Healthy Living

Summer is here, and our editors are celebrating the best way they know how—by making these delicious seasonal recipes. From healthy mains you can make on the grill to fresh, veggie-packed sides, these dishes are our favorites for a reason. Try our Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula, that our food editor Alex Loh calls “the perfect summer dinner,” or the Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad that our news editor Leah Goggins said is “perfect every time.”

01 of 09

Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula

This grilled prosciutto and arugula pizza makes the perfect healthy summer dinner in 20 minutes. If you have time, let the dough stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to make rolling it out easier. Thawed frozen corn works in place of fresh, just pat it dry before sprinkling it on the pizza. "I never would have thought to put corn on pizza, but this pizza made me a fan!" Our food editor Alex Loh said, "The salty prosciutto pairs so well with the bitter arugula. It's the perfect summer dinner."  

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02 of 09

Turkey Burgers with Spinach, Feta & Tzatziki

Creamy tzatziki and crisp sliced cucumber add a refreshing twist to this easy burger recipe, loaded with feta and spinach. "I love a good burger, but we don't eat a lot of red meat. Enter these turkey burgers." Our editorial director, Carolyn Malcoun, said. "They're quick to make and super flavorful. I even bring them on camping trips, I just make the patties in advance and grill them over the campfire." No tzatziki? No problem! Make your own at home by combining plain strained yogurt with a squeeze of lemon, dill and finely chopped cucumber.

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03 of 09

Cucumber Sandwich

This creamy, crunchy cucumber sandwich recipe strikes a lovely balance between decadent and light. The cream cheese–yogurt spread complements the crisp refreshing cucumber, while the whole-wheat bread holds everything together with hearty flavor and texture. Our associate news editor, Leah Goggins, loves this sandwich. "Fresh herbs make this cucumber sandwich so delicious—I love adding a little fresh mint to the mixture," she said. "It's an incredibly refreshing lunch for those days when the temperature hits 90° F (and keeps on climbing)."

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04 of 09

Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad

This riff on pasta salad is best served warm, while the gnocchi is nice and tender. Plus, the grilled veggies taste extra good fresh off the fire in this easy gnocchi recipe. Our associate social media director, Sophie Johnson, loves this dish. "I make this all summer long," she said. "The gnocchi, grilled veggies, fresh herbs and feta are such a good combo—I'd take it over pasta salad any day."

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05 of 09

Avocado Caprese Salad

This avocado caprese salad has all the flavors of a classic caprese salad, plus creamy avocado. The sweet and tangy balsamic dressing pulls everything together, with fresh basil bringing a refreshing pop of color. This dish is Jessica Ball, M.S., RD's pick, our senior nutrition editor. "I love how the avocados add creaminess to this caprese salad. The addition of capers is optional, but I think it's the perfect tangy balance to the rest of the flavors. I'll be making this all summer to with tomatoes from my garden."

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06 of 09

No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls

These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that's perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites. "This is my go-to recipe when it's too hot to cook," Loh said. "I love how quickly it comes together, and I can easily swap in my favorite vegetables depending on what I have on hand."

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07 of 09

Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad

Here's a healthy salad recipe to make at the height of summer when watermelon and cucumbers are at their juiciest and most flavorful. Feta adds the perfect creamy, salty, tangy edge, and mint makes this salad taste even brighter. "Sometimes you just need that perfect sweet and savory side dish for a cookout or potluck, and this salad is perfect every time." Goggins said. "The watermelon pairs so well with the zippy vinaigrette and salty feta—if I could make it all year, I totally would." This is one easy side salad you'll want to serve at all your summer BBQs.

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08 of 09

Low-Carb, High-Protein Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats

This is another one of Loh's favorites. "One of my favorite ways to eat zucchini is by turning it into a boat," She said. "This one filled with ground turkey and bell peppers is especially delicious." Nothing goes to waste here, as the flesh from the zucchini gets chopped and mixed with the filling. To ensure they cook evenly, use zucchini that are similar in size.

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09 of 09

Summer Eggplant Parmesan with Squash & Tomatoes

This summer eggplant Parmesan embraces many of the season’s best veggies, from sweet summer squash to juicy grape tomatoes to tender-crisp slices of eggplant coated in a crispy layer of seasoned breadcrumbs. "Nothing says "comfort" quite like crispy eggplant Parm, but when I want something more seasonal and veg-forward, I turn to this summer version," our associate social media editor Allison Little said. Globe eggplants work best here, as their shape provides a sturdy base to hold the toppings in place.

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Have some extra zucchini on hand? Make one of these healthy dinner recipes tonight. From veggie-packed quiches to make-ahead casseroles, these meals make the most out of the summer vegetable. Whether you try our Sheet-Pan Chicken with Zucchini and our Tofu-Zucchini Piccata, we’re sure you’ll want to make these healthy dinners all summer.

