505 plain recipes

Broiled orange roughy fillets glazed with a creamy salsa sauce made from light mayo, yogurt, lime juice, and cayenne. Two coats build a golden, tangy crust. Lighter fish dinner in 30 minutes.

Toasted pearl barley pilaf simmered in chicken broth with fresh basil, green onions, and a pinch of nutmeg. A nutty, herbaceous whole grain side dish ready in one hour.

Orange Waldorf salad with fresh apples, toasted pecans, celery, and a light cinnamon-yogurt dressing. A no-cook, low-calorie twist on the classic that comes together in 10 minutes.

Strawberry yogurt cooler blended with fresh strawberries, nonfat yogurt, and fizzy club soda. A light, no-sugar-added smoothie that's diabetic-friendly and refreshing.

Cold cucumber mint soup blended with yogurt, chicken broth, and fresh mint then chilled until refreshing. A light, creamy no-cook summer soup garnished with radishes and diced cucumber.

Grilled tempeh satay skewers in a coconut-orange marinade, served with a creamy Asian peanut sauce. A plant-based take on the street-food classic, easily made gluten-free with tamari.

A vibrant green onion dressing blitzed smooth from scallions, Dijon, garlic, and champagne vinegar with a slow stream of olive oil. Punchy and bright, it wakes up mild greens like iceberg and Boston lettuce.

Place plain, nonfat yogurt into cheese cloth or a coffee filter. Place in strainer over a small bowl or cup. Allow to drain 2 to 24 hours, covered and refrigerated, until cheese reached desired consistency. Discard the whey (liquid). Store in covered container in refrigerator.

Lentil and cheddar veggie burgers packed with cooked lentils, spinach, carrots, and sharp cheddar. Bound with egg whites and breadcrumbs, no mystery ingredients. Pan-fried in olive oil and served on whole wheat buns. High-fiber, vegetarian, satisfying.

Spiced bran muffins with molasses, ginger, cloves, walnuts, and golden raisins. Made with whole wheat flour, egg whites, and yogurt for a lighter, healthier take.

Crispy broiled chicken double-dredges pounded chicken breast in egg white and garlic-rosemary breadcrumbs, then broils 10 minutes for a low-fat fried chicken substitute that still crackles.

Polenta pie with a cornmeal crust, pizza sauce, porcini mushrooms, and homemade yogurt cheese topped with capers and parmesan. A low-fat vegetarian take on deep-dish pizza.

Baked scallops in white Zinfandel wine with garlic, onions, and crumbled cracker topping. An elegant yet effortless seafood dish ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.

Moong dal pounded into a paste with red curry and kaffir lime, shaped into walnut-sized balls and fried golden. Served with a sweet rice vinegar dipping sauce. A traditional Thai snack.

No-bake party mix with chocolate candies, pretzel sticks, cheese crackers, and raisins. Five minutes, four ingredients, 8 cups of sweet-salty snacking for any crowd.

Cucumber yogurt sauce with shredded cucumber, dill, scallions, and a splash of vinegar. A cool, tangy tzatziki-style dip that pairs with grilled meats, pita, or appetizers.