Veggie-forward Salads & Sides for Your July 4th Summer Block Party

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Jennifer FIsher

When it comes to summer cookouts, everyone remembers who made that amazing side dish or salad. If you want to be that guest (or host) . . I have some amazing ideas.

Whether you’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or simply gathering around the grill with friends and family, these fresh salads, veggie-forward sides, and colorful summer recipes are guaranteed to earn a spot next to the burgers, brisket, and barbecue.

From patriotic salads bursting with seasonal berries to grilled vegetables, watermelon favorites, and healthier comfort-food classics, these recipes are easy to make, travel well, and let summer produce shine. Here are the summery sides I’ll be fixin’ up this season – bring one or bring them all!

Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad with Blueberries: Nothing says summer celebration quite like red, white, and blue. Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, sweet blueberries, fragrant basil, and a balsamic drizzle create a patriotic side that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining. — **Perfect for:** America’s 250th celebration, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any festive cookout.

Watermelon Raspberry Quinoa Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing: A refreshing mashup of juicy watermelon, sweet raspberries, protein-packed quinoa, and a bright ginger-mint vinaigrette. It’s light, colorful, naturally gluten-free, and hearty enough to hold up on a buffet table without getting soggy.

Hydrate and invigorate with this juicy fresh salad featuring watermelon, raspberries and quinoa! The zingy ginger mint dressing is amazing. It’s a stunningly colorful side dish or add shrimp or salmon for a main dish. — **Perfect for:** BBQs, pool parties, patriotic celebrations, and healthy meal prep.

No-Crust Tomato Pie: Peak summer tomatoes deserve their moment. This lower-carb, gluten-free tomato pie skips the traditional crust while delivering all the cheesy, savory goodness that makes tomato pie a Southern favorite.

**Perfect for:** Garden harvests, brunch spreads, or serving alongside grilled meats.

Jalapeño Feta Cornbread: A warm skillet of homemade cornbread always disappears first. This version gets a flavor upgrade with sweet corn, tangy feta, and just enough jalapeño heat to keep everyone coming back for another slice.

*A yummy addition to BBQ or an summery entree salad.*

Grilled Corn in the Husk with Creamy Ancho Vinaigrette: Grilling corn right in the husk creates juicy, smoky kernels every time. After grilling, drizzle each ear with my creamy ancho vinaigrette for a restaurant-worthy side that’s incredibly simple.

Grilled Corn with Ancho Vinaigrette is a southwestern inspired side dish for your next bbq or summer celebration. — First, learn **how to grill corn in the husk,** then finish it with the creamy ancho dressing.

Grilled Avocado Boats with Blistered Tomatoes: If you’ve never grilled an avocado, you’re in for a treat. Warm, creamy avocado halves pair beautifully with smoky blistered tomatoes for a side that’s unexpectedly elegant yet incredibly easy.

Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad: Fire up the grill for more than just meat. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, asparagus, and other seasonal vegetables caramelize beautifully before being tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s colorful, healthy, and makes excellent leftovers.

Platter of Grilled Vegetables — *Make a double batch, these go fast!*

Four Ways to Season Watermelon That Will Blow Your Mind: Sure, watermelon is delicious on its own—but these simple seasoning ideas take it to another level. Sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy combinations transform this classic summer fruit into an unforgettable party snack.

Watermelon seasoned four different ways — *Kick up the flavor party with these easy, sprinkle-on ideas.*

Fiesta Five Veggie Potato Salad: This isn’t your average mayo-heavy potato salad. Loaded with five colorful vegetables and a lighter dressing, it’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor while still delivering the comfort everyone expects from a classic picnic side.

Fiesta Five Veggie Potato Salad a yummy, southwestern inspired side dish. — **Perfect for:** Potlucks, family reunions, cookouts, and meal prep.

4 Fast & Fit Zucchini Recipes to Fuel Summer Adventures

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Jennifer FIsher

When summer rolls around, zucchini seems to be everywhere — overflowing from backyard gardens, filling farmers market stands, and showing up in abundance at grocery stores. While zucchini is available year-round, its peak season is summer. Here in Central Texas, zucchini season typically kicks off in late spring and keeps producing until the first frost.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do with an armful of zucchini, you’re not alone. Fortunately, this versatile summer squash is one of the easiest vegetables to incorporate into an active, healthy lifestyle.

Why Zucchini Deserves a Spot on Your Plate

Whether you’re training for a race, hitting the gym, staying active after 50 or at any age, or simply trying to eat more vegetables, zucchini offers several nutritional benefits. Plus, you can eat it so many ways, sauteed, steamed, zoodle’d, grated and used in baking recipes, pureed — even eaten raw as a salad ingredient or crudite for dunking into dip.

