Healthy Summer Event Recipes

One of many challenges when it comes to eating well is navigating social events. When it comes to such events, we typically have limited control over what type of food and beverages will be served. It’s unrealistic to avoid these situations, as socialization is often centered around food, but what we can do is focus on what we can control: what and how much we choose to eat and what we bring. 

If you’re invited to a gathering, bring a dish or snack you’ll feel good about eating. Oftentimes potlucks primarily consist of carb-rich dishes while lacking fruit and veggies options. Although undeniably delicious, it's not ideal to fill our plates with pastas, breads, potatoes, and desserts! When the option is available, offer to bring a fruit or veggie focused dish to add some color (and nutrients) to the table! Here are some ideas (each dish is hyperlinked to the original recipe):

• Roasted Summer Veggies
• Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Honey Lime Quinoa Fruit Salad
• Tip: reduce or omit the honey for less added sugar!
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Tip: for a protein and fiber boost, swap traditional pasta for Banza pasta!

If you’re the one hosting an event, there’s no shame in telling people what you want them to bring. Here are some suggestions you can provide to your guests that are generally more nutritious:

• Protein- rotisserie chicken, meatballs, shredded pork (sauce on the side), shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, charcuterie boards, baked chicken wings, chicken or turkey burgers.
• Fruits- fruit tray, fruit salad, stuffed dates, fruit for grilling, or watermelon slices.
• Vegetables- veggie tray with hummus and guac, caprese salad, or roasted zucchini.
• Carb-Rich Dishes/Grains- quinoa salad, bean salad, cowboy caviar, or roasted sweet potatoes.

You may be surprised at how many people truly enjoy lighter recipes and appreciate you taking the stress of deciding what to bring away from them!

These suggestions are great options to help you make nutritious choices during these events, but always remember that you are at these gatherings to have some fun! It's okay to balance your plate with some of your favorite, more indulgent foods too!