Bubbe’s Kitchen: Recipes High on Taste, Low on Calories

Looking to shed a few post-holiday pounds? Here are a few recipes that will maintain the high standards demanded by your taste buds but register low on the calorie counter.

Israeli Chopped Salad — Pareve
Why it’s weight-loss friendly: high fiber, very low calories, keeps you full.

Ingredients:
2 cucumbers, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Optional: parsley

Instructions: Mix vegetables, add lemon, oil, salt, and pepper. Serve fresh.

Baked Salmon With Lemon & Garlic — Fleishig (Fish)
Why it’s healthy: omega-3 + high protein for weight control.

Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon
2 garlic cloves
Salt & pepper
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Season salmon with lemon, garlic, oil, salt. Bake 12–15 minutes.

Hummus Veggie Wrap (Light Version) — Pareve
Why it’s healthy: fiber + protein, keeps calories low.

Ingredients:
Whole-wheat wrap
2 tbsp hummus
Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots
Lettuce

Instructions: Spread hummus, add veggies, roll and slice.

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Bowl — Pareve
Why it’s healthy: nutrient-dense and low fat with high satiety.

Ingredients:
1 sweet potato, cubed
½ can chickpeas, rinsed
1 tsp olive oil
Paprika, salt
Greens (lettuce or spinach)

Instructions: Roast sweet potato and chickpeas at 400°F for 20 minutes. Serve over greens.

Veggie Omelet (Low-Calorie) — Milchig
Why it’s healthy: low carb, high protein.

Ingredients:
2 eggs or 3 egg whites
Spinach
Tomatoes
Peppers
Salt & pepper

Instructions: Sauté veggies (no oil or minimal oil). Add eggs. Fold and cook.

Greek Yogurt Fruit Bowl — Milchig
Why healthy: low calorie, high protein and probiotics.

Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Berries
1 tsp honey
Optional: chia seeds

Instructions: Combine yogurt + fruit + honey. Add chia if desired.

Cabbage Detox Salad — Pareve
Healthy: very low calorie and helps digestion.

Ingredients:
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 grated carrot
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
Salt, pepper

Instructions: Mix veggies. Add dressing and toss.

Nathalie Noonberg, Baltimore