6 Low-Calorie Summer Recipes

Reader Contribution by Brooke Chaplan
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When summer arrives, you might not want to prepare as many hearty meals as you would in the fall and winter. Luckily, this time of year there are numerous fruits and vegetables you can find at farmers markets and grocery stores that are delicious ingredients in many low-calorie recipes. From salads to tacos, there’s something you can make that your family will enjoy, whether it’s on the grill or on the stove.

Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that’s high in flavor and low in calories, then consider salmon. The fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids which can boost brain and heart health. Prepare the salmon by sprinkling some salt and pepper on both sides. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of acid. Grilling the fish works best as it can bring out all the flavors, but you can also bake it so there isn’t as much fat as when fried.

Photo courtesy Yummly.com.

Mango Salad

Mangos have a simultaneously sweet yet acidic taste. For a different kind of flavor, add small pieces of Roma tomatoes and a hint of mint for a small parfait that is sure to please everyone at any summer party.

Fish Tacos

Light up the grill with an easy recipe for fish tacos. Use wheat tortillas and a blend of horseradish and mayonnaise for a flavorful sauce on the tacos. After you add the grilled fish, top the taco with a little mozzarella cheese, chopped Roma tomatoes and shredded lettuce.


Photo courtesy What’s Gaby Cooking.

Avocado Salad

Lighten up the day with a beautiful avocado salad with tomatoes and limes. You want to use larger pieces of each as these are the only items you will need in the salad. Make a vinaigrette of lemon juice and honey for a sweet taste on top of the salad.

Skewers

You can add any item to a skewer before putting it on the grill. Small pieces of chicken or beef work well and supply the necessary protein. Mushrooms, cucumbers, squash and peppers pair well together, and are delicious grilled. All you need is a little salt and pepper for seasoning to complete the meal.


Photo courtesy Cooking Channel.

Grilled Bananas

Slice bananas in half, leaving the peel on. Put them on the grill for about five minutes on each side or until they’re a golden color. Top the bananas with fresh berries and a light cream with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Fire up the grill, and add some new flavors in the warm summer months. Look for healthy eating cookbooks or ebooks, like Carob Cherub, for more recipe ideas and to see how many calories you are currently consuming.


Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter, @BrookeChaplan.

  • Published on May 2, 2016
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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