01 of 15

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Zucchini

From juicy chicken thighs to tender zucchini, everything cooks together on one sheet pan for a flavorful dinner with easy cleanup. Poblano peppers offer a nice heat, but you can easily swap them out for a green bell pepper if you want something milder. Cutting the chicken thighs in half ensures they cook at the same rate as the vegetables.

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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

Tofu-Zucchini Piccata

This plant-forward take on piccata swaps the traditional meat for protein-rich tofu while keeping the bright, lemony caper sauce the dish is known for. Whole-wheat spaghetti and plenty of zucchini add fiber, while garlic, parsley and olive oil round out the flavors.

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04 of 15

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini

A sweet and savory honey-garlic marinade gives these grilled chicken thighs plenty of flavor while keeping them juicy. Zucchini cooks alongside on the grill until tender and lightly charred, making this an easy summer dinner with minimal cleanup.

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05 of 15

Zucchini & Summer Squash Ribbon Quiche

This zucchini and summer squash ribbon quiche highlights tender summer vegetables arranged in a pretty spiral inside a crisp pie crust. Thin ribbons of zucchini and summer squash bake into a creamy egg filling seasoned with garlic-herb seasoning and pepper. A simple ricotta and chive topping adds a fresh, savory finish that complements the delicate vegetables.

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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 Zucchini Spaghetti

This creamy spaghetti with zucchini is a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and when you have a bumper crop of zucchini on hand. Spaghetti is coated in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce that clings to every bite, while fresh zucchini slices add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. This dish comes together quickly and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

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08 of 15

Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

These ginger-soy zucchini noodles with shrimp are a light, flavorful no-cook dish that’s perfect for warmer days. Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing base, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve! It’s a fresh, protein-packed bowl that comes together in minutes.

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09 of 15

Creamy Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

This creamy chicken-and-zucchini casserole is a cozy dish that delivers all the flavors of cacio e pepe with a twist! Instead of pasta, tender chopped zucchini and juicy chicken pieces are folded into a peppery, cheesy sauce, bringing on all the savory flavors that fans of the classic Roman dish love. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s just as satisfying as a traditional creamy pasta dish.

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10 of 15

Zucchini Scampi

This veggie-packed twist on scampi makes zucchini and summer squash the star of the plate instead of shrimp. We love the mix of squash, but you can use one or the other if you prefer. White wine provides needed acidity and balances well with the aromatic garlic and rich butter to create a luxurious sauce. Charring the lemon is a simple step, but adds complex tart and smoky flavors to this easy side.

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11 of 15

Sheet-Pan Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini & Potatoes

Sheet-pan turkey meatballs with zucchini and potatoes is an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare. Juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with spinach and feta cheese, then roasted alongside tender chunks of zucchini and crispy golden potatoes. A creamy, cooling yogurt dip at the base ties everything together.

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12 of 15

Lemon Zucchini Pasta

This lemon zucchini pasta only takes 25 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy summer evenings. Fresh zucchini blends perfectly with the lemony sauce. If you have summer squash on hand, you can use that instead. You can also experiment with topping the pasta with different fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add variety.

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13 of 15

Grilled Zucchini & Halloumi Pitas

This grilled halloumi pita is summer-ready with tender-crisp zucchini, fresh tomatoes and smoky halloumi cheese. You can prepare this sandwich inside using a grill pan, or outside using a gas grill. You can grill halloumi cheese just like you would any other protein (it doesn’t melt); letting it cook undisturbed makes it release from the grill pan easily.

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14 of 15

Creamy Zucchini & Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake

If you're swimming in zucchini, take some off your hands with this creamy zucchini and chicken pasta bake. The zucchini melts into the sauce, while Dijon mustard and lemon zest brighten the flavor. You can swap out the zucchini for summer squash if you prefer, and if you have leftover chicken you can use that in place of the rotisserie chicken.

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15 of 15

Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The unbelievable truth about Italian cooking is that your life can be forever altered with just 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients. This dish, which I’ve adapted from the traditional spaghetti alla Nerano, is a perfect case in point! First created by Chef Maria Grazia, who served her signature zucchini pasta in the idyllic village of Nerano on the Amalfi Coast, this version stays close to the original, with zucchini, a rather flavorless vegetable on its own, caramelized until the flavor intensifies to what can only be described as transformative. Excerpted from Everyday Delicious copyright © 2024 by Rocco DiSpirito. Used by permission of Rodale Books an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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These dinner recipes are simple, delicious and nutritious. They’re full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like seafood, dark leafy greens, whole grains and legumes—perfect for combatting symptoms of chronic inflammation like mental fog, digestive issues and joint pain. Plus, they’re packed with a variety of healthy foods to align with the Mediterranean diet. Flavorful recipes like our Salmon Cakes and our Chicken Parmesan Skillet with Beans are ready in just three steps or less for an easy and tasty night in.

