Gatherings in the summer sun are all about easy, convenient recipes and the joy of warm weather. Keeping cooking simple means more time on the patio or in the backyard engaging with guests, and these summer berry spinach salad, mango avocado salsa, and chilled cucumber soup recipes are full of nutritious antioxidants and let you skip complicated kitchen duties without skimping on flavor.
Summer Berry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
6 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss together spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, and toasted almonds.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing just before serving.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. Berries provide antioxidants and fiber, promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Feta cheese offers calcium and protein, while almonds provide healthy fats and crunch.
Mango Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, gently mix together mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve with grilled fish or as a topping for chicken.
Mangoes and avocados are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with healthy fats and fiber. Red onion and jalapeño add flavor and phytonutrients, while lime juice provides vitamin C and enhances digestion.
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: diced avocado for garnish
Instructions:
In a blender, combine cucumbers, Greek yogurt, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Garnish with diced avocado if desired.
Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, rich in vitamins K and C. Greek yogurt offers probiotics for gut health, while dill and mint provide antioxidants and aid digestion. Avocado adds healthy fats and creamy texture.
published: July 1, 2024, 3:46 p.m.