Say goodbye to bland and boring meals, and hello to colorful and flavorful dishes that will leave your family wanting more. Summertime is here, and what better way to enjoy it than with some healthy and delicious meals for the whole family?
Whether you're hosting a BBQ, having a picnic, or just want to switch things up in the kitchen, we've got you covered with 5 easy and tasty recipes that will make your taste buds dance! From juicy salads to refreshing tacos, get ready to impress your loved ones with these healthy summer recipes.
Let's get cooking!
1. Summer Berry Salad by The Schmidty Wife
Looking for a healthy and delicious summer salad? Well, look no further because The Schmidty Wife's Summer Berry Salad Recipe has got you covered! This salad is filled with fresh produce and juicy berries, topped with grilled chicken and sprinkled with almonds and feta cheese. Yum!
The best part is that this salad is super easy to make. All you need are some grilled chicken breasts, romaine and spinach lettuce, three different types of berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), roasted and salted almonds, and feta cheese. Oh, and you can whip up a quick and easy strawberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing to go with it.
To make the salad, just chop up the romaine and the spinach, quarter cut the strawberries, and scatter the rest of the berries on top. Then, add the grilled chicken and sprinkle with the almonds and feta cheese. Finally, drizzle some of the homemade dressing on top, and voila! You have yourself a healthy and delicious summer meal.
Salads tend to be a staple in our house during the summer, and this recipe is definitely going to be on regular rotation. It's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner that everyone in the family can enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to get in some much-needed fruit and veggies while still satisfying your taste buds. So why not give it a try?
2. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa by Bites with Bri
Our taste buds are already dancing just thinking about these Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa from Bites with Bri! Imagine spiced and blackened cod paired with a sweet and tangy salsa made with ripe mango — delicious! And don't worry, this recipe is easy peasy and only takes about 30 minutes to whip up.
But before we get into the recipe, let's talk about the best fish for fish tacos. According to our expert, Bri, white, lean, and flaky fish filets are the way to go. Think cod, pollock, sea bass, halibut, mahi-mahi, or red snapper--even salmon will work. And here's a pro tip: opt for wild-caught fish when you can. It's tastier and cleaner.
Now, back to why you'll love this recipe. For starters, it's easy, fresh, and healthy. Plus, it's the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, thanks to the mango, honey, cayenne, jalapeño, and lime juice. And let's not forget about the tender fish, loaded with Mexican spices and blackened to perfection under the broiler. Yum!
Best of all, these Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are perfect for spring and summer dinners, whether you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just want to add some fresh flavors to your meal. And if you're gluten-free, this recipe has got your back — just make sure to double-check the ingredients and packaging.
In short, if you're craving a light, tasty, and easy-to-make meal for the whole family, Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa is the answer.
One Pass That Does It All. Get Out And Play!
3. Lemon Herb Veggie Skewers by Buy This Cook That
Are you tired of the same old boring veggies on your plate? Want to spice things up and give your taste buds a real treat? Look no further than this recipe for Lemon Herb Veggie Skewers by Buy This Cook That. It's the perfect way to get your daily dose of veggies in a fun and tasty way.
Lemon and herb are perhaps one of the best summer flavor combinations out there. Think about it — even just the scent alone is enough to transport you to a patio somewhere, soaking up the rays with good friends and even better food. These veggie skewers are the perfect addition to any BBQ or summer-themed dinner party.
What makes this recipe extra special is the mouth-watering lemon herb marinade. The key is to use fresh herbs--basil, thyme, and chives to be exact — and plenty of garlic. And for a little bit of sweetness to complement the tartness of the lemon juice and zest, adding a touch of Swerve Sweetener does the trick.
As for the veggies, you can't go wrong with bell peppers, red onion, baby portabella mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Choose a variety of colors and textures to really make the skewers pop. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
And let's be real, there's nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of veggies on the grill. These skewers are simple to prepare and easy to cook — they'll be ready in no time.
10 Specific Tips for Cooking Healthy Summer Recipes
Of course, recipes aren't just enough when it comes to healthy summer eating. It's equally important to pay attention to the cooking techniques and ingredients you're using. Here are 10 tips to help you cook healthy summer recipes with ease, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
- Use Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients. Fresh produce is not only more flavorful, but it's also packed with nutrients that can keep you healthy. Indulge in seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are more affordable and readily available.
- Incorporate Colorful Fruits and Vegetables. Variety is the spice of life, and colorful fruits and vegetables offer a wide variety of nutrients. The brighter the colors, the better!
- Grilling for Healthier Options. Grilling is a healthier cooking technique for summer recipes. Use a grill to cook meats, vegetables, and fruits to perfection. You'll reduce the amount of added fats and calories.
- Using Herbs and Spices Instead of Salt. Adding herbs and spices to your summer recipes can boost flavor while reducing calories. Salt is often high in sodium and can cause bloating, so why not substitute it with herbs and spices.
- Try Different Cooking Techniques. Switch things up and try different cooking methods to add some variety. You can roast vegetables for a different taste, or sauté them for a crispy texture.
- Avoid Heavy Sauces and Creams. Heavy cream sauces and dressings can rack up the calories. Instead, opt for light dressings made with olive oil or vinegar.
- Choose Lean Proteins. When it comes to protein, opt for lean meats like chicken, fish, and turkey. These proteins are lower in saturated fat and have more nutrients.
- Substitute Whole Grains for Refined Carbs. Whole-grain options like brown rice and whole-wheat pasta are filling and more nutritious than their white counterparts. You can also substitute cauliflower and zucchini for traditional pasta noodles.
- Use Healthy Fats in Moderation. Healthy fats like avocado and nuts are beneficial for your body in moderation. They may help your heart and reduce inflammation.
- Enjoy Desserts in Moderation. It's okay to enjoy a dessert in moderation, so don't deprive yourself completely. Try making desserts with fresh fruits or yogurt instead of heavy creams and sugars.
Healthy summer recipes can be easy, delicious, and satisfying. Try these recipes and incorporate these 10 tips and you'll be on your way to healthier and happier summer eating.