14 Meals You Can Make for Company That Won’t Break Your Diet
You’ve successfully followed your diet while keeping your family fed as well. But what happens when guests come over for dinner? We know serving your friends diet food seems scary. What if they hate what I’m serving? But, fear not! We have just the recipes to both impress your guests and keep your weight loss goals on track.
Recently, a member of our Cooking Light Diet Facebook Community asked for diet-approved, company-worthy dinner recommendations. With recipes for pizza, enchiladas, buttery scallops, and more available on the Cooking Light Diet, members shared a lot of their favorite dishes. Here’s what they had to say.
Interested in learning more about the Cooking Light Diet? Join today at cookinglightdiet.com or email your questions here: feedback@cookinglightdiet.com.
Fresh Tortellini with Mushrooms and Pancetta
This simple pasta dish comes together in just 12 minutes (yes, really). Member Donna West says she recently doubled the recipe for a company, and it was gobbled up in minutes.View the recipe: Fresh Tortellini With Mushrooms and Pancetta
Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas are comfort food showstoppers. Joyce Van Huis likes to bake a pan of this Mexican classic for an impressive, company-worthy meal.
View the recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing
Member Jenn YoAdrien loves to serve up this hearty, slightly-spicy pasta salad. She recommends adding in a protein, like grilled chicken, to stretch the dish for a crowd.
View the recipe: Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing
Cheesy Chicken Cutlets with Ham and Jam
Member Kimberly Katcavage Wertz recommends making this sweet and savory plate for guests. Chicken breasts are quickly cooked on the stove-top then topped with blackberry jam, sliced ham, scallions, and havarti cheese for the most impressive feast.
View the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Cutlets with Ham and Jam
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Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce
Company calls for an extra special dish. Member Saska Albright recommends making the Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce. She describes it as “totally royal,” and we definitely agree.
View the recipe: Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce
Tomato, Basil, and Corn Pizza
There’s no party like a pizza party. Member Cynthia Mason Moran suggests picking pizzas for a casual get-together, and this one utilizes summer bounty to the extreme.
View the recipe: Tomato, Basil, and Corn Pizza
Turkey and Bean Chili
This 10-minute, one-pot dish is a secret weapon. Member Anne Egelhof Ritchie regularly makes this turkey chili for guests, and she always gets rave reviews.
View the recipe: Turkey and Bean Chili
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
The last thing you want when hosting guests is an ultra-complicated main. That’s where the slow cooker saves the day—just dump in ingredients and cook, low and slow. Member Elena Harris says, “I always make the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, and it’s always a hit.”
View the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
RELATED: Forget Dining Out: Here Are 9 Healthy Recipes Our Readers Say Are Tastier
Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers
There’s nothing like a perfectly simple roast chicken, especially when the side dish is built right into the recipe. Patricia Reidy Lawrence suggests whipping up this meal for guests, and they won’t even know it’s diet food.
View the recipe: Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers
Maple-Glazed Salmon
Simple is best when it comes to cooking for company. Member Jenn YoAdrien loves to make this super simple salmon with a side of roasted potatoes and sauteed snap peas for a guest-worthy, healthy dinner.
View the recipe: Maple-Glazed Salmon
Singapore Mai Fun
Instead of ordering in for a crowd, try this version of a take-out classic. Member Jay Shaw says, “It’s super delicious and great for company.” Plus, it makes six servings so there’s plenty to go around.
View the recipe: Singapore Mai Fun
Chicken Kofte with Zucchini
Sylvia Zenteno-Booker considered these easy patties a huge success. “I made Chicken Kofte for a party of 10 at my house, and they raved about it! I made the tzatziki and pattied them up ahead of time, so all I had to do when we were ready to eat was cook them and the zucchini.”
View the recipe: Chicken Kofte with Zucchini
Scallop Piccata with Sauteed Spinach
Jeanne Rocheleau Palermo says this dish is totally guest-worthy and easy. She simply tops a bowl of pasta with the buttery seafood for a picture-perfect dinner.
View the recipe: Scallop Piccata with Sauteed Spinach
Chicken and Mushrooms in Garlic White Wine Sauce
This dish sounds (and tastes) like it came straight from a restaurant’s kitchen. With a silky sauce topping hearty egg noodles, member Mary Gresham Dee says it’s her company go-to.
View the recipe: Chicken and Mushrooms in Garlic White Wine Sauce
