Delicious summer meal ideas

Source: Cook Smart for a Healthy Heart, Reader’s Digest; 30 Minute Cookbook, Reader’s Digest; Low Calorie Co

Dad’s got to eat heart-healthy. Your husband insists on barbecue. The kids want burgers and you just want to try something different. Here are 10 delicious summer meal ideas—with something for everyone.

Barbecue

Spicy Jamaican Barbecue Chicken

Because the flavour of chicken is mild, it benefits from a tasty baste when barbecued or broiled. This also helps to keep the outside from burning until the chicken is cooked through—especially when cooking over charcoal.

Burgers

Chicken Burgers with Tropical Fruit Salsa

There’s no need to give up burgers just because you’re on a heart-smart diet. These juicy burgers, topped with a Caribbean-inspired salsa, are absolutely delicious. Complete the meal with oven-baked sweet-potato fries.

Lamb Burgers with Fruity Relish

The advantage of making your own burgers is that you know exactly what’s in them — and with good lean meat they can make a healthy meal. A fruit relish, full of vitamin C, adds a fresh flavour to these juicy burgers. Serve with a green or mixed salad.

International

Indian-Style Grilled Chicken Breasts

Tandoori dishes are often the healthiest option in Indian restaurants as they are cooked without fat. At home, a hot grill gives a similar result. These lean chicken breasts come with creamy low-fat raita. All that is needed to complete the meal is rice or naan bread.

Spanish-Style Chicken

Salty black olives, sweet red and yellow peppers, spicy chorizo sausage, and white wine bring the sunny flavours of the Mediterranean to joints of rich, dark chicken for an easy family casserole.

Duck Kebabs with Honey and Orange

A classic combination, Duck à l’Orange is given a Chinese touch in these sophisticated kebabs, infused with the flavours of orange juice, honey, and soy sauce and served with scented rice.

Seafood

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Tomato and Pepper Salsa

Fish steaks make ideal fast food, and serving them with a vibrant salsa, rice and a mixed-leaf salad transforms plain cooked fish into an exciting summer dish.

Scallops Grilled with Prosciutto

The subtle saltiness of Italian dried ham combines perfectly with these marinated scallops with their brilliant orange corals to make handsome brochettes that can be served on their skewers.

Hearty favourites

Slow-Braised Beef and Barley

Here, beef is simmered until meltingly tender while nourishing pot barley thickens the gravy to make a hearty casserole and juniper berries add a distinctive flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable, such as green beans or spring greens.

Spiced Steak with Speedy Ratatouille

Zucchinis, eggplants, and tomatoes, gently flavored with wine and herbs, provide a melting ratatouille that perfectly complements steak rubbed with a mixture of hot spices.

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