When summer starts I want a few easy dishes that make everyone happy and keep me healthy; a set of go-to recipes that are quick, easy and most important of all, impressive. They have to look and taste so good no one realizes they came from the nutritionist’s kitchen.
A go-to summer recipe superstar has to be:
- colorful
- delicious
- prepared without turning on the oven
- quick to make
- good at room temperature
- easy to prep or make ahead
- special
Here are three that make the cut.
Tomato and Watermelon Salad looks gorgeous, has two of our favorite summer ingredients combined in a unique way, and tastes fantastic. You can prep most of it ahead of time and just toss it all together before you serve it. Expect oohs and aahs, even from the kids.
Broccoli Salad is best when made ahead. Its satisfying, colorful and fun, and gets everyone to eat their vegetables without complaint. Its truly a nutrient powerhouse with the broccoli, kidney beans and tomatoes.
Farro Salad will keep for days, is filling and can be modified to suit whatever you have on hand. It can be a light lunch with some fruit on the side, or turn simple grilled chicken into a complete meal.
A big platter of grilled vegetables is always impressive too, especially drizzled with balsamic vinegar and topped with some chopped basil. Add a few slices of grilled crusty bread and you will make everyone at the table very happy. Veggies that can be cut into large pieces (like bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini) look the most impressive when grilled. Just brush with olive oil, add some salt and pepper, and grill over high heat until you get good grill marks, or until they are as done as you like.
Here’s a guide to making a salad a meal, no heat required.
Let me know your favorite go-to summer recipes, I love trying new ones!
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