7 Secrets I Learned While Working at Costco

Earlier this month, Costco made headlines for bumping up its minimum wage to at least $14 an hour. That’s great news for its 130,000 hourly workers, even if it’s not a huge surprise. The warehouse store has a reputation for treating its workers generously, a policy I observed while working at the warehouse store in 2015. (Your Costco card means benefits for you, too!)

In many ways, it’s as enjoyable a place to work as it is to shop. Here are a few of the things I learned on my journey:

1. Employees enjoy plenty of benefits.

Costco now sets its minimum wage for hourly employees at $14 an hour. That’s in addition to offering benefits like healthcare for all employees, regardless of part-time vs. full-time status.

While I was at Costco, they gave employees complimentary memberships to the store. Each employee also got a free turkey to enjoy with their families on Thanksgiving. And to top things off, Costco paid employees time and a half just for working on Sundays.

2. Costco is a great destination for health food.

People who haven’t shopped at warehouse clubs might expect the “buy in bulk” mentality to mean the aisles are lined with junk food. While Costco does sell things like cookies and candy bars, there are plenty of health options, if that’s what you’re looking for. Greek yogurt, coconut water, protein powder and lean meats are just some of the things that line the shelves at Costco. And the produce section is filled with delicious apples, bananas, berries, salads and more. Stock up on ingredients for these quick healthy dinners.

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Flavorful Chicken Fajitas Total Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, flour tortillas, bell peppers, onion Level: Intermediate Go to Recipe These chicken fajitas will definitely become a staple in your home. You'll be shocked at how quickly this healthy dinner recipe comes together! This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Recipe contributor Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

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Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet SupperTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Italian turkey meatballs, reduced-sodium chicken broth, tomatoes, cannellini beans Level: Intermediate

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This weeknight dinner has all the works. The beans and artichokes are a great way to sneak in veggies, especially if you have little ones. I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Recipe contributor Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Shrimp Orzo with FetaTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Whole wheat orzo pasta, shrimp, feta cheese Level: Intermediate

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A good orzo recipe sticks with you forever, and this one will easily claim a spot in your heart—but mostly your stomach! The feta cheese really brings this dish together. Check out these heart-healthy suppers that will have both your heart and your taste buds thanking you. Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Recipe contributor Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Herbed Balsamic ChickenTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Balsamic vinegar, basil, chives, lemon zest, garlic, chicken thighs Level: Intermediate

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This healthy dinner recipe is for those with cramped kitchens and a grill outside. The chicken tastes refreshing and is best served with a big salad. Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Recipe contributor Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

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Mediterranean Pork and OrzoTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, orzo pasta, spinach, feta cheese Level: Intermediate

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This quick Mediterranean meal is mostly flavored with tomatoes and feta cheese. You can season the pork to your taste or even substitute the pork for chicken thighs. On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Recipe contributor Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

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Healthy Chicken with Mushroom SauceTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, mushrooms, fat-free milk Level: Intermediate

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This healthy dinner recipe is on par with what you'd get at a restaurant. It's simple and accessible to everyone. Don't be afraid to season the chicken before cooking. It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana

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Creamy Pasta PrimaveraTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Gemelli or spiral pasta, asparagus, carrots, cherry tomatoes, heavy whipping cream Level: Intermediate

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This springtime dish looks beautiful on any dinner table. The parmesan cream sauce pleasantly seasons the vegetables. Adding a protein is optional, but we recommend shrimp or chicken sausage. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, shallots, spinach, white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat sour cream Level: Intermediate

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If you have a bigger family or just a penchant for leftovers, this speedy dinner is the one for you. The side dish and main course cook together, leaving you more time to go about your day. What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Recipe contributor Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Fresh Corn and Tomato FettuccineTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Whole wheat fettuccine, sweet corn, tomatoes, feta cheese Level: Intermediate

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This dinner is fresh, light and perfect for days when you have a late lunch. It can be served hot or cold and is great either way. This recipe combines delicious, whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it a bite. —Recipe contributor Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Cheeseburger Macaroni SkilletTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, whole wheat elbow macaroni, reduced-fat cheddar cheese Level: Intermediate

