Warm weather is upon us and, like it or not, swimsuit season is here. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up good eating. Summer meals can be lighter and less caloric, but still delicious. From soups to salads to entrees, all of these recipes are light, full of flavor, and totally satisfying.
As much as I love salad as a meal, it’s not usually enough for my husband, who is more of a protein/two sides kind of a guy. But I can get away with serving this salad for dinner — it’s satisfying and full of bright Southeast Asian flavor. It’s easy too. You simply shred a rotisserie chicken, chop some veggies, whisk the dressing and dinner is done. GET THE RECIPE
This summery recipe comes from Gina Homolka’s bestselling cookbook, Skinnytaste Fast & Slow (Clarkson Potter, 2016). She writes: “I love bringing a big bowl of these juicy berries to a backyard gathering, especially in the summer when berries are at their peak. This easy dessert doesn’t require any cooking, and is always a crowd-pleaser…My trick to making the homemade whipped cream with less fat is folding in some Greek yogurt, which also adds a slight tang that’s quite delicious with the berries.” GET THE RECIPE
Adapted from Oleana chef Ana Sortun’s cookbook, Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, this soup’s pure tomato flavor is highlighted with a touch of curry powder and turmeric. So different and delicious! GET THE RECIPE
Cauliflower “rice” — or cauliflower grated into rice-like bits — really does taste similar to rice, or at least it behaves similarly by soaking up all the flavor of its seasonings. In this quick and easy recipe, I’ve sautéed cauliflower rice with aromatics, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs, like Chinese-style fried rice. It’s a healthy, low-carb dish that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course. GET THE RECIPE
This puréed soup is surprisingly healthy — there’s no heavy cream in it, just a handful of toasted walnuts to thicken it up. Serve it hot or cold, depending on the weather and your mood. GET THE RECIPE
This vibrant and fresh Thai Quinoa Salad is adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, Raising the Salad Bar by Catherine Walthers. It’s a healthy eater’s dream: flavorful, chock-full of protein and veggies, satisfying and low in fat. I usually serve it as a light meal, but feel free to bulk it up by adding cooked shrimp, crab or lobster. GET THE RECIPE
Chockfull of your favorite summer veggies and flavored with zesty pesto, this soup is a satisfying meal unto itself. GET THE RECIPE
This light and refreshing cucumber salad is a summertime favorite. The dressing is tangy, salty and sweet; and the best part is that the juice from the cucumbers seeps into the dressing, giving it a delicious cucumber flavor. Very spa-like! GET THE RECIPE
This dish of crisp zucchini and burst cherry tomatoes sounds simple but it’s one of those dishes where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. Pair it with grilled salmon and some orzo doused with lemon and olive oil for a light and easy weeknight meal. GET THE RECIPE
This is my basic, go-to grilled chicken — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cookout — and so versatile. You can serve the fillets on their own (kids love them) or sliced over a Greek or Caesar salad. They are quick and easy: you do all of the prep ahead of time and you won’t even dirty a single bowl. GET THE RECIPE