Skinnytaste Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer: A Cookbook [Spiral-bound] Gina Homolka and Heather K. Jones R.D.

by Gina Homolka, Heather K. Jones

A delectable collection of 120 healthy dishes that use seven ingredients or fewer to deliver big flavor without the fuss—the easiest, simplest recipes yet from #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Skinnytaste Cookbook Gina Homolka knows how tough it can be to put a meal together when she’s tight for time and energy. Skinnytaste Simple is the recipes with minimum ingredients but maximum flavor and nutrition. These game-changing, no-fuss dinners use no more than seven ingredients each, allowing you to put easy, healthy meals on the table with little-to-no effort. From hearty breakfasts like Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs and Acai Berry Bowls to crowd-pleasing dinners including One Pan Shrimp and Saffron Orzo and Sheet Pan Eggplant Lasagna, you’ll find recipes the whole family will love. Plus, sweet indulgences are a snap with quick-and-easy chocolatey Flourless Sea Salt Brownies and make-ahead Strawberry and Cheese Turnovers. Each recipe features a gorgeous photo, icons that indicate recipes that may suit your dietary needs (such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian), and nutritional info, with the most up to date Weight Watchers points available on the Skinnytaste site. With Skinnytaste Simple, cooking delicious, nutritious meals for your family is easier than ever!

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Reference, Food, Adult

304 pages, Spiral-bound

Published July 31, 2023

About the author

Hi, I'm Gina Homolka, author, photographer and recipe developer of Skinnytaste.com which features delicious, healthy, low fat, family-friendly recipes several times per week and Skinny Bits, where I answer cooking questions, health tips, reviews and giveaways.

What originally began in 2008 as an idea to marry my two passions, great food and beautiful photography, Skinnytaste was born and has developed into a highly rewarding labor of love reaching over 3 million unique visitors monthly.

At Skinnytaste.com, you'll find healthy dishes that don't sacrifice any of the flavor that can be found in their full-fat origins. My creations must be both "skinny" and "tasty" because after all, this is the same food I cook on a daily basis for friends and family, and they are some of my toughest critics!

Raised on Long Island, I'm a busy mom of two girls, and I currently reside in Oceanside, NY with my husband and children.

My food philosophy is to eat seasonal, clean, whole foods and maintain good portion control. When you cook your own meals, you know you can feel good about what is going into your body. Let me help you navigate your way around the kitchen and teach you how to prepare delicious, light, fresh meals your whole family will love (and they won't even realize it's good for them!)

Exercise + a well balanced diet + good sleep = a happy life.

I'm also a huge advocate of Weight Watchers because of their “everything in moderation” approach.

From the author's website.

Reviews

[Alexander Chiang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This literal cookbook is my Holy Bible to many inspired meals that I can easily cook with only 7 or less ingredients. Not only does it save me so much money, but it makes it less of a hassle for a depressed person who’s trying to get back into cooking with an overworked schedule. All of the ingredients are easy to find in the supermarket, and the instructions to follow along were manageable. I will say that out of the 10 recipes I’ve tried, only two were very obvious misses due to the lack of seasoning required (which I later saved the dish by adjusting additional seasoning).

Personal favorites, in no particular order, were:
- Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Broccoli
- Creamy Overnight Oats with Blueberries and Pistachios (would sub for pecans as well)
- Cajun-Spiced Shakshuka
- 10 Minute Crispy Rice with Fried Eggs (AMAZING)
- Hasselback Feta Chicken Bake

[BelladonnasMom Claeys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vegan found lots to love

I am impressed.

I purchased this cookbook because it was on the Best of 2023 list. My expectations were low because it wasn't advertised as a plant based cookbook. I thought it would have maybe 1 or 2 entries and that was it. Boy was I wrong.

There's lots to love in this cookbook including a chapter for vegetable main dishes. She also gives plenty of alternatives such as use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free dish or the cashew queso that non-vegans won't recognize.

All the recipes look simple and tasty. I might actually get up off the sofa and cook. That's a miracle. Kudos to the chef!!!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina’s back with new recipes. This book has a number of recipes that make me go hmmmmm than Gina’s other books. Will update my review as I work through the book.

[Dinah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skinnytaste delivers again! With 7 ingredients or less, I was worried these recipes would be lacking in flavor, but they weren't at all. Nothing was complicated to make but everything I tried was a hit with both me and my partner. The ingredients lists were graphic and appealing. I've loved sharing what I've learned and simply listing the ingredients off on my fingers. I checked this out from the library, but I will consider buying it (which is huge for me)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a little something for everyone included in this book!