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Who said cheeseburgers and mac and cheese couldn't be healthy? This one-skillet dinner is a hit with kids and adults. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Cheeseburger macaroni is the ultimate simple and fulfilling dinner that uses items I typically have in my cupboard. It's so easy to prepare, and cooking it all in one skillet makes it a snap for cleanup. —Recipe contributor Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

Asian Chicken Rice BowlTotal Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: Brown rice, rotisserie chicken, rice vinegar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil Level: Beginner

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When you have a knack for something savory but light, try this healthy dinner recipe. Bursting with flavor, this recipe uses rice vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil for a well-done dressing. This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Recipe contributor Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York

Skillet Sea ScallopsTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Bread crumbs, sea scallops, white wine, lemon juice Level: Intermediate

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The breadcrumbs make the scallops crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're simple, addictive and don't require eggs to coat! Zoodles and mixed greens nicely complement the tender and citrusy scallops. You'll want to slip this recipe into the front of your last-minute guests file. —Recipe contributor Margaret E. Lowenberg, Kingman, Arizona

Sausage & Vegetable Skillet DinnerTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Italian chicken sausage links, red potatoes, frozen corn Level: Intermediate

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You can't go wrong with sausage and potatoes. This dish relies on simple but strong flavors like garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before leaving town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Weeknight Chicken Chop SueyTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, carrots, water chestnuts, tart apple Level: Intermediate

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This chop suey-inspired meal uses fruit instead of vegetables. The colorful outcome is sweetened with apples and pineapples. If you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noodles. —Recipe contributor George Utley, South Hill, Virginia

California Burger WrapsTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, Bibb lettuce leaves, avocado Level: Intermediate

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Lettuce wraps are the holy grail for those who like extra crunch in their meals. You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey for an even healthier spin. I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Recipe contributor Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa

Pesto Corn Salad with ShrimpTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Sweet corn, shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes Level: Intermediate

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Running out of ways to make shrimp? This healthy dinner recipe is great for a sunny day. Corn, tomatoes and basil shine in this pesto salad. This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Recipe contributor Deena Bowen, Chico, California

Lemon-Parsley Baked CodTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Lemon juice, cod fillets, parsley, lemon zest Level: Intermediate

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Fish recipes, especially healthy cod recipes, seem difficult with kids or picky eaters. But rest easy, because this lemon cod is simple, easy and enjoyed by all. We recommend fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the codfish some oomph. —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri ChickenTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Pineapple, cilantro, parsley, chicken breast Level: Intermediate

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This Latin American-inspired dish uses a sweet and tart twist by adding pineapple to the plate. If you're looking for a well-marinated chicken dish, this recipe is a must-try! Classic chimichurri gets a Hawaiian twist thanks to pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a spicier version, substitute red serrano pepper for the bell pepper. —Recipe contributor Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Hawaiian Pork ChopsTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Pork loin chops, green pepper, onion, unsweetened pineapple chunks Level: Intermediate

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Think deconstructed Hawaiian pizza. The pork chops are served on a bed of pineapple and green pepper. It's sweet, savory and a soon-to-be family favorite. Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? This is one of my husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. It's so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. —Recipe contributor Michelle Cavalier, Hampton, Virginia

Pesto Vegetable PizzaTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Thin pizza crust, pesto sauce, spinach, mushrooms, part-skim mozzarella cheese Level: Intermediate

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This pizza is so fresh you won't even think about takeout. With mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes, every bite packs a punch. My family loves pizza night, but we have rarely ordered takeout since I created this fresh and flavorful version. It is a fast and scrumptious meal that is always a winner in my house. —Recipe contributor Kate Selner, Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Baked Lemon HaddockTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Haddock fillets, dry bread crumbs, lemon zest Level: Intermediate

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This baked haddock is crunchy and buttery—everything you'd want from fish. The lemon and garlic work together as the best flavor combination. It'd go great with any of these healthy side dishes. After testing out many fish recipes, I've decided this baked haddock version is the best. The mix of crunchy topping and lemon is just delicious. —Recipe contributor Jean Ann Perkins, Newburyport, Maryland

