Appetizer Alternatives – Cheesy Grilled Zucchini, Spicy BBQ Shrimp and Yummy, Yummy Dip!

Appetizer Alternatives! Cheesy Grilled Zucchini, Spicy BBQ Shrimp and a Yummy, Yummy dip!!

In need of a healthier, alternative for an appetizer? Here are a few healthier appy options!

 

Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

Instead of battered cheese sticks, which are high in saturated fat and 90 calories/5 grams of fat per tiny stick, try these as a treat! With the same cheesy delicious coating, and a soft centre to bite into, you can have 4x as many sticks if you go with this option, and it still tastes amazing!

Ingredients:

3 zucchini

3 tablespoons butter, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

2. Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, and then slice each half into 3 slices lengthwise, making 6 slices per zucchini.

3. Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and spread the mixture on both sides of each zucchini slice. Sprinkle one side of each slice with Parmesan cheese, and place the slices, cheese sides up, crosswise on the preheated grill to keep them from falling through.

4. Grill the zucchini until the cheese has melted and the slices are cooked through and show grill marks, about 8 minutes.

Nutritional Information:

(per 4 full sticks) Calories: 146 | Total Fat: 11.8g | Cholesterol: 32mg

Thai Spiced Barbecue Shrimp

Craving something from the bbq? Or something fishy? Save yourself from recipes high in fat which douse fish in sauce, where you can rack up 500 calories in a single sitting! This recipe for spicy bbq shrimp is bursting with flavour, without adding on calories or fat. Simple to make and with a delicious-guarantee, this smoky and spicy side is a great choice!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons curry paste

1 pound medium shrimp – peeled and deveined

Directions:

1. In a shallow dish or re-sealable bag, mix together the lemon juice, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, brown sugar and curry paste. Add shrimp, and seal or cover. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

2. Preheat a grill for high heat. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, or place in a grill basket for easy handling. Transfer the marinade to a saucepan, and boil for a few minutes.

3. Grill shrimp for 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Baste occasionally with the marinade.

Nutritional Information:

Per 10 shrimp: Calories: 73 | Total Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg

Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

7 layer dip can boast up to 2000 calories in a single dip, not even adding in the fat content. This dip is just as flavourful as it is colourful, and is a great alternative. This recipe always gets great reviews from both those eating it, as well as those watching their diet! Using fresh spices will give this dip an extra kick – this is a super easy and yummy recipe you are sure to love! Save yourself hundreds of calories and still enjoy this great flavour.

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons tahini

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. In an electric blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas, red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Process, using long pulses, until the mixture is fairly smooth, and slightly fluffy. Make sure to scrape the mixture off the sides of the food processor or blender in between pulses. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before serving.)

2. Sprinkle the hummus with the chopped parsley before serving.

3. Kalev Fitness Tip: Serve with Veggies, or for a treat, baguette or pita!

Nutritional Information:

Amount Per Large Serving: Calories: 64 | Total Fat: 2.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg

Check back each week for new recipes – Happy Eating!

Tracey Ferris – Kalev Fitness Solution

w: https://www.kalevfitness.com t:604-568-6006 e:Info@KalevFitness.com