3 Healthy Recipes To Try This Summer

Just like the atmosphere, summertime calls for recipes that are light and fresh. Fueling your body with good-for-you foods makes you feel that much better, and summer is the perfect time to introduce healthy eating habits because there is so much delicious produce in season. Below are three recipes to help you on your quest for a healthy lifestyle (and once you’re done with these, check out our blog for more health articles)

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Adapted from Gimme Some Oven

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD:

6 cups fresh baby spinach

1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans

1 batch poppy seed dressing (recipe below)

POPPY SEED DRESSING:

1/3 cup avocado oil (or any oil, such as olive oil)

3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

pinch of ground dry mustard (optional)

salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE THE SALAD:

Toss all ingredients together with your desired amount of dressing until combined. Serve immediately.

TO MAKE THE POPPYSEED DRESSING:

Whisk all ingredients together until combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, or more to taste.

OPTIONS:

Add sliced, grilled chicken to the salad to pack in the protein and turn this salad into a main course.

Blueberry Pork Corn Tacos

Recipe from A Healthy Life For Me

INGREDIENTS:

MARINADE:

½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

3 tbsp maple syrup

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 garlic cloves minced {about 1 generous tablespoon}

1½ tbsp dried thyme

TENDERLOIN:

3½ pound organic pork tenderloin

¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¾ tsp sea salt

CORN SALSA:

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cucumber, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tortillas

DIRECTIONS:

TENDERLOIN:

Puree blueberries in a food processes. Add next three ingredients and blend until combined.

Salt and pepper the tenderloin, and then place it into gallon-sized Ziploc bag with the blueberry puree. Add in garlic and thyme and then zip the bag closed.

Place the bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.

When ready to cook, grill each side of the tenderloin for about six minutes, then flip and cook an additional six minutes.

Lower heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, flip and cook an additional 15 minutes.

When finished, let the tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes, and slice it into thin strips.

CORN SALSA:

In a large bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Add salsa ingredients and then toss until the dressing is evenly distributed.

To serve, top tortillas with several pieces of pork and a large spoonful of salsa.

OPTIONS:

This is a recipe that uses coconut oil as a healthy substitute. Just add it to the corn salsa instead of the olive oil. For a little spice, add diced jalapeno pepper to the corn salsa. Keep in mind that if you want to maximize the nutritional value of the coconut oil, then be sure to buy it unrefined and cold-pressed, as this oil is mechanically pressed in temperatures that do not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this preservers its natural nutrients.

Greek Yogurt Raspberry Chocolate Mousse

Adapted from Slim Pickin’s Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt (room temperature)

1/8 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (sifted)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/4 cup liquid egg whites

2-3 T sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Microwave the chocolate chips in 15 second increments until melted and smooth.

Stir the melted chocolate into the Greek yogurt until well blended. Sift the cocoa powder over the yogurt, stirring well to combine. Make sure to squeeze as much juice from the raspberries as you can, then stir them into the chocolate yogurt mixture. Set aside. Add the liquid egg whites and the sugar to a stand mixer and beat over medium speed until the whites reach a stiff peak. Very, very gently fold the egg whites into the Greek yogurt mixture until well blended. Divide the mixture into two small dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 3 hours to set.

OPTIONS:

Top with a raspberry and a mint leaf and serve to guests.

Although healthy, these recipes are not lacking in flavor. Take the time to invest in your health and your family this summer by trying one of these meals. Enjoy!