A Mardi Gras Menu That's Only Slightly Indulgent

It's called Fat Tuesday for a reason; Mardi Gras celebrations are known for being over-the-top indulgent, but if that's not your style, not to worry — you can still enjoy all the flavors of New Orleans without all the calories. In honor of Tuesday's celebration, we've put together a menu of healthier versions of classic New Orleans and Southern dishes.

Related: 10 Unhealthy Foods to Give Up For Lent — and the Calories You'll Save

Vegan Jambalaya
Flickr user gromgull

Vegan Jambalaya

Traditional jambalaya is packed with a variety of flavors, and this vegan jambalaya recipe is no different. Throw in a variety of vegan meat alternatives into this slow-cooking meal for a celebratory main course that even your meat-craving friends will love.

Vegan King Cake
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Vegan King Cake

A king cake is a central part of any Mardi Gras festivity, but the pastry can be both hard to make and high in calories. This vegan king cake not only cuts out the difficulty but removes the butter, cream, and eggs as well — instead opting for coconut milk and vegan margarine. The result? A healthier cake that's just as showstopping as the classic version.

Cajun Collard Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cajun Collard Chips

Kale chips are delicious, but these Cajun collard green chips will get you in a New Orleans state of mind. Plus, they're so easy to make and are a great healthy option for Mardi Gras party snacks.

Vegetarian Beans and Rice
Generation Y Foodie

Vegetarian Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a New Orleans staple, but while the name sounds healthy enough, true red beans and rice uses bacon fat, sausage, and ham hock, which can make for a fat-filled bowl. Instead, try this Cuban-inspired vegetarian beans and rice recipe for a filling but not heavy alternative.

Sazerac
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Sazerac

If you're celebrating Mardi Gras with a drink or two for the festivities, then choose wisely; while New Orleans has its share of classic cocktails, many are filled to the brim with sugar and calories. Take the Hurricane, for example: a six-ounce serving is 250 calories, and most Hurricane glasses are 15 ounces — that's over 500 calories for one drink! Instead, opt for a sazerac; the four-ounce servings are small but are meant to be savored, not guzzled, and each sazerac is under 150 calories and only includes a small amount of sugar.

Better-For-You Beignets
Eat Live Run

Better-For-You Beignets

If you've ever been to New Orleans, you've probably had your fill of those addictive Cafe du Monde beignets at one point or another. For a slightly healthier alternative (they're still fried, after all!), make this vegan beignet recipe. If fried food isn't for you, try this recipe for baked beignets (pictured here).

Paleo Dirty Rice
Flickr user elana's pantry

Paleo Dirty Rice

If you've gone grain-free, this New Orleans-inspired dish will jazz up your next dinner. The cauliflower "rice" used in this Paleo dirty rice recipe will soak up the other Cajun flavors for a satisfying, low-carb side.

Vegan Pralines
Flickr user manifestvegan

Vegan Pralines

While these vegan pralines aren't exactly a health food, they are a butter- and milk-free option for anyone looking to end an indulgent Mardi Gras menu on a sweet note.