Cooking should be banned in the summer.
Make that late spring and summer.
Once the days get longer and the temperatures are warmer, no one should be stuck inside meal prepping and cooking.
Summer brings cravings for light, fresh and healthy meals. Meals that don’t involve the oven and a lot of work.
Meal prepping is a great way to ensure you stay on track with your health goals and save time during busy summer days. Here are a few easy, healthy summer meal prep ideas to get you started and keep you out of the kitchen and soaking up the sun.
Grilled Chicken Salad Jars
Grilled chicken salad jars are perfect for on-the-go lunches or quick dinners. Start by grilling two to three chicken breasts, add some chopped-up veggies (like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers), and mix together with a simple dressing (such as olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard). Bolthouse Farms has great premade dressings that can be used, too. Layer the ingredients in mason jars, and you have a tasty and healthy meal ready to go. Pro tip: If you include any lettuce in your jar, store your dressing separately to keep the lettuce from getting soggy,
Veggie Skewers
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, and veggie skewers are a healthy and delicious addition to any barbecue. Simply chop up your favorite vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) and thread them onto skewers. Metal and bamboo skewers can be found at most grocery and home stores, like Target. Brush with olive oil, add any seasonings you’d like, and grill until tender. Serve as a side dish or a main course with quinoa or brown rice.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a great way to start your day with a healthy and filling breakfast. Mix together rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, and your favorite fruits and nuts in a jar. Let sit in the fridge overnight, and you have a tasty and nutritious breakfast ready to go in the morning. I like to add extra protein to my overnight nights to keep me satisfied longer. This one from PEScience is perfect! I also have a Pinterest board with a few of my favorite overnight oats recipes.
Greek Salad
Greek salad is a classic summer dish that is both healthy and delicious. Start by chopping up lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. If you’d rather start with a bagged lettuce mix, romaine, arugula and spinach all work well. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Serve as a side dish or a main course with grilled chicken or fish.
Grilled Fish Tacos
This might be my favorite, as grilled fish tacos are a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for summer. Start by grilling with your preferred fish, like mahi mahi or cod. You could even use shrimp! Be sure to add any seasoning you like (I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s Citrusy Garlic seasoning). Next, chop up some cabbage and avocado, and mix together a simple dressing (such as Greek yogurt, lime juice, and garlic). Serve in warm tortillas, and you have a tasty and nutritious meal ready to go.
Meal prepping in the summer can be quick and easy, allowing you to stay on track with your health goals during the summer months and have plenty of time to enjoy the summer fun. These simple, healthy meal prep ideas are perfect for busy days and will help you feel energized and refreshed all summer.