Zucchini-Potato Pancakes

Latkes are amazing, but also amazingly bad for you. There is not a lot of redeeming value about deep-frying potato and topping it with salt. So here, I took the basic concept of a latke but changed a few key pieces. The potato became potato AND zucchini, adding taste and nutritional value all at once. The deep frying became pan frying, taking out the majority of the oil and therefore the fatty calories. And the salt was severely reduced due to added flavor of zucchini and lots of black pepper. Yum!

I made the zuchini-potato pancakes along with some pesto turbot, one of my favorites. However, this side is versatile enough to pair with nearly any main course. I made it with a fresh cherry tomato salsa, which was juicy and delicious, but you can easily substitute another topping if you prefer.

Recipe and nutrition after the jump!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 40 min
Cost: $27.03

Avocado Mixed Greens Salad

There is very little in life more delicious than avocado. They are amazing in every form and in every dish, and this is no exception. Here the creamy avocado combines with crisp greens and a lemony olive oil dressing for tastiness in every bite.

I served the salad with cajun catfish and tomato bruschetta - two of my other favorites. The meal was quite simple and fast to put together, but absolutely delicious. Make this when you don't have a lot of time or energy, but still want a healthy, homemade meal.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: easy
Time:
Cost: $32.89

Mushroom and Fontal Polenta

This recipe continues my quest into trying different polenta dishes. This is only my second time cooking the corn meal starch, but it goes quite well. The savory, smooth polenta pairs perfectly with mild yet rich fontal and absolutely delicious mushrooms. You can easily substitute another cheese if you prefer, but I think the fontal works wonderfully. It's creamy and mild, but still has just enough of a bite to make it tantalizing.

I served the polenta with some grilled cajun swordfish and caramelized brussels sprouts for a delightful meal. However, this fontal polenta dish is so versatile that you can easily pair it with any number of other dishes. Let us know in the comments if you find something particularly delicious!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 30 min
Cost: $38.33

Smoked Trout, Apple, and Pecan Salad

Ready for a delicious, nutritious meal? Then you've come to the right place! This entree salad combines fresh trout, smoked to perfection, crisp apples, creamy pecan chips, and juicy lettuce. The flavors and textures work wonderfully together for a delicious mouthful in every bite. This meal is perfect for late summer or early fall - whenever you can get some high quality ingredients.

I chose to go old school, serving this salad with crispy tater tots. They might be a kid's favorite, they were certainly a favorite of mine, but I have yet to grow out of that fad! Fried and full of salt, they're only a special treat these days, but when I have them they always hit the spot.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 40 min
Cost: $9.60

Recipe and nutrition below the jump!

Fresh Melon Gazpacho

As Labor Day swings by, it's time to fill up on summer favorites before the leaves begin to turn. I took advantage of that idea here, as well as some beautiful, fresh melon from my local farmer's market, to make a tasty melon gazpacho. It's light and refreshing with a cooling aftertaste that perfectly fits the season.

I served this soup with some homemade fish tacos, but it is versatile enough to really go with anything. It could complement fish, meat, or a vegetarian entree. You could also serve it with salad for a tasty and refreshing lunch. Let me know in the comments what combination you think works best!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 min prep, 1-2 hrs chill time
Cost: $29.50

Nutrition and recipe after the jump!