Say goodbye to sweating bullets in front of the oven. It's summer! This post will share the best healthy summer recipes that are fresh, cool, and easy to make.
Summer is here - in the US - and so is the heat! It's more important than ever to take care of yourself and your loved ones as the temperature rises to crazy new highs. Nourishing and hydrating recipes are a great way to do so! Now, I absolutely love cooking. Whole reason I started this blog. But just thinking about standing in front of the oven in this heat has got me stressed out. As far as I'm concerned...we're retiring the oven until October.
Luckily there are plenty of easy weeknight dinners that we can prepare outside on the grill (with air flow) or without any heat source involved. Because the truth is, our bodies are absolutely affected by the rise and fall of temperatures.
And the things we eat in the winter will be different from what we eat in the summer. So with a few adjustments and healthy choices, we can feel less lazy and more energized during even the doggiest days of summer.
What are some of the summer ingredients I like to have in the fridge?
- Lettuce for tuna-filled lettuce wraps
- Feta cheese to throw on a spinach or Greek salad
- Ground turkey for burgers and bowls
- Chicken breasts for the BBQ - satisfying and healthy chicken salad, here we come
- Bell peppers to serve alongside homemade hummus
- Quick grill proteins like shrimp (try my Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with noodles made from sweet potatoes!)
- Beans and legumes for side dishes and meal prep mason jar meals
- Garlic and fresh herbs for wonderful flavors and garnishes
What Should You Not Eat In Hot Weather?
You shouldn't eat anything that shoots up your internal temperature too high in the summer. Along with anything that is dehydrating (sorry alcohol!). These days, we need to actually make an effort to keep our bodies cool in order to thrive.
Here are some tips on what to avoid during a stifling summer!
- Diuretic foods: Say what now? During the summer you ALWAYS want to keep hydrated! So it would be better if you can avoid food that flush water out of the body. Some examples would be fennel, artichokes and asparagus.
- Fried food: I'd recommend saving your fried treats for cooler temps because they increase oil production of the skin, which can cause extra issues in hot, humid temps (like acne!).
- Spicy Foods: This one is tricky because the capsaicin in spicy foods will increase your body temperature. This could increase your sweat production and cool you down. But if you're not rehydrating, it will become an issue. So I say, some spicy food is fine but make sure to have a large jar of delicious infused water on hand!
What Is A Well-Balanced Meal for Summer?
A well balanced summer meal gets you all the nutrients you need while also helping to cool you down in the process. Ideally, the dish you'll make takes minimal energy and heat to prepare and is high in hydration.
I highly recommend plates of refreshing salads, proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp and salmon, and some seasonal fruits and veggies too! Tomatoes, watermelon, berries, peaches, corn, and zucchini are plentiful during the summer, so get them while they're - um - cool! How about a cucumber salad with red onion and cherry tomatoes? I'm getting hungry already!
What’s The Best Drink To Have During The Summer?
During the summer you'll want to choose drinks that are hydrating (a lot of water!) and aren't loaded with sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. A glass of water with slices of fresh fruit or herbs is always an excellent choice.
What Should I Make On A Hot Summer Day?
When the thermometer breaks beyond a certain temperature, these are my go-to recipes (divided between drinks, salads, sandwiches, grilled, and desserts) that keep can help keep you cool and satisfied.
Best Healthy Summer Recipes: Drinks
Summer gives us full permission to really relish the goodness of drinks. Here are some of the best healthy summer recipes to quench your thirst!
Even as a kid, I would choose iced tea over soda or juice. Now I’ve created 4 healthy iced tea recipes that aren't loaded with sugar (you're going to love the Lemon Basil blend)!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
Get the recipe here.
Grab a scoop of cleanish Brand Plant-Based Protein Powder and whip up a refreshing drink. Conserve and replenish your energy with this peachy protein shake - It takes just 5 minutes to make!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Mix + Pour Time: 1 min
- Total Time: 5 mins max!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 361 kcal
Get the recipe here.
Long gone are the days of Eggnog Lattes and Hot Apple Ciders. When you need a cool, refreshing drink, reach for a glass of Strawberry Mint Lemonade. This combo of fruit and herb works perfectly whenever we’re having a BBQ party!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 65 kcal
Get the recipe here.
Best Healthy Summer Recipes: Salads
If there’s a summer salad recipe that you should know...it’s this one! Exactly why I keep chickpeas in the pantry. The perfect blend of flavors and texture.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 479 kcal
Get the recipe here.
It’s not summer unless you have a good taco salad in your rotation! This Healthy Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing is a balanced combination of healthy fats and proteins, like the lean ground beef and avocado.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 284 kcal
Get the recipe here.
Best Healthy Summer Recipes: Sandwiches
This quick, healthy, and delicious Avocado, Turkey & Hummus Wrap makes the perfect lunch. Just a few simple ingredients!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 340 kcal
Get the recipe here.
It never ceases to amaze me how just a few simple ingredients can create such intense flavors...all wrapped up in a neat, handheld wrap.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 479 kcal
Get the recipe.
Best Healthy Summer Recipes: Summer Grillin’
It ain’t a summer party without some corn! Whole foods seriously taste the best when cooked simply (on the grill, among friends!). I luv corn alongside a veggie burger or my homemade beef burger. Talk about easy summer dinners!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 122 kcal
Get the recipe.
If you’ve never grilled eggplant before, it’s my FAVE way to prepare eggplant (besides eggplant parmesan). Super fast, easy, and full of flavor.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 266 kcal
Get the recipe.
Best Healthy Summer Recipes: Desserts
2 ingredients, no sugar, and only 45 calories per serving - Wahoooo! You could also go with Mango, Raspberry, Strawberry, or Peach sorbet if that's more your speed.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 45 kcal
Get the recipe.
It’s inevitable that summers will be hot, and that you still need to cook. But it doesn’t mean that you can't create a menu that’s perfect for this season. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but all the recipes I’ve shared take less than 25 minutes to make!
They’re minimal in effort but bursting with summer’s best ingredients! I think fun in the heat is best enjoyed with easy summer dinner ideas for afterward. Stay cool, friends.
This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
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