Healthy, Quick, and Tasty Summer Meal Ideas

Now that summer is here, the idea of cooking hot food in a hot kitchen can really sound unappealing. So looking for some quick but still delicious and healthy meals that will suit all of the family is a must in the summer. Dinners and desserts that are light and simple are the best way to go in summertime. Plus, in the heat of the summer, we can lose a lot of water from our bodies, so having foods that are refreshing and hydrating, but that leave you comfortable and satisfied will make such a difference. Here are some recipe ideas that will work over the summer months, and will leave your family and guests feeling full and happy (and mean you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen).

Coconut and garbanzo bean vegetable curry

Dishes that just go in one pot are so simple and easy to cook in the summer. Putting it all in one pot, stirring, leaving to simmer, and then it is ready, is the dream! If you are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option for the family this summer, then choosing coconut milk as a base for a curry always works well. With veggies and beans, you’ll all feel satisfied and comforted, but be full of healthy goodness. The good news is that you can add veggies of your choice, so it can work well for even the fussiest of eaters.

Cheat’s strawberry cake

Strawberries and cream are a match made in heaven! And if you want a dessert that everyone will fall in love with, then how about a strawberry whipped cream cake? One thing that you can do to make it easier for you, is to get an angel food cake mix to make the cake with, as it will mean that your time in the kitchen is much reduced, which is what you want in the summer when the kids are around and the weather is hot.

Chicken and broccoli casserole

Much like a ‘one and done’ pot meal, a casserole is always a good choice as you just need a casserole dish and your main oven. This can be a much cooler option on a hot day, as there will be no need to use the stove. If you want to keep things low-carb this summer, then a casserole recipe like this is keto-friendly, as well as just being downright delicious. All in a dish and in the oven for thirty minutes and you’ll be good to go. The recipe is loaded with chicken, broth, broccoli, and cheese, along with some seasoning, making it tasty, and ideal for those looking for some healthy but fresh comfort food this summer.

Cauliflower and sweet potato burgers

A summer BBQ is a must. However, with children, you might want to get a few more veggies into their meals, but not compromise on the flavors. Cauliflower and sweet potato roast in the oven, then they are blended together in a food processor to make the patties. The patties could also be prepared ahead of time so that you can grab these healthy burger options in a hurry. Top with avocado and spices, and there will be so much goodness in there that no one would even know that they are vegan!

Grilled shrimp skewers

Summer isn’t summer without some shrimp, am I right? If you have young ones that love to help in the kitchen, then they can get involved with threading the shrimp onto the skewers, ready to be cooked. Then with a garlic glaze, they are quick to cook and ready within minutes. They could be used as part of a larger dinner, or would work great by themselves for a tasty and protein-filled snack.

Summer Cobb salad

Salad is the perfect accompaniment to summer, and a cobb salad is always a good choice. With a summer cobb salad, you can be sure to pack it full with lots of veggies and fruits, as well as protein like bacon, chicken, cheese, and boiled eggs, to keep you feeling full. Throw in some corn or berries, or whatever else you would like to throw in, and then you will have a plate full of goodness. A summer salad is a meal that is ideal for lunch or dinner (or picnics on the go).

What are some of your favorite summer recipes for the family? It would be great to hear what you think and if you would like to give any of these a go.