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Celebrate Dog Appreciation Month with Activity and Homemade Treats

Did you know that more than one-third of families in the U.S. have a dog, and most people consider their dogs as family members? As our furry friends are part of our family, it's essential to take care of their health. Making your own healthy dog treats can be easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.

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No-bake Pumpkin Bites

These no-bake bites are made from healthy and delicious ingredients for your furry friend. The recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and is ready to serve within an hour.

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Blueberry Pup-accino

Dogs go crazy over this recipe and it requires no visit to the drive-through. Simply add a few staple household ingredients to a blender, scoop and serve.

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Three Non-Alcoholic St. Paddy’s Day Drinks

Here are three delicious and easy-to-make non-alcoholic St. Paddy's Day drinks that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.

St Paddy Day drinks
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Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes

Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.

cabbage
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Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies

Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.

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Air Fried Breaded Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American staple and an ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a lighter option to the deep-fried dish, this air fried version skips the heavy fat and crisps up similar to the real deal.

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Bruschetta with Garlic Baguette Slices

While bruschetta involves simple ingredients and a few simple steps, this appetizer is full of flavor. The bruschetta topping is prepared a traditional Italian way, leaning on the simplicity of the herbs and tomatoes to deliver mouthwatering bites.

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered fruit is a delectable treat that leans on fruit for natural sweetness. To get a perfectly coated strawberry, it’s important to first wash and dry the fruit to allow for a stable surface for the chocolate to adhere to.

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3 Easy Appetizers for the Big Game

Watching a football game makes it easy to mindlessly snack and forget about portions. It’s a good idea to mix in some lighter appetizers for nutrients and balance. Here are three easy appetizers to enjoy during the next big game.

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Healthy Nacho Cheese Sauce for Loaded Nachos

This healthy nacho cheese sauce recipe features a cottage cheese-based cheese sauce that packs in filling protein and gut-healthy probiotics while reducing the overall saturated fat of the dish. Use it for loaded nachos during the big game.

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Baked Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are tossed in flour, covered with beaten egg and then drenched with an Italian herb-seasoned parmesan cheese panko breading. Rather than the traditional deep-frying, these are lightly coated in olive oil then baked until crispy.

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Sesame Seared Green Beans

These sesame seared green beans are bursting with flavor and have the perfect level of crunch. In this recipe, the green beans are seared first to ensure the other ingredients don’t burn.

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Healthy Paczki Recipe: Battered Banana Paczki Bites

In this healthier paczki recipe, banana slices are dipped in a fluffy batter, seared to golden perfection, then served on a platter with drizzles of raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy as breakfast or dessert.

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30+ Healthier Big Game Recipes to Try

Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests. We’ve got you covered with these nutrient-rich options, many of which are plant-forward, packed with antioxidants and high in protein.

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2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With

There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients.

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Roasted Garlic, Pepper and Tomato Tortellini Soup

The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.

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Creamy Curry and Veggie Soup

This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.

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Dry January Mocktails and DIY Garnishes

Ready to take part in Dry January? Here are some recipes for mocktails and DIY garnishes.

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Spicy Pineapple Mocktail

This spicy tropical drink offers a balance of sweet and spicy with a kick of acid. Because pineapple juice is naturally sweet, add honey as needed to suit your sweetness preference.

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9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try

Mocktails are getting more popular by the month. Good ones are fun, flavorful, refreshing, and they don't leave you hungover the next day. Keep these easy-to-make recipes on your radar.

Mocktails
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Cranberry Mule Mocktail with Dried Citrus Garnish

This cozy drink features a balance of tart and sweet, with a hint of gingery spice. Allow frozen cranberries to double as ice and decorate with a dried citrus wheel.

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Sparkling Pear Mocktail with Rosemary Sprig

The rosemary sprig brings woodsy and peppery notes to this otherwise refreshing drink – making it perfect for the holidays.

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Enjoy These Festive - and Healthier – Holiday Mocktails

Mocktails are a good alternative to add balance to a holiday event. Here are recipes for two healthier versions of the popular drinks.

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Cucumber Shrimp Bites

These crunchy, sweet and savory delights offer healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the shrimp – adding a satisfying element.

