7 Delicious Southern-Inspired Recipes That Are Actually Good For You

Though Southern cuisine is often synonymous with deep-fried foods and lots of butter, these Southern-inspired recipes are actually good for you.

These delicious greens get extra flavor from simmering in chicken stock, onions, and garlic so they don't need as much bacon as other recipes. You get all of the taste you love with way less fat and calories.

These sweet and spicy grilled peaches make the perfect dessert and, since they're not served in a cobbler or pie, you'll eat less sugar and fat and more fiber-rich fruit.

Baking this fish in the oven makes it a lighter and healthier alternative to deep-fried versions without subtracting any of the Southern flavor that you love.

This Cajun crawfish dish is is loaded with spices and fresh vegetables. It's common to serve étouffée over white rice; if you want to make the dish a bit healthier, use brown rice or farro instead.

This picnic, potluck, and party staple doesn't have to be loaded with fattening mayonnaise. Just a touch of mayonnaise and mustard is enough to make the filling rich and creamy. Sprinkle the eggs with red paprika for the prefect finishing touch.

Why fry your okra when you can crisp it up in the broiler and serve it in a flavorful combination of vegetables and spices? This dish is spicy, smoky, and delicious.

There's nothing like refreshing watermelon or sweet juicy tomatoes when the weather gets hot. Don't toss your trimmings after you cut the watermelon for this salad; use them to make Southern pickled watermelon rind.