After a year of being quarantined inside, I think most of us are very much looking forward to this summer so we can get out and about and start gathering with family and friends again! As the CDC starts to lift the social distancing restrictions, we’ve rounded up our top 15 summer recipes for you to make–from lighter fare like salads and veggie dishes to backyard barbecue party favorites and share-able desserts.
1. Chicken Kebabs with Couscous and Salad
These Chicken Kebabs are summer on a plate! Chicken and fresh seasonal veggies are marinated in a tangy Paleo/Whole30 friendly lemon Dijon dressing and then grilled to golden perfection.
Nutrition Facts: 215 calories / 6.5g carbs / 22g protein / 11g fat
Find the recipe here.
2. Chicken Salad
This lightened up chicken salad is crunchy, tangy, and makes a perfect sandwich filling or salad topping. Make an extra large batch and you have lunch for the week!
Nutrition Facts: 193 calories / 11.5g carbs / 28.5g protein / 3g fat
Find the recipe here.
3. Cajun Tilapia with Mango Salsa
This tropical meal will make you feel like you’re on an island! The Cajun-seasoned fish brings a tiny bit of heat, which pairs perfectly with the sweet and citrusy mango salsa.
Nutrition Facts: 210 calories / 17.5g carbs / 21g protein / 6.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
4. 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Pizza
Cooking for one? Cooking for eight? Or, hoping to avoid cooking altogether? This 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Pizza is the recipe for you! It’s tangy, melty, crispy, just a little bit spicy, AND is personal sized.
Nutrition Facts: 420 calories / 43.5g carbs / 33.5g protein / 13.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
5. Shrimp and Veggie Summer Rolls
This low-carb version of your favorite spring rolls uses sliced cucumber to roll up healthy veggies, shrimp, and avocado for a perfectly light snack.
Nutrition Facts: 385 calories / 30g carbs / 28g protein / 17g fat
Find the recipe in the app.
6. Lean Green Chicken Pesto Pasta
Brighten up your day with a bowl of Lean Green Chicken Pesto Pasta! Chickpea pasta, chicken, fresh mozzarella, and greens are tossed with a quick low-fat kale and basil pesto. This flavorful and nutritious meal is yours in less than 30 minutes. Plus it’s a great way for picky eaters to sneak in some extra veggies.
Nutrition Facts: 244 calories / 22.5g carbs / 20.5g protein / 10g fat
Find the recipe here.
7. Tangy Potato Salad
This lightened up potato salad recipe has all the flavor and none of the mayo! Sliced baby potatoes are tossed with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette and sliced green onions – simple and delicious.
Nutrition Facts: 129 calories / 21.5g carbs / 3g protein / 3.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
8. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
We created this one at the behest of our Macrostaxers! Sick of washed out, bland salads? Our BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad will put some pep in your step! Colorful lettuce, corn, tomatoes, black beans, shredded cheddar, and chicken are tossed with an easy BBQ Ranch dressing. Restaurant quality with a fraction of the fat!
Nutrition Facts: 439 calories / 43.5g carbs / 37g protein / 14.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
9. Strawberry Avocado Salad with Chicken
Strawberry Avocado Salad is the perfect companion for your next summer barbeque! It’s bursting with sweet berries, avocado, and crumbled goat cheese and tossed in a light poppyseed dressing – basically everything you need in life. Serve as a vegetarian entree, topped with grilled chicken, or as a side!
Nutrition Facts: 162 calories / 18.5g carbs / 5g protein / 8.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
10. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic Chicken
This recipe screams summer! When it comes to in-season tomatoes, it’s best to keep things simple and let the flavor really shine. The chicken can be grilled or baked and the marinade keeps it tender and juicy.
Nutrition Facts: 217 calories / 9g carbs / 26.5g protein / 8g fat
Find the recipe here.
11. Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad
The best of summer in one easy dish! The quality of your ingredients is really going to make this salad shine, so look for the freshest produce available or check out your local farmer’s market.
Nutrition Facts: 222 calories / 36.5g carbs / 6.5g protein / 5.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
12. Very Berry Crisp
Warm, juicy berries nestled under a crispy, golden top! Pair it with a little vegan yogurt and you’ll have yourself the perfect, healthy dessert for a hot summer’s evening.
Nutrition Facts: 273 calories / 44.5g carbs / 4g protein / 8.5g fat
Find the recipe here.
13. Summer Fruit Pizza
This beautiful berry dessert pizza is perfect for sharing! Made with a lightened up sugar cookie “crust”, cream cheese frosting, and fresh berries, this is a macro friendly sweet treat that the whole family will love.
Nutrition Facts: 255 calories / 40.5g carbs / 5g protein / 8g fat
Find the recipe here.
14. Whoopie Pies
According to legend, the name ‘whoopie pie’ came from the whoops of joy children would let out upon finding this sweet sandwich cookie in their lunch pails. Our version simplifies the whoopie-making process by using Kodiak muffin mix, thereby reducing sugar and adding protein for an easy, tasty, all-American treat — and that’s definitely something to cheer about!
Nutrition Facts: 284 calories / 32g carbs / 8g protein / 14g fat
Find the recipe here.
15. Gimme S’More Mug Cookie
Ooey, gooey, and oh-so-delicious, this instant dessert will transport you right back to your childhood. Unlike the campfire favorite, however, this treat contains minimal sugar and enough protein to leave you feeling satisfied!
Nutrition Facts: 282 calories / 45g carbs / 20g protein / 6g fat
Find the recipe here.
