Spending time with family outdoors in great weather calls for delicious, fresh, and nutritious meals. Whether it’s a picnic, backyard barbecue, or poolside gathering, these five healthy recipes are perfect for sharing.
They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavour, and full of wholesome ingredients.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Pot of Greek natural yoghurt
- Two sprigs of fresh mint
- Fresh herbs of your choice to garnish
- Side salad
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for extra flavour).
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill on the BBQ over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve with a homemade Greek yoghurt and mint dipping sauce and a fresh side salad of your choice.
Why It’s Healthy:
This dish is high in protein, low in fat, and bursting with Mediterranean flavours.
2. Quinoa & Avocado Summer Salad
Ingredients:
- 200 grams quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 200 grams of cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ a large red onion, finely chopped
- 50 grams of fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional, 1-2 tsp of aged sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make this salad 10-15 minutes before you are ready to eat
- In a large bowl, mix quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with lime juice, olive oil, and optional flavoured vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavours to blend.
Why It’s Healthy:
Quinoa is a protein-packed grain, while avocado provides healthy fats, making this a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
3. Fresh Mango & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of cooked prawns, peeled and deveined (if frozen, allow to thaw thoroughly before making these wraps)
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 50 grams of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Optional, finely sliced red chilli
- 1 tsp honey
- Two little gem lettuces or romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix prawns, mango, cucumber, coriander, lime juice, and honey.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and fold like tacos or Mexican wraps.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing, handheld treat.
- Place on a plate in a bowl of fresh ice if the wraps are not to be eaten immediately
Why It’s Healthy:
These wraps are low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins from the mango and cucumber.
4. Grilled Veggie & Hummus Flatbreads
Ingredients:
- 2 flatbreads of your choice – homemade flatbreads are quick and easy to make and will taste better than shop-bought flatbreads
- 150-200 grams of hummus (any flavour)
- Alternatively, 150-200 pureed butternut squash, cooked with 1-2 tsp of mild curry powder, garam masala or ground cumin, cumin seeds and chilli flakes
- 1 courgette or aubergine, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Optional sliced red chilli to garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss courgette/aubergine, red pepper, onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Leave in a cool place for 10-20 minutes to infuse flavours.
- Grill sliced vegetables on a BBQ over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Warm the flat breads for a few minutes in an oven at 30-60 seconds on each side on the BBQ
- Spread hummus or pureed butternut squash over each flatbread, then top with grilled vegetables.
- Slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why It’s Healthy:
This dish is rich in fibre, plant-based protein, and antioxidants from the colourful veggies.
5. Berry Yoghurt Parfaits with Granola
Ingredients:
- 350-400 grams of natural Greek yoghurt
- 200 grams of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 100 grams of granola
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large glass or bowl, layer Greek yoghurt, mixed berries, and granola. Alternatively, use individual glasses.
- Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness if desired.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing and healthy dessert.
Why It’s Healthy:
Greek yoghurt is packed with protein and probiotics, while berries provide antioxidants and fibre.
Final Thoughts
These five healthy recipes are perfect for outdoor family gatherings. They make a colourful and enjoyable change for burgers and bangers. They are easy to prepare, light, and refreshing while still being satisfying.
Whether you’re grilling, tossing a salad, or making a simple parfait, these dishes will keep everyone feeling great while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine!
