Healthy Side Dishes Perfect for Summer
Summertime is the perfect time of year to eat light and enjoy the fresh foods nature offers along with savory recipes to accompany your favorite meals. Side dishes always enhance a great meal and make dining even more enjoyable. Here are some healthy and tasty side dishes that are summertime sensations the whole family will devour. Try one or all with your next meals. Just watch the kids gobble them up!
Mango Veggie Macaroni Salad
Kids love macaroni and you can create a tasty side dish that uses those fun pasta shapes yet incorporates fresh fruit and veggies. Here’s how to make it:
Serves 4
Prepare a small box of macaroni as directed and rinse under cold water. Drain and set aside in a large bowl. Toss in 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix to coat. Chop one ripe mango, 1 green bell pepper, 1 carrot, and ½ cucumber. Toss in a handful of halved grape tomatoes and combine all ingredients. Add ½ cup lite vinaigrette dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled with your favorite main dish or make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Mac-tastic!
Creamy Celery Stalks
Celery is a great veggie that can hold other ingredients inside its long crevice. Kids love it with peanut butter, but for a side dish, something more savory is called for. You can make a zesty filling that tastes great inside celery stalks and can also be used as a delicious spread for crackers or bread. Here’s how to make a batch:
In a mixing bowl, combine one block softened cream cheese (room temperature for better mixing), 1/8 cup sour cream, one teaspoon black pepper, one teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Add in ½ cup Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped scallions. If you like yours a little spicy, add a dash of red chili pepper flakes. Mix by hand or in a mixer until combined completely and smooth. Fill celery stalks with the mixture and put in the fridge to firm up. Use the rest on a fresh baguette or on top of crisp crackers. This makes for a great side dish with sandwiches or as an afternoon snack. Crunch!
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
This classic dish is simple to make and tastes so fresh and light. Here’s how to make a simple salad that the kids will love and you’ll be glad they’re eating it. Here’s how to create this light side dish.
Serves 4:
In a bowl, add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1lb diced mozzarella cheese. You can use low-fat or fat-free cheese if you are watching your fat intake. Add one tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, and a pinch of salt. Mix to combine and coat the tomatoes and mozzarella. Serve with thinly sliced red onions, a leaf of basil, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Not only is this a wonderful side dish, but you can serve the salad on a crusty bread to make a tasty sandwich. Zesty and light!
Try these side dishes this summer and you’ll feel healthy and well-fed. Enjoy!
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By: Melissa A. Kay
