21 Healthy Summer Dinner Recipes to Help You Feel Your Best
Burgers and BBQ food aren't your only options.
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Summer is the perfect time to embrace those healthy eating goals. After all, there are tons of summer dinner ideas that are inherently healthy—like grilled fish recipes and all those dishes made with summer veggies. Of course, you may be wondering about some of the more indulgent dishes that pop up around summertime (ahem, cheeseburgers and barbecue), but don't worry! Our list of healthy summer dinner recipes has something to satisfy those cravings, too.
Here, you'll find ideas for swapping your typical beef burger with a leaner turkey burger topped with healthy avocado. And there's a barbecue chicken salad that's both healthy and filling at the same time! Take Ree Drummond's word for it: "Feeling good, realistic goals, being healthy, and having fun is the way to go!"
So, where do you begin? You can start by choosing a healthy protein that will give you the energy you need like salmon, shrimp, chicken, or even healthy recipes for ground beef. Then, either take your healthy summer dinners outdoors with our grilling recipes or opt for a quick and easy air fryer dish. And don't forget to incorporate healthy side dishes, like grilled eggplant and broccoli coleslaw to the mix. Once you've picked out a dinner your family will love, check out our favorite healthy desserts.
Southwestern Salad
This salad is anything but boring with it's tasty mix-ins like corn, peppers, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Plus, it has hearty black beans to keep you feeling satisfied and a zesty avocado dressing that you'll want to make again and again.
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
Stuffed Zucchini
When fresh zucchini is in abundance, you'll want to add this seasonal dish to your weekly repertoire! The zucchini boats are filled with Italian sausage, cheese, and breadcrumbs for a welcome crunch.
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Turkey Burgers
Instead of your typical burger, this leaner version made with ground turkey will keep you feeling full without weighing you down. It's a simple swap for your healthy eating goals.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Keep this marinade handy for all your summer grilling nights. It infuses the chicken with a sweet and savory flavor that ensures it stays extra juicy and tender.
Get the Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These lemony shrimp skewers can either be cooked outdoors on a grill or indoors on a cast-iron skillet. Either way, they're delicious when served on top of a crisp summer salad, a bowl of brown rice, or even alongside your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Greek Salad with Chicken
Grilled chicken and pita chips make this classic salad even heartier for a weeknight dinner meal. You can prep it ahead and toss with the dressing right before serving.
Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.
Grilled Salmon
Not only is salmon a good source of protein, but it's also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B. Know what else? You only need five minutes to cook it on the grill.
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Say hello to your new favorite potluck dish! This fresh, veggie-packed salad is perfect for making ahead so you can bring it to a neighborhood cookout or a picnic in the park.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Give your grilled boneless skinless chicken a burst of flavor with this recipe that calls for a honey-mustard marinade. The longer you let the marinade do its magic, the better, but it'll be plenty tasty and tender after just 30 minutes.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Grilled Mahi Mahi
This mild, flaky white fish is one of the quickest and easiest dishes you can make on the grill! Just be sure to coat the fish in cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Get the Grilled Mahi Mahi recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
Here's a healthy alternative to your typical burger. The ground chicken has a lower fat content and you can even swap the buns for lettuce wraps to cut out some of the carbs.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Avocado Salad
Avocado is loaded with something called "healthy fats" to keep you feeling satisfied. It also happens to be a creamy, delicious addition to this fresh summer salad that's packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and salsa verde dressing.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebabs
Get your family to eat their veggies by pairing the broccoli and peppers with flavorful teriyaki meatballs on these fun kebabs. It's a new way to serve up a comforting classic.
Get Ree's Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebabs recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
You don't need much to make grilled eggplant shine! The summer vegetable becomes charred and smoky with just salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for seasoning.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon
You don't even need to fire up the grill for this easy salmon recipe. Instead, the air fryer does all the work in a matter of just 10 minutes. It's flaky, quick, and healthy!
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
Taco Salad
This recipe is everything you love about taco night—only healthier! It lightens things up with a crisp bowl of greens, veggies, avocado, and ground beef (but you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even soy protein).
Get the Taco Salad recipe.
Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
Instead of grilled chicken and pasta, swap them in zucchini noodles. They're a great lower carb alternative and a fun way to use up that surplus of summer zucchini.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Salmon Burgers
These good-for-you salmon patties are coated in a sticky and savory glaze that'll convert even non-fish lovers to the healthy side. Top them off with a cool cucumber-ginger salad for a welcome crunch.
Get Ree's Salmon Burgers recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Salad
When the weather is hot, sometimes all you want is a crisp, refreshing salad topped with barbecue chicken! It's even better with your favorite ranch dressing.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Salad recipe.
Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps
There's no need to turn on the oven or the stovetop for this easy weeknight dish. The Instant Pot makes the pork shoulder meltingly tender and flavorful thanks to the sticky-sweet and savory sauce. It's perfect for serving up in crisp lettuce cups.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.
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