4 Easy Summer Dinners!

Written By: Mairead, Registered Dietitian

Do you know what you’re having for dinner tonight? We’ve all reached the end of a busy, fun, hot summer day, only to find we have no idea what we’re going to make for dinner. Today, we’ll give you a handful of quick and easy ideas to keep you and your family going through these warm summer months!

1. Pasta salad: Make your favourite easy pasta salad recipe, or try this: cook pasta according to package directions or your desired level of doneness. Toss with your favourite bottled dressing, or a combination of oil and vinegar. Add chopped vegetables. Add in cheese or canned legumes for protein. Pair a serving with a green salad, raw vegetables, or your favourite summer fruit!

2. Taco or burrito night: The best part of this dinner is letting everyone assemble their own personal taco! Top tortillas or taco shells with cooked and seasoned ground meat, canned black beans (rinsed and drained), cooked rice, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos… or whatever your favourite toppings are!

3. Vegetable pasta: While pasta has a bad rap, it can be part of a healthy dinner when paired with a pile of seasonal vegetables. Cook your favourite pasta (try a whole wheat option for a bit more fibre!) according to package directions. Heat 1-2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet, and saute onion and garlic until soft. Add slices zucchini, bell peppers, thinly sliced carrots, fresh peas, or any other vegetables that might need to be slightly cooked. When vegetables are just tender, add drained pasta, your favourite greens and herbs, and stir to combine. Serve topped with parmesan cheese. Leftover chicken or sausage would bump up the protein!

4. Grilled cheese: Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? When it comes to a super simple meal that keeps everyone happy, it can’t be beat. Try adding pesto, tomato, or bacon to your sandwich for a fun twist. Pair your grilled cheese with a green salad, raw vegetables, or your favourite summer fruits!

Will you be including any of these in your dinner meal plans this summer? If you do, snap a picture and tag Degree Fitness Seaforth on social media. Remember, dinners don’t have to be fancy or perfect to to satisfying and balanced.

For more common sense nutrition advice, book your FREE Bite-Sized Nutrition Chat to learn more about our Nutrition Programs. Email [email protected] for more info!