With summer’s warm embrace, it’s time to celebrate the abundance of fresh flavors and nourishing ingredients that nature provides. From vibrant salads to refreshing drinks, summer recipes offer a delightful opportunity to indulge in healthy and delicious meals. However, one ingredient that truly shines during this season is tomatoes!
While fresh tomatoes have their allure, canned tomatoes have their own advantages. Packed at the peak of ripeness, they offer consistent quality and flavor year-round. Canned tomatoes undergo minimal processing, are environmentally friendly, and are rich in vitamins A, C, and lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits.
So, let canned tomatoes be your culinary companion as you cook your way through the summer season. With their ability to infuse dishes with vibrant color, robust flavor, and nutritional benefits, you’re sure to create something that everyone will enjoy. From light and refreshing appetizers to hearty main courses, here are 15 healthy summer recipes to invigorate your taste buds and nourish your body.
Check out this collection of healthy summer recipes to get inspired in the kitchen during the season. Plus, these recipes all feature canned tomatoes (and canned tomato products) for an added boost of health, color, and flavor.
This salsa is so simple to make as starts with canned tomatoes. Roasted red peppers and jalapeno peppers add extra flavor, while toasted walnuts add extra crunch.
This vegetarian chili, which is also vegan and gluten-free, is packed with summery vegetables, including zucchini, peppers, corn, carrots, and tomatoes. Plus, the addition of steel cut oats gives it a “meaty” texture.
You can make this recipe from common pantry staples in very little time, especially if you've got leftover rice from another meal! Any mix of vegetables in your freezer will work. Feel free to get creative with what you toss in!
Packed with the nutrition and flavor power of tomatoes, you can whip up this 100% plant-based (vegan), gluten-free hummus recipe in seconds—relying mostly on shelf-stable, economical staples, such as canned tomatoes and chickpeas.
Whip up these crispy baja fish tacos with tomato-cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and a healthy dose of salsa in no time! Ready in 30 minutes, this is the perfect light, delicious meal ideal for any night of the week.
What could be more comforting than dipping bread into a bubbling hot dish of savory Marinara sauce laden with melted cheese? We’re not really sure, which is why this recipe for Cheesy Pizza Dip should be on your appetizer rotation this month.
Rise and shine! This easy, savory zesty tomato smoothie is like a healthy, nutrient-rich, alcohol-free Bloody Mary. Rich in lycopene—thanks to a whole can of tomatoes—it’s a great snack, post-exercise drink, and light breakfast.
Bring the quaint flavors or Europe to your kitchen with this recipe for ratatouille! This is a classic dish that is loaded with summer garden vegetables and lots of flavor. This stew originated in the Provence region of France near the Mediterranean Sea, and is a delicious entree enjoyed during any time of year.
Dinner is served in less than 30 minutes with this easy recipe for Sloppy Joes. With standout flavors and simple ingredients, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
An easy homemade salsa queso sauce turns pantry ingredient nachos into super flavorful, cheesy nachos. Top your chips with whatever ingredients you have on hand as well as this salsa queso sauce made with shredded cheddar cheese and fire roasted salsa.
Antioxidant-rich Del Monte® Diced Tomatoes with Onion and Garlic help transform red snapper into a heart-smart Mexican-style entrée. Toss in some chopped cilantro for extra punch.
Keep the heat down and the flavor high this summer thanks to slow cookers and instant pots! These low-heat recipes from dietitians are perfect for hot summer nights for when you don’t feel like turning on the stove.
There’s no need to heat up your kitchen on a hot day to turn out healthy, delicious meals! While it’s tempting to say “no” to cooking when the temperatures skyrocket, you can still beat the heat and enjoy dinnertime without turning on the stove or oven. Thanks to your trusty slow cooker or instant pot, you can enjoy your favorite tasty recipes all summer long! So, here are some low-heat recipes that are dietitian-approved to keep you and your kitchen cool during the hottest days of the year. Bon appetite!
10 LOW-HEAT RECIPES to try THIS SUMMER!
Keep the heat down and the flavor high this summer thanks to slow cookers and instant pots! These dietitan-approved recipes are perfect for hot summer nights for when you don't feel like turning on the stove.
The vibrantly flavored, Indian classic comfort food, Instant Pot Chickpea Curry, is super easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients—chickpeas, canned tomatoes, spices, and whole grains.
If you want an simple, satisfying meal, try this easy vegan chili. It’s so nice to toss ingredients into the slow cooker and not need to worry about them until you’re ready to eat. Then the house fills with delicious aromas, and your dinner is ready!
This peanut butter chicken curry is a one pot wonder! Made with chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, spinach, chickpeas and fire-roasted tomatoes with a flavorful peanut butter, coconut milk and lime juice broth.
When it comes to weeknights, we are always looking for new quick, easy, and family friendly meals. This Chicken Burrito Bowl checks all of the boxes, and is especially great for those families that have a picky eater or have different dietary restrictions. It’s easily customizable to fit your needs and preferences, while still being nutritious!
This vegetarian chili, which is also vegan and gluten-free, is packed with summery vegetables, including zucchini, peppers, corn, carrots, and tomatoes. Plus, the addition of steel cut oats gives it a “meaty” texture.
For other crockpot recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Who says chili has to be a cool weather dish? Pack your chili with loads of vegetables, give it a “meaty” texture thanks to steel cut oats (yes, steel cut oats!), spice it up with herbs and Latin spices, and top it with farm fresh avocados and green onions, and you’ve just discovered your next warm weather, rustic meal. Serve it with salad and cornbread and you’re all set!
Serves 10
Ingredients:
1 POUND RED BEANS, DRIED (I.E., KIDNEY BEANS, CRANBERRY BEANS, RED BEANS)
PLACE BEANS IN A LARGE POT, COVER WITH WATER, AND SOAK OVERNIGHT.
THE NEXT DAY, DISCARD THE WATER, AND ADD 6 CUPS FRESH WATER AND BULLION CUBES. COVER AND SIMMER OVER MEDIUM-LOW FOR 45 MINUTES.
ADD CARROTS, CELERY, ONION, GARLIC, PEPPER, ZUCCHINI, CORN, TOMATOES, TOMATO PASTE, SOY SAUCE, CHILI POWDER, PAPRIKA, CUMIN, OREGANO, CILANTRO, BROWN SUGAR, AND STEEL CUT OATS.
STIR WELL TO COMBINE, COVER, AND SIMMER FOR AN ADDITIONAL 45 MINUTES, STIRRING FREQUENTLY, UNTIL BEANS, OATS, AND VEGETABLES ARE TENDER. MAY NEED TO ADD ADDITIONAL WATER LOST TO EVAPORATION. SHOULD MAKE A THICK STEW-LIKE TEXTURE.BEFORE SERVING, STIR IN LEMON JUICE AND ADD HOT SAUCE TO ACHIEVE DESIRED LEVEL OF SPICINESS. SEASON WITH SALT AS DESIRED (OPTIONAL).
Serve in bowls and garnish as desired with fresh avocado slices, green onion slices, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped fresh tomatoes.
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