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17 Mediterranean Diet Recipes to Use Up Summer Tomatoes
Samira Vishwas | August 17, 2026 2:24 AM CST

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.

There’s no better time to cook with tomatoes than during summer. These Mediterranean diet recipes let the seasonal staple shine in everything from fresh salads to hearty dinners, pairing ripe tomatoes with other vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and healthy fats. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a colorful dish to share, our Roasted Tomato, Eggplant & Orzo Casserole and Tomato Crunch Salad are delicious ways to enjoy every last summer tomato.

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High-Protein Chicken, Zucchini & Tomato Bake Is the Perfect Summer Dinner

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.

This one-skillet chicken bake is packed with summer vegetables and comes together with the help of microwavable brown rice for an easy weeknight dinner. A sprinkle of Parmesan turns golden under the broiler, creating a cheesy topping that brings all the fresh flavors together.

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02 of 17

High-Protein Tomato Sandwich Is the Best Lunch for Summer

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

Tomatoes shine in this simple sandwich. Cottage cheese adds protein to make this recipe a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Feel free to add other veggies if you want—cucumber, red onion or spinach would all be delicious.

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03 of 17

Corn Salad with Tomatoes & Feta Is an Easy Summer Side

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree.

This easy corn salad is bursting with fresh summer flavor. Be sure to let the salad sit for 10 minutes—this step allows the onion to soften slightly and the tomatoes to release their juices, leading to a more flavorful salad. Serve alongside your favorite grilled protein.

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04 of 17

Roasted Tomato, Eggplant & Orzo Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Dera Burreson.
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Dera Burreson.

Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature gives this hearty vegetarian casserole deep, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Whole-wheat orzo cooks directly in the baking dish, soaking up the savory broth for a comforting one-pan dinner finished with creamy feta and fresh basil.

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05 of 17

Tomato Toast with Basil Butter

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.

Peak-season tomatoes don’t need much to shine. This simple tomato toast pairs juicy heirloom tomatoes with a rich basil-Parmesan butter for a fresh, flavorful lunch, light dinner or hearty snack that’s ready in just 10 minutes.

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06 of 17

Skillet Gnocchi with Tomatoes & Spinach

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This five-ingredient gnocchi dinner is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Shelf-stable gnocchi becomes golden and crisp in the pan before being tossed with a simple sauce of tomatoes, spinach and garlic. A dollop of creamy ricotta on top adds richness and balances the bright, savory flavors.

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07 of 17

Tomato Crunch Salad

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen.

This vibrant tomato salad is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, pairing juicy tomatoes with a tangy lime–fish sauce dressing. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood or rice dishes for a fresh and complete summer meal.

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08 of 17

Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This high-protein cucumber-tomato salad gets a creamy upgrade with a blended cottage cheese dressing. Fresh herbs, lemon and garlic add bright, savory flavor, while chickpeas and feta boost the protein to make it more satisfying than a typical side. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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09 of 17

Tomato-Lentil Ratatouille Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This one-skillet dish is inspired by classic ratatouille, combining tender vegetables with hearty lentils in a rich tomato base. Precooked lentils keep the recipe quick while adding plant-based protein and fiber. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying, vegetable-forward entree that works well for weeknights.

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10 of 17

Cheesy Chicken, Tomato & Broccoli Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.

This cheesy chicken casserole is a cozy, veggie-packed dinner that comes together with the help of a few convenient ingredients. Precooked quinoa and brown rice keep prep minimal, while broccoli, tomatoes and melty mozzarella make it hearty and satisfying for an easy weeknight meal.

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11 of 17

Tomato-Egg Salad Sandwich

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This tomato and egg salad sandwich is a quick, satisfying option for lunch. Creamy egg salad made with yogurt keeps it light, while fresh tomato adds juiciness and flavor. Served on whole-grain bread, it’s a simple, balanced meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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12 of 17

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Chickpeas & Tomatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These stuffed sweet potatoes are topped with a savory chickpea and tomato mixture that cooks down to a thick, jammy consistency. A simple garlic-yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

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13 of 17

Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh salad highlights crisp vegetables and creamy white beans tossed in a vibrant chive vinaigrette. Blending the dressing creates a smooth, herb-forward sauce that evenly coats every bite. Served over tender baby kale, this quick entree is light, satisfying and packed with plant-based nutrients.

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14 of 17

Cucumber, Avocado, Tomato & Goat Cheese Sandwich

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This Cucumber, Avocado, Tomato & Goat Cheese Sandwich is a fresh, veggie-packed option that comes together in just 15 minutes. A creamy blend of goat cheese, yogurt and dill adds tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and juicy tomato for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

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15 of 17

Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Arugula-Tomato Salad

Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.

This easy chicken dinner is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken thighs are cooked until golden, then coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They’re served over a crisp arugula and tomato salad. It’s a simple dinner for two that tastes delicious and comes together quickly.

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16 of 17

Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.

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Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist:Hannah Greenwood
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist:Hannah Greenwood

This creamy tomato-chicken pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken breast is baked along with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy Boursin cheese for a rich, herby sauce. The chicken is shredded and returned to the dish with cooked pasta and fresh basil, then baked with fontina cheese on top until bubbly. This easy pasta bake is a complete meal that delivers big flavor.

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