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While fries might be our guilty pleasure, there are so many ways to enjoy potatoes in all their glory, from golden-fried latkes to loaded sweet potato fries and beyond. You can even make indulgent soups from the tuber that are basically an excuse to eat cheesy, creamy carbs. But when warm weather hits and you don’t feel like eating big, heavy meals, it’s time to use potatoes in a new way. These 15 surprisingly light and healthy potato recipes will ensure that you can get your spud fix even on the hottest days of the year.
Pesto Zoodles With Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes
Add some oomph to your zoodles with an unlikely ingredient: potatoes. Throw in some broccoli and toss with pesto, and dinner’s on the table. (via Heart & Stove)
Pan Roasted Potato Salad With Corn and Bacon
Grilled corn adds a pleasant sweetness to this dish. Its smokiness pairs perfectly with bacon, which loads this mayo-free potato and pea shoot salad with flavor. (via Hungry Couple NYC)
Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi
Not all veggie sushi is created equal. This recipe takes it to the next level, thanks to a filling of cucumber and creamy roasted sweet potatoes. (via The Green Creator)
Greek Potato Wedges With Whipped Herb Feta
Whipped, herbed feta is the easiest way to make your classic oven fries a little more worthy of dinner. The potatoes themselves are tossed with herbs and lemon juice, then baked until crispy on the outside and fluffy within. (via No Spoon Necessary)
Roasted Potatoes With Cilantro Pesto
Roasted potatoes seem like a dish best served alongside a big chunk of meat. But toss them with a grassy cilantro pesto, and they become a fresh vegetarian summer entree instead of a stodgy side. (via Healing Tomato)
Banh Mi Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Forget the butter, sour cream, and cheese and use banh mi ingredients to stuff a healthy baked sweet potato instead. (via The Kitchen Prep)
Mom’s Parsley Potato Salad
This potato salad, loaded with herbs and capers, is a lightened-up take on the mayo-heavy classic that’s great on its own or served with grilled chicken or fish. (via The Iron You)
Spring Greens and New Potato Salad
Vegan and gluten-free meals that don’t skimp on flavor are always good to have up your sleeve. This recipe, with mixed greens, tender new potatoes, and a simple vinaigrette, is perfect for steamy summer nights. (via The Last Cookie)
Italian Potato Salad
Protein-filled meals don’t have to be heavy. This fresh salad is loaded with vegetables and herbs, but tuna (canned in olive oil) and hard-boiled eggs make it a substantial meal too. (via Pinch and Swirl)
Honey Mustard Chicken and Potato Foil Packets
When the weather gets too hot, take the cooking outside. Wrap up potatoes and chicken in foil packets with a tangy vinaigrette for a meal that practically makes and cleans up after itself. (via The Salty Marshmallow)
Vegan Malaga Salad
Popular in Spain, this potato salad is different than what you might be used to. Instead of mayo, it’s tossed with a tahini salad dressing, and the potatoes are joined by oranges, green olives, and nori, so each bite is a balance of savory, salty, and sweet. (via Simple Vegan Blog)
Fingerling Potato Salad With Veggies
Fingerling potatoes are downright buttery, adding an indulgent feel to even healthy dishes like this. Pair with some fresh local veggies, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy vinaigrette for a meal that won’t leave you feeling tired and bloated. (via Olive Oil and Lemons)
Smashed Potatoes With Chimichurri
Baked, smashed, then baked again, these potatoes get deliciously crispy. Smother them with bright and vibrant chimichurri for a festive dinner side dish. (via Lively Table)
Paleo Sweet Potato Salsa Chicken
You won’t have to turn on the oven on hot nights, thanks to this quick skillet meal. It combines chicken with sweet potato, veggies, and salsa for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. (via What’s the Oven on For?)
Dill Pesto Potato Wedge Salad
Buttery, tender lettuce is just one component of this star salad. Fragrant dill pesto coats every bite, from the ribbons of zucchini to tender wedges of potato. (via Cotter Crunch)