Another holiday is coming up! As with any other holiday, Easter can be a definite challenge to stick to any diet, much less plan an entire menu that is healthy AND other people will enjoy! To save you the trouble, I have gone through some recipes and made a low-carb Easter menu that you can enjoy with your family and friends this year. This menu takes on kind of a Greek theme for no particular reason except that the recipes seemed to be a good fit for this holiday and Greek food tends to be high in protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Perfect for a low-carb Holiday!
APPETIZERS
Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs:
http://tone-and-tighten.com/2016/03/greek-yogurt-deviled-eggs.html
I chose this recipe because I think deviled eggs are a perfect low-carb appetizer for Easter. This recipe uses greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise, which saves a lot of calories and tastes just as good!
Pepperoni Caprese Bites with Basil Vinaigrette
http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2014/01/pepperoni-caprese-bites-with-basil.html
I chose this recipe because I love caprese salad and it makes a perfect low-carb appetizer if you layer it on a toothpick. In this recipe you also put a folded slice of salami or pepperoni on the skewer but if you can leave it out if you want to keep it vegetarian. It will still taste fantastic!
Kalamata Olives:
Place Kalamata olives in a serving dish and voila! (I prefer the pitted ones so guests don’t have to worry about where to put the chewed pits)
Kalamata olives make a great low-carb appetizer. While they are high in sodium, they are also rich in healthy fats and contain a natural antioxidant. They also make a great addition to your greek meal.
Greek Tzatziki Dip:
http://thewanderlustkitchen.com/authentic-greek-tzatziki/
Serve dip with sliced vegetables: carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and some pita bread triangles
Tzatziki is my go-to healthy dip because it’s just made out of greek yogurt, dill, cucumber, garlic, and little vinegar or lemon juice. It goes great with vegetables or as a dipping sauce to serve with fish, chicken, pork, and lamb. This can be served as an appetizer or as a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
ENTREE
Roast Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roast-lamb-with-rosemary-garlic
This is a simple roasted lamb recipe that is delicious and can feed a crowd.
Lemon, Garlic, and Rosemary Chicken Skewers
https://thecafesucrefarine.com/lemon-garlic-and-rosemary-chicken-skewers/
If you’re not a fan of lamb, here are some simple chicken skewers that are also good for a crowd and have the same Greek flavors.
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
http://www.emilybites.com/2012/11/balsamic-roasted-vegetables.html
I love roasted vegetables. Roasting gives them such a great caramelized flavor. You can use this recipe as a guide and add or subtract any vegetables you’d like. Make more than you think you need of these! Roasted vegetables shrink and if you are going for a low-carb meal you will need a lot of vegetables to make up for the missing starch. Top with some crumbled feta or goat cheese if you’d like!
Herbed Lemon Quinoa
http://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/herbed-lemon-quinoa
Here is a quinoa recipe that would pair well with this meal if you do want a starch. Quinoa is considered a whole-grain, but also contains a good amount of protein and a lot of nutrients. I don’t necessarily consider it low-carb, but is definitely a better choice than rice or bread.
DESSERT
Low Carb and Gluten Free Lemon Bars
http://www.thefoodieaffair.com/2016/05/06/lemon-bars-low-carb-gluten-free/
I have not tried this specific recipe but these look great and would be a perfect ending to the meal. Serve with raspberries and a sugar-free whipped cream if you’d like:)
I hope you like these suggestions!! Let us know if you give this menu a try!
