From bold stir-fries and brothy soups to crunchy snacks and salads, these water chestnut recipes are crisp, bright and easy to pull together.
1/28
Macaroni Coleslaw
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much that we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/28
Beef Lo Mein
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/28
Balsamic Pork Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
The solution to expensive Chinese takeout is right here. I think this pork stir-fry is much tastier than any takeout I've tried. —Susan Jones, Appleton, Wisconsin
4/28
Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
Getting my meat-loving husband and two sons, ages 5 and 7, to eat more veggies had always been a struggle until I whipped up this stir-fry. I was shocked when they cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. —Abbey Hoffman, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 385 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
5/28
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I attend a potluck, folks always ask me to make my bacon-wrapped water chestnut recipe—it's become my trademark. I especially like to prepare them for holiday gatherings. —Debi Jellison, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
6/28
Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 3/4 cup rice: 343 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/28
Hot and Sour Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
We've tried several recipes for this hot and sour soup and couldn't find one that resembled the one we liked at a restaurant. So, I made my own and I must say it is on par with what you'll find when dining out. Regular or hot chili sauce can be used, according to taste. —Vera Leitow, Mancelona, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 240 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1779mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
8/28
Asian Quinoa
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook and come up with new recipes. I serve this dish at least once a month and sometimes more. For a different twist, I'll occasionally add a scrambled egg or use soy sauce instead of the rice vinegar. —Sonya Labbe, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 138 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/28
Cashew Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
10/28
Asian-Style Round Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend gave me this recipe two decades ago. All I added was a little more meat, the celery and mushrooms. My family loves it! —Marilyn Wolfe, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 237 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
11/28
Broccoli Beef Lo Mein
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pasta, but I'm always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I've tried. —Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1136mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
12/28
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Filled with chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts and carrots, these lettuce wraps are both healthy and yummy. The gingerroot, rice wine vinegar and teriyaki sauce give them delicious Asian flair. —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 230 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/28
Elegant Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
14/28
Chinese-Style Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working two jobs, slow cooking was my way of life. Sometimes I had more than one slow cooker going at a time to help me feed my family delicious home-cooked meals. It's nice to walk in after a hard day's work and have dinner ready. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 498 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1115mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
15/28
Cashew Chicken Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 464 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1095mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
16/28
Tuna Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/28
Special Sesame Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With its delicious mix of crunchy peanuts, tangy dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, this colorful Asian chicken salad is a definite crowd-pleaser. Water chestnuts and a teriyaki dressing give this main dish its Asian flare. —Carolee Ewell, Santaquin, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 302 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
18/28
Calico Squash Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to try out different recipes for the squash I grow in my garden. It's fun to bring this beautiful casserole to potlucks because I know it'll go fast. Even the little ones like it. —Lucille Terry, Frankfort, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 439 calories, 34g fat (13g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
19/28
Baked Wontons
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/28
Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
21/28
Turkey Bundles
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 bundle: 418 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
22/28
Sesame Omelet Spinach Spirals
From the Recipe Creator:
These pretty spirals would be perfect for a buffet of international hors d'oeuvres. They remind me of sushi. The dipping sauce is an exotic accompaniment to this fun finger food. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 spiral: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/28
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce cups: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/28
Polynesian Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
With their explosion of flavors and textures, these kabobs make a quick, satisfying entree. —Chris Anderson, Morton, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 95 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
25/28
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I use my slow-cooker to fix this stir-fry like supper. Adding the onions, pineapple and snow peas later in the process keeps them from becoming over-cooked. —Dorothy Hess, Hartwell, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 293 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
26/28
Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/28
Chicken Stir-Fry Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I decided to use frozen vegetables in my chicken stir-fry. Not wanting to stand watch over the stovetop, I baked the entree in the oven. People say this tastes like it’s hot from the skillet. What’s more, it’s ready in little more than half an hour! —Carly Carter, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 427 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
28/28
Confetti Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy corn dish is sure to dress up almost any entree. I added the crunch of water chestnuts, red pepper and chopped carrot—along with extra nutrition. —Glenda Watts, Charleston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Water Chestnut Recipes FAQ
What can I make with canned water chestnuts?
Canned water chestnuts can be cooked or used right out of the can in crunchy salads, quick appetizers, stuffings and stir-fries. They add a crisp, juicy texture and mellow sweetness to fresh vegetable slaws, rich fried egg rolls and easy chicken casserole recipes. Since canned water chestnuts are already cooked, it saves prep time in hot and cold dishes, from quick skillet sautes to tuna salad. As an alternative, jicama offers a similar crunch and mild flavor.
How do I prepare fresh water chestnuts for cooking?
To prepare fresh water chestnuts for cooking, begin by rinsing them under cold water to remove any dirt. Using a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler, carefully peel away the tough, brown outer skin to reveal the smooth, white interior. Rinse again, and they are ready to be sliced, chopped or diced for your recipe. Peel them just before cooking so they retain their bright, white color. Store any extra peeled water chestnuts in a container covered with water in the refrigerator and change the water daily.
Are water chestnuts versatile for both sweet and savory recipes?
Water chestnuts have a mild taste that works well in sweet or savory recipes. You may be familiar with them in dishes with nutty wild rice, bacon, chicken or umami-rich sauces with soy, ginger and garlic. However, water chestnuts are common in desserts in several Asian cultures. They are baked into cakes or boiled and served with creamy sauces, like Thai red rubies dessert. Add some to fruit salad recipes, for a texture like pears or apples or stir it into a creamy rice pudding for crunch.
