As Summer approaches us quickly, it's time to revitalize our diets with fresh, seasonal ingredients that not only taste amazing, but also nourish our bodies.! Embracing the bounty of summer produce, I've come up with five easy recipes that celebrate the flavors of the season. From vibrant salads to cooling beverages, these dishes are sure to keep you feeling light, energized, and satisfied all summer long!

1. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint

Ingredients:

• 1/2 fresh watermelon, cubed

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped

• drizzle of balsamic glaze

• drizzle of olive oil

• salt and pepper (to taste)

• Optional: olives, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.

• Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves.

• Drizzle with balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and olive oil for a sweet and tangy finish.

• Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

This refreshing salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to any protein (I love it with salmon) summer meal!

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 large cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon-Tahini Dressing:

• 1 tbsp tahini

• 1/2 lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• drizzle of olive oil

• salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

• Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently until well combined.

• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if desired.

• Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nutritious and flavorful side dish or light meal.

This Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your summer menu!

3. Steak Pitas with Romesco and Herb Whipped Feta

Ingredients:

• 2 pitas of any brand/choosing

• 3.5 oz. grilled flank steak

• 1 large sliced cucumber

• 2 tbsp Romesco sauce (I recommend the Trader Joe's version)

• 2 tbsp. pickled onions

Whipped Herb Feta Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup less-fat cream cheese

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta

• handful of basil, chopped

• 1 clove fresh garlic, chopped.

• handful of fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp green onions or chives, chopped

• 1/2 lemon– zest and juice

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• Salt and pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350. Lay pitas on a sheet pan, spray with a mist of olive oil spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.

• Spread each pita with 1 Tbsp whipped herb feta, then layer with 50 grams of steak, and 1 tbsp Romesco.

• Bake for 3-5 minutes… just until pitas and steak are warm. (You don’t want to re-cook leftover steak.)

• Remove from the oven and top with cucumbers, pickled onions, and fresh herbs. (I love mint, cilantro, or basil– whatever I've got!

• Feel free to pile in some arugula or your favorite greens as well! Maybe top with more whipped feta or romesco sauce.
  

4. Mango Coconut Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 3-4 tbsp chia seeds

• drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl or jar, combine the diced mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds.

• Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.

• Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the chia seeds to thicken.

• Serve chilled, topped with additional diced mango or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

This creamy and satisfying pudding is not only delicious but also packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants!

5. Iced Green Tea with Citrus

Ingredients:

• green tea bag (use about 4 per pitcher)

• 2-3 cups of water

• fresh citrus slices (lemon, lime, orange)

• fresh mint leaves

• honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

• Bring water to a boil and steep green tea bags for 3-5 minutes, according to package instructions.

• Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.

• Add fresh citrus slices and mint leaves to the chilled tea.

• Sweeten with honey or agave syrup, if desired.

• Serve over ice for a refreshing and hydrating beverage that's perfect for sipping on hot summer days.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has numerous health benefits, while citrus fruits add a burst of vitamin C and refreshing flavor!

With these five easy and nutritious summer recipes, you can elevate your culinary experience while staying true to your health and wellness goals! I hope you guys enjoy and stay tuned for more WTHN posts for Summer coming soon!