For a lighter, fresher take on Chicken Parmesan, swap out the marinara and mozzarella for a juicy salad of fresh summer tomatoes.

Caprese salad is simplicity – sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil – so make it when the ingredients are at their peak. I’ve added balsamic-glazed grilled chicken to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.

The colors of the Italian flag are on display atop a Margherita Pizza – this simple and yet perfectly complete combination of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

All the flavors of an Italian sub – and the colors of the Italian flag – in a light and fresh, veggie-packed, main dish Italian Pasta salad.

In this easy chopped salad, chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados and Jack cheese are tossed with a homemade chili ranch dressing and a garnish of crumbled tortilla chips.

Get your veggies and then some in this thick and hearty minestrone soup, crammed with nine varieties of vegetables plus pasta and savory chicken meatballs in a flavorful broth perked up with V8.

The olives may be missing from this Not Quite Nicoise Salad, but it’s still got plenty going on, with tuna, egg, potatoes, green beans, and a zingy Dijon-spiked dressing.

Extra thick, slightly spicy, and brightened with basil, Tomato Basil Soup is a grilled cheese’s perfect partner.

There’s nothing wrong with sauce from a jar, but this thick, herb-flecked marinara sauce is surprisingly quick and easy to make, with a depth of flavor that blows the jarred stuff away.

The last tomatoes of summer are cradled in a silky custard and layered with sausage, leeks, and mozzarella cheese in this beautiful and savory Heirloom Tomato Pie.