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15 Healthy and Refreshing Recipes for Summer

The best way to beat the heat is with healthy, delicious, light, and easy-to-make meals.
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Last Updated
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November 1, 2022
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The weather is getting warmer, and that means it's time to start thinking about summer recipes.

But who has time to search for healthy recipes that are also refreshing?

We've got you covered with a delicious and healthful recipe for every day of the week. From salads to smoothies, we've got you covered.

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The 15 Best Healthy Summer Recipes

From light and healthy salads to delicious fruit-based desserts, we have something for everyone. And these recipes are perfect for any occasion – from a backyard barbecue to a dinner party.

These recipes are not only healthy and refreshing, but they’re also incredibly tasty. You won’t believe how good they taste without all the extra calories. So dig in and enjoy!

Read on now to learn about these Healthy and Refreshing Recipes for Summer today!

15. Cucumber Tomato Salad

cucumber tomato salad
Canva Photos

There's nothing like a refreshing cucumber tomato salad to cool you down on a hot day. This salad is healthy, easy to make, and delicious. Cucumbers and tomatoes are both low in calories and high in nutrients, making them the perfect choice for a healthy salad.

To make the salad, start by chopping up some cucumbers and tomatoes. Then, mix them together with some diced onions and your favorite dressing.

You can use any type of dressing you like, but we recommend something light and refreshing, like vinaigrette or olive oil and vinegar.

The cucumber tomato salad is best when served cold, so we usually make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It's the perfect summertime dish!

14. Melon Panzanella

Have you ever had Panzanella? It’s a Tuscan salad that traditionally consists of bread, tomatoes, and olive oil. Sometimes cucumbers or onions are added, but the main ingredients are bread and tomatoes. It’s a simple salad, but it’s so good!

For a light summer dinner, you should consider melon Panzanella. The dish uses honeydew melon, bread, tomatoes, red onion, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It was delicious!

The sweetness of the honeydew melon went perfectly with the sourness of the balsamic vinegar. And the crunchiness of the bread was a great contrast to the softness of the melon. This salad is definitely a winner!

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13. Goat Cheese Cucumber Bites

goat cheese cucumber bites
Trina Krug

Looking for a fun and easy appetizer to bring to your next party? Look no further than goat cheese cucumber bites! This recipe is simple but delicious, and it can easily be adapted to fit your needs.

To make these bites, start by slicing a cucumber into thin rounds. Then, spread some goat cheese on each slice. You can either use a store-bought variety or make your own using fresh herbs and garlic. Finally, top each slice with a small piece of fresh parsley or thyme.

The great thing about this recipe is that it can be tailored to your taste buds. If you don't like goat cheese, you can substitute another type of cheese or even hummus. And if you're not a fan of cucumbers, you can use any other type of vegetable or fruit.

12. Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde, which translates to “green sauce” in English, is a type of salsa that is typically made from tomatillos, green chili peppers, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. It has a bright green color and a slightly tart, acidic flavor.

Salsa Verde is most commonly used as a condiment for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas but can also be used as a dip or spread.

11. Strawberry Soup

strawberry soup
Adobe Stock

Strawberry Soup is a popular cold soup that is made with fresh strawberries, cream, and sugar. It can be served either chilled or at room temperature, depending on the ingredients used. Some variations of strawberry soup include adding cream, yogurt, or ice cream to the recipe.

All in all, this recipe for Strawberry Soup is very simple, and it can be made in just a few minutes using a blender or food processor.

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10. Paleo Shrimp Salad

Salads are a go-to meal for many people on the Paleo diet. They’re easy to make, healthy, and can be tailored to include any ingredients you like. This shrimp salad is a great example of a Paleo-friendly dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

The salad is made with cooked shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and greens such as arugula or spinach. It’s then dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

You can add in any other ingredients you like, such as nuts or seeds, diced bell peppers, or crumbled-cooked bacon.

9. Watermelon Prosciutto Skewers

watermelon prosciutto skewers
Wholesomelicious

Watermelon Prosciutto Skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy watermelon. The skewers can be made with either pre-sliced watermelon or whole watermelon cubes. For the best results, use a firm watermelon that is not overly ripe.

Start by cutting the watermelon into 1-inch cubes. If using pre-sliced watermelon, cut each slice into 1-inch cubes. Next, cut the prosciutto into 1-inch strips. Thread a piece of prosciutto onto a skewer, followed by a cube of watermelon.

Repeat until the skewer is full. Grill or broil for 2-3 minutes, turning once until the prosciutto is crispy. Serve immediately.

8. Cucumber and Onion Salad

When you hear the words "cucumber and onion salad," you might think of a dish that your grandmother used to make. And, in a way, you'd be right. This salad has been around for centuries. It's a simple dish, but it's incredibly delicious.

Cucumbers and onions are two of the most versatile vegetables out there. They can be used in salads, side dishes, and even desserts. And they both have a very mild flavor, which means that they're perfect for pairing with other ingredients.

In this particular salad, cucumbers and onions are combined with vinegar and oil to create a delicious dressing. The salad can be served either cold or warm, depending on your preference.

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7. Summer Quiche Recipe with Scapes and Ham

summer quiche recipe with scapes and ham
Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Summer Quiche Recipe with Scapes and Ham. What could be more quintessentially summer than a quiche made with fresh produce? This recipe features scapes and ham, both of which are at their peak in the summer months.

Scapes are tender green stalks that grow from the bulbs of garlic plants. They have a mild garlicky flavor and are perfect for adding to quiche or other dishes. Ham is a classic addition to quiche, but you could also use bacon, sausage, or any other type of meat.

This recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to use your favorite ingredients. It’s perfect for a summer brunch or dinner party, and it’s sure to please everyone!

6. Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Mint

Watermelon is a popular fruit that is often eaten during the summer. This recipe for watermelon salad with cucumber and mint is a refreshing and healthy dish that you can make any time of the year.

The watermelon is combined with cucumber and mint, which are both fresh and flavorful ingredients. The salad is then dressed with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and salt. This light and refreshing salad are perfect for a summer picnic or potluck.

5. Cantaloupe Fruit Salad

cantaloupe fruit salad
Canva Photos

Cantaloupe fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. The salad is made by combining chopped cantaloupe, cucumber, and mint leaves.

The salad is then dressed with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lime juice, and honey. This easy salad can be made in just minutes and is perfect for any occasion.

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4. Black Bean Corn Mango Salsa

Salsa is a popular dish in many households, and for a good reason. It is easy to make, healthy, and flavorful. There are many different types of salsa, but one of our favorites is black bean corn mango salsa. This salsa is made with black beans, corn, and mango, and it is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.

This salsa is great as a dip or as a topping for tacos or burritos. It is also a great addition to salads. You can make it yourself or buy it pre-made from the store. If you are making it yourself, all you need is some diced mango, corn, black beans, onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and enjoy!

3. Peach Gazpacho

peach gazpacho
Adobe Stock

Peach Gazpacho is a refreshing, chilled soup that can be made with fresh or frozen peaches. This soup can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light lunch. Gazpacho is a Spanish dish that typically consists of vegetables and bread soaked in tomato broth.

For this recipe, we’ve added some peach puree to give it a sweet and fruity flavor. If you have time, we recommend chilling the soup for at least 2 hours before serving so that the flavors can blend together.

2. Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

lemon basil chicken salad
Good in the Simple

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is a dish made of cooked chicken, lemon juice, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. It is usually served chilled or at room temperature. The salad can be made by poaching or grilling chicken breasts and then cubing the meat.

Lemon juice, diced red onion, and chopped fresh basil are then added to the chicken. The salad is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste. It can be served on a bed of greens or in a wrap.

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1. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

instant pot corn on the cob
Tastes Better From Scratch

Instant Pot corn on the cob is a delicious and easy way to cook fresh corn on the cob. You can have perfectly cooked corn in just minutes with an Instant Pot while also retaining all of the flavor and nutrients of the corn.

The key is to add a small amount of water to the pot, place the corn in, and then cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure. The corn will be perfectly cooked and tender.

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