Guest Post- Sasha Sandor Fitness

Chicken salad (Also try with Turkey this November)

Chicken salad is a satisfying meal no matter the season or occasion. The recipes for chicken salad vary greatly, giving it many different flavor profiles and styles. However you define chicken salad, try this option for something a bit lighter (yogurt provides the creaminess) that offers a nod to Michigan’s own local Montmorency cherry crop:

2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

¾ cup dried Montmorency cherries

Dash of kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup non-fat Greek yogurt or Non fat mayo

Place chicken breasts in medium pan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Once cool to the touch, cut chicken into ½-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add basil, thyme, cherries, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and olive oil until well blended. Pour over the chicken and mix together. Chill for 4 hours or overnight. Serve in lettuce cups or on whole grain bread.

Makes 6 servings

Per serving: 192 calories; 6 g total fat;60 mg sodium; 16 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 14 g protein 

Harvest Pumpkin Dip

1 Cup Pure Pumpkin

½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (plain)

½ cup light brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 Cup thawed nonfat or dairy free Whipped Topping

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until the consistency is pudding like. Serve with sliced apples, pears, baked pita chips, wheat pretzels or low fat graham crackers.

Makes 4  -  ¼ cup servings - approximately 65 calories/ serving

Recipes can be found at www.eatingwell.com

Next week we will be featuring diabetic friendly  recipes  for the holiday.

Sasha Sandor