Healthy Living

As temperatures soar, an ice cold scoop of ice cream is the perfect way to beat the heat. These dessert recipes, made with ingredients like banana, ricotta, fruit and natural sweeteners are a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream—all with the same delicious flavors we know and love. Try our super-simple Chocolate-Strawberry Nice Cream or our highly rated 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream for a healthy summer dessert you’ll want again and again.

01 of 09

Chocolate-Strawberry Nice Cream

This dairy- and lactose-free nice cream uses just four simple ingredients to create a tasty dessert. The chocolate-strawberry combination is perfectly balanced with ripe banana for a dessert without added sugars. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes the flavor to the next level, but it’s delicious even without it.

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02 of 09

2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Whir up frozen bananas into an “ice cream” without the cream! Peanut butter adds a natural swirl of flavor for a sweet and satisfying dessert with no added sugar.

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03 of 09

3-Ingredient High-Protein Ice Cream

This easy frozen dessert transforms ricotta cheese, berries and maple syrup into a creamy, scoopable protein-packed delight. It’s a simple way to make ice cream with just three ingredients and minimal prep.

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04 of 09

5-Ingredient Chocolate–Peanut Butter Nice Cream Sandwiches

“Nice cream” is a nondairy alternative to ice cream that uses frozen bananas whirled in a blender to achieve a creamy texture. Natural peanut butter helps keep the mixture soft and adds a nutty flavor to complement the chocolate. If the mixture becomes too loose to spread, pop it back in the freezer to let it firm up again before continuing.

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05 of 09

Lemon-Blueberry Nice Cream

Nice cream is for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. This dairy- and lactose-free, no-added-sugar version comes together as fast as the blades in your food processor can spin. It’s bright with blueberries and creamy from bananas, making it a simple and easy dessert with a good dose of dietary fiber. How much more can you ask from a delicious frozen summer dessert?

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06 of 09

Orange Creamsicle Nice Cream

This light and creamy orange creamsicle nice cream uses coconut cream instead of milk or heavy cream to achieve its silky texture. The subtle coconut flavor blends well with the bright acidity from fresh orange juice.

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07 of 09

Chocolate–Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream

Chocolate protein powder adds staying power to this tasty protein ice cream. Maple syrup lends a touch of sweetness, while peanut butter powder provides nuttiness for a flavorful sweet treat. Toppings like cacao nibs and crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch.

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08 of 09

Tart Cherry Nice Cream

This easy vegan tart cherry nice cream—made from only a few simple ingredients—is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and also deliver a boost of melatonin that may help you get a more restful night’s sleep.

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09 of 09

Pink Lemonade Nice Cream

Sweet, tangy and so refreshing, this is a treat you could enjoy on repeat all summer long. The bananas make it ultra creamy, so it tastes like a cross between sorbet and ice cream. It’s perfect for dessert or a midafternoon snack on a hot day.

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If you’re looking for ways to enjoy seasonal produce while taking extra precautions amid recent Cyclosporiasis concerns, these recipes are a great place to start. Since cooking vegetables can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness, each of these dishes features fully cooked summer produce instead of serving it raw. From delicious casseroles to nutritious skillet dinners, recipes like our Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole or our Baked Feta Tomato White Bean Skillet can help you make the most of this season’s bounty in a safer way.

01 of 15

High-Fiber Roasted Tomato, Eggplant & Orzo Casserole Is the Perfect Summer Dinner

Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature gives this hearty vegetarian casserole deep, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Whole-wheat orzo cooks directly in the baking dish, soaking up the savory broth for a comforting one-pan dinner finished with creamy feta and fresh basil.

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02 of 15

Mediterranean Diet Zucchini Casserole

This simple zucchini casserole is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Roasting the vegetables first concentrates their flavor and helps keep the casserole from becoming watery. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a crispy panko topping add a savory finish.

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03 of 15

Tomato-Lentil Ratatouille Skillet

This one-skillet dish is inspired by classic ratatouille, combining tender vegetables with hearty lentils in a rich tomato base. Precooked lentils keep the recipe quick while adding plant-based protein and fiber. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying, vegetable-forward entree that works well for weeknights.

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04 of 15

Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet

This Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet is the perfect dish for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.

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05 of 15

Summer Vegetable Tian

This pretty vegan layered casserole is so simple to make. Its only seasonings are salt and garlic-infused olive oil, which you make by sizzling a clove of garlic in olive oil for about a minute. This dish is lovely warm or room temperature. Serve with crusty bread as a vegetarian entree or alongside roasted meats as a side dish—don’t forget a glass of chilled rosé.

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06 of 15

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

This hearty dinner takes all the flavors of classic stuffed zucchini and turns them into an easy casserole. Instead of hollowing and stuffing each zucchini, everything is layered in one dish for a quicker, no-fuss dinner. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden layer that ties it all together. This cozy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is an excellent way to use up summer zucchini.

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07 of 15

Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

This creamy tomato-chicken pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken breast is baked along with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy Boursin cheese for a rich, herby sauce. The chicken is shredded and returned to the dish with cooked pasta and fresh basil, then baked with fontina cheese on top until bubbly. This easy pasta bake is a complete meal that delivers big flavor.

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08 of 15

Cheesy Chicken, Tomato & Broccoli Casserole

This cheesy chicken casserole is a cozy, veggie-packed dinner that comes together with the help of a few convenient ingredients. Precooked quinoa and brown rice keep prep minimal, while broccoli, tomatoes and melty mozzarella make it hearty and satisfying for an easy weeknight meal.

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09 of 15

Sheet-Pan Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a type of veggie-forward, Provençal-style stew. Our sheet-pan ratatouille features tangy goat cheese and sweet balsamic glaze that complement the tender charred vegetables. Bake the tomatoes on a separate pan so that the steam from the tomatoes won’t steam the other vegetables.

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10 of 15

Basil-Parmesan Zucchini Roll-Ups Casserole

Thin slices of zucchini wrap around a creamy filling of ricotta and Parmesan cheese and are nestled in a creamy pesto sauce in this light and summery vegetarian casserole.

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11 of 15

Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry

Apricot jam adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spicy, salty and umami flavors without turning the sauce into a sugar bomb. Serve with cooked rice to round out the meal.

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12 of 15

Braised Green Beans & Summer Vegetables

When green beans, summer squash and cherry tomatoes are plentiful in backyard gardens and farmers’ markets, try this quick braise. We like the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan, but you can use any flavorful cheese.

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13 of 15

Cheesy Roasted Eggplant Skillet Casserole

Layers of tender eggplant, creamy white beans, ricotta and marinara combine to create a flavorful skillet casserole. Serve this hearty casserole directly from the skillet for a fun presentation. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

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14 of 15

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Got a bumper crop of zucchini? Try this crowd-pleasing casserole-meets-pizza dish, which can easily be made gluten-free. A layer of tender shredded zucchini is topped with all the classics: sauce, cheese, pepperoni and sliced bell pepper. Experiment with your own favorite toppings, but make sure you don’t overload the crust or it will be too wet.

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15 of 15

French Ratatouille

Ratatouille, a classic French dish with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper and onion, is frequently cooked low and slow until it turns silky and luscious. We kept the classic flavor but gave it a makeover by thinly slicing the vegetables and layering them in a cast-iron pan. We brighten up the flavor at the end with a splash of red-wine vinegar.

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