Chicken and Broccoli with Dill SauceTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, broccoli florets, dill Level: Intermediate

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This dish is made complete with a side of brown rice or couscous. Make use of the dill from your garden and try out this tasty recipe! You'll turn the most stubborn broccoli haters on their heads. I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Recipe contributor Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California

Spinach QuesadillasTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Flour tortillas, spinach, reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican cheese blend Level: Intermediate

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Quesadilla night is always the best night. Dipped in sour cream, these cheesy spinach and tomato quesadillas are a dream. My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Recipe contributor Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri

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Healthy Peanut Chicken Stir-FryTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Thick rice noodles, reduced-sodium soy sauce, peanut butter, chicken breasts Level: Intermediate

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This healthy dish is not only pretty to look at, but it also has the perfect flavor profile. It's a bit sweet from the peanut butter and brown sugar and then packs a bit of heat through the red pepper flakes. You can double the sauce depending on your preference. Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Recipe contributor Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin

Ginger Salmon with Green BeansTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Gingerroot, salmon fillets, green beans Level: Advanced

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This lemon, garlic and honey salmon is served with green beans. This pairing is great for a quick and light dinner. You'll come back to the lemon dressing again and again. I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Recipe contributor Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Spicy Beef Vegetable StewTotal Time: 15 minutes Main Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, pasta sauce, beef bouillon Level: Beginner

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This healthy dinner recipe is contingent on what jarred meatless pasta sauce you use, so be sure to use your favorite! What makes this dish spicy is a can of green chiles. If that's not your preference, adjust accordingly. This zesty ground beef and vegetable soup is flavorful and comes together so quickly. It makes a complete meal when served with warm cornbread, sourdough or French bread, if you can squeak in a few more calories. —Recipe contributor Lynnette Davis, Tullahoma, Tennessee

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Pork Chops with Nectarine SalsaTotal Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: Pork loin chops, salsa, nectarines Level: Beginner

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The sweet, fruity salsa balances the spicy pork rub in this delightful dinner. You can choose either sliced peaches or nectarines for the base. My special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. —Recipe contributor Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

Red Pepper & Parmesan TilapiaTotal Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, tilapia fillets Level: Beginner

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This tilapia is a go-to recipe. The old reliable of dinners, if you will. A little spicy, a little cheesy, it really has it all. My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one's a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties too. It's become a staple! —Recipe contributor Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina

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Healthier-than-Egg RollsTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Lean ground chicken, coleslaw mix, sweet-and-sour sauce, brown rice Level: Intermediate

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The best part of takeout is the egg rolls. But when you're feeling like a home-cooked meal, egg rolls can prove rather tricky to make. This recipe takes the hard part of frying out of the equation, but leaves all of the taste. Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Recipe contributor Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas

Black Bean & Corn QuinoaTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Frozen corn, quinoa, black beans Level: Intermediate

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This is quinoa done right! This black bean and corn dinner can be topped with avocado or cheese. To avoid mushy quinoa, measure your ingredients accurately and avoid excess liquid. Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Recipe contributor Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

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Beef & Spinach Lo MeinTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Beef top round steak, spaghetti, spinach, hoisin sauce Level: Intermediate

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This stir fry will satisfy all your needs. If you like it saucy, double or even triple the amount of sauce. You can add more vegetables, too, like broccoli or mushrooms. If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Recipe contributor Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

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Curry ShrimpTotal Time: 15 minutes Main Ingredients: Shrimp, curry powder, fat-free plain Greek yogurt Level: Beginner

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Curry powder and Greek yogurt are the stars of this Indian-inspired curry shrimp. This is a nice change of pace from classic shrimp recipes that hopefully acts as the catalyst to trying more Indian dinners. I created this Indian-style shrimp while entertaining some friends, one of our favorite things to do. It works on the stovetop or the grill. —Recipe contributor Shana Conradt, Appleton, Wisconsin

Bean BurritosTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Vegetarian refried beans, salsa, long grain rice, cheddar cheese, flour tortillas Level: Intermediate

