We’re sharing Summer Meal Ideas that are fitness and health-friendly, including low-carb and keto options.

The inspiration: We’re going big, bright, and bold (and not too complicated) with some summer favorites.

Next to Thanksgiving, summer food is the best season food (I am prepared to argue this). It encapsulates everything you love: grilled proteins, fresh produce, tropical drinks, refreshing summer salads, and of course, the best top-tier desserts ever. 

So let’s dive into some summer meal ideas! We shopped at Aldi and our local Farmers Market for this recipe below.

This summer salad recipe is made with various leafy greens, including romaine lettuce, spinach, and arugula (arugula is only bearable to me in this salad because this dressing is sweet). The greens are topped with chopped tomatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and fresh avocado, with a creamy orange dressing. The dressing has orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.

The orange dressing adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances out the flavors of the other ingredients.

A couple of tips for cutting the macros on the dressing: If you own a juicer (hand or electric), you can juice an orange instead of using store-bought orange juice. I have had this handheld orange squeezer for years ($9.99 on Amazon), which is handy for squeezing all types of citrus. We’re a fan of this one because it’s heavy-duty, has withstood several relocations, and is dishwasher safe, yet it still looks brand new.

This is an easy way to reduce processed sugar and keep it cleaner. Truvia or another sugar-free sweetener can replace honey. And if you’re strapped for time (or avoiding fruit), a quick blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon makes a quick, clean substitute dressing. Double the ingredients to make these summer salads for a crowd. I love to give options!

Everything Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

Optional: Lightly seasoned chicken breast
1 head of lettuce, chopped
1 bunch of spinach
1/2 cup arugula
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 avocado

Creamy Orange Dressing Ingredients:

1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup EVOO
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt/pink salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Whether it’s your main dish or side dish, you and your guests will enjoy the citrus notes in this salad.

When it comes to big luscious salads, the more, the merrier, feel free to add whatever veggies you have in the fridge to complete your mix because the dressing is the star!