Healthy recipes to start your new year off on the right foot

This July 22, 2013 photo shows wasabi-spiked salmon cakes with pickled cucumber in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This recipe for wasabi-spiked salmon cakes with pickled cucumber uses canned salmon for a healthy and budget-friendly twist on classic fish tastes. Find the recipe here.  (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 6, 2011 photo shows carrot cake cookies in Concord, N.H. These cookies are plenty moist thanks to a small amount of oil (instead of butter) for healthier fats and supplement it with crushed pineapple.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
These carrot cake cookies are plenty moist thanks to a small amount of oil (instead of butter) for healthier fats and supplement it with crushed pineapple. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 16, 2011 photo shows stout-braised chicken in Concord, N.H. This recipe, which is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, combines two techniques: flash browning over high heat and a quick, low-heat braise. By switching around the sauce ingredients you can turn this method for cooking thighs into an endless variety of dishes.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This stout-braised chicken is perfect for winter’s cold nights. It combines two techniques: flash browning over high heat and a quick, low-heat braise. By switching around the sauce ingredients you can turn this method for cooking thighs into an endless variety of dishes. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 16, 2011 photo shows roasted asparagus and potato soup in Concord, N.H. For this soup recipe, all the vegetables are roasted at high heat, caramelizing their natural sugars and enhancing the flavors. They are then pureed until smooth and combined with thick, nonfat Greek-style yogurt, which gives the soup a creamy quality that belies its low-fat nutritional profile.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
For this roasted asparagus and potato soup recipe, all the vegetables are roasted at high heat, caramelizing their natural sugars and enhancing the flavors. They are then pureed until smooth and combined with thick, nonfat Greek-style yogurt, which gives the soup a creamy quality that belies its low-fat nutritional profile. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 21, 2011 photo shows sweet pea and avocado guacamole in Concord, N.H. This guacamole is a spring-inspired version of the classic dip, and has a fresh, crisp flavor that is brightened by plenty of fire-roasted chilies, lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Use this dip as you would a traditional guacamole. Or for a refreshing variation, serve with a plate of sliced bell peppers and carrot sticks.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This pea guacamole is a spring-inspired version of the classic dip, and has a fresh, crisp flavor that is brightened by plenty of fire-roasted chilies, lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Use this dip as you would a traditional guacamole. Or for a refreshing variation, serve with a plate of sliced bell peppers and carrot sticks. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 14, 2011 photo shows grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri in Concord, N.H.  In this recipe for grilled lamb, lollipop shaped rib chops are paired with a fresh, gorgeously green chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs and healthy olive oil.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This recipe pairs grilled lamb chops with a fresh, gorgeously green chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs and healthy olive oil. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 15, 2011 photo shows a honeydew-blackberry tart in Concord, N.H. This tart offers a nice balance between light and luxurious.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This honeydew-blackberry tart offers a nice balance between light and luxurious. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 21, 2011 photo shows strawberry-ricotta bruschetta in Concord, N.H. While these bruschetta are a natural fit as part of a breakfast or brunch, they make a fine passed appetizer as well.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
These strawberry-ricotta bruschetta are a natural fit as part of a breakfast or brunch,  and they make a fine passed appetizer as well. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 4, 2011 photo shows baked catfish po'boys with Cajun remoulade sauce in Concord, N.H. This lighter take on the traditionally deep-fried po’boy fish sandwich is finished off with crispy French bread slathered with a low-fat remoulade sauce, and a hearty amount of shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
These baked catfish po’boys with Cajun remoulade sauce are a lighter take on the traditionally deep-fried po’boy fish sandwich. They’re finished off with crispy French bread slathered with a low-fat remoulade sauce, and a hearty amount of shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 11, 2011 photo shows griddled corncakes with cinnamon-honey yogurt in Concord, N.H.  These corncakes are moist, tender, tasty and sport an ingredient list the whole family can feel good about.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
