By: Shannon Clark

After sticking to classic winter mainstays over the last few months, there's a good chance you're looking for a change of pace and would like to try something a little lighter for the coming summer season.

With all the fresh seasonal produce available now and the option to barbeque outdoors if you'd like, there are plenty of ways to incorporate fresh ideas into your menu. Here are ten fresh summer recipes to get you started.

Click Image To Enlarge.
There Are Plenty Of Ways To Incorporate
Fresh Ideas Into Your Menu.

1. Fruit Salsa With Cinnamon And Sugar Chips:

If you're tired of the classic nacho chips and salsa, this will give you a change of pace while still being very healthy and helping you get in plenty of vitamins and fiber.

• 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
• 2 mangos, chopped
• 4 ounces raspberries
• 4 ounces blueberries
• 1 pound strawberries
• 2 tbsp Splenda
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp sugar-free fruit spread
• 2 tbsp orange juice

In a large bowl, mix together all the fruit. Next, stir together the Splenda, brown sugar, sugar-free fruit spread, and juice. Pour this over the fruit and toss until well covered. Place in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

• 10 whole wheat tortilla shells
• Butter flavoured cooking spray
• 1 cup Splenda
• 2 tbsp cinnamon

In a small bowl combine Splenda and cinnamon. Coat one side of each tortilla with butter spray and then tear into bite sized pieces. Lay flat on a baking tray and then sprinkle with cinnamon mixture. Pray one more time with butter spray and then place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes or until brown. Allow to cool before serving with fruit salsa.

Click Image To Enlarge.
Tired Of The Classic
Nacho Chips And Salsa?

2. Protein Pops:

This is an easy treat to make and hardly offers any calories at all.

• 1 Package Crystal Light Drink Mix (any flavor)
• Water (amount according to package directions)
• 1-2 scoops fruit flavored protein powder
• 1/2 cup juice

Mix together the Crystal Light with the water and protein powder until well blended. Next add 1/2 cup of the juice and then place in popsicle trays in the freezer until frozen.

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3. Fruit Pizza:

This is a great party dessert recipe that's lighter in calories but still high on taste.

• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 package low fat cream cheese, melted in the microwave slightly
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup Splenda (depending on desired sweetness)
• 1/3 cup sugar-free Strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup light Cool Whip topping
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup sliced peaches
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/8 cup water

Combine the oats, cream cheese, and Splenda in a bowl. Once well mixed, press into a pie plate until firm. Spread the sugar-free jam on top of crust and then spoon over that Cool Whip topping. Arrange fruit over the cool whip and set aside. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, corn starch, orange juice, lemon juice, and water.

Cook over medium heat, bringing to a boil and then cooking for about two minutes longer. Remove from heat and allow to cool before spooning over fruit. Place pizza in the fridge to chill and then cut into slices to serve.

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4. Shrimp And Tomato Salad:

This is a great recipe that provides both carbohydrates and protein, adding in just a small amount of healthy fat from the olive oil.

• 8 ounces dry pasta (cooked to desired tenderness)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 sweet onion, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced broccoli
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 medium tomatoes, sliced in quarters
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled
• Fresh basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Sprinkling of Parmesan cheese

In a food processor mix together the garlic, onion, celery, broccoli, and Italian seasoning. Pulse blend until well mixed and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, adding the blended mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 3-5 minutes and then toss with pre-cooked pasta, shrimp, and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle basil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese on top.

5. Barbequed Sweet Potato Fries:

This is a great recipe that you can use on the barbeque or in the oven.

• 3-4 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

Peel potatoes and then cut into sticks like French fries. Place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil. Next, combine chilli powder, paprika, and salt in a small bowl. Toss with the potatoes.

First cook the potatoes in the microwave for approximately 5 minutes or until almost done. Place in a sprayed barbeque wok on the barbeque for between 10-20 minutes, tossing periodically, to desired level of crispiness.

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This Is A Great Recipe That You Can
Use On The Barbeque Or In The Oven.

6. High Protein Pudding Parfait:

Rather than going for an ice cream sundae, try this recipe for a low-fat, high protein option. This is also great as a post-workout treat after a hard session.

• 1 package Sugar-Free Fat-Free Chocolate Pudding
• 1 package Sugar-Free Fat-Free Banana Pudding
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1 scoop Banana Protein Powder
• 2 sliced Bananas
• Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce

Blend together each package of Pudding mix with one and a half cups of the cold milk and the matching protein powder. Set each bowl aside. Next, alternate one layer of chocolate pudding with one layer of banana pudding, adding sliced bananas before repeating the process. Drizzle with sugar-free caramel sauce before serving.

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7. Asian Shrimp Pasta:

If you're looking for a dish that has Asian flare, this one offers a good dose of protein and vitamin C.

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 cup pre-cooked shrimp

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a bowl. To that toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, sliced peppers, snow peas, and shrimp. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

8. Tangy Cucumber Salad:

This salad offers a twist from eating cucumbers raw and is easy to keep in the fridge for a quick snack.

• 4 thinly slice cucumbers
• 1 small white onion, sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup Splenda
• 2 tbsp Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing
• 1 tbsp dried dill

In a large bowl, combine white vinegar, water, Splenda and dressing. Place this in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium to high heat. Once boiling, stir in dried dill and then pour over cucumbers and onion. Place in the fridge to cool.

Click Image To Enlarge.
This Salad Offers A Twist
From Eating Cucumbers Raw.

9. Asian Spicy Tuna Salad:

If you're growing tired of canned tuna and have long replaced it with chicken in your diet, now may be the time to introduce it back into your menu with this recipe.

• 1 6 ounce can of solid white tuna, drained
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp diced green Chile pepper
• 3 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
• 1/8 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Flake tuna with a fork in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, cottage cheese, ginger, chopped onion, and lemon juice. Combine with tuna and serve over a bed of lettuce or with whole-grain crackers.

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10. Avocado Salad:

Avocado's are a great source of healthy fat so if you're looking to up your intake, this recipe makes it easy.

• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup sliced broccoli
• 1 large ripe tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/8 cup lime juice

In a bowl, combine avocados, sweet onion, bell pepper, corn, broccoli, and tomato. In a separate bowl, combine Italian salad dressing, lime juice, and cilantro. Drizzle over vegetables and toss to coat.

Click Image To Enlarge.
Avocado's Are A Great
Source Of Healthy Fat.

Conclusion

So give any one of these recipes a try next time you're looking for something new and different to have for lunch, dinner, or as a snack this summer.

ShannonC_77@yahoo.ca

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