Many home chefs are often intimidated by preparing seafood, either because of its delicate texture or because they simply don’t know which types to buy. These tasty and nutritious recipes can take the guesswork out of cooking with fish, shrimp and other types of seafood.

Baja-Style Salmon Tacos
Unlike many restaurant tacos, this recipe adds up to just 325 calories and is packed with 24 grams of necessary protein. The grilled salmon and whole wheat tortillas give these Baja-style fish tacos a healthy makeover that’s still a flavorful treat.

Fish Veronique
A traditional dish with a healthy, modern twist, this recipe for Fish Veronique creates a comfort food that won’t break your diet. By removing the fat from the chicken broth and using low-fat milk, you can create a decadent, creamy sauce with none of the extra fat or calories.

Baked Red Snapper With Zesty Tomato Sauce
Create an elegant dinner for your family or your guests with this low-fat, low-calorie Italian fish dish. Use your choice of either red snapper or bass to find the taste you prefer, and top with zesty tomato sauce for major flavor.

For more nutritious meals using seafood, visit the NIH website here.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kathy

Though you should only eat them in moderation, grains are a necessary part of any nutritious diet. These simple, creative recipes will show you how to prepare healthy grains and properly incorporate them into your daily meal plan.

Quinoa-Stuffed Tomatoes
A unique take on traditional stuffed peppers, these quinoa-stuffed tomatoes combine the health benefits of quinoa with a serving of vegetables. By hollowing out a tomato and filling it with quinoa, mixed veggies, and a few simple spices, this makes a fun meal that even young children will enjoy.

Roasted Red Pepper and Toasted Orzo
Enhance the flavor of orzo with the addition of sweet roasted red peppers, chicken broth, and zesty spices. This delicious side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of meats or other main courses, and at just around 200 calories, it won’t ruin your diet.

Wow-y Maui Pasta Salad
Full of fresh island flavor, this Hawaiian-style pasta salad uses cucumbers, carrots, snow peas and pineapple in whole-wheat rotini pasta. It is ideal for a summer cookout side dish or as a light, warm-weather lunch, and its whole-wheat pasta base gives it a full 10 grams of protein.

For more healthy grain recipes, visit the NIH website here.

Public Domain/Public Domain