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RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Casual summer dining sometimes feels anything but, if it means you have to spend time toiling in a hot kitchen while guests and family hang out on the patio. To spare yourself the stress, consider these five appetizer recipes for you next picnic, potluck, or pool party.

# 1. Best from-the-Backyard: Tomato Salad
Don’t know what to do with all those heirloom tomatoes you’re starting to harvest? Showing off your growing skills with this quick, easy and uber-healthful salad (lycopene, a nutrient abundant in tomatoes, has been shown to protect against both heart disease and cancer). Cut 1 pound of tomatoes into half-inch-thick slices. Arrange on a plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Top with 2 ounces fresh goat cheese; 12 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar; and fresh, cracked pepper. 209 calories per serving