Summer Recipes

Summer is a season of extreme heat. Therefore, summer recipes should be refreshing, less spicy, less oily, and healthy. These recipes also need to be quick and effortless to prepare. Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and lean protein play an important role in designing summer recipes.

This article presents a delicious summer recipe that supports easy digestion during summer. Besides, it provides improved flavors and nutrition. This recipe is known as lemon herb grilled chicken with summer vegetables. We will also provide an additional quick dessert recipe to help satisfy your soul this hot summer season.

So, read this article to get the ultimate summer recipes guide to make easy summer recipes. Don’t miss the end to get special tips from our experts.

Why Should You Try This Recipe at Home?

Preparing meals during the summertime is very tough. However, if we want to stay healthy during the summer, we need to eat homemade food. You have control over ingredient quality, hygiene, and portion size if you cook at home.

Our summer recipe is light, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are mandatory for healthy summer food. Additionally, the preparation time of this recipe is rapid, and the process is hassle-free, which will enable low heat exposure in this hot season. 

It is easily adaptable to various easy cooking methods, such as summer air fryer recipes. Overall, this recipe is suitable for summer. Therefore, you should try this summer recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetables

Ingredient	Amount	Substitution/Note
Boneless chicken breast	300 g	Tofu for a vegetarian option
Sliced Zucchini	1 cup	Bottle gourd/ papaya
Chopped Bell peppers	1 cup	Use 2 to 3 colors of bell peppers
Chopped Carrots	1 cup	Use vegetables you like
Minced garlic	3 cloves	Garlic powder
Lemon Juice	2 tablespoons	Vinegar
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Sunflower oil
Salt	1 teaspoon	Use according to your taste
Ground black pepper	½ teaspoon	Ground white pepper
Fresh parsley or coriander	2 tablespoons	Dried herbs if fresh not available

• Chicken breast provides high-quality protein, which helps to fulfil our daily protein requirement.
• Zucchini or papaya, carrots or other vegetables are rich in fiber and add hydration, which is necessary during summer days.
• These vegetables, along with bell peppers, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which make the nutritional profile rich and support our immunity.
• Garlic adds satisfying flavors. It also contains beneficial antimicrobial properties.
• Lemon juice improves the taste. It also helps in protein digestion and iron absorption.
• Olive oil is a good source of healthy fat and helps to enhance taste.
• Salt balances the overall taste, and black pepper gives the desired heat to this recipe.
• Fresh herbs are for garnishing the recipe. Besides, it provides freshness and enriches the fiber content.

How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetables

A summer-friendly recipe should be easy to make, light, and healthy to eat. This recipe can be called the best summer dinner recipe. Let us guide you through this recipe preparation. Follow our steps to make a perfect healthy summer recipe.

Step 1: Marination of the Chicken

The recipe should start with chicken marination. You need to have at least 30 minutes for the marination. It helps to boost flavors in chicken. If you are always in a hurry, you can marinate the chicken the previous night. Now, let’s know how to marinate the chicken perfectly.

• Take a large bowl and combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon juice nicely.
• Now, coat the chicken breast thoroughly.
• Cover the bowl with a plastic wrapper or a large plate.
• Rest for 20 – 30 minutes. 

Step 2: Vegetables Preparation

While the chicken marination process is ongoing, let’s prepare the vegetables.

• Wash the vegetables nicely.
• Remove the peel of the zucchini and carrots.
• Now, slice the zucchini, chop the carrots, and bell peppers uniformly. 

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

After 30 minute marrination, it’s time to grill the chicken.

• Preheat a grill pan for 4 to 5 minutes until the temperature reach at 200°F.
• Place the chicken breast in the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
• Within 10 to 12 minutes, the chicken will be properly cooked. If the chicken is not properly cooked, you should heat it for more time.  

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

You can cook the vegetables while the grilling process is running. It will save your time.

• Take a large skillet and brush some oil on it.
• Sauté the vegetables over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the sautéed vegetables.
• Vegetables should be crunchy and bright in color.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken and Vegetables

Our chicken and vegetables are done. Now, you have to assemble them to serve.

• Take a serving plate and place the grilled chicken in the middle, and the sautéed vegetables on the side.
• Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and coriander.
• Serve the delicious herby grilled chicken.

Another Easy Summer Dessert Recipe: Chilled Mango Yogurt

• Required Ingredients

• Ripe mango pulp – 1 cup
• Greek yogurt – 1 cup
• Honey – 2 tablespoons
• Soaked Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Crushed nuts – 2 tablespoons
• Preparation Method

• Take a blender jar and combine the mango pulp, yogurt, and honey.
• Then, blend them nicely.
• Pour it into a glass and add the soaked chia seed.
• Give a nice mixture.
• Then, chill for 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
• Garnish with crushed nuts.
• Enjoy the delicious summer drink recipe.

Special Tips to Make Perfect Summer Recipes

• Avoid overcooking the chicken and vegetables. Extreme cooking results in the dryness of chicken. Overcooking vegetables makes them soggy. 
• Cut the vegetables evenly for proper cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
• Experts suggest using seasoning ingredients like salt, black pepper, and lemon juice according to your preferences. If you want more tang, you can add extra lemon juice. To increase the heat, you can add extra black pepper.
• You can brush the marinade juice while grilling the chicken; it will make the chicken juicier and tastier. 

Conclusion

Summer recipes should be refreshing, flavorful, and healthy. Lemon herb grilled chicken is an ideal dish for a light summer dinner, and the chilled mango yogurt delight is a flavorful and healthy summer dessert.

Both the dish is family-friendly, especially since it is suitable for summer recipes for kids. Trying these recipes during the summer will be worth the time and effort. Follow us for interesting recipes.

FAQs

What are the best foods to eat during summer?

Hydrating foods are essential during the summer season. You should consume fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, lean protein, yogurts, less spicy food, and most importantly adequate amount of water during the summer season. 

How can I make these recipes healthier?

The Lemon herb grilled chicken and chilled mango yogurt delight are both healthy. You can make them healthier by using low sodium salt, and low-fat yogurt. You can also use another healthy cooking method, like air frying.

Can I make the chilled mango yogurt drink?

Yes, you can convert the chilled mango yogurt delight into a drink by adding some pasteurized cold milk or water.