Summer’s great weather is perfect for enjoying delicious food and good company outdoors. With the cooler months behind us, it’s an excellent time to indulge in fresh summer produce and light, healthy meals. Here are ten healthy meal ideas that will impress your guests at your next outdoor gathering:
- Strawberry, Tomato, and Watercress Salad
Kick things off with a refreshing salad. Make a dressing by toasting pink peppercorns, mashing them with strawberries, and mixing with honey, lemon juice, and olive oil for a fruity kick. - Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa
Nothing says summer like tropical fruits. Top baked salmon, seasoned with paprika, chili powder, and a hint of honey, with a vibrant mango salsa. It’s a dish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. - Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Perfectly grilled chicken served with chimichurri—a zesty sauce made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, oregano, and garlic—makes for a flavor-packed main dish. You can make the chimichurri a day ahead to enhance its flavors. - Chipotle Gazpacho
Swap out winter’s hot soups for a cold, creamy gazpacho. This vitamin C-rich soup blends tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and a hint of chipotle. Chill it for a couple of hours and serve with diced avocado. - Grilled Avocado Salad
Try grilling avocados for a smoky twist, served over romaine lettuce with a herb-yogurt dressing made from fat-free Greek yogurt, chives, thyme, dill, garlic, and shallots. - Caramelized Tomato Bruschetta
For an appetizer, grill baguette slices brushed with olive oil and top them with charred cherry tomatoes, ricotta, and fresh basil. Use a cast-iron skillet on the grill to avoid losing tomatoes through the grates. - Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in a mix of lime, mint, thyme, and spices, then thread them on skewers with chunks of watermelon. Grill until the shrimp are cooked and the watermelon has nice char marks. - Mexican Street Corn Salad
Turn the classic Mexican street corn into a salad for easier eating. Mix grilled corn with cotija cheese, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, paprika, and jalapeños. - Cucumber Tomato Salad
This simple salad is perfect for a hot day. Toss sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and dill. - Peach Basil Sorbet
Finish the meal with a peach basil sorbet. Blend frozen peaches with maple syrup, coconut milk, and basil until smooth, then freeze. Serve topped with fresh basil and berries.
These recipes not only celebrate the season’s bounty but also contribute to a healthier diet. Enjoy creating these tasty dishes for a memorable and healthy summer cookout!
