Healthy Summer Recipes That Taste Great to Lose Weight

Summer is a great time of year to start eating healthier. Most people by mid-July have already fully transitioned into their summer clothes. Trying to squeeze into your favorite shorts and swimsuits is probably the worst part about summer. Luckily, shedding a few of those winter pounds can be easy and delicious with a few healthy summer recipes in your repertoire!

In this article, you will find healthy summer recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will also learn the best way to cook a piece of salmon and how to put together an impressive appetizer in minutes. Have any summer eating tips you’d like us to share? Be sure to leave a comment and make sure to SHARE this with all of your Facebook friends who love to cook!

Breakfast Burrito

You should switch up your traditional scrambled eggs and bacon meal for a yummy breakfast burrito. For this recipe, you will need one whole wheat tortilla, four ounces of chopped up sweet potato, two chopped up pieces of turkey bacon, a ½ cup of diced white onions, a ½ cup of diced red bell pepper, and four large eggs. First, you should cook the turkey bacon until it is golden and crispy then in the same pan, sauté your potatoes and vegetables. After that step is completed slowly mix in your eggs until they are light and fluffy. Last, spoon your egg creation onto a toasted tortilla and enjoy!

Fruity Oatmeal Jar in Hours

This healthy oatmeal recipe will leave your tummy feeling happy and satisfied. You will need one cup of old fashioned oats, a ½ cup of greek yogurt, a ½ cup of almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a few of your favorite fruits. I suggest using fresh strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple. First, you will want to layer your ingredients in a mason jar. This will make your breakfast easier to enjoy on the go. Once layered, in any order of your choice, place your jar in the refrigerator. Your breakfast concoction will be ready to enjoy in around four hours. It is suggested that you prepare it before bed so it can be ready for you in the morning.

Avocado Toast

The best part about this quick breakfast meal is that it can be prepared in minutes and it will leave you feeling full for hours. You will need two pieces of toasted wheat bread, ½ of an avocado, a few cloves of cilantro, lime and a dash of hot sauce. Once the wheat bread is toasted lightly spread the avocado on each side. Next, you will want to sprinkle, freshly ground pepper, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice on top. Last, add a couple of dashes of your favorite hot sauce only if you dare. Trying pairing this breakfast with a glass of fruit-infused water for a refreshing finish.

Banana Pancakes

Making banana pancakes and pretending like it’s the weekend is the ultimate way to start your workday. For this healthy breakfast treat, you will need two ripe bananas, two eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, a ½ cup of quick-cook oats, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Once you mash the bananas into a large bowl start mixing in the eggs and the vanilla extract. Then you will want to add the oats and cinnamon. Before you start cooking your banana pancake mixture make sure your skillet is nice and hot to avoid them sticking to the pan.

Yogurt Parfait

You too can create a gorgeous parfait the whole office will be envious of. The process is quite easy and you will only need a few items. The best container to use is a medium-sized mason jar. You will also need vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and granola. The first layer should consist of vanilla yogurt. The next layers can be a mixture of granola and fresh fruit. Continue this pattern until you reach the top of the jar. I suggest adding more colorful fruits like bananas, oranges, and pineapple to increase your parfait aesthetics.

Egg and Turkey Bacon Cups

The egg and turkey bacon cups are a cute little breakfast treat that only takes around 18 minutes to cook. Another great thing about the recipe is that it only takes two main ingredients; eggs and turkey bacon. First, you will need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then spray a muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray. Next, fold one piece of turkey bacon in each of the muffin cups. Finally, crack one egg inside each of the pieces of wrapped bacon. You can always add salt and pepper for extra flavor. Once those steps are completed pop your muffin pan in the oven for 18 minutes and enjoy!

Breakfast Smoothie

A healthy fruit smoothie should contain protein and vegetables in order for it to keep you full for longer. For this breakfast smoothie recipe, you will need one cup of almond milk, one cup of baby spinach, ½ of a frozen banana, ½ of a frozen pear, one tablespoon of almond butter and two scoops of your favorite protein powder. All you have to do is add your ingredients into a NutriBullet and blend until it is smooth. You can also add a drizzle of honey or chocolate for an extra boost of sweetness.