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Cheesy bean burritos are the ultimate comfort food. The six-ingredient dinner is great for a busy weekday or when you want to take a load off. I always have the ingredients for this cheesy burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime. —Recipe contributor Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered ChickenTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, spinach, chicken breast Level: Intermediate

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When a recipe has "smothered" in the title, you know that it's going to be a good one. The chicken sits under a layer of melted cheese in a dish that comes together quickly for a nice family dinner. Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Recipe contributor Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri

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Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic SauceTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Pork loin chops, honey, garlic clove Level: Intermediate

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You're going to want to make extra honey-garlic sauce for dipping! This five-ingredient dish can be served with green beans or rice pilaf. The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good that I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggies we have on the side. —Recipe contributor Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland

Black Bean Chicken with RiceTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, black beans, brown rice Level: Intermediate

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You'll wonder why you haven't made this healthy dinner already. This spicy dish can be served with tortilla chips or a guacamole salad. It can even be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Recipe contributor Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon

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Grilled Garden Veggie PizzaTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Whole wheat pizza crust, zucchini, summer squash, part-skim mozzarella cheese Level: Intermediate

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The great thing about pizza is that anything goes. The topping can range from fruits and veggies to meat to dessert. This healthy dinner recipe relies on your garden's bounty, so pile on anything you've got. I created this recipe one summer to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Recipe contributor Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pizza in a BowlTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Pizza sauce, pepperoni, ground beef, condensed cream of mushroom soup, rigatoni Level: Intermediate

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The title really says it all! This meal is put together in a flash, and if you double the recipe, you can impress your friends at any potluck. On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Recipe contributor Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

Naked Fish TacosTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Tilapia fillets, coleslaw mix, jalapeno pepper, avocado Level: Intermediate

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These naked fish tacos bring forth the joys of eating fish tacos without any of the mess. This tortilla-less meal can be served with rice or corn if you want it to be a little more filling. This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Avocado Crab BoatsTotal Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: Avocados, crabmeat, capers, pepper jack cheese, serrano pepper Level: Beginner

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These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. They'd make an excellent addition to any picnic or potluck too. You can even try these with shrimp instead of crab. Straight from the oven or cold, these avocado crab boats are always delicious. —Recipe contributor Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

Shrimp with Warm German-Style ColeslawTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Bacon, shrimp, rice or multigrain medley, green cabbage, carrot Level: Intermediate

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With fennel and tarragon, this is a savory and tangy dish. Normally, shrimp and coleslaw isn't the first combination you'd think of, but the pairing resembles that of a deconstructed shrimp taco. You can even use chicken in place of shrimp. We love anything that is tangy or has bacon. With fennel and tarragon, this is a super savory dish. I use the medley from Minute Rice if I don't have time to make my own. —Recipe contributor Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Skillet Beef TamalesTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, corn tortillas, salsa, corn Level: Intermediate

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Your kids will love this easy and cheesy dinner. You can even freeze the cooked meat to save yourself a little time in the future. Also, try this cowboy chicken that has the spicy, smoky flavors of the Old West. It's a quick, one-skillet dinner for ranchers—or a hungry family. I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Recipe contributor Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Tilapia FlorentineTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Tilapia fillets, part-skim ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach Level: Intermediate

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You've heard of chicken florentine, but get ready for tilapia florentine! This simple and healthy dish uses spinach and ricotta cheese. You can use any whitefish for this recipe and really make it your own. Looking for a way to get a little more heart-healthy fish into your family's weekly diet? You'll win them over hook, line and sinker with this quick and easy entree. Topped with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon, it's sure to become a favorite! —Recipe contributor Melanie Bachman, Ulysses, Pennsylvania

Chicken Tacos with Avocado SalsaTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, chili powder, avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, taco shells Level: Intermediate

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You'll love this avocado and tomato salsa. The chicken is seasoned generously, with a bit of heat coming from the chili powder and paprika. This helps the salsa shine even more. A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Recipe contributor Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

White Wine Garlic ChickenTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, garlic cloves, dry white wine Level: Intermediate