These griddled corncakes with cinnamon-honey yogurt are moist, tender, tasty and sport an ingredient list the whole family can feel good about. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 11, 2011 photo shows strawberry-kiwi dessert pizza in Concord, N.H. The beauty of this dessert pizza is that it looks like it should be a diet buster, but it really isn’t.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This strawberry-kiwi dessert pizza looks like it should be a diet buster, but it really isn’’t. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This May 2, 2011 photo shows Valencia grilled chicken salad in Concord, N.H.  This chicken salad recipe is a healthful re-imagining of the Chinese chicken salad that can be prepared at home in under a half an hour.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Valencia grilled chicken salad recipe is a healthful re-imagining of the Chinese chicken salad that can be prepared at home in under a half an hour. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This May 11, 2011 photo shows a bowl of brown sugar and toasted almond ice cream in Concord, N.H. This ice cream recipe contains no cream, but is plenty creamy.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Brown sugar and toasted almond ice cream contains no cream, but is plenty creamy. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This June 6, 2011 photo shows jambalaya-stuffed zucchini in Concord, N.H.  This dish can be served with a green salad and a piece of crusty French bread to round out the meal.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Serve this jambalaya-stuffed zucchini dish with a green salad and a piece of crusty French bread to round out the meal. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This June 7, 2011 photo shows marinated antipasti vegetables in Concord, N.H.  Antipasti doesn't have to be a selection of cheese and fatty cured meats. You can make a delicious and beautiful antipasti platter from the many colors of the vegetable garden.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Marinated antipasti vegetables: Antipasti doesn’t have to be a selection of cheese and fatty cured meats. You can make a delicious and beautiful antipasti platter from the many colors of the vegetable garden. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 18, 2011 photo shows salmon with shiitake hash in Concord, N.H. The earthy flavor of shiitake mushrooms mixed with shredded potatoes complements the rich fish.  (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
The earthy flavor of shiitake mushrooms mixed with shredded potatoes complements the rich fish in this recipe for salmon with shiitake hash. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 15, 2011 photo shows Rocco DiSpirito's warm salad of grilled chicken thighs, figs and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.  Before serving this dish, place the chicken thigh halves around the salad, then sprinkle the salad with the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This photo shows Rocco DiSpirito’s warm salad of grilled chicken thighs, figs and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. Before serving this dish, place the chicken thigh halves around the salad, then sprinkle the salad with the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 19, 2011 photo shows meatloaf in Concord, N.H.  In Rocco DiSpirito's meatloaf recipe, kamut serves as a flavorful bulking and moistening agent to the meatloaf instead of the more traditional breadcrumbs.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In Rocco DiSpirito’s meatloaf recipe, kamut serves as a flavorful bulking and moistening agent to the meatloaf instead of the more traditional breadcrumbs. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Oct. 3, 2011 photo shows chicken cordon bleu rollups in Concord, N.H.  These rolls make an excellent packed lunch and take only about 20 minutes to prepare.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
These chicken cordon bleu rollups make an excellent packed lunch and take only about 20 minutes to prepare. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 21, 2011 photo shows Rocco DiSpirito's recipe for chicken noodle soup in Concord, N.H. This soup uses real chicken and fresh vegetables, like carrots and onions, which are a great source of vitamins.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This chicken noodle soup uses real chicken and fresh vegetables, like carrots and onions, which are a great source of vitamins. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this photo taken on Jan. 24, 2012 in Concord, N.H., a downsized version of Rocco Dispirito's Jambalaya a classic cajun dish is shown. Just in time for Mardi Gras, Rocco DiSpirito gives a the traditionally high-fat Cajun classic jambalaya a healthy makeover. Thanks to a zero-calorie rice-like product and various other nips and tucks, the result has lots of flavor, but not lots of calories. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Rocco DiSpirito gives a the traditionally high-fat Cajun classic jambalaya a healthy makeover. Thanks to a zero-calorie rice-like product and various other nips and tucks, the result has lots of flavor, but not lots of calories. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken Jan. 30, 2012 in Concord, N.H., a Swedish meatball recipe by Rocco DiSpirito is shown. Swedish meatballs are a retro potluck throwback. There are countless recipes for Swedish meatballs, but most aren't all that diet-friendly. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Swedish meatballs are a retro potluck throwback. There are countless recipes for Swedish meatballs, but most aren’t all that diet-friendly, but these are. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This image taken on Feb. 13, 2012 in Concord, N.H. features a Spiced Plum Crisp dish. A good place to start when looking for more healthy desserts is fruit, which not only packs plenty of its own no-added-sugar sweetness, it also tends to have gobs of fiber and nutrients. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Spiced Plum Crisp: A good place to start when looking for more healthy desserts is fruit, which not only packs plenty of its own no-added-sugar sweetness, it also tends to have gobs of fiber and nutrients. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
