Here is a list of easy, light, no fuss, tasty recipes I go to when it heats up outside. My philosophy when it comes to easy recipes is to just write down the idea rather than measurements for an exact recipe. What I hope this list will do is inspire you to think of flavor combinations- not in terms of measurements! So, it reads like a menu....
Breakfast
Smoothies- great for a nutritious, quick, cool, on-the-go breakfast fix! Experiment with different fruits and juices.
1) organic yogurt with live cultures, banana (these two ingredients form the base of any good smoothie),
2) frozen fruit suggestions: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, mango, peach, pineapple
3) juice suggestions: mango, guava, peach, apricot nectars from Kern's available at Costco.
4) Add plain or vanilla protein powder for an extra protein and nutrition boost!
Buttery Yogurt Biscuits
If you flinch at the idea of homemade biscuits, give these a try. They are foolproof and so easy! I bake them in our toaster oven to avoid heating up the house during summer and they come out fluffy and yummy.
Okay- the actual recipe can be found here- you don't want to guess when it comes to baking!
Sandwiches and Wraps (flavor combo/ingredients only!)
Cool Mediterranean Pita
1) Toofayan pita bread
2) chicken breast baked, grilled or sauteed in pan, flavored with Greek seasoning (Frontier, bulk section)
3) veggie options: red onion, cucumbers, olives
4) top with Tadziki, feta cheese, and voila! or should I say "opa"!?
*my husband thinks feta is kind of stinky, so I sub in cheddar. Don't let the exoticism of Mediterranean prevent you from trying this recipe- sub where necessary!
Tuna Melt
1) sliced bread- storebought or homemade
2) tuna salad made with mayo, Spike seasoning, and relish, available at most stores in the "healthy" section
3) red onion
4) sharp cheddar cheese, like Tillamook
5) Top bread with salad, onion, and cheese and toast or press in a grill
Chicken Caesar Wrap
1) chicken baked, grilled, or sauteed (seeing a pattern?)
2) Caesar dressing, homemade or Brianna's is my fav.
3) crisp romaine lettuce, shredded
4) tortilla, El Lago makes a probiotic tortilla that is amazingly tasty and healthy!
Spicy Turkey Guacamole Wrap
1) prepared natural turkey lunchmeat, like Applegate Farms, Boar's head, or Hormel
2) shredded cheddar cheese
3) homemade or pre-packaged guacamole, like AvoClassic
4) chipotle mayonnaise
Chicken Club Wrap
1) chicken baked, grilled, sauteed
2) mayo
3) bacon, I prefer Pederson's from Costco
4) crisp Romaine lettuce
5) tomato and/or onion, optional
Sausage Wrap
1) beef, chicken, or pork sausage, I like Buddy's natural sausage from HEB
2) favorite BBQ sauce or mustard
3) sliced cheddar
4) onion, sauteed is best
5) tortilla
Pizza Pasta Salad
1) fun shaped pasta, cooked, drained
2) salami or pepperoni, diced, Applegate Farms
3) diced green pepper, red onion
4) shredded mozarella cheese
5) Italian dressing or Italian seasoning with olive oil
Tuna Penne
1) pasta- if you don't have penne, substitute!
2) albacore tuna
3) frozen green peas
4) olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar if that's your thing
Deli Salad
1) fun shaped pasta, cooked and drained
2) diced ham, turkey, or chicken
3) veggie options: shredded carrots, cucumbers, onions, olives
4) Italian dressing, like Simply Organics packet- a snap to make!
Baja Chicken Tacos
Tostadas- quite possibly the EASIST recipe ever and very tasty :)
1) tostada shell
2) beans, I LOVE Santa Fe instant beans (so much fresher than canned)
3) shredded cheese
4) top with sour cream, green onion, cilantro, salsa
*NEW* I've yet to try this one, but it looks fabuous!
Cucumber Bacon Sandwiches
