Cremini Burgers with Goat Cheese, BetterWithButter.com
Summertime eats mean backyard parties, dinners fresh off the grill and all the fresh in-season produce you can handle — all great news for your health.
First of all, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables — which is that much easier in the summer — can help you control your weight and prevent a host of diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Plus, in-season produce is less expensive, more nutritious and better for the environment, Andrea Giancoli, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told weather.com last year.
“Produce that is picked right before you eat it is best,” she explained. “It’s at the peak of freshness, nutrition and flavor, and you’re supporting your local farmers and sustainability.”
Eating in season can also help home chefs create smart swaps for some of the season's most-fattening favorites. Home-cooked meals typically have fewer calories and more nutrients than restaurant eats, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found last year. Home cooks also eat healthier when out than those who do not regularly prep their own food, the study concluded.
To inspire you to start chopping, grilling and baking at home, we rounded up 32 delicious summer recipes from different food bloggers. There are options for carnivores, vegans, gluten-free eaters and everyone in between — anyone looking for fresh, healthy meal ideas.
First up, this veggie burger “for the carnivore in your life,” says blogger Jada, who created this recipe for her websiteBetter with Butter. Combine anti-inflammatory mushrooms with whole grains and rich, creamy goat cheese, and you won't even miss the meat.
Click through for more can't-miss summer recipes.
Basil Beef Burgers, Chocolate-Broccoli.com
Make the most of seasonal basil (even better if you grew your own) with this lean beef burger recipe. Italian seasoning, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes make the meat even more flavorful — all for just 360 calories per burger (including aioli). Find the recipe here.
Apple Tuna Salad, TheClothesMaketheGirl.com
Go low carb — and no cook — with this easy Paleo-friendly recipe that won't overheat your house on hot summer days. Find the recipe here.
Turkey Burgers with Fresh Corn Salsa, gi365.com
Lean protein stuffed with avocado, topped with melted cheddar and served atop a low-carb Portobello cap? Delicious. Add flavorful cilantro-corn salsa and in-season tomatoes, and you've got a healthy summer recipe you won't want to miss. Find it here.
Grilled Seafood Packets, FramedCooks.com
Take a traditional beach boil home with this simple seasonal recipe that includes a surprising fresh seasoning. Plus, grilling dinner in foil packets makes clean up a breeze. Find the recipe here.
Pizza with Summer Squash, CookieandKate.com
Once your garden is overflowing with late-summer squash, make a healthy pizza. This recipe uses a thin chickpea flour crust topped with seasonal veggies and flavorful feta. Plus, it's a dish pretty enough for a party. Find the recipe here.
Summer Linguine with Grilled Vegetables, NeighborfoodBlog.com
Abundant seasonal produce makes eating your five-a-day almost too easy. Almost. Use up whatever's in your fridge with this simple pasta recipe the whole family will love. Lemon and the assorted fresh herbs of your choice set it apart. Find the recipe here.
Coconut-Harissa Grilled Shrimp Skewers, FloatingKitchen.net
Fast food prep and a quick cooking time mean that, with this recipe, dinner can be on the table in a flash. Plus, shrimp packs lean protein and anti-inflammatory properties. Find the recipe here.
Lemon Pesto Penne, PinchofYum.com
Backyard basil pesto plus lemon means serious flavor. Baby broccoli packs anti-cancer compounds, and as a bonus, you can prep your veggies in the same pot as your pasta. Find the full recipe here.
The Farmers Market Skillet, IowaGirlEats.com
Farmers market finds can be oh-so-fun — particularly when you live in Iowa, as blogger Kristin does. Here, she uses quinoa and “melty cheese” to bind together a few delicious summer veggies. As a bonus, the meal comes together in less than an hour and all in one skillet. Find the full recipe here.
Peach Caprese Salad, IowaGirlEats.com
A sweet twist on a traditional caprese, this recipe simply layers seasonal stone fruit in between slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella. Top with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, and lunch is served. Find the recipe here.
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Sweet Corn and Avocado, TwoPeasandTheirPod.com
In much of the country, fresh summer produce means zucchini and sweet corn. Put both of these veggies to good use with this pretty salad. Avocado adds a punch of healthy monounsaturated fat and fiber. Find the recipe here.
Snap Pea Skewers with Sesame Sauce, NaturallyElla.com
Use the last of spring's snap peas with this creative dish that uses an Asian-inspired sauce. Slightly charring the snap peas gives them a smoky flavor that even the biggest veggie-hater in your household will love. Find the recipe here.
Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad, Paleomg.com
Upgrade the blah side dish of summer's past — potato salad — with this flavorful version, which uses sweet potatoes for a boost of betacarotene, which your body makes into vitamin A. Most Paleo dieters, such as the blog's author Juli, give bacon a thumbs up for health when no-sugar-added and nitrate-free versions are used. Find the recipe here.