A recipe for smoked salmon and caviar bundles is displayed in Concord, N.H. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Next time you’re throwing a party, make these healthy smoked salmon and caviar bundles. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 5, 2013 photo shows blueberry pot stickers in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Looking for a pot sticker with a sweeter side? Try these blueberry pot stickers the next time you need a sweet treat. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 17, 2014 photo shows snow pudding with spiked strawberries in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Snow pudding is a great old American recipe that dates back to pioneer days. Try this recipe for snow pudding with spiked strawberries. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 25, 2013 photo taken in Concord, N.H., shows a recipe for Fava Bean Falafel Burger topped with a cucumber yogurt sauce. Falafel are deep-fried fritters made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Fava bean falafel burger topped with a cucumber yogurt sauce. Falafel are deep-fried fritters made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on Feb. 11, 2013, Asian steamed clams or mussels with broccoli rabe is shown served in a bowl in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Craving seafood? Here’s a healthy and light recipe for Asian steamed clams or mussels with broccoli rabe. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on Sept. 10, 2012, Sweet Potato Buttermilk Muffins with candied ginger topping are shown in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Baked goods don’t have to bust your diet. Try these sweet potato buttermilk muffins with candied ginger topping. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Dec. 2, 2013 photo shows salmon baked in a bag with citrus, olive and chilies in Concord, N.H. The bag keeps the flavor and moisture trapped inside during cooking, allowing the juices from the fish and the other ingredients to mingle and become a wonderful sauce. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Salmon baked in a bag with citrus, olive and chilies: The bag keeps the flavor and moisture trapped inside during cooking, allowing the juices from the fish and the other ingredients to mingle and become a wonderful sauce. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this April 29, 2013 photo, mushroom, pepper and onion quesadillas are shown in Concord, N.H. Full-fat cheese is the secret to a flavorful recipe. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Mushroom, pepper and onion quesadillas: Full-fat cheese is the secret to a flavorful recipe. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 29, 2013 photo shows lentil tabbouleh in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
For a light lunch or evening meal, try this lentil tabbouleh. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on May 13, 2013, summer rolls with spicy peanut dipping sauce are shown served on a plate in Concord, NH. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Instead of Chinese takeout, whip up these summer rolls with spicy peanut dipping sauce. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 14, 2011 photo shows creamy rosemary wild rice soup in Concord, N.H. Creamy in texture without being cream-based, this soup satisfies with vegetables, wild rice and rosemary.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Creamy rosemary wild rice soup: Creamy in texture without being cream-based, this soup satisfies with vegetables, wild rice and rosemary. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 28, 2011 photo shows German pork stew in Concord, N.H. Once the pork in this recipe is tender, it gets shredded for a pulled pork effect.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
German pork stew: Once the pork in this recipe is tender, it gets shredded for a pulled pork effect. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
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This July 22, 2013 photo shows wasabi-spiked salmon cakes with pickled cucumber in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 6, 2011 photo shows carrot cake cookies in Concord, N.H. These cookies are plenty moist thanks to a small amount of oil (instead of butter) for healthier fats and supplement it with crushed pineapple.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 16, 2011 photo shows stout-braised chicken in Concord, N.H. This recipe, which is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, combines two techniques: flash browning over high heat and a quick, low-heat braise. By switching around the sauce ingredients you can turn this method for cooking thighs into an endless variety of dishes.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 16, 2011 photo shows roasted asparagus and potato soup in Concord, N.H. For this soup recipe, all the vegetables are roasted at high heat, caramelizing their natural sugars and enhancing the flavors. They are then pureed until smooth and combined with thick, nonfat Greek-style yogurt, which gives the soup a creamy quality that belies its low-fat nutritional profile.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 21, 2011 photo shows sweet pea and avocado guacamole in Concord, N.H. This guacamole is a spring-inspired version of the classic dip, and has a fresh, crisp flavor that is brightened by plenty of fire-roasted chilies, lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Use this dip as you would a traditional guacamole. Or for a refreshing variation, serve with a plate of sliced bell peppers and carrot sticks.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 14, 2011 photo shows grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri in Concord, N.H.  In this recipe for grilled lamb, lollipop shaped rib chops are paired with a fresh, gorgeously green chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs and healthy olive oil.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 15, 2011 photo shows a honeydew-blackberry tart in Concord, N.H. This tart offers a nice balance between light and luxurious.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 21, 2011 photo shows strawberry-ricotta bruschetta in Concord, N.H. While these bruschetta are a natural fit as part of a breakfast or brunch, they make a fine passed appetizer as well.