Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at Green…Your Way about being green without guilt , and I’m excited to welcome Michelle from Open Eye Health to 1 Mom’s Mission:
With spring in full bloom and summer almost here, it will soon be time for the many cookouts, parties, and relaxing get-togethers that the make these seasons so much fun. Since “What do I bring?!” passes through all of our minds as the festivities approach, I wanted to share some nutritious food ideas since quite often these events revolve around less than healthy foods.
To start, Farmers markets make a great resource for the most nutritious, fresh, and local foods (sometimes you’ll even find fruits and vegetables picked that morning!). Roadside farm stands are also a good spot to grab fresh food and lots of times have prices that can’t be beat.
Simple Food Ideas
- Any seasonal fruit such as melon, berries, grapes, peaches, cherries, etc.
- Fresh seasonal veggies like carrots, peppers, broccoli, and celery served with cherry tomatoes
- A loaded salad with seasonal greens, tomatoes, carrots, cheese, etc. If you have time, you can even serve it with an easy homemade dressing
- Fresh veggies to throw on the grill (for example, asparagus with olive oil and salt/pepper)
- Trail mix with dried fruit and nuts to snack on instead of potato chips
- Wheat pita bread sliced into triangles and served with hummus or cucumber yogurt dip
- A jar of salsa with baked wheat tortilla chips
- A platter with assorted cheeses and fruit to garnish if desired
- Chicken that can be barbecued and eaten without a bun
Easy Recipes
- Caprese- slice roma tomatoes and top with a small piece of fresh mozzarella, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper
- Make-your-own veggie dip- start with sour cream and stir in your favorite herbs and spices (I also like to add a little garlic powder)
- Romaine lettuce wraps- add items such as meat, tuna fish, and cheese to large romaine leaves so they can be rolled up and munched on. Get creative and try any fillings you like!
- Dessert crackers- top wheat crackers with a bit of goat cheese and your favorite jam (raspberry is mine!). This definitely eats like a dessert!
- Lemon/Lime Water- add clean, fresh-cut lemon and lime slices to a jug of ice water. Not
only will this refreshing drink look pretty, but the water will also have a light citrus flavor.
If you want to make sure that your dishes stay cold when set out during the event, bring a baking pan that can hold some ice as well as your dish. This is a great option for deviled eggs, cream cheese fruit and veggie dips, or shrimp with cocktail sauce.
Overall, these healthier foods help to keep cookouts simple and nutritious, giving everyone lots of feel-good energy for outside fun (and hopefully less regret later for overindulging in unhealthy foods!).
What are your favorite summertime dishes? We’d love to hear them!
Michelle has a passion for natural health and green living. She enjoys sharing ideas for making both of these simple on her blog, Openeyehealth.
Visit Life…Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!
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I love grilled veggies, but never think to bring them. Great idea! I always bring boxed pasta salad doctored up with fresh parm and veggies and it’s always a hit.
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