Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. However, after a long day of fun in the sun, you may not always feel like cooking. That’s where these delicious dinner ideas come in! Not only are they easy to make, but they are also healthy and packed full of flavor. Sizzling up your summer has never been easier.
1. Grilled Salmon Kebabs
Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve heart health and brain function. These kebabs are grilled to perfection and paired with fresh veggies for a nutritious dinner that’s also fun to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound salmon fillets, cut into cubes
– 1 red onion, cut into chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 10 cherry tomatoes
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill on medium-high heat.
2. Thread the salmon, onion, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve with a side of brown rice or your favorite vegetables.
2. Shrimp and Mango Quesadillas
This flavorful dish brings together succulent shrimp, juicy mango, and creamy cheese for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavors. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 mangos, diced
– 1 red pepper, diced
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 4 whole-wheat tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook the onion and red pepper until softened.
3. Add the diced mango to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble the quesadillas by placing a tortilla on a flat surface and spreading 1/4 cup of the cheese over half of it. Top with a spoonful of the cooked shrimp and some of the mango and pepper mixture.
5. Fold the tortilla over and cook in a hot skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
3. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a quick and easy dinner option that allows you to pack in a variety of veggies for maximum nutrition. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of tofu, pressed and diced
– 1 red pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow pepper, sliced
– 1 broccoli head, cut into florets
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add the sliced peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch. Pour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
6. Add the cooked tofu back to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Serve over a bed of white or brown rice.
FAQs
1. What are some other healthy dinner ideas for summer?
Other healthy dinner ideas for summer include grilled chicken or fish with a side of roasted vegetables, fruit and goat cheese salad, and gazpacho soup.
2. How can I make sure my meals are balanced with all the necessary nutrients?
Make sure you include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in your meals. This will ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
3. Can I swap out the proteins in these recipes for something else?
Absolutely! You can swap out tofu for chicken in the stir-fry recipe, for example, or use steak instead of shrimp in the quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
