These stuffed zucchini boats are filled with savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, tender vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese for an easy dinner that is hearty, naturally lower carb, and one of the very best ways to use up summer zucchini.

Every spring growing up my dad was in charge of tilling the garden and mom would plant. Then we’d spend all summer weeding that thing clear through harvest. I hated it. I didn’t like tomatoes or zucchini. In fact the only vegetable I’d eat was corn, and can we really call that nutrition?

The only good thing about zucchini was mom would let us make zucchini boats and float them in the big utility sink in the mud room. I wonder if kids are struggling these days because they are missing out on both the confidence from hard work and the peace from the simplest things in life.

This year we are planting a garden and since I’ve learned to not merely tolerate but absolutely love vegetables I thought it was high time to show off just how delicious they can be! These zucchini boats are not only good, they are an entire meal in one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These stuffed zucchini boats use simple ingredients that come together for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner that feels comforting while still being packed with vegetables.

• Zucchinis: The perfect tender veggie base that holds all the delicious Italian filling while baking up soft and flavorful.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the zucchini and sausage filling.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and vegetables.
• Mild Italian Sausage: Adds hearty savory flavor with classic Italian seasoning already built in.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Brings warm herby flavor that makes the filling taste extra comforting.
• Sweet Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks down.
• Garlic: Adds bold savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and texture to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings everything together with rich tomato flavor and keeps the filling moist and hearty.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey cheesy perfection over the zucchini boat

Every August my mom would start looking around the kitchen wondering what she was going to do with all the zucchini coming out of the garden. There were only so many loaves of zucchini bread we could eat, so she’d pull out this creamy zucchini corn chowder recipe instead.

Our Summer Zucchini Corn Chowder is loaded with sweet fresh corn, tender zucchini, potatoes, smoky bacon, and herbs, and it’s become one of those end-of-summer dinners I look forward to every year. If you’re swimming in zucchini and fresh corn, this is the recipe you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this soup is that it uses so many fresh summer ingredients. Sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash, fresh herbs, and smoky bacon all come together to create a fresh corn chowder with zucchini that’s hearty enough for dinner but still tastes bright and fresh.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, savory flavor throughout the chowder, plus a crispy topping for serving.
• Yellow Onion: Builds the aromatic base of the chowder as it softens in the bacon grease.
• Celery: Adds a subtle, savory depth and a bit of texture to the base.
• Garlic: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that rounds out the onion and celery.
• Zucchini: The star of the show and the whole reason for this recipe. It softens beautifully into the chowder while adding fresh, garden flavor.
• Yellow Squash: Adds even more of that fresh summer squash flavor and a pop of color alongside the zucchini.
• Smoked Paprika: Reinforces the smoky flavor from the bacon.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch adds warmth and depth to the creamy broth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle background heat that balances the sweetness of the corn.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings an earthy, herby note that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, bright flavor to round everything out.
• Russet Potatoes: Add heartiness and help thicken the chowder as they cook.
• Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn kernels (and the cobs themselves!) bring natural sweetness and the best flavor. Using the c

This fresh pineapple salsa recipe is sweet, zesty, slightly spicy, and bursting with juicy tropical flavor. Made with fresh pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and crisp peppers, it’s the perfect salsa for chips, tacos, grilled chicken, seafood, and summer BBQs.

It only takes a few minutes to make, but somehow tastes like the kind of thing you’d order at a beachside restaurant on vacation.

We used to think homemade salsa was too much work until we finally found a few fresh salsa recipes we absolutely loved. Turns out, once you start making salsa at home, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.

Now we keep this pineapple salsa on repeat all summer long alongside our restaurant-style salsa, authentic salsa verde, and mango salsa.

This pineapple salsa is especially delicious for taco night, grilling season, pool parties, and easy summer appetizers.

What Does Pineapple Salsa Taste Like?

Pineapple salsa is sweet, fresh, tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly refreshing. The juicy pineapple balances perfectly with the jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and crisp vegetables.

It’s especially delicious paired with smoky grilled meats and seafood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this pineapple jalapeño salsa:

• Fresh Pineapple: The sweet juicy base of the salsa. Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp savory flavor and crunch.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright fresh flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds freshness and crisp texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and crunch.
• Jalapeño: Adds fresh heat and balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Cumin: Adds warm earthy flavor and gives the salsa a subtle smoky depth.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and keeps the salsa tasting fresh.

How to Pick a Ripe Pineapple

• Color: Look for golden yellow color on the outside.
• Smell: Smell the

If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a neighborhood cookout, or feeding a crowd before the fireworks start, these 4th of July recipes are guaranteed to make the day delicious.

From juicy burgers and smoky BBQ favorites to creamy pasta salads, irresistible dips, and patriotic desserts, this list has everything you need for the ultimate summer menu.

Main Dishes (Grilling + BBQ Favorites)

No 4th of July menu is complete without something sizzling on the grill. These BBQ favorites are smoky, juicy, and made for summer cookouts, backyard parties, and feeding hungry crowds.

If you’ve been boiling corn the same way forever, this simple trick will change everything. This is the best method for how to cook corn on the cob! The best way to boil corn is to not boil it at all. The corn ends up tender, bright yellow, and still hot when you are ready to eat it.

So, I started cooking corn on the stove top and then realized the meat was too far out from being done. So I turned off the corn, put a lid on it and then like many moms, I forgot that I hadn’t finished cooking it. I opened the lid, and lo and behold, it was so hot, the kernels bright yellow, I decided to go with it and IT WAS AMAZING!! Two years later I’m still doing it and Serious Eats put out an Instagram reel validating me!

How to Cook Corn on the Cob

1. Put the husked ears of corn in a large pot of cold water. Start heating the water with medium-high heat.
2. Check the temperature of the water with a thermometer. Once the temperature reaches 180-185℉, place a lid on the pot and turn off the heat.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Serve while it’s hot with butter and salt and pepper.

How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob

This will be a little misleading but I always plan on 30 minutes for the corn, but hands-on time is only about 5 minutes. I start it first and then let it cook while I work on the rest of dinner.

Why This Method Works

• Prevents overcooking
• Keeps kernels juicy and tender
• Allows flexibility if you’re cooking other dishes
• Works perfectly for feeding a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Corn: Fresh ears of corn on the cob are the star here—look for bright green husks and plump kernels for the best flavor.
• Water: Just enough to fully submerge the corn so it cooks evenly.
• Butter: Melts beautifully over the hot corn and adds rich, classic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.

Tips for the Best Boiled Corn

• Don’t let it boil – The magic of this method is stopping before a full boil to prevent tough, overcooked kernels.
• Use a thermometer if you can – Hitting that 180–185°F range makes all the difference.
• Keep the lid on – This traps heat and gently finishes cooking the corn.
• Start it first – This method is super forgiving, so it can sit while you finish the rest of dinner.
• Use fresh corn when possible – The sweeter and fresher the corn, the better the final result.

Do You Add Sugar or Salt to the Water?

I don’t add anything to the water, and honestly, you don’t need it. Fresh corn is naturally sweet, and this gentle cooking method helps preserve that flavor without any extras.