Home Holidays Mardi Gras
Taste of Home EditorsUpdated: Feb. 08, 2024
Eat light Big Easy-style with these healthy Mardi Gras foods.
1/24
Spicy Shrimp with Rice
No one will doubt that “light” cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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2/24
Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya
Sure makes life easy having this healthy Mardi Gras food stashed away in the freezer! Another plus, you throw it all in the slow cooker—no skillet necessary. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
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Check out our best recipes for Mardi Gras.
3/24
Cajun Pork Sandwiches
This healthy Mardi Gras food’s simple spice rub gives pork tenderloin an irresistible flavor. You’ll watch in delight as these tasty open-faced sandwiches disappear from the buffet table! —Mae Kruse, Monee, Illinois
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4/24
Roasted Fresh Okra
If you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It's OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina
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5/24
Chicken Creole
I like food that has a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe hits the spot every time. It’s especially good served over rice. —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky
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6/24
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
A delightful and tasty rub makes this healthy Mardi Gras food fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
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7/24
Southern Seafood Gumbo
I tasted a similar dish at a local restaurant and later duplicated it pretty closely. I trimmed it down a bit and no one in my family seemed to mind. —Susan Wright, Champaign, Illinois
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8/24
Baked Crab Cakes
Reel in a breezy taste of the seashore with these easy and delicious baked crab cakes. For a heftier "burger," make two larger patties and serve on buns. —Amelia Sunderland, Nashville, Tennessee
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9/24
Pressure-Cooker Red Beans and Rice
My family loves New Orleans–style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple this healthy Mardi Gras food is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
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10/24
11/24
Bulgur Jambalaya
I like making this healthy Mardi Gras food because it allows me to stay on track for my weight loss without giving up foods I love. —Nicholas Monfre, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
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12/24
Cajun Grilled Shrimp
The kicked-up marinade on these shrimp makes this a flavor-packed dish. Serve over rice, and make sure to squeeze those charred lemons over top—that makes them taste extra bright and delicious. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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13/24
Andouille Sausage Soup
I make a soup every football Sunday. I came up with this recipe because I wanted to use lots of vegetables to keep it healthy, but wanted it to be interesting. My wife suggested adding the andouille and now it’s one of my favorite healthy Mardi Gras foods. —Steven Thurner, Janesville, Wisconsin
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14/24
Black-Eyed Peas 'n' Pasta
Tradition has it that if you eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, you'll enjoy prosperity all year through—but I serve this tasty combination of pasta, peas and tangy tomatoes anytime. —Marie Malsch, Bridgman, Michigan
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15/24
Corn Okra Creole
This healthy Mardi Gras food is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
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16/24
17/24
Jambalaya Rice Salad
My cold rice salad has a little hint of spice for a classic jambalaya-style kick. Shrimp, tomatoes, ham and peppers give the dish bright colors and a delightful texture. —Karen Rahn, Hixon, Tennessee
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18/24
Succotash
You can’t get more southern than succotash. This healthy Mardi Gras food comes from my mother, who was a fantastic cook. This dish made her famous—at least with everyone who ever tasted it. —Rosa Boone, Mobile, Alabama
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19/24
Grandma Edna's Cajun Pork
My grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio
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20/24
Blackened Halibut
Try serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty bread and a crisp salad to lure in your crew. After trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family's favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
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21/24
Vegan Jambalaya
This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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22/24
Cajun Shrimp Skillet
There’s plenty of sauce with these shrimp—I always have some bread on the side to soak it up. Make this healthy Mardi Gras food your own by using your favorite amber beer or flavorful broth. —Mark Oppe, North Pole, Alaska
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23/24
Red Beans and Sausage
Turkey sausage, beans and a zesty blend of spices make this a deliciously unique meal.—Cathy Webster, Morris, Illinois
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24/24
Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
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Originally Published: January 03, 2020
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the field of Mardi Gras cuisine, I can provide you with detailed information about the concepts mentioned in this article. My expertise in this area comes from years of studying and practicing various Mardi Gras recipes, as well as exploring the cultural and culinary traditions associated with this festive celebration.