Low in Calories, High in Volume: One medium zucchini contains only about 30 calories while providing plenty of bulk and satisfaction. Its high water content can help support hydration during the hot summer months, making it a smart addition to meals and snacks.

Rich in Antioxidants: Zucchini contains antioxidants including vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds help combat oxidative stress caused by exercise, aging, and everyday environmental factors.

Supports Digestive Health: With both soluble and insoluble fiber, zucchini can help promote healthy digestion and support gut health. Fiber also contributes to fullness, helping you stay satisfied between meals.

Provides Important Nutrients: Zucchini delivers potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and manganese. Potassium is especially important for active individuals because it helps regulate fluid balance and supports muscle function.

Extremely Versatile: Perhaps zucchini’s greatest superpower is its versatility. It can be roasted, grilled, spiralized, air fried, blended into soups, stuffed, baked into breads, or added to smoothies. Its mild flavor pairs well with almost any cuisine.

4 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Summer Zucchini

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration beyond basic grilled zucchini, these four recipes are among some of my most favorite showcase just how versatile this summer vegetable can be.

Cheddar Zucchini Chips:If you’re craving something crunchy, these air fryer zucchini chips deliver big flavor with fewer carbs than traditional chips. Thin zucchini slices are coated with crushed cheddar cheese crackers (or Parmesan for a lower-carb option) and air fried until crisp and golden. They’re perfect as a snack, game-day appetizer, or side dish served with your favorite healthy dip. Get the recipe: Cheddar Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer

‘Tis the season for zucchini and Hatch green chile – use up your bumper crop of summer produce in this delicious soup that can be served hot or cold. Makes 6 servings, each with 134 cal, 4g fat, 11g net carb and 6g protein.

Hatch Green Chile Zucchini Soup: This creamy zucchini soup proves that comfort food can still be nutritious. Hatch green chiles add a subtle kick while zucchini creates a velvety texture without needing heavy cream. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Enjoy it warm for a comforting meal or chilled on a hot summer day when turning on the stove sounds less than appealing. Get the recipe: Hatch Green Chile Zucchini Soup

Quick, easy, delicious and nutritious, these cheesy, saucy stuffed zucchini boats will remind you of a mushroom pizza - -but without the crust, so lower calorie, lower carb and gluten-free. A great way to use up a bumper crop of squash!

Mushroom Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Pizza night gets a healthy makeover with these protein-packed zucchini boats. Filled with pizza sauce, mushrooms, and cottage cheese, they deliver all the flavors you love while adding extra vegetables and protein to your plate. They’re satisfying enough for a main dish but also work well as a hearty side. Get the recipe: Mushroom Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Green Glow Chilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon Gremolata Dressing: This vibrant zucchini salad is packed with green goodness and fresh summer flavor. Spiralized zucchini serves as the base, while edamame, avocado, pistachios, and other nutrient-rich ingredients add satisfying texture, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. Finished with a bright lemon gremolata dressing, every bite delivers a refreshing burst of citrus that’s perfect for warm-weather meals, meal prep, or a light post-workout lunch. Get the recipe: Green Glow Chilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon Gremolata Dressing

Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Cottage Cheese

Posted on February 8, 2026 by Jennifer FIsher

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful appetizer or side dish that feels indulgent but fits into a balanced lifestyle, these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are about to become a new favorite.

They’re creamy, savory, and perfectly golden on top—thanks to a high-protein filling made with cottage cheese and sharp white cheddar. Best of all, they cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer or 20 minutes in the oven, making them a veggie-forward finger food, ideal for weeknights, parties, or last-minute entertaining.

Plus, each mushroom packs big flavor with impressive macros: Just 53 calories, 4g protein, 2g fat and 1g net carbs per piece.

Why You’ll Love Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ready in minutes in the air fryer
High-protein, lighter than traditional stuffed mushrooms
Creamy and cheesy but using low-fat cottage cheese to minimize fat
Great for parties, meal prep, or healthy snacking
Naturally low carb and can be gluten-free (skip the panko or use crush gluten-free crackers, if needed)

Pro Tips for Stuffed Mushrooms:

Mushrooms: I have made this with both White Button and Cremini (Baby Bella) mushrooms, and both turned out beautifully. Look for mushrooms that are medium to large so that, when the stem is removed, the cavity is large enough to hold plenty of filling. You could also try dividing filling across four large Portobella mushrooms for a vegetarian entrée option.

Mushroom Stems: You will be removing the mushroom stems for this recipe, but don’t throw them all away! Reserve about half of the fresher-looking stems to finely chop and mix back into the filling. The others can be saved and used later in the week in stir-fries, soups, etc.

