20 Refreshing Recipes for Seniors to Keep Summar Cool
The sunny days of summer are upon us! While this season brings warmer weather perfect for spending time outdoors, the heat can take a toll on seniors' energy levels and appetites.
Having nutritious and appetizing meals and snacks on hand is important for staying hydrated, active, and healthy all summer long.The key is choosing recipes that are light, refreshing, and easy to make and eat.
The following list of 20 summer recipes are ideal for seniors looking to beat the heat while still getting delicious and nourishing meals.
Cool and Fruity Breakfasts
Start your morning off right with a breakfast that provides natural sweetness and hydration. Fruits like berries, melons, peaches, and pineapple are in season and make for tasty and antioxidant-rich additions to morning meals.
- Berry Smoothie Bowl:Blend Greek yogurt, milk, frozen mixed berries, and a banana. Top with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. The yogurt provides protein while the berries give a dose of vitamins and fiber.
- Tropical Fruit Salad:Dice up fresh mango, pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries. Toss in some coconut flakes and lime juice for added flavor. The mixture of fruits ensures you get a variety of nutrients.
- Peach and Yogurt Parfait:Layer vanilla yogurt with fresh peach slices and slivered almonds. Finish with a dash of cinnamon. Peaches contain the antioxidant vitamin C while the almonds add healthy fats.
Try also:
- Watermelon Smoothie:Blend watermelon, yogurt, and mint leaves for a hydrating start to the day.
- Overnight Oats:Mix oats, milk, chia seeds, and diced peaches. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy chilled in the morning.
- Cantaloupe Wedges:Top fresh cantaloupe slices with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkle of granola.
Savory Salads and Wraps
When it's too hot out for heavy hot dishes, whipping up a chilled salad or wrap makes for a perfect summer lunch or light dinner. Load them up with veggies, lean protein, and zesty dressings to fill you up.
- Greek Chicken Salad:Combine chopped romaine, chicken breast, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. The feta adds a creamy tang while the veggies provide fiber.
- Caprese Sandwich:Layer fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze on toasted bread or in a wrap. The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes make a classic flavor combo.
- Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps:Mix together canned tuna, chopped celery, carrot, onion, mayo, lemon juice, and pepper. Scoop into lettuce leaves. Lettuce leaves make the perfect low-carb vessel for this protein-packed tuna salad.
Try also:
- Chicken Caesar Salad:Top chopped romaine with grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan. Toss in Caesar dressing.
- Vegetable Summer Rolls:Wrap rice noodles, cucumbers, carrots, mint, and shrimp in rice paper. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.
- Pita Pizza:Top a hollowed-out whole wheat pita with sauce, veggies, cheese and bake.
No-Cook Soups and Chilled Sides
When it's sweltering outside, cooking is the last thing you want to do. Luckily, there are plenty of no-cook soup and side options that require minimal prep.
- Gazpacho:Blend tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and seasoning for a cold tomato soup. Garnish with avocado. The vegetables provide hydration while the olive oil adds healthy fats.
- Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup:Puree cucumbers, avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and seasonings. Top with diced tomatoes. The cucumbers and yogurt create a cooling creamy base.
- Pasta Salad Primavera:Toss cooked pasta with chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, peas, and broccoli. Mix in feta, olive oil, and Italian dressing. The veggies add a rainbow of nutrients and textures.
Try also:
- Chilled Beet Soup:Blend beets, yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill for a vibrant cold soup.
- Watermelon Feta Salad:Toss watermelon chunks with feta, mint, and balsamic dressing for a sweet and salty salad.
- Corn and Black Bean Salad:Mix corn, black beans, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
Fruity Frozen Treats
What better way to get an energizing dose of vitamins plus cool down than with naturally sweet frozen desserts full of fruit? These are much healthier alternatives to ice cream.
- Strawberry Banana Pops:Purée strawberries and bananas. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze. The banana adds creaminess while the strawberries provide vitamin C.
- Watermelon Lime Sorbet:Blend watermelon, lime juice, and a touch of honey or sugar. Freeze in an airtight container. Watermelon is naturally hydrating.
- Mango Coconut Pops:Mix mango, coconut milk, honey, and lime zest. Add to popsicle molds and freeze overnight. Mangoes contain vision-protecting antioxidants.
Try also:
- Blueberry Yogurt Bark:Mix Greek yogurt with lemon and honey. Stir in blueberries. Spread on a pan and freeze, then break into shards.
- Peach Ice Pops:Puree peaches, yogurt, and honey. Freeze in popsicle molds.
- Pineapple Coconut Nice Cream:Blend pineapple, coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Freeze overnight.
With this list of recipes in your arsenal, you can beat the heat while still enjoying tasty and nutritious meals.
The key is focusing on in-season produce like juicy fruits and cooling cucumbers to create refreshing dishes requiring minimal cooking.
Stay cool, hydrated, energized, and full all summer long with these recipes! What are your go-to summer recipes for keeping comfortable and healthy?
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