The next time you're craving chips and salsa, ditch the jar; homemade salsa is surprisingly simple to prepare and worlds more satisfying when made fresh. From tangy salsa verde to crisp, chunky pico de gallo and even a roasted tomato option, we've got the classic covered and then some. Keep reading for the how-to videos and zesty recipes.
Drink Yourself to a Flat Belly: Pineapple Kale Blueberry Smoothie
Forget doing another set of crunches at the gym. Tomorrow morning, sip on this deliciously sweet smoothie packed with ingredients that fight belly fat and reduce bloating — all for under 300 calories.

The Greek yogurt in the recipe provides a good amount of calcium and protein, both of which can aid in weight loss. The smoothie also contains several ingredients — like blueberries — which have been shown to help diminish belly fat. If that's not enough, you also get the sweetness of pineapple, which contains an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat. You won't be able to taste the kale, which is full of fiber to prevent constipation, as well as calorie-free water to help clean you out.
From Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR Fitness
Flat-Belly Smoothie
Ingredients
3 ounces vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1 cup kale
3/4 cup water
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Enjoy immediately.
Makes one serving.

Preparing Homemade Pico de Gallo Is Simpler Than You Think
Perfect for a party and ultrasimple to prepare, homemade pico de gallo is a recipe you're bound to trot out time and time again. Fresh tomatoes are the star in this Mexican food staple, so seek out the best, juiciest ones you can find. We used roma tomatoes here, but feel free to substitute whatever variety looks ripest at market. Watch the video to see the technique behind this fresh salsa, then print out the recipe.
Off the Bookshelf: Filipino Baked Eggs With Tomato and Eggplant
A combination of eggs, tomato, eggplant, fish sauce, and Edam cheese might sound bizarre — unappetizing, even — but before you shy away, let me implore you to give this savory and satisfying breakfast bite a chance. A ramekin-bound spin on poqui poqui, a Northern Philippines eggplant and egg scramble of sorts, this exotic option tastes fabulous rather than funky, as the fish sauce and Edam cheese add an umami punch rather than a domineeringly cheesy or fermented flavor.

Add to its virtues a solid dose of Summer vegetables, its ease of preparation, and a brunch-friendly nature, and it quickly becomes clear why you'll be singing its praises on first bite. If this creative take on an Ilocano classic is any indication of the quality of content tucked between the pages of The Adobo Road Cookbook, then I'll be coming back to this cookbook for further inspiration with fervor, and you should follow suit.
Soba Good: Noodle Salad With Ginger Peanut Dressing

If you haven't worked with soba yet, it's time to acquaint yourself these protein- and fiber-filled, gluten-free buckwheat noodles. They help bulk up many salad and soup recipes, but they also stand strong on their own. Treat your taste buds to this Thai-inspired salad, perfect for warmer weather. Smooth and tangy ginger peanut dressing complements the chewy noodles and crisp veggies. This is one recipe you'll love having for leftovers the next day, since the flavors develop with time. Keep reading for this quick and satisfying gluten-free recipe.
Weeknight Winner: Spicy Garlic Kale With Poached Eggs
Simple, spicy, and satisfying, this weeknight-friendly kale and egg dish is just the sort of fodder I eat on an average night in. Sure, it's fun to fuss around prepping a more involved meal whose effort is worth the while, but when it comes to everyday dinners, I, like many, prioritize speed, relative wholesomeness, and a large payoff for relatively little effort. This recipe ticks all three boxes.
Even better, this versatile vegetarian option can serve dual duty. Here, gussied up with a couple poached eggs and a slab of hearty toast, it's a well-rounded meal in its own right. Omit the eggs and toast and it's a stellar side, perfect for pairing with roast chicken, steak, and the like.
Bring a Taste of the Taqueria Home With Homemade Salsa Verde
Bring a taste of the taqueria home with our recipe for salsa verde, a tangy tomatillo-based dip that's a perfect pairing for everything from chips to tacos and burritos. Little more separates you from this smoky-spicy Mexican-fare favorite than a minimum of prep work and a blitz in the food processor, so what are you waiting for? Watch the video and get the easy recipe.
Paleo Perfect: Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

Paleo dieters craving a big bowl of stir-fry will find delicious comfort in this fresh, bright, and satisfying cauliflower "rice" recipe. Beyond being a Paleo-friendly offering, this grain-free stir-fry has zero cholesterol, is low in sodium, and offers your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin C in just one meal. While this recipe requires a decent amount of chopping in the kitchen, once the prep is done, the cook time is under 15 minutes — just trust me on this one, the healthy result is well worth the effort.
Keep reading for your new favorite Paleo recipe.
A Tangy 6-Bean Salad Perfect For Picnics

Do you, like me, equate sun-filled May days with outdoor eating and drinking? If so, then you'll spring for this speedy, supersimple, no-cook bean salad.
Macaroni and potato salads may get most of the love, but I'd argue the unsung hero of the picnic is actually the bean salad: it's light, full of wholesome ingredients, and satisfying. This six-bean version in particular boasts a symphony of flavors; it's sweet, savory, tangy, a little bit spicy, and bright (thanks to the addition of fresh dill). Best of all, it's free of any cream or mayonnaise, so you'll never have to worry about it baking in the Summer sun.
Get the effortless bean salad recipe now.
Low-Calorie, Big Portions: Red Pepper and Lentil Bake

High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, red bell peppers make a perfect accompaniment to protein-rich lentils in this low-calorie recipe. Even better news? You'll be surprised at how large an under-250-calorie portion of this cheesy red pepper and lentil bake really is. Make a batch of this dish ahead of time and reheat throughout the week for a quick evening meal.
