Written by Anna Pashkova, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-EP / Reviewed by Chef Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND
Let's take a look at some of my best healthy summer recipes, starting with three featured favorites.
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all of the delicious in-season produce available to eat.
From corn, zucchini, tomatoes, peaches, berries and more, there's no shortage of healthy summer recipes to choose from.
Whether you're looking for no-cook recipes for those hot summer days, a fresh salad idea or a simple dinner with seasonal ingredients, there's something for everyone here.
The best healthy summer recipes
Ricotta & Beef Zucchini Roll-Ups
This recipe is a fan-favorite and makes for a super satisfying, yet light summer meal.
Zucchini takes the place of traditional pasta noodles used in lasagna roll-ups, which takes away the need to boil pasta ahead of time. It also makes for a fun and delicious way to add more veggies into the mix (spinach makes an appearance too).
There's no shortage of flavor that comes from fresh basil, garlic, spices & herbs, three types of cheese and marinara. A must-try summer recipe, for sure!
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
The best summer caprese salad right here.
This cold salad recipe screams warmer weather and features spinach basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and of course, fresh mozzarella. A vegetarian dish that's packed with both nutrients and flavor.
If you're looking for something to make for a get-together or just for your family at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? The leftovers are great for days!
Berry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
If you're looking for a fresh summer salad that takes advantage of seasonal greens and mixed berries, this is it. Seared chicken breast and quinoa add protein to this salad to make it a filling and balanced meal.
A light honey balsamic dressing tops it off with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.
This also makes the perfect meal prep recipe for quick lunches during the week - whether that's at home, at work, or while you're out and about.
Strawberry Basil Bruschetta
These strawberry basil bruschetta are made with mini toasts, goat cheese, juicy strawberries in balsamic and fresh basil.
The perfect, easy summer appetizer!
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Fluffy whole grain lemon ricotta pancakes with berry compote. Easy to make, healthy and absolutely delicious!
And I'm excited that today is the day I'll be sharing my special recipe! (I mean, not literally sharing them, but sharing the recipe - this stack is all mine).
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Sushi Rolls
Are you ready for the easiest, most fun and most delicious no-cook meal... ever?
They're called spicy tuna cucumber sushi rolls, and you're about to fall in love.
Peach Guacamole
When you think of guacamole, you think of creamy avocado, spicy jalapenos, tangy onion and garlic, herbaceous cilantro, and bright lime juice.
We deliver all of those things, but to a whole new level when we add some sun-kissed sweet peaches to the mix!
Mango Cucumber Salsa
This bright and spicy mango cucumber salsa is the perfect thing to serve on a hot summer night!
Scoop it up with chips, or serve it on grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Salmon Nicoise Salad
Sounds fancy, but nicoise salad is traditionally a French salad served with greens, tuna (and in this case, salmon), potatoes, green beans and hard-boiled eggs with other veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and olives.
I of course wouldn't even consider leaving the olives off because they provide such fabulous flavor, but you can absolutely switch things up to make this salad the way you like it!
Healthy Broccoli Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing
Who is in the mood for healthy broccoli salad with sweet lemon dressing? I sure am!
It's like your favorite potluck broccoli salad, but has more flavor and the dressing is quite a bit healthier than the traditional.
But trust me, you won't even know it.
Green Bean Potato Salad
This green bean potato salad is made with tender potatoes, crisp green beans, hard-boiled eggs, fresh herbs and an olive oil-based dressing that's delightful.
It's literally going to give us life this summer.
Italian Tortellini Salad
The best Italian pasta salad made with cheese filled tortellini, uncured salami, tomatoes, cucumber, fresh mozzarella and pepperoncini, all tossed in the best Italian dressing!
This salad is the perfect side dish for all of your summer potlucks!
Caramelized Onion Burgers with Arugula
This perfectly grilled beef burger is juicy, flavorful and everything you’re looking for! It is topped with melty muenster cheese, heaps of caramelized onions and fresh, peppery arugula.
Give it a try – I promise it’ll become your new favorite!
P.S. peep my blog post on how to grill the perfect burger!
Summer Vegetable Minestrone
This vegetarian soup is filled with carrots, spinach, tomatoes, cannellini beans, pasta and zucchini with Italian herbs and seasonings in a Parmesan broth.
It's cozy, flavorful and you'll want to curl up with a bowl, ASAP.
Sweet Corn Soup
You know how much I love soup and even when it's the middle of summer and super mega hot, I still love a good bowl of soup.
It seems like a lot of people like soup because it warms them up in the cold winter months, but I find soup equally satisfying all-year-round, especially when it's reminiscent of one of my favorite summer salads - sweet corn soup.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Are you here for the crispy zucchini fritters?
When you’re craving something utterly and insanely delicious, pull out your boxed grater and a few zucchini for the crispiest and most savory fritters you’ve ever tasted!
Sweet Corn & Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet
This Sweet Corn & Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect summer skillet with fresh zucchini and sweet corn in a light creamy lime sauce with fresh basil.
There's gnocchi. There's sweet corn. There's basil. There's a creamy lime sauce. Seriously, it's SO good, and I know you'll love it.
Rustic Heirloom Tomato Pizza
In the food space, I have heard many people refer to 'rustic' food as lazy food. But I beg to differ that this rustic heirloom tomato pizza is anything but a treasure.
It's a deliciously robust vegetarian pizza with crispy crust, creamy boursin cheese, sliced heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs. You're going to dig it.
Blueberry Date Muffins
Everyone loves blueberry date muffins, right?
Well I'll tell you what - these babes are super duper good, made with hearty whole grain pastry flour, some dark brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, chopped up dates and loads of blueberries.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cupcakes
Strawberries and rhubarb go together like peanut butter and jelly. These strawberry rhubarb cupcakes with coconut frosting are light, fluffy, not too sweet, and incredibly tender.
They’re everything you want in a summer dessert!
Mixed Berry Oatmeal Cookie Crisp
We're in for quite the treat, friends! Summer is closing in on us and I am enjoying all the berry things as if I never ever want summer to be over. Which is obviously true.
And my current fave is this mixed berry oatmeal cookie crisp. These mini crisps are packed with lightly sweetened berries and an oatmeal toppings reminiscent of a cookie. You can't beat it!
Mini Peach Bundt Cakes
These mini bundt cakes are made with an oatmeal cake batter sweetened with brown sugar.
Slices of peaches are baked into the bottom of the pan with walnuts to make for the cutest and most delicious little mini cakes, ever.
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