01 of 22

Veggie Salad

This colorful, protein-packed salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. With fiber-rich beans, leafy greens and healthy fats from avocado oil, it delivers bold, fresh flavor in every bite.

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02 of 22

Easy Salmon Cakes

These easy salmon cakes are served with a simple salad for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal. Paired with a quick homemade vinaigrette, this dish comes together in under an hour and works well for both weeknights and casual lunches.

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03 of 22

Chicken Parmesan Skillet with Beans

This chicken Parmesan–inspired skillet dinner swaps the pasta for creamy cannellini beans, creating a hearty one-pan meal. Tender chicken simmers in marinara with garlic, shallots and Italian seasoning before being topped with mozzarella and finished under the broiler. Serve with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices to scoop up the saucy beans.

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04 of 22

Black Bean Fajita Salad

This Black Bean Fajita Salad delivers the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas in a fresh, no-cook format. A quick lime-spiked marinade infuses the black beans and peppers, while crisp greens and crunchy tortilla chips add texture. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy option for lunch or a light dinner.

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05 of 22

Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans

This easy sheet-pan salmon dinner pairs roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp-tender green beans for a simple all-in-one meal. A thyme and olive oil mixture infuses the salmon with bright flavor while finishing the vegetables with a light drizzle. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a satisfying option for busy weeknights.

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06 of 22

High-Protein, High-Fiber Chicken Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich beans and vegetables, and bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and lemon. Quick-cooking and satisfying, it’s a nutritious meal you can get on your table in just 30 minutes.

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07 of 22

Green Goddess Chickpea Bowl

This veggie-packed chickpea bowl features hearty chickpeas and quinoa topped with an herby green goddess dressing made creamy with Greek-style yogurt and avocado. It’s a satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner that delivers fiber, protein and fresh flavor in every bite.

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08 of 22

Loaded Chopped Taco Salad Bowl

This no-cook taco salad bowl is packed with fiber and plant-based protein from black beans. A medley of toppings, including crispy lettuce, sweet bell peppers, cotija cheese and pickled onions, add texture and flavor. A tangy lime vinaigrette completes the quick, colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

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09 of 22

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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10 of 22

High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

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11 of 22

Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Beets & Broccoli

This is the No. 1 anti-inflammatory dinner to make tonight! Packed with omega-3-rich salmon, antioxidant-loaded beets and cruciferous broccoli, this sheet-pan meal fights inflammation while filling you up. Every bite is vibrant, nourishing and deeply satisfying—it’s a power-packed dinner that proves anti-inflammatory eating can be downright delicious.

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12 of 22

Easy White Bean Skillet

This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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13 of 22

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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14 of 22

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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15 of 22

20-Minute Black Bean Soup

This easy black bean soup takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Canned black beans help speed things up, and taco seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes help build rich, savory flavor in just minutes. Cream cheese melted in at the end gives this soup a silky texture. Pair it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a simple, comforting meal.

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16 of 22

Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.

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17 of 22

Fajita-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These fajita-stuffed portobello mushrooms are the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and Greek-style yogurt for a satisfying dinner.

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18 of 22

Ginger-Dill Salmon with Cucumber & Avocado Salad

This ginger-dill salmon with cucumber and avocado salad is a light, refreshing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Tender, flaky salmon is infused with the unusual combination of warm ginger and fresh dill, making it the perfect complement to the cool, creamy salad.

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19 of 22

Roasted Veggies with Halloumi & Chickpeas

This sheet-pan halloumi, chickpea and veggie recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner with easy cleanup. Chickpeas and halloumi provide protein to make this dish filling and satisfying. Roasting everything on the same sheet pan creates crispy, caramelized bites that meld beautifully with the creamy yogurt spread underneath.

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20 of 22

Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet

This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a different take on Marry Me Chicken—a dish traditionally made with chicken coated in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. By swapping in fiber-packed white beans and spinach as the main ingredients, we’ve given it a vegetarian spin. You’ll want to sop up every last bit of sauce, so serve this with a nice hunk of crusty whole-grain bread.

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21 of 22

Rotisserie Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

This rotisserie chicken and roasted sweet potato salad is the perfect anti-inflammatory dinner. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, while chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied. Tossed with fresh greens, apples and a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

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22 of 22

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

This one-skillet salmon and broccoli recipe is the perfect 20-minute dinner for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Packed with lean protein, omega-3s and a generous serving of veggies, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

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