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Holiday Hummus Wreath

This hummus dip is filled with healthy fats and protein to add a satisfying element.

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Pear Salad Skewers

Skewers are an easy crowd-pleaser – convenient to grab and eat.

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3 Healthy Holiday Appetizers for Potlucks and Parties

If you are looking for a tasty dish to bring to a holiday party, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-make appetizers.

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Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes

This recipe for Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes is free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.

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Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe for Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies that are free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.

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Allergy-friendly Holiday Cookie Recipes

For those with food allergies, baking holiday cookies can pose a challenge. Here are two allergy-friendly holiday cookie recipes.

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Healthier Holiday Desserts: 2 Recipes to Try

The holidays are hectic enough. Minimize your time spent in the kitchen by trying these recipes for a four-ingredient peanut butter cookie and dairy-free pie crust.

Holiday cookies
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Rethink Thanksgiving Leftovers with These Recipes 

Leftovers are nice, but after a few meals of Thanksgiving turkey, it might be time to spice things up. Here are some delicious ways to do that.

Turkey tacos
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Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas

Enjoying food-centered holidays can be a real challenge for people with diabetes but there are ways to make these traditional gatherings more diabetes-friendly.

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad

The bitterness of the Brussels sprouts and the sweetness of the apple perfectly marry in this fall salad recipe.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lemon Herb Ranch Drizzle

Unlike many Thanksgiving dishes with sweet potatoes, this recipe leans on the natural sweetness of the fall crop by omitting excess added sugar.

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3 Healthy and Seasonal Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Fiber-rich root vegetables and crucifers stretch their seasonality into November, making them favorites around the Thanksgiving table. Check out these three recipes.

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Superfoods for Seniors and a Delicious Smoothie Recipe

Our bodies’ needs change as we age. Seniors need to pay special attention to a variety of nutrients. Here are some tips for seniors to stay healthy and thrive.

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One-pan Maple Glazed Salmon with Crispy Broccoli

Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, a one-pan dish is arguably the perfect lazy-day meal besides takeout.

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“Jarcuterie” and Individual Serving Ideas at Your Next Tailgate 

Events like tailgating look different during the ongoing pandemic. Individual servings are a great way to reduce germs when groups are dining together.

Jarcuterie
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How to Make a Mirepoix

Mirepoix may sound fancy, but it’s really just a simple flavor base for dishes like soups and sauces made from onions, celery and carrots. A mirepoix starts with finely dicing your veggies, the ratio being two parts onion to one part carrot and one part celery.

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3 Spooky and Nutritious Halloween Snacks

For those looking for Halloween food options, try one of these three healthy food ideas to help take the focus away from candy.

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Looking for Healthy Tailgating Food? Try a Taco Bar 

A tailgate taco bar can consist of a mix of purchased, pre-prepared ingredients and a few easy-to-make recipes at home. We've got you covered on both fronts.

Tailgating taco bar
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Cinnamon Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Fall in love with these easy, sweet overnight oats made with pure Michigan apples. Just combine ingredients at night and it’s ready for you in the morning.

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10 Edible Halloween Crafts to Make with Fruit

While it’s okay to enjoy hard-earned candy from trick-or-treating on Halloween, it’s nice to partake in activities to take the focus away from candy.

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Breakfast Hack: Premade Omelet

Life gets busy no matter who you are and for many – whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic mornings. But making breakfast in advance can make the difference between a stressful and a seamless start to your day.

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3 Recipes to Take Advantage of Winter Squash

Winter squashes are versatile and can be used in savory soups, roasted as a side dish or incorporated into some desserts. Try these recipes.

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Cracked Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a perfect nutrient-dense for those on the go. Oats are the heart-healthy base that’s packed with fiber and iron which contributing to long-lasting energy. In this recipe, you get to enjoy cracking a shell of dark chocolate to get to the pumpkin magic.

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Maple Thyme Vinaigrette

This dressing is perfect for fall salad. Easy to make, it comes together quickly and takes the salad to the next level.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This cozy fall salad is a satisfying side dish or star of the show if combined with protein. Butternut squash is roasted until tender and caramelized in heart-healthy olive oil, thyme and maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. It’s then tossed with a kale-based salad massaged in a maple thyme vinaigrette.

