[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/healthy-easter-recipes\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/healthy-easter-recipes\/","headline":"3 Healthy Recipe Swaps for Easter Sunday","name":"3 Healthy Recipe Swaps for Easter Sunday","description":"Easter Sunday is filled with family traditions, springtime surprises \u2014 and plenty of fresh flavors. \r\n\r\n","datePublished":"2017-04-12","dateModified":"2023-03-07","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/042017BLG_EASTERRECIPES.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/042017BLG_EASTERRECIPES.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/healthy-easter-recipes\/","about":["Nutrition"],"wordCount":667,"keywords":["cooking","Easter recipes","healthy eating","healthy recipes","recipes"],"articleBody":"Easter Sunday is filled with family traditions, springtime surprises \u2014 and plenty of fresh flavors.And while it may be tempting to reach for a chocolate bunny, these spring-inspired recipes are a great way to make your season a little bit healthier. Lighten up your Easter Sunday dinner with these healthy swaps.Easter Recipe: Deviled Avocado EggsThese deviled avocado eggs are a healthy and delectable alternative to the traditional recipe.Cook time: 15-20 minutesServings: 6 halved eggsIngredients for Deviled Avocado Eggs:3 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half1 large avocado, mashed1 tsp lime juice1 tsp cilantroPinch of garlic powder, salt and pepperDirections:Boil eggs in water for 9 minutes.Place eggs in an ice bath for 3 minutes.Remove the shells; cut eggs in half.Place cooked yolks from the hard-boiled eggs into a bowl. Set egg whites aside.Add the avocado to the bowl next.Then add the remaining ingredients and mash together well with a fork.Add the mixture to the egg white halves.Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve.As an alternative to this recipe, spread the mixture on sliced cucumbers instead of egg whites for a crunchy appetizer. If making this recipe to take to an event, make the eggs the day before and combine\/stuff with the avocado mixture on the day of the event. Although perfectly fine to eat, avocado oxidizes and turns brown within a few hours even with the lime juice.Zucchini Noodle Pasta with Spring VegetablesDitch the starch-filled casseroles for this light Easter side dish. This recipe is packed with extra veggies, perfect for the changing seasons.Cook time: One hourServings: 4-6Ingredients for Zucchini Noodle Pasta\u00a02 cups yogurt2 cups fresh or frozen peas, divided1\/2 cup olive oil, divided4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed1 1\/2 \u2013 2 pounds summer squash and zucchini1\/2 cup pine nuts1\/2 \u2013 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn8 ounces Feta cheese, crumbledCracked black pepperSea saltDirections:In a food processor, combine the yogurt, 2\/3 cups peas, and 1\/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until combined and set aside.Slice the zucchini and summer squash into long thin strips. Work around the squash as you make your way inwards. Stop when the texture starts to change and you start to see seeds.Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Working in batches, saut\u00e9 the zucchini and summer squash ribbons until just soft, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.Meanwhile, warm the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pine nuts are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Set aside.Toss the squash pasta and yogurt sauce in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining peas, basil, Feta, and toasted pine nuts. Add fresh cracked pepper and 1\/2 to 1 teaspoon of sea salt, to taste.Gently toss and serve immediately.No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter CookiesSkip the sugary desserts for this healthy, no-bake cookie recipe. These tasty treats are\u00a0gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar free \u2014 not to mention vegan.Cook time: 15 minutesServings: 12-14 cookiesIngredients for No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies\u00bd cup\u00a0creamy peanut butter\u00bc cup\u00a0honey, (or\u00a0maple syrup\u00a0for vegan)\u00bc cup\u00a0coconut oil\u00a0measured in solid state2 TBS\u00a0unsweetened cocoa powder\u00bc tsp\u00a0sea salt1 tsp\u00a0vanilla1 cup\u00a0quick cooking oats\u00bc cup\u00a0shredded, unsweetened coconutDirections:Line a baking sheet with wax paper.Combine peanut butter, honey salt, and coconut oil in a saucepan and heat until melted and well-combined.Stir in vanilla and cocoa powder.Add quick-cooking oats and mix well.Add coconut and stir until completely combined.Drop 1 TBS portions of mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Press into the shape of nests (if desired). Continue until you\u2019ve used all your cookie mixture.Let cool in the refrigerator or freezer until hardened. Top with your favorite candy eggs.Serve cool or at room temperature.  Editor's Note: This recipe was originally published on April 12, 2017, and was last reviewed on February 7, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"3 Healthy Recipe Swaps for Easter Sunday","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/healthy-easter-recipes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]