Every year Mardi Gras is celebrated with colorful beads and parades, and most importantly with food. This year make sure to check out Holly Clegg®’s trim and terrific recipes that are the perfect way to enjoy Cajun cuisine without losing track of your health.

Mini Muffalettas

While traditionally served on Sicilian bread, topped with sesame seeds and a variety of Italian meats and cheeses, Holly Clegg’s recipe has just four savory ingredients — lean ham, part-skim mozzarella, olive salad and bread. This easy-to-make take gives you a healthy, simple and scrumptious dish with all the same flavors as the original.

Red Bean Dip

This red bean dip is a party-ready recipe that perfectly represents Louisiana cuisine — plus it’s a great source of heart healthy fiber and protein. Quick and easy, this spicy dip is made with cans of beans, seasonings, reduced-fat sausage, and cheese.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

A traditional roux of oil and flour is often used as a thickening agent in gumbo, but Holly Clegg’s secret is a dry roux — cutting the fat but keeping all of the rich flavor. Take a short cut and buy pre-chopped onions and seasonings and use rotisserie chicken — no one will know the difference and it will taste like you’ve been cooking this Louisiana favorite all day.

King Cake with Cream Cheese Cinnamon Filling

You can’t celebrate Mardi Gras without king cake right? This year, make this quick and healthy king cake recipe without worrying about a complicated yeast dough and use crescent rolls instead. This easy and fun to make recipe will have your friends preferring your mouth watering take over the store bought one.