12 Healthier Versions of Classic Soul Food Recipes

Oh, how I love a plate of well seasoned, delicious soul food. Blame it on my southern roots. However, over the years I’ve had to find healthier ways to make some of my favorite soul food classics to fit my healthy eating habits. You don’t have to totally give up the flavors that you grew up with. You can make foods that will have you reminiscing about family gatherings and grandma’s dining room table. There are lots of recipes online and great cookbooks that offer alternative ways to make great soul food. Here are just a few examples…

Pat and Gina’s Oven Fried Chicken
Trust the Neely’s to be able to bring us all the flavor we love, but in a lower calorie version (via Food Network)

Patti LaBelle’s Oven (Tastes Like Southern) Fried Chicken
This delicious recipes is from Patti’s book Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, which is full of great southern flavors made lighter. (via Oprah.com)

Southern Collard Greens Recipe w/ Smoked Turkey Legs
Cooking greens with turkey instead of pork still provides lots of flavor. (via Divas Can Cook)

Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans
There is no meat in this recipe, but there is lots of flavor. (via SkinnyMs)

Light Seafood Gumbo
This is a Weight Watchers friendly recipes at just 4 points per serving. Great for seafood lovers. (via LaaLoosh)

Oven Fried Catfish with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Oh, how I love great catfish. This recipe offers of the flavor without all of the heavy grease. (via LiveWellNetwork)

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
This make ahead dish is full of southern flavors and perfect for anyone who loves a good shrimp boil. (via Damn Delicious)

Shrimp and Grits
This is a lower fat version of the classic with tons of flavor. 235 calorie per serving (via Southern Living)

Skinny Mac and Cheese
This recipes features all of the classic Mac and Cheese flavors with just 304 calories per serving and 16 grams of protein. (via Skinny Mom)

Rosemary Quinoa Mac and Cheese
This unique recipe switches pasta for quinoa. It’s full of fiber and flavor. (via Simply Quinoa)

Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese
This amazing recipe features a cheese sauce made from veggies and spices! Wow. (via The Glowing Fridge)

Lighter Fried Green Tomatoes
There is no bacon grease or mayo involved with this trimmed down classic. (via Cooking Light)

Book Ideas – Healthy Recipes with Lots of Southern Flavor. 

Videos

Check out the ladies of Food Heaven Made Easy create healthy versions some great soul food recipes.

Sweet Potato Soul makes No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars.