I’m not sure about where you live, but this week has been all about back-to-school in our household. This is a big year for my family, my youngest is starting kindergarten, my daughter in the middle is entering 7th grade and my oldest son is a freshman! I have no idea how we got here, but we are here now. It’s exciting, but also a bit of an adjustment having 3 kids in 3 different schools.

With back-to-school comes the need to plan for dinner. Summer break is so laid back for us that I basically wing it every week for the most part. I don’t know if I would necessarily recommend that but that’s typically how summer rolls for me. Right now though I’m in more of a meal planning mode, looking for simple dinners that everyone will eat (per the usual!).

Although it’s back-to-school, let’s be real. It’s still very much summer. It’s also still my favorite produce season.

#FRESHSUMMER 2019 PROJECT:

My dear friend Lora and I have teamed up this summer to share our love of summer produce with you – we came up with a theme for each month of our #FreshSummer recipes. August’s produce pick is tomatoes! I am sharing today’s super simple Chopped Tomato and Spinach Salad. This salad would pair up nicely with grilled chicken or seafood. Lora is sharing a recipe for her Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce, it is a beautiful dish and is making my mouth water.

In case you missed it, for the month of June we chose to share something we both made with cucumbers. Be sure to check out my Cucumber Avocado Salad  and Lora’s Sweet Summer Corn and Cucumber Salad. For July, we chose watermelon. Lora shared her recipe for Asian Watermelon Salad and I shared my daughter’s new favorite salad this Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil.

If you make a tomato recipe this month, be sure to tag us on Instagram with #FreshSummer. Follow us @aggieskitchen and @savoringitaly to see our stories and what we are dishing up!

If you make this tomato salad recipe or any of my summer side dish recipes please be sure to tag me on Instagram @aggieskitchen #aggieskitchen and #freshsummer!

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I don’t know about you, but I tend to consider watermelon a complete food group in the summer. It’s my absolute favorite and for good reason too. There is nothing like snacking on cold, refreshing watermelon on a hot summer day, period.

I remember the summers I was pregnant with both of my boys and how much watermelon I ate, it could possibly have been record breaking.

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You know I’ve been to Costco when you start to see recipes with pesto and goat cheese popping up frequently on the blog. I can’t help it. There are a few staples from Costco that I can’t be without and their pesto and goat cheese are two of them.

I have to admit, since trying the pesto from Costco I really haven’t made any at home – it’s that good (for store bought!) and you just can’t beat the convenience or price.

These Roasted Red Peppers with Pesto and Goat Cheese were inspired by my neighbor who made for us once and brought some over for me to try. He actually cooked his on the grill and wow, they were amazing. I could not wait to make them for myself. I wanted to try them on the grill, but honestly this past week here in Florida has been so brutally hot and muggy that the thought of standing over a grill “testing” a recipe just didn’t appeal to me. Roasting them up in my oven worked just as well, and I got to enjoy the a/c while doing it.

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We are officially in my favorite food season. All the fresh vegetables! I have to say, in Florida we are in this season most of the year, but when the weather is as hot as it is right now all I crave is cool, refreshing salads like this Cucumber Avocado Salad.

I have made this simple salad several times over the last few weeks and each time I make it my daughter and husband dish out the compliments. They are currently the only salad eaters in the family (in addition to me) although my oldest son does like his veggies, just served in a more deconstructed version and not in salad form. I’m good with it.

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This recipe and post were created in partnership with Shuman Farms’ Real Sweet Vidalia Onions.

This Three Bean and Vidalia Onion Salad has to be one of my favorite salads to make when we are barbecuing over the summer.  It’s a classic salad that you probably have seen more than once on a salad bar – but homemade is so much better! Wow, can you taste the freshness. I love to add sweet Vidalia onions for extra flavor, especially when they are in season mid-April to early August.

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My sister in law sent me a pin of this recipe that she made and loved recently and I couldn’t get it out of my mind, it looked like my kind of soup. Of course, I don’t usually have the ingredients I need to make recipes when I’m ready to make them – let’s just say that I’m a natural and determined improviser when I’m hungry or in the mood to cook.

This Beef and Tomato Vegetable Soup is the perfect example of using whatever ingredients you have on hand to make something delicious and good for you too.

Cooking with Swiss Chard

I have been swooning over all the pretty Swiss chard I’ve been seeing in the grocery store and decided to add it to this soup. Swiss chard reminds me of my grandpa, he introduced it to me from his garden – he grew a ton of it every summer. I love how versatile it is, I tend to treat it like I do spinach or kale by adding it to soups like this or simply sautéing it as a side dish.

To prepare swiss card, simply fold longways and cut away the leafy part away from the stem. From there you can roll up the large chard leaves and slice into ribbons. Chop the stems separately. (Check out this post for a visual graphic on how to prepare swiss chard!)

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Click Here to Pin this Broccoli Salad recipe.

Whenever we get together at my parent’s house with my family for a barbecue during the summer, you can usually count on my mom making this broccoli raisin salad. It’s one of our favorites. My mom’s friend Trish first brought it over years ago and since then my mom has made it several times for our family.

What I love about this dish is it’s simplicity. It’s filled with just a handful of wholesome ingredients and can be made ahead, which makes it great for summer picnics, barbecues or pool days. It’s the perfect combination of flavors from sweet carrots and raisins (have you tried the Jumbo Raisin Medley from Trader Joe’s? Game changer.) to crunchy walnuts – and of course, plenty of broccoli.

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There are two foods my kids are obsessed with right now – potatoes and rice. This is a new thing for us. And it’s keeping things interesting for me because before this obsession I really didn’t cook potatoes and rice regularly. Now I find myself bookmarking recipes like this homemade rice-a-roni from Heather because I just know it will be a hit amongst the fam.

Now if I could get sweet potatoes onto this obsession wagon I would be a very happy cooking mama. Something about the orange is making the kiddos turn away from their plate. If they only knew and remembered how much they loved that weird orange food just a couple of years ago when they ate them all the time.

Oven Roasted Potatoes

There are a million ways you can season and roast potatoes in the oven. This little roasted red potatoes with smoked paprika recipe has become quite popular on Pinterest. I’ve made it plenty of times, as I have already made this dill version a few times in the past month. I like to change up the shape of how I’m cutting them (crinkle cut is fun like in my perfectly baked Italian herb French fries) as well as the combination of spices every time I cook them.

When you are cutting your potatoes make sure you are using a strong, sharp knife (like a chef’s knife or santuko knife). If you’re looking for a crinkle cutter to change up the shape of your fries, there are some great ones out there!

You all loved these grilled bison burgers, and that made me (and my hubby) happy. We think you’ll also love these potato wedges that are perfect alongside any burger you cook up this summer.

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When it comes to finding healthy fresh fish to use in recipes, you have a lot of choices. The Monterey Bay Aquarium compiled a comprehensive list of the healthiest fish choices that is a great guide to take with you to the grocery store. Almost all white fish fillets are considered healthier, primarily due to their low calorie count. Of course, how you prepare the fish has a strong bearing on its overall healthiness. For example, there isn’t any type of fish that will remain healthy after it has been battered, breaded, and deep fried. Deep fried fish and other deep fried foods are great for an occasional indulgence, but not something to be eaten every day.

You may already know that according to the American Heart Association, one of the keys to a nutritious diet includes eating fish twice a week. Fish are a lean, healthy source of protein. Oily fish and seafood, such as salmon, tuna, oysters, are also healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are essential for our brain and heart.

Unfortunately, our bodies can’t make Omega fats, so we rely on the health benefits of salmon and other oily seafood to provide them to us.

The greatest news is, these simple salmon recipes aren’t just healthy, they’re easy to make and delicious, too!

Our favorite fresh salmon recipes:

Grapefruit-Pistachio Crusted Salmon

The citrus flavor shines in this grapefruit-pistachio crusted salmon. Fresh grapefruit juice and crunchy pistachios add even more health benefits to this easy salmon recipe.

Salmon with Sweet Spicy Rub

Salmon with sweet spicy rub is an easy, healthy broiled salmon that is packed with flavor! This simple salmon recipe is the perfect way to introduce salmon to your family! 

Old Bay Salmon Cakes

This classic and easy recipe for Old Bay salmon cakes comes together in minutes. Serve these salmon cakes with lemon and a green salad for a light dinner.

Salmon and Veggie Stir Fry

This delicious salmon and veggie stir fry was on the menu during my 17 day diet. The crispy vegetables and flavorful salmon rock my world! Enjoy an easy dinner in 12 minutes!

There are some great ways to add flavor to salmon, without adding calories or unhealthy fats.

Citrus fruits, blackening, spice rubs, and the use of natural sweeteners (like honey) are all features found in these easy salmon recipes!

Almond Crusted Honey Mandarin Salmon

I think this almond crusted honey mandarin salmon is one of the most delicious easy salmon recipes you can make. Sweet, flaky salmon with a crunchy almond crust. You won’t have leftovers of this healthy meal!

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs

Get your breakfast or weekend brunch off on a healthy and delicious note by adding freshly smoked salmon to your scrambled eggs! Smoked salmon scrambled eggs is a decadent breakfast, made in just a few minutes.

