This recipe uses the flavors of a popular dessert and turns it into a side dish loaded with healthy fruits and vegetables. It provides a lower-calorie way to satisfy a dessert craving.

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 apple, cored and chopped
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp unsweetened, toasted coconut
• ¼ cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves

Optional: 2 tbsp raisins

Directions

1. Add the carrots, apple, walnuts, and coconut to a medium bowl and toss to combine.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Pour the dressing over the carrots and apple. Stir well. If you are using the raisins, stir them in just before serving.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.