Tak a trip to the local farmers market

Stop at the farm stand and let Mother Nature cater your next backyard bash—or supply goodies you can take to a summer outdoor party. The list is luscious and endless: sweet watermelon, heavenly peaches, juicy vine-ripe tomatoes, farm-fresh corn, gorgeous berries.The tastiest summer foods look beautiful, pack nutrients that keep you healthy, and won't pad your waistline. Even better: they're so perfect that little preparation is required.Try sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of chopped fresh basil; green beans and steamed red bliss potatoes in a light vinaigrette; skewers of zucchini, onions, and eggplant for the grill; or steamed, sliced carrots dressed with a barely-there sweet-and-sour dressing and a hint of dill or mint.These options are the perfect alternatives to creamy, calorie-dense, been-there-eaten-that barbecue side dishes such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, and potato salad