Draining Cottage Cheese: Reduced-fat cottage cheese helps add a creamy texture while boosting protein and moderating calories. You do need to drain it, though—otherwise the mushrooms will be soggy. To drain, place it in a fine mesh strainer (like I did in the video) and press out the liquid with the back of a spoon. You can also use a cheesecloth to squeeze out extra moisture.

Squeezing Spinach: Fresh spinach steams quickly in the microwave, but you’ll need to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Make sure it has cooled slightly so you don’t burn your hands.

Crispy Topping: Panko breadcrumbs make a delicious crunchy topping, but you can omit them if you prefer. You can also substitute crushed crackers, regular or gluten-free. Also, did you know gluten-free panko is available?!

Should I Use an Air Fryer or Oven?

These stuffed mushrooms are flexible depending on what you have available, both methods produce tender mushrooms with creamy centers and lightly crisped tops.

Air Fryer: About 10 minutes for bubbly, golden tops (Air Fryer I highly recommend and use daily)
Oven: About 20 minutes for the same delicious result

If you love mushrooms, you also need to check out my Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms below!!!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms in Air Fryer

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Air fryer cheesy spinach stuffed mushrooms made with cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. A quick, high-protein appetizer ready in 10 minutes with just a smidge over 50 calories per piece.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Keyword: cottage cheese, mushroom, spinach

Servings: 16 Stuffed Mushrooms

Calories: 53 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb. White Button or Cremini mushrooms medium to larger sized ones work best
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
2/3 cup 2% cottage cheese drained VERY well
4 oz grated white sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp panko bread crumbs or gluten-free crushed cracker option or gluten-free panko

Instructions

Preheat air-fryer to 380°F (Or oven to 350°F).
Drain cottage cheese well to remove the excess liquid. The best way to do this quickly is using the back of spoon to push out liquid through mesh strainer.
Remove the stems from the mushrooms by gently twisting them off. Save about half of the fresher-looking stems to chop up and back into the mixture.
Place mushroom caps on air fryer try (or baking sheet), smooth side up, and brush with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Flip mushrooms back over so openings are face up. Set aside.
In microwave-safe bowl, add spinach and 1 tablespoon of water. Steam in microwave for 1 minute. Let cook for several minutes, until cool enough to squeeze as much liquid out as possible.
Mix together the squeezed spinach (loosened up with fork), drained cottage cheese, and the cheddar cheese. Mix in about 1/4 cup chopped mushroom stems.
Season with garlic salt and ground black pepper, stir well.
Fill each hollowed-out mushroom with the cottage cheese mixture, pressing down to compact it in.
Sprinkle tops with a little bit of panko bread crumbs.
Cook in pre-heated 380F air fryer for 10 minutes (or traditional oven at 350F for 20 minutes) or until nicely browned, cheese is melty and panko is golden.

Recipe Notes

How to Use Up a Extra Grape and Cherry Tomatoes: Flavorful Recipes & Tips

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jennifer FIsher

We’ve all done it—picked up the BIG, beautiful carton of grape or cherry tomatoes (or better yet, grew them ourselves!), only to forget about them until they’re teetering on the edge of overripe. Don’t let those little gems go to waste! These sweet, juicy tomatoes are nutrient powerhouses packed with antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. They’re also perfect for healthy snacking (just rinse and pop a handful in your mouth!) or tossed on top of a salad for a bright burst of flavor.

Creative ways to use grape or cherry tomatoes—snacks, salads, and 6 easy recipes including baked feta, mug lasagna, grilled avocado boats, and more!

But let’s go beyond the usual suspects. These bite-sized tomatoes can be roasted, blistered, sautéed, or even frozen and used later in recipes where a “burst” tomato moment shines. (Yes, you can freeze grape or cherry tomatoes! Just rinse, pat dry, and freeze whole in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw and cook them into warm dishes like sauces or sautés—no need to waste a single one.)

Here are some creative and crave-worthy ways to use up that carton of tomatoes—featuring some of my favorite recipes:

🍅 1. No-Noodle Veggie Mug Lasagna for One
This single-serve microwave lasagna layers cottage cheese, spiralized squash, and—you guessed it—sweet grape tomatoes for a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s ready in minutes. It’s quick, low-carb, and perfect for lunch or dinner.

This single portion lasagna made in a mug for one is a quick, nutrition and delicious meal that is ready in minutes. A perfectly portioned, high-protein and lower carb solution for your busy lunch hour or a hectic evening. Easy to meal prep ahead and then heat and eat when ready. Gluten free and vegetarian.

🧀 2. Mediterranean Baked Feta
A dish that’s big on flavor and low on effort—just bake whole grape tomatoes with a block of feta, olive oil, and herbs until bubbly and blistered. Serve with pita chips or over zoodles, quinoa, or grilled proteins.

Easy Mediterranean Baked Feta is the ultimate party appetizer—just assemble and bake! Loaded with olives, tomatoes, and feta. Great for summer or year-round!

