This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
An Easy Way to Lighten Your Everyday Meals that's super versatile and helps keep things healthy and super delicious!
Every now and then, I say to Scott despairingly, "we'll NEVER be thin!". It's difficult to keep our weight in a range where we feel good and our clothes fit comfortably because, as you probably know, I LOVE to bake and cook. And whether it's a new baked good, salad dressing, dinner idea, jam or jelly recipe, there's ALWAYS something to taste-test. That doesn't bode well when we go to step on the scale.
To keep things in check, I have a little trick I often use to help lighten our everyday meals. When we're not testing a meal recipe, I like to pull out our recipe for Juicy, Tender Chicken Breasts on the Stovetop when dinner time draws near. I always keep a stash of individually wrapped/sealed chicken breasts in the freezer that can be quickly thawed. This super easy recipe yields delicious results with minimal effort in way less than 30 minutes.
I pair these lean, tender chicken breasts with one of the salads listed below and we have a fabulous dinner that helps balance out all that taste-testing. I've found that guests also enjoy a light, fresh healthy meal like this. Since so many of us are trying to lighten things up a bit after the delicious, but indulgent holiday season, I thought this might be a helpful post right now.
All of these salads are loaded with fresh, seasonal veggies and would make a wonderful complete meal when paired with the flavorful chicken breasts. If you feel like splurging a bit, add a loaf of warm, crusty bread or a basket of delicious brioche rolls.
This Cranberry Clementine Arugula Salad also includes butter-toasted pecans, candied bacon, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, and a delicious Honey-Cider Poppy Seed Dressing.
This healthy Roasted Veggie and Crispy Chickpea Salad combines crispy, spicy chickpeas, caramelized veggies, Israeli couscous, buttery, toasted pine nuts and a generous shower of fresh herbs. It makes a delicious side or a fabulous main course!
This Orange Fennel Watercress Salad with Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Dressing is a heavenly combination of fresh, beautiful, seasonal ingredients!
This delicious Pomegranate Pear Kale Salad is loaded with fresh, healthy ingredients. The simple, vibrant lemon dressing ties it all together.
A delicious twist on broccoli salad that's wonderful all year round! This Watercress (or Arugula) Grape Broccoli Salad is perfect alongside any entree, burgers, grilled sandwiches or on its own!
Granny Smith and Fennel Arugula Salad A beautiful, delicious, seasonal salad – the perfect way to add a fresh touch to all those winter, comfort meals!
Fresh, healthy and loaded with fabulous flavor, this Clementine Avocado Spinach Salad is a delicious way to celebrate the season!
Should you avoid Italian food if you're trying to eat healthier? Nope! This fabulous Slow Roasted Ancient Grain Salad is loaded with all the delicious flavors of Italy minus the refined carbs and high-calorie counts!
Last but not least, this Warm Chicken and Roasted Potato Salad recipe already has the Juicy Tender Chicken Breasts included. It's is fresh, healthy and loaded with delicious seasonal flavor!
Thought for the day:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:13
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.

Laura Tolbert says
Thank you so much for starting the New Year off with a great selection of salads. Sigh....it's always difficult to 're-start' after the good baking and cooking of December! I've used several of your salad dressing recipes and dressings before and I look forward to making these to start eating lighter. Usually I can tweak recipes to make them gluten-free, but if you can give tips about that when possible it would be helpful.
I also appreciate your scripture and listening suggestions. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for your comment, Laura! Happy New Year!
Dixie Harris says
Hi Chris, these all sound wonderful. I know you put me onto Coleman chicken breasts at Costco--they were wrapped individually but during Covid they stopped carrying them here. Do you have another favorite? I have found that some of the frozen breasts are so huge and not very tender. Thanks for the help. Love trying new recipes. Made the black bean and turkey chilli before Christmas and my hubby declared it the best--he never missed the beef!! Blessings to you and Scott!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Dixie! I know, I check every time I go to Costco and am so disappointed that they stopped carrying the Coleman. I'm still hopeful that they will return.
I do find some nice individually wrapped chicken breasts at our local Ingles. They might be a local brand but they're organic Springer Farms and they're never too big.
So happy you enjoyed the chili! Happy New Year, wishing you God's richest blessing in 2022~
Jeannie Karamigios says
Happy New Year!
Thanks for your recipes& beautiful thoughts for the day& inspirational music!
To God be given glory!🙏✝️❤️
Dixie Harris says
Yes, I too love the Scriptures and the music you all are listening too. Still miss Scott singing at church!!!
Chris Scheuer says
💕🥰💕
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Jeannie! Yes, so true, to God be ALL the Glory!
Barb Bowen says
Here's to a happy and Healthy 2022! Keep up the good work with your recipes! They are great.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Barb! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement! 💕