Strawberry and Fennel Barley Salad, FannetasticFood.com
Seasonal berries pair with peppery fennel to make a delish side dish, perfect for dinner at home or for a potluck. Blogger Anne, who is also a registered dietician, includes an easy salad dressing recipe you can use all summer long. Plus, she points out that eight strawberries (or one serving) have more vitamin C than an orange. Find the recipe here.
Grilled Zucchini Stack, RunningtotheKitchen.com
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Pile zucchinis and green tomatoes high — with a thick slathering of fresh ricotta between every layer — and you have instant summer in a side dish. Fresh basil, roasted corn and a balsamic drizzle finish the meal. Get the recipe here.
Guacamole, 101cookbooks.com
What's a summer party without guac? This recipe spells out the basic building blocks of a good guacamole — perfect for any time of year. Adjust the seasoning levels to make it your own. Get the recipe here.
Late Summer Farro Salad, SundayMorningBananaPancakes.Yummly.com
Hearty whole grains and chickpeas transform summer green beans, tomatoes and herbs into a complete meal. Get the recipe here.
Gazpacho, ChocolateandZucchini.com
The dog days of summer call for no-cook dishes, such as gazpacho. This seasonal favorite blends bell peppers, vine-ripe tomatoes, garlic and day-old baguette into the perfect light meal. Get the recipe here.
Smoky Tofu Pasta Salad, KathEats.com
This “perfect for picnic season” pasta salad recipe lends a smoky quality to tofu thanks to smoked paprika, blogger Kath says. Greek yogurt in place of mayo crates a creamy dressing without saturated fat. With the addition of an ample amount of spinach, this recipe makes a complete one-dish meal. Get the recipe here.
Cucumber Dill Picnic Toasts, ACoupleCooks.com
Picnic planning doesn't get any prettier than this. Pair in-season cukes with soft cheese or cream cheese and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an on-the-go snack that's sure to please. Bloggers Sonja and Alex have many more summer picnic suggestions on their site as well. Get the recipe here.
Summer Polenta, PickyEaterBlog.com
Polenta — sort of a cornmeal porridge — gets a seasonal makeover with the addition of fresh-off-the-cob corn, summer squash, goat cheese and fresh herbs. Get the recipe here.
Sunflower Seed Risotto, MyNewRoots.com
This creative take on typically super-fattening risotto calls for assorted late-spring vegetables, such as peas, asparagus, young carrots and watercress. Traditional arborio rice gets swapped for sunflower seeds, which are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamin B and magnesium. Get the recipe here.
End of Summer Panzanella, SproutedKitchen.com
This panzanella is a veritable seasonal food-apalooza. Combine roasted red peppers, tomato, fresh pesto and greens for a meal in 20 minutes, flat. Get the recipe here.
Easy Peach Crisp, KimsCravings.com
It's just not summer without a fresh fruit dessert. This simple crisp combines peaches and blueberries and comes together in a flash. Plus, it can easily be made gluten free. Get the recipe here.
Greek Yogurt Popsicles, DamnDelicious.net
For a sweet treat that beats summer heat, look no further than these pretty popsicles. Berries plus Greek yogurt and a dash of honey combine for a quick dessert sans artificial sweetener and unrecognizable ingredients. Get the recipe here.
Strawberry Rhubarb Almond Cake, CookieandKate.com
Finally, a use for that farmers market rhubarb. This cake calls for almond flour — a gluten-free, Paleo option. Plus, it's only sweetened with maple syrup or honey (your choice). Blogger Kate says any summer stone fruit or berry combination could likely be used in place of the strawberries and rhubarb if you'd rather. Get the recipe here.
Concord Grape and Mint Sorbet, Happyolks.com
This simple sorbet has just four ingredients. Add to an ice cream maker and voila — healthy dessert is served. Get the recipe here.
Peach Muesli, EatingBirdFood.com
This simple dish celebrates stone fruit season. Just prep yours the night before, and in the morning, you will have a healthy breakfast ready to go. Get the full recipe here.
Strawberry Basil Breakfast Pie, KathEats.com
Basil for breakfast? This recipe, which pairs two summer foods for a surprisingly delicious flavor, will be a hit with the whole family. Get it here.
Summer Acai Bowl, GreenKitchenStories.com
This south-of-the-border superfood — acai — is all the rage in healthy cooking circles. Yes, the berry is bursting with health benefits, but the best part of this dish is that it's completely customizable. Top with your favorite fruit, nuts, seeds, granola or much more. Get the recipe here.
Orange Limeade Smoothie, GreenBlender.com
Skip the drive thru and make your own refreshing beverage at home. This recipe blends an orange, a pear, spinach, lime and protein-packed hemp seeds for a tasty combination. Get the recipe here.
MORE ON WEATHER.COM: 26 Healthy Food Swaps