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Tips for Maximizing Your Grocery Budget

With food prices on the rise, here are some tips to maximize your grocery budget and minimize spending.

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Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro lime dressing is a zesty and flavorful condiment that not only enhances the taste of your favorite dishes but also offers several health benefits.

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Mexican-Inspired Shrimp Bowl

One way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by exploring the Hispanic nations’ cuisine. Here is a recipe to get started.

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Winter Holiday Simmer Pot

Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Is someone baking apple pie?” with this blend of simmer pot ingredients on the stove. 

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Fall Holiday Simmer Pot

  This delightful blend of colorful fruits, herbs and spices brings a scent of warmth to your home, whether you’re expecting company or spending a cozy day at home.  

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3 Healthy Apple Recipes

Apples are often referred to as nature's toothbrush and offer a plethora of health benefits. Here are three simple and healthy apple recipes to savor the goodness of this super fruit this fall.

Shanthi Appelo preparing three healthy apple recipes
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Drizzled Apple ‘Donut’ Snacks

This donut-shaped snack packs in both flavor and health value. This easy-to-make recipe takes under 15 minutes: simply slice the apples, core them, and then drizzle and add toppings.

Drizzled Apple “Donut” Snacks
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Fall Spiced Yogurt Dip with Apple Slices

The fall-spiced Greek yogurt provides a creamy source of protein, while the crisp apples add a fantastic source of fiber and contrast.

Fall Spiced Yogurt Dip with Apple Slices
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Apple Crumble For Two

When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crumble is made with just a few ingredients.

Apple Crumble For Two
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3 Healthy Labor Day Party Dip Ideas

Whether you’re using them with crisp veggies to whole-grain crackers, dips can add tang and flavor to your spread.

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Herb and Greek Yogurt Whipped Feta

This dip is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and blends bold flavors with creamy textures.

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Classic Fresh Salsa

Not only is salsa delicious, but it's also a nutritious powerhouse, filled with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh ingredients.

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Baked Salmon Rice Cups

Transform this nutritional powerhouse salmon into a delightful school lunch option by creating baked rice cups.

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Mini Black Bean Quesadillas

This Tex-Mex dish is packed with plant-based protein from black beans.

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Healthy Out-of-the-lunch-box Ideas for Kids

Different food groups provide vital nutrients to fuel a child’s day. Here’s how to get at least three of the five groups into your child’s lunch.

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Vegan Lemony Hummus Sandwich

This vegan sandwich features creamy hummus, fresh lemon juice, roasted red pepper, oregano and peppery arugula.

Vegan Lemony Hummus Sandwich
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3 Actually Healthy Sandwich Ideas

Check out these healthy sandwich ideas that will elevate any lunch.

Southeast Asian Mother Making Sandwich For Her Son Breakfast
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Salmon Burger with Lemon Dill Sauce Sandwich

The seared salmon patty is made with canned salmon, an egg to bind, panko breadcrumbs for texture and plenty of flavor.

Salmon Burger with Lemon Dill Sauce Sandwich
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Whipped Feta

This recipe leans on grilled chicken, a protein superior to deli meats for a sandwich.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Whipped Feta
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Peach Shaved Ice

This shaved frozen fruit treat relies on the natural sweetness of ripe seasonal peaches.

Peach Shaved Ice
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Peach Bruschetta

This summery recipe combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with tomatoes and fragrant basil.

Peach Bruschetta
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Grilled Peach Salad

Grilled peaches take this summer salad to another level.

Grilled Peach Salad
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3 Unique Ways to Use Peaches

While peaches taste great on their own, they are also delicious when incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes.

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Shark Week-friendly TV Snacks

Enhance your Shark Week viewing routine with these nutritious themed snacks.

Shark Week Snacks
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3 Summer Recipes Featuring Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes taste most sweet at their peak summer ripeness, so it’s best to use them at this stage in refreshing recipes.

Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini
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Creamy Tomato Orzo

This one-pan recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for a summer weeknight.

Creamy Tomato Orzo
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Seared Crispy Halibut with Cherry Tomato Piccata

Elevate any summer evening with this refreshing dish. This recipe features lightly pan-seared halibut that has a crispy edge without frying.

