Summer is an excellent time to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies along with quick and simple meals. Spark up your grills and introduce these five dishes to attain affordable and nutritious meal choices. If a grill is not at your disposal, numerous crockpot recipes are available which are easy to prepare and would not contribute extra heat in your home.
1. CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD
During summer, cucumbers and tomatoes become incredibly budget-friendly. Moreover, if you possess a knack for gardening, growing them can make them even more economical. For this recipe, blend one cup each of diced tomatoes and chopped cucumbers. Optionally, you could add half a sliced red onion. Mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part vinegar separately. Add a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of salt. Pour it over the tomatoes and cucumbers and top it off with basil and crumbled feta cheese. Consider adding a cup of chilled, cooked brown rice to transform it into a more filling meal.
2. CANDY SALAD
This sweet yet savory salad makes a delightful side and can be made into a whole meal by adding grilled chicken strips. Prepare a box of couscous and let it cool. Then mix it with a jar/tub of bruschetta, a cup of shredded cheese, a cup of slivered almonds, half a cup of dried cranberries, and 2 cups of arugula. The combination of flavors is quite flavorsome.
3. SKEWERS
Almost everything becomes more palatable when grilled. Skewers are excellent to stretch out the meat and make vegetables more appealing. Pair your favorite summer veggies and fruit with meat cuts of your choice. For a tantalizing combination, try shrimp, chicken sausage, pineapple chunks, and zucchini. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice does wonders. Another delectable combo to try would be chicken breast, bell peppers, and onion, served hot off the grill with a drizzle of honey.
4. SAUSAGE AND BAKED BEANS
Beans are incredibly cost-effective to make, but if you’re tired of having them in chili and soups all winter, you might not fancy more beans. In contrast, baked beans are a sweet summer classic that can be jazzed up by adding sausage slices for a quick seasonal dish. Alternatively, you can give sausage and peppers a try!
5. HOBO MEALS
When you prefer not to heat up your kitchen or bother with extra dirty dishes, a hobo meal is the perfect solution. Simply lay out aluminum sheets for each person. Pour a tablespoon of your preferred oil in the center. Then add raw, seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, chopped carrots, and an ear of corn. Securely pack the foil and grill it for 45 minutes until the meat and veggies are fully cooked. For a variety, you can switch up your meat, vegetables, and seasonings.
This summer, keep things simple. Avoid high sweat levels from cooking and relish uncomplicated and delightful meals, be it a bowl of watermelon with grilled chicken or easy-to-make sandwiches for dinner. What are the nutritious and inexpensive summer meals that you enjoy the most?