Tuna Salad

Some people may be surprised to hear that canned tuna provides a great source of essential nutrients. Tuna contains a high level of vitamin D and protein. For this healthy salad recipe, you will need one can of tuna, two tablespoons of light or low-fat mayonnaise, a few squeezes of fresh lime juice, one cup of arugula, and one cup of spinach. First, you will want to mix your tuna and mayonnaise into a medium-sized bowl. Next, lightly squeeze in the fresh lime juice and add a few dashes of salt and pepper. Lastly, add in your salad mix and dig in!

Kale Apple Salad

Kale is one of those superfoods that contain large amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C. It even has the power to help you lower your cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. For this salad recipe, you will want to thinly cut strips of softened kale. Then you will add a light lemon dressing into the mixture of kale. Next, throw in a few slices of fresh apples, strawberries, almonds, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. You can also add five ounces of grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more of a hearty meal.

Vegetarian Lunch Wraps

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this meatless lunch wrap. For this guiltless lunch treat you will need- one whole wheat tortilla, pesto-flavored hummus, red peppers, spinach, cilantro, and a cucumber. After toasting your tortilla lightly, spread the hummus evenly on the tortilla’s surface. Next, you will sprinkle a few cloves of cilantro onto the slices of red peppers and cucumber. Lastly, take a big bite of your delicious low-calorie creation and enjoy!

Tomato Bruschetta

The tomato bruschetta is a traditional Italian treat that originated from Italy during the 15th century. For this light, fun lunch, all you will need is a toasted piece of Italian bread, garlic, tomatoes, basil, red onions, and balsamic vinegar. Once the bread is toasted you simply add the mix of chopped up vegetables onto your piece of bread. Lastly, sprinkle your sliced basil and drizzle the balsamic vinegar on top. To add an extra taste pop of sweetness you can switch out the balsamic vinegar for a balsamic glaze.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This light, flavorful lunch is the perfect mid-day treat! You will need around four ounces of grilled shrimp, ½ of a lime, ½ of an avocado, one tomato, ⅓ red onion, a few cloves of cilantro, and one chopped up jalapeño. Grab a medium-sized bowl and add all of your chopped up ingredients. While you mix everything together add some freshly squeezed lime juice. You can also add an optional one tablespoon of olive oil for an oily finish.

Chicken Salad in an Avocado Bowl

These cute little avocado chicken salad bowls are a yummy Instagrammable treat! First, you will need to thinly slice five ounces of grilled chicken. Then you mix your chicken with two tablespoons of light mayo or a light ranch dressing. Next, grab an avocado and slice it in half. Take out the seed and scoop in your chicken mixture. Remove some avocado if needed to make room for the chicken. Lastly, top your dish with freshly grounded pepper and chopped up chives.

Zucchini Boat Pizza

For this delicious low-calorie pizza you will first need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then once your zucchini is washed, slice them into halves. Next, you will want to hollow out your zucchini just enough to hold your pizza ingredients. Spoon in your tomato pasta sauce, then add slices of mozzarella cheese, black olives, and mushrooms. Bake your zucchini boat pizzas in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. You are always welcome to heat up an extra side of marinara sauce for dipping purposes.

Tomato Caprese Salad

This simplistic Italian salad is made up of fresh slices of red tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella, and olive oil. First, you should alternate your mozzarella slices with your thick slices of red tomatoes. Then sprinkle the chopped up basil leaves on top. Lastly, drizzle your olive oil and a few dashes of salt and pepper. It is also suggested to finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. This light pre-dinner treat is only 250 calories.

Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap

For this chicken salad recipe, it is suggested that you use a lettuce wrap instead of two slices of wheat bread. By substituting lettuce for bread you could be reducing your total daily calorie intake by around 200 calories. To make this chicken salad you will first need to toss together thinly cut pieces of chicken, celery, and pickles into a large bowl. Then slowly whisk in two tablespoons of mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon juice. Once everything is combined scoop your chicken salad onto a chunky piece of iceberg lettuce.