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 4, 2011 photo shows baked catfish po'boys with Cajun remoulade sauce in Concord, N.H. This lighter take on the traditionally deep-fried po’boy fish sandwich is finished off with crispy French bread slathered with a low-fat remoulade sauce, and a hearty amount of shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 11, 2011 photo shows griddled corncakes with cinnamon-honey yogurt in Concord, N.H.  These corncakes are moist, tender, tasty and sport an ingredient list the whole family can feel good about.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This April 11, 2011 photo shows strawberry-kiwi dessert pizza in Concord, N.H. The beauty of this dessert pizza is that it looks like it should be a diet buster, but it really isn’t.      (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This May 2, 2011 photo shows Valencia grilled chicken salad in Concord, N.H.  This chicken salad recipe is a healthful re-imagining of the Chinese chicken salad that can be prepared at home in under a half an hour.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This May 11, 2011 photo shows a bowl of brown sugar and toasted almond ice cream in Concord, N.H. This ice cream recipe contains no cream, but is plenty creamy.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This June 6, 2011 photo shows jambalaya-stuffed zucchini in Concord, N.H.  This dish can be served with a green salad and a piece of crusty French bread to round out the meal.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This June 7, 2011 photo shows marinated antipasti vegetables in Concord, N.H.  Antipasti doesn't have to be a selection of cheese and fatty cured meats. You can make a delicious and beautiful antipasti platter from the many colors of the vegetable garden.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 18, 2011 photo shows salmon with shiitake hash in Concord, N.H. The earthy flavor of shiitake mushrooms mixed with shredded potatoes complements the rich fish.  (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 15, 2011 photo shows Rocco DiSpirito's warm salad of grilled chicken thighs, figs and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.  Before serving this dish, place the chicken thigh halves around the salad, then sprinkle the salad with the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 19, 2011 photo shows meatloaf in Concord, N.H.  In Rocco DiSpirito's meatloaf recipe, kamut serves as a flavorful bulking and moistening agent to the meatloaf instead of the more traditional breadcrumbs.     (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Oct. 3, 2011 photo shows chicken cordon bleu rollups in Concord, N.H.  These rolls make an excellent packed lunch and take only about 20 minutes to prepare.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 21, 2011 photo shows Rocco DiSpirito's recipe for chicken noodle soup in Concord, N.H. This soup uses real chicken and fresh vegetables, like carrots and onions, which are a great source of vitamins.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this photo taken on Jan. 24, 2012 in Concord, N.H., a downsized version of Rocco Dispirito's Jambalaya a classic cajun dish is shown. Just in time for Mardi Gras, Rocco DiSpirito gives a the traditionally high-fat Cajun classic jambalaya a healthy makeover. Thanks to a zero-calorie rice-like product and various other nips and tucks, the result has lots of flavor, but not lots of calories. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken Jan. 30, 2012 in Concord, N.H., a Swedish meatball recipe by Rocco DiSpirito is shown. Swedish meatballs are a retro potluck throwback. There are countless recipes for Swedish meatballs, but most aren't all that diet-friendly. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This image taken on Feb. 13, 2012 in Concord, N.H. features a Spiced Plum Crisp dish. A good place to start when looking for more healthy desserts is fruit, which not only packs plenty of its own no-added-sugar sweetness, it also tends to have gobs of fiber and nutrients. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
A recipe for smoked salmon and caviar bundles is displayed in Concord, N.H. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Aug. 5, 2013 photo shows blueberry pot stickers in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 17, 2014 photo shows snow pudding with spiked strawberries in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This March 25, 2013 photo taken in Concord, N.H., shows a recipe for Fava Bean Falafel Burger topped with a cucumber yogurt sauce. Falafel are deep-fried fritters made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on Feb. 11, 2013, Asian steamed clams or mussels with broccoli rabe is shown served in a bowl in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on Sept. 10, 2012, Sweet Potato Buttermilk Muffins with candied ginger topping are shown in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Dec. 2, 2013 photo shows salmon baked in a bag with citrus, olive and chilies in Concord, N.H. The bag keeps the flavor and moisture trapped inside during cooking, allowing the juices from the fish and the other ingredients to mingle and become a wonderful sauce. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this April 29, 2013 photo, mushroom, pepper and onion quesadillas are shown in Concord, N.H. Full-fat cheese is the secret to a flavorful recipe. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 29, 2013 photo shows lentil tabbouleh in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
In this image taken on May 13, 2013, summer rolls with spicy peanut dipping sauce are shown served on a plate in Concord, NH. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 14, 2011 photo shows creamy rosemary wild rice soup in Concord, N.H. Creamy in texture without being cream-based, this soup satisfies with vegetables, wild rice and rosemary.    (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Nov. 28, 2011 photo shows German pork stew in Concord, N.H. Once the pork in this recipe is tender, it gets shredded for a pulled pork effect.   (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
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