Wholesome and Tasty: 22 Healthy Summer Recipes to Indulge In
1. Watermelon Feta Salad
Refreshing chilled watermelon gets enhanced further with salty feta cheese crumbles and aromatic mint leaves creating the perfect effortless no-cook summer side salad. Dice watermelon into cubes before tossing together with feta crumbles, torn mint leaves, red onion and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper before transferring to serving platter, arranging ingredients attractively. Sprinkle with lime zest for extra punch of citrus highlighting flavors.
Ingredients:
- Seedless watermelon, diced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Mint leaves, chopped
- Red onion, diced
- Lime juice and zest
- Salt and pepper
Recipe
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Plump shrimp cubes alternate perfectly on skewers with sweet pineapple chunks getting quickly charred on the grill allowing fruit sugars to caramelize lending incredible depth perfectly paired with quickly cooked shrimp. Thread shrimp and pineapple cubes onto soaked wooden skewers before coating lightly with oil, salt and pepper. Grill 2-3 minutes each side over direct high heat until shrimp become opaque. Squeeze fresh lime juice over skewers before serving.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Pineapple chunks
- Wooden skewers
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lime wedges
Recipe
3. Mango Black Bean Salad
Sweet mango joins protein-packed black beans, corn and crunchy bell peppers getting tossed in lime vinaigrette with wilted red onion and cilantro ready to top with creamy avocado for the perfect summery texture and flavor combination. Simply mix together beans, corn, peppers and onions with chopped mango, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and seasonings. Top with sliced avocado just before serving.
Ingredients:
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels
- Bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Mango, diced
- Lime juice and cilantro
- Avocado slices
Recipe
4. Strawberry Peach Smoothie
Refreshing chilled smoothies get incredibly creamy from yogurt and nut butter studded with ripe sweet peach and strawberries for the perfect drinkable sweet treat. Simply blend together frozen peach slices and fresh strawberries with yogurt, nut butter, honey and milk of choice until thick and creamy then pour into glasses before topping with extra sliced fruit if desired.
Ingredients:
- Frozen peach slices
- Fresh strawberries
- Milk of choice
- Greek yogurt
- Nut butter
- Honey
Recipe
5. Chicken Caprese Zoodles
Juicy pan seared chicken breast tops long spiralized zucchini noodles getting coated in savory sun-dried tomato pesto sauce then finished with fresh mini mozzarella balls, basil leaves and balsamic glaze for the flavors of Caprese salad transformed perfectly into a light summery chicken dinner. Sear pounded chicken breasts before slicing and tossing everything over just-tender zoodles with pesto. Top with mini mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and reduced balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts, pounded
- Zucchini, spiralized
- Sun-dried tomato pesto
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Recipe
6. Veggie Kabobs with Tzatziki
Colorful assortment of summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, red onions and grape tomatoes get threaded onto skewers and quickly charred on the grill before serving alongside rich herby tzatziki sauce for dipping or dolloping over the smoky veggie kebabs. Simply thread prepared veggies onto soaked wooden skewers, brush with oil and grill 2-3 minutes each side while whisking together cooling yogurt dip.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, grape tomatoes
- Wooden skewers
- Olive oil
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Fresh dill
Recipe
7. Avocado Cucumber Summer Rolls
Refreshing soft rice paper summer rolls stuffed with cool crisp vegetables like cucumbers, carrots and red peppers accompany creamy avocado and mint for incredible textures and flavors in each hand-held bite. Simply soak rice papers briefly in water before filling with veggies and fresh herbs then rolling up completely into easy no-cook rolls perfect for summertime noshing.
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Avocado, sliced
- Carrots, cucumber, red pepper, sliced
- Mint leaves
- Rice vermicelli noodles
Recipe
8. Fish Tacos with Greek Yogurt
Delicate white fish fillets get rubbed in chili lime seasoning then quickly charred on a hot grill allowing flavor to penetrate fish without overcooking. Then slice up placing into warmed corn tortillas before topping with sriracha spiked Greek yogurt tangy cabbage slaw for an easy summery twist on Taco Tuesday.
Ingredients:
- Firm white fish fillets
- Corn tortillas
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Sriracha sauce
- Shredded cabbage
- Lime wedges
Recipe
9. Tomato Nectarine Panzanella
Ripe seasonal tomatoes and stone fruit marry beautifully together tossed with crunchy torn bread pieces drenched beautifully in bright herby Italian dressing pulling this seasonal summer bread salad together perfectly for taking advantage of peak produce. Simply dress the juicy tomato and nectarine chunks before mixing everything with torn bread pieces, red onion and fresh basil. Chill slightly before serving.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Nectarines, chopped
- Baguette, cubed
- Red onion slivers
- Basil leaves, torn
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
Recipe
10. Blackberry Basil Broccoli Salad
Fresh broccoli florets provide the perfect crispy vehicle for bold blackberry basil dressing lending pops of sweetness through each crunchy bite topped off with tangy feta cheese crumbles pulling flavors together beautifully for irresistible salad combination taking advantage of summer produce.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Blackberries
- Basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Feta cheese crumbles
Recipe
11. Zucchini Baked Falafel
Shredded fresh zucchini adds amazing moisture and texture to classic chickpea falafels getting baked to crispy perfection then served atop fresh peach cilantro salsa and dolloped with Greek yogurt turning the usual into summery Mediterranean wraps or tacos full of garden flavors perfect for meatless summer meals.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Shredded zucchini
- Flatbread or lettuce wraps
- Peaches, onion, cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Greek yogurt (for serving)
Recipe
12. Watermelon Lime Slushies
Refreshing icy blended slushies get their natural sweetness from juicy watermelon before getting spiked perfectly with fresh lime and mint for the perfect icy adult drink to help cool down on hot summer days. Simply blend watermelon cubes with lime juice, mint leaves, and ice until smooth like a slushy. Sweeten if desired or dilute with extra ice as you prefer.