Vegetable Stuffed Bell Peppers

For this vegetable-stuffed bell pepper recipe, you will need one tablespoon of tomato paste, three cloves of garlic, a ½ cup of chopped zucchini, a ½ cup of chopped mushrooms, two bell peppers, shredded Monterey Jack, and seven ounces of diced tomatoes. Before preparing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then in a large skillet on medium heat, cook the chopped zucchini and mushrooms with the tomato paste until soft. Next, place your hollowed-out bell peppers on a baking dish. Then spoon in the vegetable mixture into each bell pepper and top each pepper with the diced tomatoes and Monterey Jack cheese. Lastly, bake the peppers until they are tender for about 35 minutes.

Grilled Salmon With Roasted Vegetables

This grilled salmon with roasted vegetables recipe makes for a healthy yet delicious meal. Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure. It is also a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The best way to cook salmon is in the oven at 400 degrees on a lightly greased sheet pan for about 12 to 15 minutes. Pair the fish with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and roasted red peppers. It is suggested to sauté the vegetables in a cast-iron skillet with a drizzle of olive oil for maximum flavor.

Shish Kebab

A shish kebab is a skewer that holds cooked meat and vegetables. They are thought to have originated in Turkey around 1377. This easy recipe is best cooked on an open fire. Before preparing your ingredients, soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Then marinade your zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and chicken chunks in a bowl. After letting the marinade rest start threading your meat and vegetables onto the skewer. Lastly, grill your shish kebabs on high heat for around 10 minutes on each side. Make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked before enjoying this tasty treat!

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

Turn your traditional boring salad into something new and exciting. For this strawberry balsamic chicken salad, you will need one bag of field green lettuce, spicy pecans, crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, grapes, strawberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette. First, mix the balsamic vinaigrette into the bowl of field green lettuce. Next, toss in the chopped up strawberries and grapes. Then place the chicken on top only once it has been cooled down. Lastly, sprinkle the feta cheese and spicy pecans for a crunchy savory finish.

Shrimp Scampi

There are only 288 calories in one cup of shrimp scampi. To make this savory dish you will need low-fat melted butter, olive oil, garlic, angel hair pasta, and shrimp. First, boil the pasta in a pot with lightly salted water. While that is heating up, you can sauté your shrimp in a large skillet with melted butter, olive oil, and garlic. Once the shrimp are cooked, add the melted buttery sauce to your drained pasta. It is suggested to drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and to be served immediately.

Sausage and Vegetable Mix

There is no need to dirty multiple dishes with this easy one-pan recipe. All you will need is a sheet pan, a bundle of asparagus, six ounces of sliced turkey sausage, one head of broccoli, two cups of small red potatoes, and four tablespoons of olive oil. Before you chop up all your ingredients don’t forget to set your oven to 400 degrees. Once everything is prepared simply place all the vegetables and sausage on top of the sheet pan. Finally, drizzle olive oil on top and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Taco Salad

Traditional ground beef can contain high levels of grease and fat. Instead, try using lean ground turkey breast as a healthy alternative. For this taco salad, you will need one packet of taco seasoning, one head of romaine lettuce, one cup of diced tomatoes, one cup of sliced black olives, one pound of ground turkey, and a ½ cup of light sour cream. First, sauté the ground turkey in a skillet on medium heat with the taco seasoning. Once the turkey is properly cooked, drain any leftover grease. Next you will add the turkey, olives, and tomatoes to your bed of iceberg lettuce. Lastly, top your salad with a dollop of low-fat sour cream.

Steak Fajitas

A sizzling steak fajita dinner is a high protein meal that is around 389 calories per cup. For this recipe, you will want to toss your steak stripes in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and hot chili flakes. Next, sauté two diced red peppers, ½ of an onion, and one chopped zucchini in a large skillet on medium heat. Then add your steak to the vegetable mixture and cook until it loses its red color. Lastly, serve your beef mixture on top of a toasted wheat tortilla or fresh lettuce wrap.

Spinach Quesadillas

A quesadilla, originally from Mexico, is a toasted tortilla that is stuffed with cheese. For this recipe, you will need two flour tortillas, one tablespoon of butter, chopped green onions, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and one bunch of spinach. First, you will need to toast your tortilla on a buttered skillet until it is golden brown. Next, sprinkle your cheese, spinach, diced onion, and chili powder onto one of the tortillas. Finally, top it with another tortilla and flip until the cheese is melted. You can also add a dollop of light sour cream or salsa to finish it off.