314 plain recipes

Microwave fish tacos with lime-seasoned fillets, salsa, green pepper, and cheddar in crispy shells. A quick, lighter take on Mexican fish tacos ready in 30 minutes.

Low-fat ricotta cheesecake with ginger and nutmeg on a Grape Nuts crust, set with agar instead of eggs. A no-bake, lighter cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries.

Fresh quartered strawberries topped with a silky blended sauce of low-fat yogurt, raspberry jam, powdered sugar, and orange zest. A low-fat, 10-minute dessert that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Triple-cheese ball rolled in toasted almonds and fresh parsley. Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and cold pack cheese blended into a rich, nutty party appetizer.

Salat iz yaits: classic Russian egg salad with hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, mayo, garlic, scallions, and a touch of hot mustard. Bright pimento garnish, ready in 20 minutes.

My version of Bobby Flay's very distinctive southwestern, egg-less potato salad from his restaurant, Mesa Grill. Make sure you pour the sauce over the potatoes while they're still warm to ensure the flavors soak in. This salad goes nicely with grilled meat, poultry or seafood.

Creamy cucumber dressing with garlic, chives, parsley, light mayo, and yogurt. A cool, tangy salad dressing that doubles as a dip for vegetables.

Smoked salmon platter with a tangy apple-horseradish cream, sliced black bread, steamed broccoli, capers, and lemon wedges. A light, elegant spread ready in just 15 minutes.

Light crab salad with asparagus, water chestnuts, and green onions tossed in a tangy yogurt-horseradish dressing. A crisp, refreshing seafood salad that's low in fat.

A lighter cheese ball made with Neufchatel, reduced-fat cheddar and Swiss, spiked with horseradish and Dijon mustard. Rolled in fresh parsley and served with crackers. No cooking required.

Pork Normande for one with tenderloin braised in apple juice, sliced apples, and onion, finished with brandy and yogurt. A classic French single-serving dinner.

Rosemary hash browns with soft scrambled eggs make a diner-style breakfast plate, with golden potatoes scented with rosemary and onion alongside creamy, just-set eggs. A hearty morning from one skillet.

Twice baked potatoes with a nonfat yogurt-mashed filling instead of sour cream, seasoned to taste and baked until heated through with a paprika-dusted top. A lighter, customizable classic side dish.

Tender water spinach meets savory fermented bean curd in this lightning-fast Chinese stir-fry. Ready in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients.

Indian-spiced ground beef and wilted spinach stuffed into warm pita pockets, topped with curried sour cream. A flavor-packed handheld dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

A homemade Balti curry paste made from ground spices, vinegar, and oil, fried until thick and bubbling. Bottle it hot and keep it on hand as the flavor base for all your Balti curries and stir-fries.