Ingredients:
- Watermelon cubes
- Lime juice
- Mint leaves
- Ice
Recipe
13. Grilled Peach Flatbreads
Sweet juicy grilled peach halves partner perfectly with salty crispy prosciutto, mild melted mozzarella cheese and balsamic glaze all piled conveniently together open faced onto crispy grilled flatbread for irresistible summer stone fruit bruschetta ready in minutes. Simply brush bread with oil before toasting over grill adding fillings just at the end to warm gently without overcooking the beautiful produce components conveying essence of the season.
Ingredients:
- Flatbread or pizza crust
- Grilled peach halves
- Prosciutto
- Fresh mozzarella
- Balsamic glaze
Recipe
14. Kale Quinoa Salad
Lacinato kale leaves soften slightly wilting together conveniently with protein-packed quinoa studded with juicy fresh blackberries, sweet red onion and creamy avocado all encased in light miso ginger almond butter dressing pulling this nutrient dense composed salad together perfectly for healthy summer dinner full of contrasting flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Quinoa, cooked
- Kale leaves, torn
- Blackberries
- Avocado
- Almond butter
- Red onion
- Lime juice, miso paste, ginger
Recipe
15. Vegetable Hummus Wraps
Quick roasted sliced zucchini, bell peppers and red onions when wrapped up conveniently with spinach into soft tortillas before getting topped generously with creamy hummus and herby sauce creates easy vegetarian hand-held vessels perfect for summer nights letting the garden FRESH vegetables shine as star components enjoyed mess free.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, bell pepper and red onion, sliced
- Spinach leaves
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Hummus
- Tzatziki sauce
Recipe
16. Fruit and Chocolate
Colorful fresh fruit like pineapple, strawberries and mango lend perfectly sweet and juicy components dipping into rich melted semi or bittersweet chocolate for the perfect sweet creamy contrast combination sure to satisfy those summer fruit chocolate cravings in a wholesome way. Simply melt quality chocolate before dunking skewered fresh fruit into the fountain of liquid decadence and indulge healthfully.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple, strawberries, mango chunks
- Dark chocolate, melted
- Bamboo skewers
Recipe
17. Citrus Scallop Orzo
Tender quick-cooked scallops tossed together gently with fresh minty sweet pea orzo pasta and segments of bright citrus fruits like orange and grapefruit lend incredibly bright inviting summer flavors tied together for irresistible lighthanded meal requiring minimal ingredients or preparation ready in under 30 minutes. Simply stir together cooked orzo with scallops and citrus segments before dressing in vinaigrette of citrus juices, olive oil, salt and cracked black pepper.
Ingredients:
- Dry sea scallops
- Orzo pasta, cooked al dente
- Citrus segments
- Fresh mint
- Lemon juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Recipe
18. Coconut Curry Chicken
Lean chicken strips simmer gently absorbing incredible flavor from Thai curry coconut sauce including coconut milk, ginger and green curry paste lending exotic vibrance rounding out ordinary protein transforming it instantly restaurant gourmet ready conveniently to enjoy over fluffy cauliflower rice or zoodles with tons of nutrients and fewer carbs. Sear chicken first before removing from pan and creating sauce base then nestling protein back into pan over medium low heat smothering in vibrant sweet, spicy coconut curry.
Ingredients:
- Chicken strips
- Full fat coconut milk
- Green curry paste
- Ginger, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce
- Salt and pepper
Recipe
19. Chilled Soba Noodles
Chilled buckwheat soba noodles tossed with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, radishes and shelled edamame beans lend the perfect nutritious base for summertime sides and light dinners ready to augment conveniently with diced avocado and torn cilantro if desired. Cook soba noodles before rinsing in cold water allowing to chill completely then toss gently with minced veggies, chilled edamame and sliced avocado dressed in soy sauce based dressing spiked further with sesame and spices
Ingredients:
- Soba noodles, cooked
- Cucumber, radish, shredded carrots
- Shelled edamame
- Avocado
- Sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar
Recipe
20. Stone Fruit Chia Pudding
Sweet summer stone fruits like nectarines and plums get diced small tossed conveniently with chia seeds and non dairy milk then chilled overnight allowing mixture to transform gorgeously into portable tapioca-like stuffed pudding parfaits layered with toasted coconut lending perfect plant-based creamy dessert or breakfast. Simply stir together chia seeds with non dairy milk and diced fruit overnight before portioning into dishes and topping with toasted coconut.
Ingredients:
- Diced stone fruit like nectarines or plums
- Chia seeds
- Non-dairy milk
- Toasted coconut flakes
Recipe
21. Summer Harvest Bowls
Roasted squash and zucchini cubed perfectly together with white beans and nutty barely grains combine effortlessly together for versatile veggie packed grain bowls ready for topping amply with greens, seeds, avocado and dressing for quintessential plant based dinner full of contrasting flavors, ingredients and textures perfect for showcasing peak summer produce.
Ingredients:
- Diced zucchini and summer squash, roasted
- Cooked pearl barley
- White beans, drained and rinsed
- Mixed greens
- Avocado
- Lemon tahini dressing
Recipe
22. Peaches and Cream Oats
Sweet peach purée swirls lusciously through creamy overnight oats studded with almond butter and chia seeds for perfect plant-based breakfast. Simply stir together steel cut or rolled oats with nut milk, chia seeds and almond butter before dividing between jars and topping with fresh peach slices letting chill overnight allowing flavors mingle beautifully into sweet peachy cream porridge parfaits ready for enjoying first thing in morning.
Ingredients:
- Steel cut or rolled oats
- Almond milk
- Chia seeds
- Almond butter
- Fresh peach slices
