30 Fresh and Light Summer Meals

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer invites us to embrace a lighter approach to cooking. The heat of the season calls for meals that are not only refreshing but also vibrant and packed with flavor. This is the perfect time to step into the kitchen and celebrate the bounty of seasonal ingredients that farmers’ markets have to offer. From ripe tomatoes to crisp cucumbers and sweet corn, summer produce is at its peak, making it the ideal choice for light, nutritious meals.

30 Fresh and Light Summer Meals

Get ready for the ultimate summer feast with these fresh and light recipes! Delight in a Grilled Zucchini & Corn Salad that's bursting with flavor, enjoy a Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta that's both nutritious and satisfying, or wow your guests with Watermelon & Feta Skewers drizzled in balsamic glaze. Try the Shrimp & Avocado Ceviche for a refreshing bite or indulge in Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for a savory treat. Perfect for warm days!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, sliced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz chickpea pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

1 cup feta cheese, cubed

Fresh mint leaves

Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Wooden skewers

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup lime juice

1 cup diced cucumber

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 jalapeño, diced

1 avocado, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Cilantro for garnish

4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh basil, torn

Olive oil, for drizzling

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Toss the zucchini slices and corn in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes per side until tender.

In a large bowl, combine grilled zucchini, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and basil.

Drizzle with lime juice, toss, and serve chilled.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

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Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta 🌍🍝

Cook chickpea pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.

In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Toss until well combined and serve at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

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Watermelon & Feta Skewers 🍉🧀

Thread a cube of watermelon, a mint leaf, and a cube of feta onto each skewer.

Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 8

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Shrimp & Avocado Ceviche 🍤🥑

In a bowl, combine shrimp and lime juice; refrigerate for 30 minutes until shrimp is opaque.

Add cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, avocado, salt, and pepper to the shrimp mixture.

Stir well, garnish with cilantro, and serve chilled with tortilla chips.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 🍄🍅

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet, gill-side up.

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

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