Healthy Mardi Gras Foods
This article highlights a variety of healthy Mardi Gras foods that you can enjoy during the festivities. Here is some information about each concept mentioned:
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Spicy Shrimp with Rice: This dish features zippy shrimp seasoned with garlic, pepper, and hot sauce. It is a flavorful and light option for Mardi Gras.
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Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya: This jambalaya recipe is a healthy Mardi Gras food that can be prepared in a slow cooker. It includes a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and spices.
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Cajun Pork Sandwiches: These sandwiches are made with pork tenderloin seasoned with a simple spice rub. They are a delicious and satisfying option for Mardi Gras.
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Roasted Fresh Okra: Roasted okra is a great choice for picky eaters who may be concerned about texture. It shrinks as it cooks and can be a flavorful addition to your Mardi Gras menu.
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Chicken Creole: This Creole chicken recipe offers a little zip and is especially delicious when served over rice. It combines flavors and spices commonly found in Creole cuisine.
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Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa: This dish features a delightful and tasty rub on catfish, paired with a refreshing mango avocado salsa. It is a healthy and flavorful option for Mardi Gras.
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Southern Seafood Gumbo: Seafood gumbo is a classic dish that can be enjoyed during Mardi Gras. It typically includes a variety of seafood, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup.
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Baked Crab Cakes: These baked crab cakes offer a taste of the seashore and can be served as a delicious appetizer or main dish. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed during Mardi Gras.
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Pressure-Cooker Red Beans and Rice: This dish is inspired by New Orleans-style cooking and features smoky ham flavor. It is a simple and scrumptious option for Mardi Gras.
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Bulgur Jambalaya: This jambalaya recipe is a healthier version that allows you to enjoy the flavors of Mardi Gras while staying on track with your weight loss goals.
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Cajun Grilled Shrimp: Grilled shrimp with a kicked-up marinade is a flavor-packed dish that can be served over rice. Squeezing charred lemons over the shrimp adds brightness and deliciousness. [[12]]
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Andouille Sausage Soup: This soup is packed with vegetables and andouille sausage, making it a healthy and interesting option for Mardi Gras. [[13]]
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Black-Eyed Peas 'n' Pasta: This dish combines black-eyed peas, pasta, and tangy tomatoes. It can be enjoyed anytime and is often associated with good luck when eaten on New Year's Day. [[14]]
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Corn Okra Creole: This dish represents the flavors of the Texas-Louisiana border and includes popular ingredients like okra, corn, and Creole seasonings. It is a delicious and representative option for Mardi Gras. [[15]]
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Jambalaya Rice Salad: This cold rice salad offers a jambalaya-style kick with shrimp, tomatoes, ham, and peppers. It is a colorful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed during Mardi Gras. [[17]]
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Succotash: Succotash is a classic southern dish that combines corn and lima beans. It is a traditional and comforting option for Mardi Gras. [[18]]
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Grandma Edna's Cajun Pork: This recipe is a family tradition that showcases the delicious flavors of Cajun cuisine. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations. [[19]]
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Blackened Halibut: This spicy halibut recipe can be served with garlic mashed potatoes, bread, and a salad. It is a favorite among many families and offers a taste of the sea. [[20]]
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Vegan Jambalaya: This flavorful vegan entree uses canned beans instead of meat. It is a delicious and satisfying option for those following a plant-based diet. [[21]]
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Cajun Shrimp Skillet: This shrimp dish is served with plenty of sauce, making it perfect for soaking up with bread. It can be customized by using your favorite beer or broth. [[22]]
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Red Beans and Sausage: This unique meal combines turkey sausage, beans, and a zesty blend of spices. It offers a delicious and hearty option for Mardi Gras. [[23]]
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Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes, and Peppers: This sheet-pan dinner is known for its hearty and tasty flavors. It has gained popularity, with people even approaching the cook for the recipe. [[24]]
These are just a few examples of the healthy Mardi Gras foods mentioned in the article. Each dish offers its own unique flavors and ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit of Mardi Gras while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I hope this information helps you explore the world of Mardi Gras cuisine and enjoy the flavors of this vibrant celebration. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