Seared Crispy Halibut with Cherry Tomato Piccata
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Michigan Cherry and Chocolate Vegan Ice Cream

Looking for a delicious way to cool down on a hot summer day? We’ve got you covered with this vegan ice cream recipe featuring Michigan cherries.

Vegan cherry ice cream
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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Jicama Slaw

If you’re firing up the grill this Fourth of July, try these savory Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Jicama Slaw.

sliders
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Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini

In this summer favorite, sweet cherry tomatoes are roasted in olive oil, dry white wine, garlic and herbs.

Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini
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4 Small Plates for the Fourth of July

If you are looking for food ideas for your Fourth of July celebration, we’ve got you covered – from grilled sliders to a refreshing dessert.

Fourth of July
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Sundried Tomato Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe packs in nutrients from a variety of vegetables and adds a nice crunch from bell peppers and cucumbers.

Sundried Tomato Italian Pasta Salad
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Watermelon Jalapeño Gazpacho Shooters

Indulge in the ultimate summertime soup with this delectable gazpacho recipe.

Watermelon Jalapeño Gazpacho Shooters
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5 Healthy Picnic-friendly Foods

Check out Shanthi’s surprising must-haves for your best sunny day. Plus, some fun and healthy food options.

picnic
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Grilled Zucchini Salad with Bruschetta and Herbs

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of zucchini, which goes great with cherry tomato bruschetta.

Roasted Zucchini Pasta
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Hummus Dip with Summer Vegetables

Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful chickpea spread, hummus, with a delicious vinaigrette-tossed seasonal vegetable medley on top.

Hummus Dip with Summer Vegetables 
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Maximizing Farmers Market Finds with Seasonal Vegetable Recipes

If you’re looking for delicious meal ideas using the summer crops, check out these tried and true recipes.

Farmers Market
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Roasted Zucchini Pasta

In this summer pasta recipe, zucchini slices with olive oil and panko breadcrumbs get roasted until golden and slightly crisp, then added to a marinara sauce.

Roasted Zucchini Pasta
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Best of Shanthi’s Summer Recipes 

If you are looking for some menu inspiration, consider some of Shanthi's favorite summer recipes.

taco
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Chili Lime Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a delicious blend of herbs, aromatics, olive oil and an acid that is very versatile in nature.

chimchurri
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Cucumber Mint Feta Salad

This refreshing salad can be served as an appetizer or alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

cucumber mint salad
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Grilled Caprese Skewers – Makes 8 Skewers

These caprese skewers feature traditional flavors but take it to the next level on the grill.

Grilled Caprese Skewers
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Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu

Skewers are a great option to mix meats and veggies, and are easily customizable to an individual’s preference. Try one of these skewer pairings.

skewers
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Shawarma-inspired Veggie-Loaded Chicken Skewers – Serves 4-6

In this recipe, the grill marries the Middle Eastern-inspired flavors of the marinade, chicken and veggies beautifully.

Shawarma-inspired Veggie Loaded Chicken Skewers
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Tropical Citrus-glazed Salmon Skewers – Serves 4

In this recipe, salmon is marinated then skewered and grilled to perfection with cherry tomatoes and pineapple for a tropical element.

Tropical Citrus-glazed Salmon Skewers
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Pear and Parmesan Arugula Salad with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

This spring salad contains only whole ingredients and leans on olive oil and lemon for a simple, but nutrient-dense vinaigrette.

pear salad
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Shrimp and Apple Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette

Grilled shrimp marinated in a heart-healthy olive oil-based mixture add a delightful contrast to the crunchy salad.

shrimp salad
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3 Delicious Salads with Seasonal Greens

Salads don’t have to be boring. By using a variety of creative ingredients and dressings, you can build a delicious salad that is tailored to your tastes.

Meeting of girls at the fashion restaurant
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Grilled Salmon and Pepper Salad with Avocado and Grapefruit

This balanced salad packs in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and K along with plenty of phytonutrients and fiber to support overall health.

salmon salad
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Strawberry No-Jito

This Strawberry No-jito is a mocktail made with fresh mint leaves and strawberries, lime juice, sparkling water and simple syrup.

strawberry no-jito

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