Simple Salmon Salad

This simple salmon salad is a healthy and easy salmon recipe that’s a great twist to ordinary tuna salad. Works well using canned salmon or leftover salmon.

Smoked Salmon Frittata

This smoked salmon frittata recipe is inspired by a smoked salmon quiche I enjoyed while on a cruise. It’s healthier and lighter than quiche, but equally delicious!

Broiled Chipotle Salmon

Chipotle salmon is a healthy salmon recipe with big, bold flavors. Chipotle chiles and warm spices of cinnamon, allspice, and cumin give this salmon recipe extra health benefits.

Salmon Spinach Bake

Salmon spinach bake is a healthy baked salmon dinner that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This basic salmon recipe has a creamy Parmesan sauce that is beyond delicious! 

Cajun Baked Salmon Cakes

Baked salmon cakes are healthier than pan fried salmon cakes, and the Cajun flavors in this healthy salmon recipe won’t have you missing the oil at all.

Key West Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is a quick, flavorful, healthy dinner. This Key West grilled salmon recipe uses citrus and spices to amp up the flavor! This is one of my favorite easy salmon recipes!

Salmon Quinoa Cakes

Salmon quinoa cakes are quick and easy to make and packed with health benefits of salmon and quinoa. They are great to make for dinner or a make ahead meal for lunches or snacks. Easy salmon recipes don’t get better than the ones that allow you to create a delicious dinner in less than 20 minutes!

Creamy Salmon Pasta Salad

Creamy salmon pasta salad is a quick and easy salmon recipe, perfect for serving as a healthy main dish or side dish. Fresh salmon provides protein and healthy omega 3 fatty acids while reduced fat sour cream keeps this creamy salmon pasta salad lower in fat and calories. 

Chipotle Salmon Tacos

Chipotle salmon tacos will transform taco Tuesday! Broiled chipotle salmon, onion, cilantro, and cojita cheese wrapped into corn tortillas makes a healthy, easy, and delicious salmon dinner.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Tropical Fruit Salsa

Using wood planks to grill salmon gives them an incredible flavor and keeps the recipes healthy, too. The tropical fruit salsa on this cedar plank grilled salmon is beyond delicious, too!

Orange Glazed Salmon with Stir Fried Veggies

When it comes to easy salmon recipes, this orange glazed salmon ranks right up on the top. This flavorful stir fry comes together in about 15 minutes!

Blackened Salmon Fajita Bowls

Blackened salmon fajita bowls cook on the grill quickly and easily. This flavorful healthy grilling recipe is perfect for making a quick dinner in the summer. It’s one of my favorite easy salmon recipes!

Healthy Broiled Salmon Gyros

Broiled salmon gyros are a healthy twist on traditional lamb or chicken gyros, using broiled salmon, fresh veggies and Greek yogurt dip tzatziki sauce.

Blackened Salmon with Citrus Salsa

Blackened Salmon with Citrus Salsa is the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. Simple to prepare, this makes a fresh, light dinner, perfect for weeknights! Definitely one of my favorite easy salmon recipes!

Blackened Salmon Salad

Blackened salmon salad is a delicious twist from ordinary tuna salad. This easy salmon recipe makes a great addition to a tossed salad, or add to pita or whole grain bread to make a healthy lunch box sandwich.

Now that you know the health benefits of salmon and you have plenty of easy salmon recipes to make, the only thing left to do is to decide which you’ll make first!

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Well, I’ve officially entered the part of summer where I don’t want to cook anymore. It’s so hot out and I’m kinda tired!

The last thing I want to do is spend time over a stove in the kitchen. I’ve declared somewhat of a kitchen strike this past weekend and I am trying my hardest to come up with a plan for this week to keep it as simple as possible as far as dinnertime goes. I’ve always said the slow cooker (this is the one I use) is my friend in the summer (side note: so is this panini press – paninis all summer long!) and I’m going to put it to good use this week, making this slow cooker shredded chicken for starters.

I try to cook extra chicken most weeks so that I can have it on hand to use in soup, salad, sandwiches or endless Mexican dishes. Sometimes I cook it in the slow cooker but if I’m in a pinch I’ll grab a rotisserie at the grocery store and use that instead.

Either way, having shredded chicken prepped is a lifesaver when you’re trying to eat well and feed a family (and not eat out every night). Here is a great post on how to cook shredded chicken that I think you will find helpful as well!

For a little inspiration, I’ve put together a great roundup of healthy recipes using shredded chicken…add to the list and let me know what you like to make with shredded chicken in the comment section. Have a great week!

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