Cool Eats for Hot Days: Healthy Summer Recipes

Looking for fun, healthy recipes to try this summer? The Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program has you covered. The program dietitians have selected these recipes for their great taste and low calories.

Think Pink Drink

This low sugar drink recipe is perfect for a hot summer day!

Ingredients

• Half a packet of sugar-free strawberry powdered drink mix
• 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsweetened coconut milk beverage
• 1 cup (about 8) ice cubes 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• Optional toppings: light whipped topping, cinnamon

Directions (makes 1 serving)

Pour drink mix into a tall glass. (Just half of the packet.) Add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) cold water and stir to dissolve. Add coconut milk, ice, and freeze-dried fruit. Stir until cold and well mixed.

Nutrition Facts

50 calories, 2g total fat (2g sat. fat), 9 mg sodium, 6.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 5g sugar

Link to recipe: Starbucks Pink Drink Low-Sugar Recipe | Hungry Girl (hungry-girl.com)

Pesto Shrimp with Summer Squash

This recipe is a great way to bump up your protein intake.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning, divided
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini squash, sliced
• 1 tbsp jarred pesto
• 1 Roma tomato, sliced

Directions

• Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp seasoning. Heat large skillet to medium high heat and cook, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile toss squash rounds with the remaining 1 tbsp of seasoning. Remove shrimp to large bowl or dish and add squash to pan.
• Remove squash and add to bowl with shrimp. Add pesto sauce and toss. Serve with sliced tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3oz, Calories: 112kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 286mg, Sodium: 922mg, Potassium: 397mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 453IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 206mg, Iron: 3mg

Link to recipe: Pesto Shrimp with Summer Squash | Bariatric Food Coach

Chicken Margherita

Try this recipe and pair with a side salad for a quick and easy meal. It’s also high in protein.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup bottled balsamic glaze
• 1 tablespoon Heinz Simply Ketchup or low sugar ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• pinch of crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• fresh mozzarella
• grape tomatoes

Directions

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, ketchup, garlic powder, crushed red pepper and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
• Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness, toss with the dressing, let stand 10 minutes.
• Brush grill grates with oil. Grill chicken, flipping once, until chicken is just cooked through.
• Plate chicken and top with mozzarella and tomato.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of chicken has about 28 grams of protein.

Link to recipe: Chicken Margherita – Bariatric Eating

Follow the Valley Health Metabolic & Bariatric Program on Facebook for more recipes. To learn more about the program or to schedule an appointment, visit valleyhealthlink.com/WeightLoss.