There is a recipe key (found on p. 11) that you are going to want to see. There is also a list of 3 items along with a brief explanation for their uses in "The Simple Pantry." Next, there are two pages dedicated to detailed tips (7) for cooking with 7 Ingredients or Fewer.

From here. the author dives right into the recipes which are divided into the following sections: Morning Meals, For Sharing, Hearty Soups and Big Salads, Veggie Mains, Poultry Picks, Meat Lovers, From the Sea, On the Side, and Sweet Tooth.

At the end is a list of Acknowledgments and an Index.

Well Done!

[Kim Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Gina! This one is focused on recipes with 7 ingredients or less, which is right up my alley. I think the dinner section is the star of this book as there are so many healthy, quick, family pleasing meal ideas.

Worth mentioning: there are several reviews saying the recipes lack seasoning or are too bland and maybe need more ingredients. To that I say, good news folks! You can and should add seasonings, or change the recipes, to suit your taste! Put some thought into and think about what you like! Don’t be scared to play around and make adjustments. Have fun with it!

[Becky Doumaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Skinnytaste Simple from my local library hoping to find a few new recipes to try. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many recipes that I think my family will enjoy and that are healthy and realistic to cook on a busy night. I love the 7 ingredient limit and the suggestions provided for alternative cooking methods if you don't gave a certain kitchen appliance like an air fryer or pressure cooker. I also love the tips for making a recipe dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegetarian. While new cookbook purchases are rare for me, this is one I plan to add to my collection.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic cookbook with quality recipes and pictures. Has sauces and recipes perfect for your everyday arsenal. Less star simply because creativity and "new" elements were few. But these are clean, healthy recipes that feel rich in flavor so recommend. 😋

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Cookbook!

Interesting recipes, all with just a few key ingredients that appear to come together quickly. Glossy photos, simple instructions that even novice cooks should find easy to manage. And the best part Is they are all healthy! I can't wait to try some of these recipes, the fun part being healthier eating habits in the upcoming new year. Healthy, delicious and easy to produce. A winning combination!!

[booknacuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Recipies

I was pleasantly surprised with this cookbook. I was hoping to get maybe a handful of recipes that might work for my family. It can be next to impossible to find something that everyone will eat. This book had so many amazing and creative recipes. Yet they are simple enough to prepare. I found many new great ideas that hopefully my family would love!

[Lauren McCready · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have been making Skinnytaste recipes for years, but this particular collection failed to appeal to my husband and I. Of the handful of recipes we tried, only about half were keepers. The other half weren’t even “meh” — they were just plain awful. I know taste is subjective, therefore leaving a generous 3 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the set up of this book. The ingredients are listed, and then they are pictured on the side of the page. The recipes were delicious, the instructions not too hard. As a whole, this book makes me excited. Most of the recipes I would make, and or eat. I love Giana’s books.

[Jennifer Puls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of all Gina’s cookbooks. I’ve read through & made 6 recipes so far, all really good. It’s just simple, good real food. I am considering gifting this to my son (a new cook!) for Christmas. Some recipes I recognize, with minimal modifications, from her website.

[Jackie]

I’m always nervous about recipes that say “skinny” in the name but this wasn’t too bad. It’s got some interesting recipes that I don’t think will wind up turning out like cardboard. It’s pretty simple cooking and as promised everything has 7 or fewer ingredients.

[Susan Ciliberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written cookbook with beautiful photos for the majority of the recipes. There are about 15 recipes that I plan to make in the near future and will update this review once I have made some.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the recipes are repeats of things already on her website with slight alterations. I saw a couple of recipes that I would make but most I could take or leave. This wasn't my favorite book of hers.

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be well used as was her first one for me. I love the photos of the 7 ingredients at the beginning of each recipe, what a brilliant addition to a cookbook!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - I love the concept of this book. Gina always delivers on flavor. I'm excited to try several recipes from this book in the next few weeks. I certainly marked a lot to try!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some great ideas. I appreciate the photos, not only of the dishes, but of the ingredients.

[Jennifer Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. Gina's recipes are so good and this one with 7 ingredients or less has you whipping up a delicious meal in no time.

[Caroline G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve loved her cookbooks in the past but almost nothing looks appetizing in this book. Very disappointed.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like her on line recipes but only saw a few in this cookbook that I want to try.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recipes with few ingredients.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with some nice inspiration for easy meals.

[Jodi Geever · Rating 4 out of 5]

A favorite cook book brand

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is amazingggg! Every recipe that I’ve made has come out perfectly, and it truly is simple with the amount of ingredients required. Highly recommend this!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recipes! I saved a bunch for later.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great recipes that are simple! Love Gina and all her cookbooks but this is quickly becoming my favorite.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious recipes!

[Ronda Canary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5