Plus, they’relower in saturated fat and sodiumtwo nutrients people with high blood pressure need to be aware of.

Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special.

Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.

chunky black bean salsa with corn & bell pepper

Photo: Fred Hardy

Serve this smashed cucumber salad at a summer cookout alongside burgers and hot dogs.

It would be equally delicious tossed with a classic creamy dressing.

Air-Fryer Eggplant

This air-fryer eggplant is crispy on the outside with a tender middle.

plate with microgreens, radishes, avocado

you’ve got the option to fit more slices in the basket when you use smaller eggplant.

Dip these crispy slices in marinara or pesto, or drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb the complex flavors of the dressing.

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Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Give classic pasta salad a fresher, more flavorful spin.

This fast pasta dish calls for avocado to replace some of the mayonnaise, which makes it extra creamy.

Zucchini & Mushroom Saute

Serve this simple side dish with grilled turkey burgers.

Blueberry Peach Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Jacob Fox

Other fresh herbs, like thyme or oregano, work well too.

bowl of Smashed Cucumber Salad with Lemon & Cumin

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air fryer eggplant

Jacob Fox

spicy cucumber salad with chili oil

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Emily Nabors Hall

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