Festive Foods Can Fit in Diabetic Menu Plans

Special occasions are made more special by the foods served. For those persons with diabetes, making wise menu choices can be a challenge and sometimes keep you from enjoying these festive occasions. Healthy eating can be part of party menus too. 

            The following recipe will make a great contribution to any holiday meal as well as fitting into the meal plan of a person with diabetes.

Healthy Holidays Layered Salad

1 bag salad greens

1 16 oz. bag of frozen green peas

2 large tomatoes

½ cup red onion (chopped)

1 bunch of broccoli (coarsely chopped into salad size pieces)

2 cups grated cheese

1 small can of sliced black olives

Dressing:

¾ cup light mayonnaise

½ cup low fat sour cream

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 packets artificial sweetener

Mix all the ingredients for the dressing. Chill while assembling the salad. Thaw the green peas under hot water in a colander. To assemble the salad, arrange the greens in an oblong dish. Layer the peas evenly over the salad. Spread the salad dressing over the peas like icing on a cake. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the salad dressing. Top this with the onion, broccoli, tomatoes and olives. Cover tightly with plastic wrap until serving.  Makes 10 servings.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 197; sodium: 275 mg; carbohydrates: 20 grams; protein: 9 grams; fat: 10 grams

For those who want to find out more about being able to enjoy those special-occasion meals while keeping blood glucose levels in check, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 940/627-3341.