Summer is usually the months everyone looks forward to. School is out and all you want to do is relax, go on vacations and hang out with your friends. It is easy to get lost in all of the fun and eat whatever you want, whenever you want, but just because your eating out more and going to BBQs doesn’t mean you have to eat poorly. Here are some healthy recipe ideas so you can still have a good time without feeling guilty.
1. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Photo by Angela Pizzimenti
Lettuce wraps are the perfect summer recipe. They are filling and flavorful while also cutting out extra carbs. You will be feeling and looking your best this summer eating these.
2. Tomato Rice and Zucchini Pancakes
Photo by Amanda Chong
Usually you think of pancakes as the delicious breakfast food you load with maple syrup. Well, these pancakes may not have syrup, but they sure are delicious. Zucchini is great because it has fiber, magnesium and folate. Use brown rice to make this dinner even healthier.
3. Baked Salmon
Photo by Grégoire Durand
Salmon is one of the healthiest fish to eat with its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids (the best kind of fat). This recipe makes the salmon taste delicious and moist, and the lemon adds a bit of freshness to it.
4. Zoodles
Photo by Analiese Tribmer
Zoodles are a great way to get your veggies in, and they are super fun to eat. I suggest investing in a spiralizer because these “noodles” are so versatile and are a great carb-replacer. This recipe pairs the zoodles with sausage, so it is sure to be filling and satisfying.
5. Strawberry Salad
Photo by Kelkichi Littleton
Love the Strawberry Poppyseed salad from Panera? Well, this recipe is pretty similar. It also has feta cheese, making it extra delicious. You can make this salad a meal by adding some chicken or avocado.
6. Homemade Chicken Burrito Wrap
Photo by Bari Blanga
Going to Chipotle with your friends all the time may sound tempting (especially with their new rewards program), but it is much easier to control your portions by making your own burrito at home. You can make it even healthier by using a whole wheat tortilla and adding extra veggies in.
7. Veggie Frittata
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Love brunch? Then frittatas are for you because they’re perfect for sneaking in veggies. In addition, frittatas are low in calories and carbs, plus you’re getting in veggies and protein in one dish.
8. Pad Thai Zoodles
Photo by Jackie Behar
It’s boring eating the same thing over and over again, which is why we love this unique zoodle recipe. If you love pad thai but hate feeling bloated and greasy afterwards then this is the perfect recipe for you. No more spending money ordering late-night takeout.
9. Spinach, Avocado and Pesto Pizza
Photo by Sasha Kran
Everyone loves pizza, but as much as we all love the gooey cheese and crust, they really aren’t that good for us. This version of pizza uses less cheese, and adds veggies for more nutrients. Make this with whole grain crust to add some fiber in, and do thin crust to cut down on carbs
10. Grapefruit Salsa Fish Tacos
Photo by Paulina Lam
Instead of using ground beef or pork for your summer tacos, opt for fish as your protein. By using cod or halibut, you’re able to reduce the fat content of the dish. Fish is very nutritious and it gives the tacos a fresh flavor.
11. Shrimp Paella
Photo by Christina Robinson
This traditional Spanish dish will transport you to Spain and will not disappoint. The shrimp are a lean source of protein, and with a ton of veggies, this dish is not short of flavor or color.
12. Sesame Chicken with Pineapple
Photo by Shalayne Pulia
If you’re looking for something fun, flavorful and unique at a party, then this sesame chicken recipe is for you. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which aides digestion. This dish also has minimal carbs, so if you’re looking to cut some out of your diet, this is a great recipe for you. Plus, you’ll get bonus points from all of your friends for serving you sesame chicken in a pineapple.
13. Duck Breast Salad with White Wine Pear Sauce
Photo by Chris Roman
Although Duck isn’t typically a protein that college students can get at the supermarket on their small budget, we tend to overlook it too often. Duck is a very high in iron and zinc, and eating it without the skin lowers fat and cholesterol content. If you’re not feeling in the mood for a salad, you can always pair the duck with the pasta of your choice.
14. Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Chunky Tomato Sauce
Photo by Julia Maguire
Spaghetti squash is a great replacement for regular spaghetti. It not only has less carbs, but it also has fiber and vitamins. Since its also more filling than normal pasta, you will eat less and will help with weight loss if that’s your goal. Save the spaghetti for your favorite Italian restaurant and eat this version at home.
15. Sweet Potato and Lentil Salad
Photo by Amanda Gajdosik
Sweet potatoes and lentils are both considered to be power foods. Sweet potatoes are abundant in vitamin A and C, and lentils are high in protein and fiber. Combine the two, and you have a super healthy and satisfying meal.
So there you go, 15 healthy and delicious recipes to get you through the rest of summer. Now you don’t have the excuse of not knowing what to make when you order unhealthy take-out.