Contributed Post: Blame it on the heat or the beautiful, long, sunshine-fulled days, but something about summer just zaps away my cooking motivation! And, instead of heavy, decadent meals, I find myself craving lighter, healthier options. So, in preparation for the upcoming summer season, here are five easy meal prep recipes I’ll have on repeat all summer long!
Check out these ideas to make your salads more fun and exciting!
1. Lemon Herb Salmon
Imagine this: succulent salmon filets marinated in an irresistibly flavorful combination of lemon juice and fragrant herbs. This easy meal prep recipe will leave your taste buds wanting more!
The lemon zest, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh dill florets, and olive oil add a lovely herbal flavor with just the right amount of zing. Flaky salmon pairs beautifully with a side of rice and steamed veggies or a fresh Greek salad.
Make a big batch as it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals when prepping for the week!
2. Egg Salad
Want a versatile, protein-packed dish you can enjoy for lunch and dinner? Why not give this easy egg salad recipe a try? Simply boil a batch of eggs and mix ’em up with mayo, Dijon mustard, paprika, and fresh dill or chives for the final touch.
I love to add diced celery and red onion for extra texture. You can also top it with shredded radishes or stir in a sweet relish for a different flavor.
Enjoy it over a bed of microgreens, spinach, or arugula; scooped up with sliced veggies and crackers; or slathered in between two pieces of fluffy, fresh bread. Any way you serve it, egg salad is an easy meal prep recipe you’ll love!
3. One-Pan Quinoa Stir-Fry
Are you craving fast, nutritious food that’s packed with color? Look no further—quinoa stir-fry will come to your rescue! This one-pan wonder brings fluffy quinoa together with colorful bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for maximum deliciousness in every bite.
However, don’t stop there. When I meal prep, I LOVE options. Add shredded chicken or chopped pork for more protein. Stir in some broccoli and mushrooms to make the meal stretch. Garnish with bean sprouts or sliced radishes for more texture.
And, don’t forget sauce: mix up the veggies in sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, chili paste, and ginger for a meal packed with flavor!
4. Colorful Buddha Bowls
Let us all take a moment and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of a colorful, well-rounded Buddha bowl. If you’re not familiar, “Buddha” bowls are an assortment of delicious, healthy ingredients layered into a bowl-style meal—everyone can top theirs off how they like!
Start with a bed of leafy greens or rice, and pile on delicious ingredients. Experiment with your favorite flavors. We love using roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, sauteed spinach, creamy avocado slices, pan-fried chickpeas, red onions, sliced radishes, chicken, and cilantro.
Then, finish the whole thing off with zesty tahini dressing or lime peanut dressing to bring all the flavors to life. Your guests (and family) are sure to be impressed all week long.
5. Sweet Treat: Chia Pudding Parfait
I love a little sweet treat at the end of the day—this chia pudding parfait is so easy to eat, and will probably make you feel a little better than ice cream (though, ice cream every once in a while is A-OKAY!)
To create this delectable treat, soak chia seeds overnight in the milk of your choice (vegan or otherwise). On day two, garnish the pudding with fresh berries, granola, and honey as desired. You can even get creative and add some cocoa powder, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and other mix-ins to adjust the flavor.
This creamy, nutritious treat not only delights your senses but is a great source of antioxidants and fiber—it’s sure to satisfy even your sweetest of teeth!
Try These 5 Easy Meal Prep Recipes This Summer
By including these delicious and easy meal prep recipes in your summer routine, not only will you save time, but you’ll nourish your body with nutritious ingredients and feel revitalized and content.
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