Food is to be enjoyed, and summer is the season for bright, bold and refreshing flavors. Recently we summarized five essential truths and some of the simple science behind heart health. Now you can put ideas into action with great-tasting, easy meals from some of the most talented and creative food bloggers. To make our shortlist, these recipes had to be as delicious as they were healthy.
- How to work fruits and vegetables into every summer meal
Breakfast – Blueberries are not only in season, they’re believed by researchers to have some of the highest available antioxidant properties. Try this Very Berry Fruit Salad from Kristine’s Kitchen.
Lunch – Cool down from high noon with a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad care of Feast & Dwell.
Dinner – Summer vegetables with chicken sausage is an easy, one-pot family crowdpleaser from Skinnytaste that makes use of your whole summer harvest.
- Make easy alternatives to processed food
Busy with summer activities, the temptation to grab convenient foods is understandable. Make a few batches of baked tortilla chips instead. It’s a low-salt recipe (one TSP), but you can reduce sodium even more if you want. The paprika, pepper and cumin will easily make up for it.
- Enjoy healthy grains
Whole-grain corn and oats, brown rice, rye and even popcorn are just a few examples of healthy whole grains: so is quinoa. Try this Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad from Pinch of Yum for a unique, seasonal twist on healthy whole grains that also includes protein, healthy fats and seasonal vegetables.
- Omega 3s on the grill
Offering lean, healthy proteins and beneficial fats, fish like salmon and tuna also contain Omega 3s that are essential for cell growth and circulation and are believed to play roles in heart disease prevention. Seasoned with only lemon juice, spices, and a little olive oil, these hugely-popular grilled salmon skewers from Natasha’s Kitchen have become their own internet sensation.
- Focus on healthy fats
Avocados, which contain healthy monounsaturated fats and a plethora of nutrients, also happen to be delicious, versatile, and filling when you’ve worked up an appetite. Try these Spicy Tuna Avocado Wraps and enjoy the added benefit of healthy fish, leafy greens, carrots, and whole wheat grains.
As you research your own healthy recipes, take advantage of ingredients that flourish in summer and never feel you need to compromise on great taste.
