Light and Healthy Meals

Cold Pasta Salad with Vegetables: Toss cooked whole wheat pasta with an assortment of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. Dress with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs like basil or parsley.

Quinoa and Vegetable Grain Bowl: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Top with roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas, and drizzle with a lemon tahini dressing.

Chilled Gazpacho: Blend together ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill the soup for a refreshing and light summer meal.

Summer Veggie Wraps: Spread whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves with hummus or avocado. Fill with sliced grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add fresh herbs like basil or mint, and roll up for a satisfying and portable meal.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Combine cooked chickpeas with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. Dress with a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled for a protein-packed salad.

Thai-Inspired Mango Salad: Slice ripe mangoes and toss them with shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and crushed peanuts. Dress with a sweet and tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and a touch of chili flakes.

Zucchini Noodle Salad: Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss with cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn kernels, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a light dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped basil.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad: Grill or sauté shrimp until cooked and let them cool. Combine the shrimp with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and arugula. Dress with a lime vinaigrette made with lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey.

Cold Soba Noodle Bowl: Cook soba noodles according to package instructions and rinse with cold water. Top with julienned carrots, sliced snap peas, edamame beans, and sesame seeds. Dress with a sesame ginger dressing for a light and refreshing meal.

Greek Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Dress with a lemon olive oil dressing and serve chilled