Summer is here and it is the perfect time to include the fresh, in-season produce in your meals that are light and refreshing. Summer is the time for fun activities and to spend outdoors, grilling without spending a lot of time on preparing meal. You want easy to make delicious food that won’t bog you down. The following are some of the favorite summer recipes from Aligned Modern Health.
Cucumber Salsa
Cucumber are a refreshing summertime staple and are loaded with water to help you hydrate after a long day in the summer heat. This recipes is a new twist on your typical tomato-based salsa that you can serve with other non-starchy vegetable or even have it as a side dish to your favorite grilled meat or seafood. Get the full recipe here.
Corn and Avocado Salad
Who doesn’t like fresh, just picked sweet corn and vine-ripened tomatoes? This recipe combines the both of those with some avocado, which contains healthy fat. The jalapeño and cayenne peppers add a little spice which nicely compliments the sweetness of the corn. Check out the full recipe from the Food Network here.
Watermelon and Cucumber Gazpacho
The heat of summer can do a number on your appetite. A gazpacho is the perfect summertime soup that won’t weigh you down or fill up to the point of not being able to move. It is also a great way to beat the heat since is served chilled. The following recipe uses summertime fruits and vegetables to mix it up a little.
Summer Steak Salad
Steaks are a summertime classic a great on the grill but can be heavy depending on your side dishes. Lighted up steak with the easy Steak Summer Salad which fresh summer veggies like zucchini, corn, tomatoes and arugula. This recipe uses mint leaves which adds another level of flavor which makes this dish extraordinary.
Jerked Chicken with Stone Fruit Sauce
Want a to go to the tropics? Bring on the flavor with this Jerked Chicken with Stone Fruit Sauce. The heat of the jerk seasoning is calmed by the sweetness of the stone fruit sauce and reminds us of being on the beach, listening to steel drums and sipping a tropical drink. This recipe uses peaches and plums which are in peak season in late summer. Use up those stone fruit before they go bad with the delicious recipe. You can used store-bought jerk seasoning or be adventurous and make your own.
Salmon with Nectarine Salsa
Another late summer stone fruit are nectarines. These are similar to peaches but without the fuzzy skin. This recipe for Salmon with Nectarine Salsa is a great way to incorporate the feeling of summer with getting your healthy fats. Wild caught salmon in full of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce the risk of heart disease, inflammation and may help with depression and anxiety.
Stay Hydrated in the Heat
The heat of summer can increase your risk of dehydration. Why not choose fun summer drinks along with plain water to insure you are fully hydrated. The following are beverages can help cool you off and they taste good!
Iced Coconut Matcha Latte
This Iced Coconut Matcha Latte is a non-dairy, creamy drink with a lot of antioxidants that come from the matcha. Have this instead of your iced coffee or tea for a change of pace. Get the full recipe here!
Grapefruit Paloma
The Grapefruit Paloma is a non-alcoholic version of a regular paloma, minus the alcohol and sugar. It is similar to a margarita but is only made with grapfruit juice, lime juice and sparkling water. It is super simple to make and can be ordered at any bar or restaurant. Instead of having an alcoholic beverage which can contribute to dehydration, try having one of these refreshing “mocktails”.
Raspberry Mint Lime Cooler
The following “mocktail” is so refreshing and so delicious, you may not even miss having wine! It’s also a great alternative to sparkling water, which can get boring after a time. This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make and, if having a party, make sure to make a lot. Your guests will love it!
Coconut Water Freezer Pops
When the kids have been playing outside or at the pool all day, you want to make sure they are well hydrated. The ice pops use coconut water instead of plain water or sugary fruit juice to increase the electrolyes that are lost from sweat. Plus, you can add any fruit you like or have in the house. These are a healthier alternative to freezer pops that contain a ton of sugar and artificial coloring. Get the full recipe here.
Summer is the time to explore all of nature’s bounty. Try these recipes when you want a refreshing, nutritious lighter meal that doesn’t take a lot of cooking time. Shop at farmer’s market for all of your produce and high quality meats. Sit back, relax and enjoy the variety all of the summer produce.
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