Our Editors Say These Are the 9 Recipes You Should Cook This Summer

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

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

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

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

Credit: Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
Credit: Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

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

Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

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

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

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

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

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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