23 Healthy Summer Recipes

Recipes

Written by Anna Pashkova, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-EP / Reviewed by Chef Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all of the delicious in-season produce available to eat. From corn, zucchini, tomatoes, peaches, berries and more, there’s no shortage of healthy summer recipes to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for no-cook recipes for those hot summer days, a fresh salad idea or a simple dinner with seasonal ingredients, there’s something for everyone here.

Let’s take a look at some of my best healthy summer recipes, starting with three featured favorites.

The best summer recipes

Ricotta & Beef Zucchini Roll-Ups

This recipe is a fan-favorite and makes for a super satisfying, yet light summer meal. Zucchini takes the place of traditional pasta noodles used in lasagna roll-ups, which takes away the need to boil pasta ahead of time. It also makes for a fun and delicious way to add more veggies into the mix (spinach makes an appearance too).

There’s no shortage of flavor that comes from fresh basil, garlic, spices & herbs, three types of cheese and marinara. A must-try summer recipe, for sure!

Ricotta & Beef Zucchini Roll-Ups as a featured healthy summer recipe

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

The best summer caprese salad right here. This cold salad recipe screams warmer weather and features spinach basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and of course, fresh mozzarella. A vegetarian dish that’s packed with both nutrients and flavor.

If you’re looking for something to make for a get-together or just for your family at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? The leftovers are great for days!

Caprese Pasta Salad (a favorite summer recipe)

Berry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a fresh summer salad that takes advantage of seasonal greens and mixed berries, this is it. Seared chicken breast and quinoa add protein to this salad to make it a filling and balanced meal. A light honey balsamic dressing tops it off with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.

This also makes the perfect meal prep recipe for quick lunches during the week – whether that’s at home, at work, or while you’re out and about.

Berry Chicken Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette in a white bowl (one of the featured summer recipes)

20 More Healthy Summer Recipes

Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Peach Guacamole

More healthy summer recipes…

Mango Cucumber Salsa

Overhead shot of mango salsa in a bowl with chips.

Salmon Nicoise Salad

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing

MORE! 23 Healthy Summer Recipes

Green Bean Potato Salad

Italian Tortellini Salad

Herbed Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Turkey Burgers

A side shot of turkey burgers perfect for grilling out in the summer

Summer Vegetable Minestrone

Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Side shot of healthy summer zucchini fritters

Sweet Corn & Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet

Healthy summer recipe for gnocchi skillet in a white dish

Rustic Heirloom Tomato Pizza

Blueberry Date Muffins

Strawberry Rhubarb Cupcakes

Mixed berry crisp in white bowls with spoons

Mini Peach Bundt Cakes

The Must-Have Essentials

The Essentials Checklist is your ticket to a well-stocked kitchen and more enjoyable cooking! From pantry and freezer staples to fresh ingredients, these are the ingredients you’ll find most often in my recipes. With a bit of prep, you can skip that extra trip to the store and instead pour yourself some wine.

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About me

Hi, I’m Julie!
Chef – Registered Dietitian – Passionate about Easy Healthy Eating

I love food and know you do too! Let’s revel in it together. I’m a chef, dietitian, cookbook author and recipe creator living an inspired foodie life in the heartland. I’ve spent long hours studying human nutrition so you don’t have to — and I’m dedicated to sharing that info in easy, digestible bites. In The Gourmet RD kitchen, you’ll find tips and recipes to help you enjoy cooking craveable, wholesome and nutritious foods.

Nerding out on food