Summer is here, so we’ve got a wonderful season of warmth and sunshine. Well, when we’re not melting in this hot desert heat.

When it comes to a successful summer recipe, think of something that will refresh your palette. Light rather than something heavy that will weigh you down. Sluggy and sweaty? No thank you!

Here are a few easy and healthy summer recipes perfect for you to try during those hot summer nights. Many are centered around produce paired with lean proteins. We want something lighter on the calories, not the flavor. 

Summer Salad Ideas

It’s not enough to just have the perfect proteins, you’ve gotta get those veggies in. What better way than a yummy salad?

Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Creamy Basil Dressing is an easy low-carb, high-protein dinner salad that is full of amazing flavor!

Grilled Salmon Salad with Avocado, Arugula, Cucumber, Pepitas, Cotija Cheese & Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing-perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. Chock full of fresh organic produce, not only is this entree salad healthy and easy to make, it’s bursting with delicious summertime flavor! Keto and Low-carb.

This Grilled Chipotle Chicken Salad  is loaded up with grilled veggies- corn, peppers and scallions over a bed of arugula and quinoa with avocado and a simple Chipotle Lime Dressing.  

Thai Larb Salad a spicy, full-flavored Thai salad made with your choice of ground chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb, served in lettuce cups or with rice. Low-carb, light, and refreshing- and can be served warm or chilled.

Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead pasta salad for summertime picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and easy dinners.  A hearty ratio of fresh veggies combined with tender orzo pasta, and chickpeas tossed in the tastiest Greek Salad dressing.

Recipes for The Grill

Grilling doesn’t have to be just burgers, hot dogs, and steaks. If you’re looking to BBQ for a more healthyish crowd, check out the inspiration below.

Chicken Inasal packs in tons of flavor from lemongrass, seasoned rice vinegar, achiote seeds, and even Sprite. 

Sushi Rice with Miso-Caramel Glazed Salmon is the super tasty with its seasoned rice.  

Grilled Shrimp with Turmeric Mojo Sauce takes on the flavors of a bright, acidic marinade in minutes, making it a good choice for last-minute grilling.  

Jalapeño-Marinated Grilled Pork Chops. Don’t be intimidated by the slices of jalapeño because the grill mellows their heat. But, if you’re a spice lover, you can even leave some of them raw for that extra kick.

Grilled Fish Tacos preparation may look complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy—because your guests assemble the tacos themselves.  

Light(er) Pasta Eats

It’s time to switch out your heavy dishes for some lighter summer pasta recipes. Shift your focus to different and healthier ingredients. 

Creamy Cherry Tomato & Summer Squash Pasta is simple to make, plus it’s loaded with veggies and tastes much more indulgent than it really is.

This Herb Pasta recipe is so flexible, you can substitute different herbs depending what you may have on hand, or what is in your garden. 

Farmers’ Market Pasta with Walnut Pesto is a cinch to make with some fresh veggies roasted in the oven.

Although this Lemon Chicken Pasta is comforting and hearty, it’s not heavy. Not only is this recipe full of bold flavor, it’s also healthy! 

Linguine with Clams in a garlicky white wine sauce makes an easy and elegant Italian pasta dinner.

Delicious Desert Recipes

Dessert Pizza with Banana Ice Cream is cool, crispy, and a must-make dessert for hot weather.

Strawberry Sangria Ice Pops are perfect to chill out with. Try this ice pop inspired by the crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Mocha Cream Shake is an ice cream treat that’s all grown up. Made with low-fat frozen yogurt, strong brewed coffee, and dark chocolate, this dessert recipe is healthy decadence at its best.

Sour Cherry Sorbet can be made with just three ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. Really, that’s all it takes to get this healthy summer dessert in the freezer.

Sweet Ricotta and Strawberry Parfaits are decadence without the guilt. Ricotta is a rich and creamy Italian cheese that only needs a bit of agave or honey and a dash of vanilla to taste a whole lot like cheesecake.