Tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the vine. Botanically classified as fruit, tomatoes are more often (mistakenly) referred to as vegetables. Either way, tomatoes deliver lots nutrients — vitamins A and C and potassium — and contain inflammation-reducing antioxidants, including lycopene and folic acid. With hues ranging from brownish and pinkish-red, to golden yellow and bright orange, tomatoes are a great complement to any dish.
1. SUMMERTIME CAPRESE SALAD | EATING BIRD FOOD
In this spiced-up version of a caprese salad, alternating layers of tomatoes, basil and mozzarella are topped with roasted red peppers and a herb-infused olive oil. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side salad for dinner. Recipe makes 16 servings at 1 ounce cheese, 2 slices tomato and toppings each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 124; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 18mg; Sodium: 236mg; Total Carbohydrate: 2g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 1g; Protein: 7g
2. TOMATO-MOZZARELLA LUNCH BRUSCHETTA | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Relish this bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado and a tangy balsamic reduction over a crispy baguette. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is especially satisfying because it’s chock-full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and avocado. Recipe makes 5 servings at 3 bruschettas and 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 323; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 12mg; Sodium: 173mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 10g
3. CAPRESE-INSPIRED PASTA SALAD WITH NUT-FREE PESTO | COOKING LIGHT
Made with nut-free pesto, this quick pasta salad is a tasty, cheesy option for a busy weeknight. Whole-grain farfalle is tossed with a lemony basil pesto, tomatoes and mozzarella cubes. If you don’t have farfalle, use any other whole-grain pasta. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 366; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 14mg; Sodium: 378mg; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 18g
4. LOW-CARB EGGS FLORENTINE WITH ROASTED TOMATOES | CLEAN EATING
Save money and time by making brunch at home. Poached eggs and a yogurt-based Hollandaise sauce are piled atop roasted tomato slices instead of English muffins for a tasty, low-carb meal. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 eggs and 1/4 spinach mixture, tomatoes and sauce each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 354; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 10g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 586mg; Sodium: 274mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 25g
5. SPAGHETTI SQUASH CAPRESE | FASHIONABLE FOODS
Light and bursting with flavor, this pasta dish combines spaghetti squash “noodles” with garlic and sautéed tomatoes topped with fresh basil and mozzarella. This low-carb, gluten-free recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep for an easy weeknight dinner. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 193; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 28mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 7g
6. PAN-ROASTED ITALIAN CHICKEN WITH PESTO | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Impress family and friends with this one-skillet, Italian-inspired pesto chicken featuring fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to serve guests. This high-protein, low-carb meal packs 23 grams of protein per serving. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 thigh, 1 tablespoon pesto, 1 1/4 cups spinach and tomatoes each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 315; Total Fat: 23g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 73mg; Sodium: 716mg; Carbohydrate: 5g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 23g
7. SPINACH & TOMATO FRITTATA | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Simplify your morning with our frittata using kitchen staples — eggs, veggies and cheese. This breakfast-worthy dish is ready in less than 20 minutes. Serve with plain Greek yogurt and a slice of whole-grain toast for a boost of protein, complex carbs and fiber. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 (3 1/2-inch wedge) each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 113; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 215mg; Sodium: 225mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 9g
8. CORN FRITTERS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES & LIME AIOLI | COOKING LIGHT
Crispy and full of veggies, these pan-fried fritters make the perfect party appetizer or light lunch. Served with a simple lime aioli, prosciutto and peppery arugula, you won’t be able to stop at just one. Reheat in the oven or toaster to crisp them back up. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 284; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 49mg; Sodium: 526mg; Carbohydrate: 48g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 13g
