Quick & Easy Summer Recipes

Lauren Mardeusz, RD, saltandhoneynutrition.com

Summer is the perfect time to explore easy summer recipes, especially those that involve grilling. Grilling is not only a quintessential summer activity but also a fantastic way to make cooking faster and more enjoyable. The aroma of food sizzling on the grill, the warm evenings, and the ease of cleanup all contribute to why summer grilling is such a popular choice.

Grilling for easy weeknights is a great way to enjoy nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional or a mom juggling multiple responsibilities, the grill can be your best friend. The high heat of the grill cooks food quickly, allowing you to have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Plus, grilling imparts a unique, smoky flavor that enhances the taste of your meals, making even simple dishes feel special.

One of the main benefits of summer grilling is the variety of healthy grill recipes you can prepare. From lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu to an array of fresh vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Grilling helps to retain the nutrients in your food, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are perfect for grilling, as they develop a wonderful char and sweetness. Simply toss them in a little olive oil, season with your favorite herbs, and grill until tender.

Another advantage of grilling is the minimal cleanup required. Unlike traditional cooking methods that may require multiple pots and pans, grilling often involves just one grill grate. This means less time washing dishes and more time doing what you love. Additionally, grilling outdoors helps keep your kitchen cool, which is especially beneficial during the hot summer months.

Grilling isn’t the only way to prepare foods during summertime either. Another great choice for summer cooking are salads. Preparing a fresh salad can take as little as ten minutes, making it an ideal option for busy days or when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. Many ingredients can be prepped in advance, allowing for quick assembly whenever hunger strikes. Summer salads are also incredibly versatile; you can mix and match ingredients based on what’s available or your personal preferences. This flexibility makes it easy to incorporate a wide range of nutrients into your diet, ensuring you get a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Moreover, summer salads are perfect for outdoor dining and gatherings. They can be easily transported to picnics, barbecues, and beach outings, providing a healthy and refreshing option amidst other heavier dishes. A well-made salad can stand alone as a main course or complement grilled meats and seafood. Drizzling a light, homemade dressing over your salad can enhance its flavors without adding unnecessary calories or preservatives found in store-bought versions. Embracing the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce in your summer salads not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also makes the most of the delicious flavors that summer has to offer.

Embracing easy summer recipes through grilling and summer salads can transform your cooking routine. They’re fast, flavorful, and healthy ways to prepare meals, making summer evenings even more enjoyable. From quick grilling recipes to healthy grill recipes, summer salads, and fruit salads, summer cooking offers endless possibilities to make weeknight dinners both nutritious and delightful. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the joys of summer!

Quick & Easy Summer Recipes

Corn Salad Recipe

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon for mixing

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and kernels removed (or 3 cups of frozen corn, thawed)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Prep the Vegetables: If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
2. Mix the Salad: Gently stir the ingredients to combine. Add the diced avocado.
3. Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 9g

Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe

Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon for mixing

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely dice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
4. Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 220
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 9g

Grilled Salmon Recipe

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Method

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Marinate the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 310
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 18g

Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

Method

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion pieces alternately onto the skewers.
4. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
5. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 280
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 14g

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