💙 3. Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad with Blueberries
This fun and patriotic take on a classic combines tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and blueberries. It’s a fresh summer side dish with unexpected flair—perfect for BBQs or cookouts.

🍉 4. Watermelon Tomato Jicama Salad with Tajin-Honey Dressing
A juicy mashup of flavors and textures, this salad brings together tomatoes, watermelon, and crunchy jicama, tossed in a zesty-sweet Tajin and honey vinaigrette. Refreshing and hydrating—ideal for hot days or post-workout recovery.

🐟 5. Pan-Seared Cod in Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes go gourmet here! A creamy sauce made with sautéed burst cherry tomatoes and Greek yogurt elevates simple pan-seared fish into a restaurant-worthy dinner. It’s quick, healthy, and makes good use of ripe or frozen tomatoes. Feel free to sub any firm white fish like halibut, haddock, etc.

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce is an easy fish meal that can be made, prep to plate, in 20 minutes -- in a single skillet. Suitable for low carb and gluten-free diets. For more clean eating recipes and simple meal inspo, visit thefitfork.com

🥑 6. Grilled Avocado Boats with Blistered Tomatoes
Avocados meet tomatoes on the grill in this summery dish. The heat enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while giving them a delicious charred edge. Top with cheese or keep it vegan—it’s a versatile, easy side or snack.

Pro Tip: Burst Tomatoes
If your tomatoes are getting too soft to eat raw, just toss them in a hot pan or roast them until their skins burst. That caramelized, jammy flavor is pure magic and works in sauces, pasta, grain bowls, or even spooned over toast.

So go ahead—buy that big carton of grape or cherry tomatoes. With these ideas, you’ll never let a single one go to waste.

Cheesy Margherita Tomato Slices (Air Fryer or Oven)

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Jennifer FIsher

When summer tomatoes are at their peak, it only takes a few ingredients to turn them into something spectacular. These Cheesy Margherita Tomato Slices are bursting with flavor and couldn’t be easier to make. If you love the flavors of a classic Margherita pizza—juicy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, fragrant Italian herbs—you’ll swoon for this lighter, crust-free version. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and totally crave-worthy (112 calories per slice, with 8g fat, 2.8g carb and 7.1g protein).

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You’ll only need a handful of staples to bring this dish together:

Ripe beefsteak tomatoes*
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Dried Italian herbs (I’m a fan of this freeze-dried Italian blend)
Salt and pepper

That’s it! No fancy prep, no dough to roll out—just slice, layer, and air fry or bake. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have bubbly, golden, cheesy tomato slices that work as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fun party snack for summer entertaining.

No Beefsteak? No Problem.

While thick-sliced beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for holding that gooey mozzarella topping, smaller tomatoes like Romas or large slicing tomatoes also work beautifully. Just adjust the size of your cheese slices to match.

Turn juicy summer tomatoes into cheesy, low-carb perfection with these Margherita Baked Tomato Slices. An easy air fryer or oven recipe using just a few ingredients—great as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack!

How to Cook these Cheesy Tomato Slices

This recipe is super versatile—you can use your air fryer for faster cooking (and less heat in the kitchen!) or pop them in the oven. I LOVE my air fryer (this one) and use it multiple times per day for quick, easy meals and healthy recipes like this!

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Margherita Baked Tomato Slices

Prep Time

4 mins

Cook Time

8 mins

Total Time

12 mins

Turn juicy summer tomatoes into cheesy, low-carb perfection with these Margherita Baked Tomato Slices. An easy air fryer or oven recipe using just a few ingredients—great as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack! 1 large Beefsteak tomato (or other large slicer style tomato)

Course: appetizers, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: keto, low carb, mozzarella, pizza, tomato

Calories: 119 kcal

Ingredients

1 large Beefsteak tomato or other large slicer style tomato
¼ tsp each salt and pepper
4 oz fresh mozzarella cut into 6 slices
2 oz shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 tsp Italian herb blend seasoning
2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat air fryer (or oven) to 400F degrees.
Cut tomato crosswise into 6 hearty slices, each at least ¼” thick. If needed, cut out core on end pieces.
Place tomato slices on rimmed baking pan (don’t crowd) and season with salt and pepper.
Add mozzarella slices to top of tomatoes. If needed, break up are redistribute cheese if slices is hanging off edge of tomato.
Next, add Parm cheese and sprinkle with herbs.
Drizzle with olive oil, this helps the cheese bubble and brown.
Cook for 6-8 minutes in air fryer or 10-12 minutes in oven. Tomatoes will be ready with cheese is bubbling, lightly browning and gooey. Overcooking will result in mushy tomatoes.
Remove and serve while still warm. Store leftovers covered in fridge, reheating in microwave.