Instructions

1. Thaw spinach and drain. Use paper towels or cheesecloth to strain and remove as much water as possible.
2. Drain water chestnuts and dice into small pieces.
3. Dice shallot.
4. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl until well incorporated.
5. Refrigerate until time to serve.

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1/2 cup per serving

1 SmartPoint on FreeStyle Plan, Flex Plan, Beyond the Scale Plan, and PointsPlus

This is a perfect spinach dip recipe to make for any party.  It’s also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.  The Wee Child will gobble this up in seconds, and that makes it a great way to get more nutrient-dense spinach into his menu.  I’ve even spread some of this on toast for a fast sandwich for his lunch!

If you are looking for more great recipes, don’t forget to join our Weight Watchers Support Group on Facebook!

More Dip Recipes: 

• Homemade Refried Bean Dip
• Healthy Veggie Dip
• Cheesy Corn Dip Recipe with Bacon & Jalapeno
• Easy Tzatziki Dip
• Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip

With football season in full swing, everyone loves having yummy dips and chips on hand.  If you are watching what you eat, but still want a great treat this Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip is perfect for you!  it is so simple to throw together, and served with baked or reduced fat chips it is a great option in place of your other high fat versions out there.  You don’t have to go empty handed to a party, nor do you have to skip out on enjoying what you bring.  Simply make this great recipe and enjoy the flavor of your favorite loaded baked potato in a fun and yummy dip!

Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip

Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Fat Free Sour Cream
• 2 Strips Turkey Bacon Cooked Crisp & Crumbled
• ⅛ Cup Shredded 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Chives
• ⅛ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• ⅛ Teaspoon Salt
• ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ⅛ Teaspoon Onion Powder

Instructions

1. Cook, cool and crumble turkey bacon make sure it is nice and crisp
2. In a small bowl mix all ingredients together
3. Chill for at least 1 hour
4. Serve with reduced fat chips or veggies.

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Makes 8 Servings – 2 tablespoons each

1 SmartPoint Per Serving on Beyond the Scale, FreeStyle Plan, and Flex Plan

Using fat free sour cream, turkey bacon and low fat cheese makes this dip practically a free food.  At only 1 SmartPoints Per 2 Tablespoons Serving it is a great treat to have with some reduced fat chips or vegetables!  Make double or triple batches and add this to your real baked potatoes too!  It could even be a mix you add into your favorite mashed potatoes for extra flavor!

This Weight Watchers Loaded Baked Potato Dip is a great treat for game day, holiday parties or even just because after a long day at work.  Sometimes our favorite comfort foods are just what we need to stick with our diet.  When you are depriving yourself of your favorite things, it is easy to go off the diet and end up gaining instead of losing.  By making tasty substitutes like this dip, you can easily stay within your diet range while feeling you are splurging a bit.

Check out our other great Weight Watchers Recipes!

Weight Watchers Roasted Poblano Chicken Enchiladas

Weight Watchers Baked Pumpkin Pie Eggroll

Weight Watchers Baked Veggie Eggrolls

Weight Watchers Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Weight Watchers Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup