Summer Meal Ideas

Summer is finally here! Which means warm weather, long days, and lots of summer gatherings (especially this year). Below are some of my favorite healthy and easy summer recipes, all of which can be served at your next cookout. Remember that I do not use precise measurements so most things are approximate. And feel free to make any changes you want. I would love to hear how you make them your own!

With all ingredients, try to get the highest quality you can find and afford.

Salmon Cakes

Canned salmon is one of my pantry staples and these salmon cakes have become my easy, go-to dinner. They can be served with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad (they would go great with the arugula salad below). These will make four good sized cakes, but adjust as necessary.

Ingredients –

• Two cans of salmon (my favorite is Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon)

• ½ yellow onion

• ¼ - ½ cup almond flour (could substitute for flax seed or another flour)

• 2 eggs

• Parsley

• Garlic salt

• Pepper 

Directions -

• Mince yellow onion.

• Combine parsley, salmon, onion, ¼ cup of almond flour, eggs, and salt and pepper.

• If combination is too wet, then add more almond flour as necessary until it is sticky and will form patties.

• Use hands to form four cakes.

• Heat your favorite oil in a pan over medium high heat. Cook cakes until brown on each side (approximately 5 minutes each side). Can also cook in the oven if would prefer.

Note: if cakes have trouble staying together, can make them ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking to help them stick together.

Arugula Salad

This has been my favorite, quick and healthy lunch lately. The quantities are for one serving, but can easily be multiplied for a larger group. Also, add your favorite protein on top for a more filling meal (canned tuna, salmon, shrimp, eggs, chicken all go very well).

Ingredients –

• Arugula (one large handful)

• A couple small cucumbers

• A few grape tomatoes

• Small handful of pistachios

• 1 green onion

• ½ avocado

• Olive oil

• Vinegar (I have been using apple cider vinegar but any vinegar will work)

• Salt and pepper

Directions –

• Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onion.

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

 Black Bean Salad

This is adapted from a college friend’s recipe and has become a staple at all my summer cookouts. This is another recipe that can easily be tweaked to your preferences and what you have on hand. Try with different beans, different color peppers, add a jalapeño, add tomatoes. The quantities below will serve a larger group so adjust as necessary depending on the size of your crowd… or your appetite.

Ingredients –

• 4 cans of black beans

• 4 ears of cooked corn (can also use frozen corn kernels)

• 2 red peppers

• 2 green peppers

• 1 large red onion

• 2 avocados

• 4-6 limes

• Cilantro

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Directions -

• Drain and rinse the beans.

• Cut kernels off corn.

• Chop peppers, red onion, and cilantro.

• Juice limes and mix with olive oil and salt and pepper.

• Cube avocado.

• Combine everything except avocado into a large bowl and mix well.

• Add avocado on top.

• Serve with your favorite chips as a dip or as a side to your favorite summer dish.

Enjoy these recipes that are perfect for your next summer gathering!