I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite Mediterranean-Diet Dinners for Summer

I love all of the seasons, but summer is hard to beat. The weather is warm, my garden is thriving and there's an abundance of seasonal produce to choose from. I relish the asparagus, fresh greens and radishes until they make way for tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers. And there are few simple pleasures that match eating a fresh ear of corn (which also makes a great affordable side). I turn to recipes like Caprese Turkey Burgers and Sesame Kohlrabi & Chicken Salad again and again because they provide me with creative and delicious ways to utilize some of my favorite summer veg while staying within my budget. Not to mention, they showcase staple foods in the Mediterranean diet, like fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Dinners like this show that following the healthiest eating pattern around can be accessible, no matter your budget or flavor preferences. Whether you feel a gravitational pull to the grill (like I do) or daydream about a veggie-packed casserole, there's something for you on this list. For more budget-friendly and beginner cooking tips, recipes and more, check out Thrifty.