Healthy and fun meals can fit into your busy summer schedule without the need to fire up the grill or oven. Ditch the heat for these delicious no-heat meals the whole family will enjoy or bring them to a party and feel good about not taking up oven and grill space.
In charge of apps or sides?
Taco Salad – This zesty, fresh and easy taco salad is the perfect way to get a good source of veggies and plant power protein onto the table. With avocado, black beans, jalapeños and corn this salad is anything but boring and will please all the guests with customizable toppings and fresh produce.
Asian Ramen Noodle Slaw – This tangy slaw is a great crunchy side to add to any meal. Use a pack of uncooked ramen noodles to give it a crunch and you have yourself a nice twist on classic slaw.
Caprese Salad Pita Pockets – Caprese salad is a summer favorite, so why not make it even more of a favorite by putting the ingredients into a pita so friends and family can take this caprese salad pita pocket on the go. With fresh mozzarella, basil and cucumber this refreshing pita pocket keeps everything together with all the same deliciousness you’d expect.
Signed up for the main dish?
Santa Fe Turkey wraps – Whether you’re in charge of an end-of-summer bash or a small family picnic, you can never go wrong with a turkey wrap. These Santa Fe turkey wraps have the classic ingredients everyone loves and can be rolled together in a pinch. Garnish with a few lime wedges and you will be the talk of any party for this simple dish.
Italian Focaccia Sandwich – Anyone can make an Italian sandwich, but what makes this one special? The bread! Focaccia bread is topped with olive oil, herbs and sometimes other vegetables to bring this bread up to the next level. Packed with protein and delicious Italian dressing, you are turning a classic sandwich into something incredible, just by switching up the bread. Start wowing the crowd by following this recipe.
Chopped salad taco – In charge of a salad bar or want an easy hand-held option to hold summer yumminess? Check out these chopped salad tacos, loaded with pinto beans, corn, zucchini, guacamole and other fresh garden veggies perfectly stuffed into a tortilla. These easy tacos are a step up for veggie lovers and the best part? No cooking over the stove and having grease splattered clothes.
Drafted to take on dessert?
Blackberry Icebox cake – Blackberry season in Michigan is best between August and September, which makes this no-heat dessert fresh and timely for those hot summer days. Cool down with this 5 ingredient dessert. Healthline notes that were are tons of health benefits from blackberries, like Vitamin C, high fiber, high manganese and they may help your brain health. You can’t turn down a dessert that tastes good and is good for you as well.
Dark Chocolate Banana Nut Pops – Skip the smore’s around the fire and opt-in for this frozen treat. With tons of topping options and a good source of potassium, frozen bananas are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth and still get a serving of fruit for the day. Don’t let this recipe fool you, you can also freeze your bananas with mini marshmallows, nuts, chocolate, crushed graham crackers, and even yogurt. Go crazy – bonus tip: these are a great way to get the whole family involved in making meals.
