It's end of August and you're either in the "thank goodness summer is almost over" club or "please don't let summer end" club. Me? I'm in the latter, holding onto every last minute of the hot summer days.
No matter to which category you relate, you're probably thinking about how you plan to spend the last hurrah of the season that's usually filled with fun festivities, outdoor activities and lively picnics. If you plan to gather with friends and family and are looking for tasty and easy-to-prepare recipes to share (that also happen to be nutritious!) then you're in the right spot. From Cooling Watermelon Gazpacho to Creamy Mac 'N Cheese to Fudge-y Caramel Brownies, you're covered with appetizers, salads, mains and desserts.
This cooling, hydrating dish is bursting with flavor through combination of melon, shallots, lime, cucumber and herbs. Enjoy it as often as you can while watermelon is in season!
These samosa-flavored bites taste very similar to the samosa appetizer, however, they're much healthier since they're baked (not fried) and aren't wrapped in fiberless pastry dough. Add a nice dose of mint chutney alongside and you'll have yourself a fabulous festive app!
Not only is this power plant-based salad bursting with flavor but it only takes minutes to prepare! It's also very versatile. You can add the chickpea salad to a green salad, make it as bite-size sandwiches, or mix it into some healthy whole grains like brown rice or wheat berries.
This is not your everyday slaw. It's comforting from the black rice, sustaining from the edamame and energizing from the crunchy veggies. Also, it looks so pretty when it's all put together, making it the perfect addition to any picnic or holiday gathering.
Easy to make and beaming with flavor, these cauliflower bites have become a go-to in our home. Cauliflower works well but you could also use the sauce with another veggie of choice like okra, broccoli or Brussel Sprouts. Make them for the whole family or for your picnic gathering—they're perfect straight out of the oven!
These lentil quinoa meatballs won't last long once they're taken out of the oven. They're perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and soft on the inside. They make a great appetizer and will pair well with your favorite tomato sauce or a basil pesto.
Looking for the simplest yet one of the tastiest and nutritious veggie burgers on the planet? Try these beet burgers! Preparation time for this burger goodness is only ten minutes (after you've scrubbed down those beet beauties). They hold together really well (perfect for summertime grilling!) and are super satisfying with textures and flavors galore.
This mac 'n cheese is super creamy from the cashew cheese and crunchy from the tofu croutons. The tofu croutons bake at the same time as the Mac n Cheese — pretty convenient! If you want to use panko crumbs or whole-grain breadcrumbs in place of tofu, that's totally fine. Or, if you want to simplify it even more, skip the croutons altogether. The macaroni and cheese all by itself is still really yummy.
This ooey-gooey strawberry crumble is so yummy that it will get the thumbs up approval from even the pickiest of eaters! Pro-tip: Using frozen strawberries will make it even more gooey (although fresh works nicely as well, especially if they're from your garden!).
If you want something decadent but also want it to be nourishing and energizing (i.e. does not deplete your energy!) then look no further than these brownies. They are oh-so-decadent and yummy! And, they're also packed with fiber, protein, omega 3 fatty acids and lots of vitamins and minerals. A decadent treat that is good for the body? Yes, please. Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat or mid-afternoon snack.
What's on your picnic menu? Share below!
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