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When you want a restaurant-esque dinner, but don't want to spend the time or money to have it, this recipe will get the job done. It's a versatile dish that can be eaten with just bread and a salad or topped onto your favorite pasta. This garlic chicken is fantastic over cooked brown rice or your favorite pasta. Don't forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese too. —Recipe contributor Heather Esposito, Rome, New York

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Curried Shrimp PastaTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Angel hair pasta, shrimp, curry powder, sugar snap peas Level: Intermediate

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The sugar snap peas add a different crunch than you'd normally see in a pasta dish. But that's what makes it so fun! These leftovers make a great lunch the next day. This light and spicy shrimp dish comes together easily. My favorite pasta to use is capellini, but angel hair works fine if it isn’t available. —Recipe contributor Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

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Easy Crab CakesTotal Time: 25 minutes Main Ingredients: Green onions, crabmeat, seasoned bread crumbs Level: Intermediate

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Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can use a little extra mayo to make them more moist, but these delicious crab cakes really hold their own. You can easily tweak this recipe to form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Recipe contributor Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania

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Southwestern Pineapple Pork ChopsTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Pork loin chops, medium salsa, unsweetened crushed pineapple Level: Intermediate

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These saucy and citrusy pork chops will elevate your dinner rotation. And the best part? They're only five ingredients. This quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops. —Recipe contributor Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Lemon-Parsley TilapiaTotal Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: Tilapia fillets, lemon juice, garlic cloves, lemon zest Level: Beginner

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A lemony fish is always a recipe for success. The parsley gives it a pop of color. I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Tortilla PieTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, whole wheat tortillas Level: Intermediate

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This lasagna-inspired recipe is not as heavy as the traditional version due to the lack of noodles. You can use ground turkey or a leaner ground beef if you want to customize it a little more. My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Recipe contributor Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan

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Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersTotal Time: 30 minutes Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, mango, sweet corn Level: Intermediate

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Kids love anything on a stick. And honestly, so do adults! These skewers will make the rounds at any get-together you're hosting. They're simple, tangy and sweet. The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Recipe contributor Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida Up Next: Filled to the brim with flavorful ingredients, these easy healthy soup recipes are irresistible.

3. It’s not just for big families, either.

When I tell friends I still shop at Costco, they don’t understand what my husband and I buy there, since we don’t have kids and live in a small New York apartment. But there are plenty of options for any family size, and it doesn’t mean you have to keep 10 spare jars of tomato sauce in your pantry. Things like Kirkland Signature protein bars and olive oil are shelf stable for our small household. Cleaning supplies like kitchen sponges are sold in reasonably-sized packages, too. It just depends what you’re looking for–but there’s no one demographic that’s more suited to shop there.

Next time you go shopping, make sure to keep these Costco tips in mind to save more money.

4. Costco’s pizza is the real deal.

If you find yourself eating at Costco’s food court, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by how great the food is. The pizzas are baked fresh in store with Kirkland Signature ingredients, and they don’t skimp on cheese and other toppings. The hot dog combo–just $1.50 for a hot dog and a soda–is also superb. The food court even offers fresh diced onions, in addition to mustard and ketchup, to top your dog.

5. People really do buy that famous giant bear.

The giant teddy may seem like an internet novelty, and plenty of people (myself included) have stopped to take photos with the 8-foot-tall friend. But I saw more than one person buy the giant stuffed animal–usually grandparents purchasing it as a gift for their grandkids. (I do wonder how they stuffed it into a car/cab to get home.)

6. You can go to the pharmacy as a non-member.

If you live near Costco and want to pick up your prescriptions there, you can do so without buying an annual membership to the club. But don’t think you can pull a fast one on the employee checking membership cards at the entrance–you can’t check out at Costco without a membership in your name. Here’s everything you can do at Costco as a non-member.

7. Costco is selling Blue Apron meal kits.

I didn’t learn this one working at Costco–it’s a new initiative–but if you’re looking to save time on meal prep, this is worth knowing about. A handful of Costco stores on the West Coast are selling the Blue Apron kits, which make weeknight dinner prep way easier.