Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and healthy foods. One of the best ways to keep our bodies strong and healthy is by consuming protein-rich foods.
Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and are essential for maintaining and repairing tissues, muscles, and cells. They also play a significant role in boosting our immune system.
In this article, we have rounded up some of the best protein-packed summer recipes to help you stay healthy and strong this season.
1. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients:.
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 red or yellow bell peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken, peppers, onions, and zucchini onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Greek Yogurt Salad
Ingredients:.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:.
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 lettuce leaves
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together tuna, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the tuna salad on lettuce leaves.
4. Quinoa and Bean Salad
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:.
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon fillets over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix together avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the grilled salmon with the avocado salsa.
6. Green Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:.
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 scoop of protein powder
Instructions:.
- In a blender, blend together spinach, banana, avocado, mango, almond milk, honey, and protein powder until smooth.
- Pour the green smoothie into a bowl.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as sliced almonds, granola, or fresh fruit.
7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients:.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp is cooked through.
8. Chickpea and Spinach Salad
Ingredients:.
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together chickpeas, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
9. Chicken and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:.
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix together chicken, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. Berry Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions:.
- In a blender, blend together mixed berries, banana, protein powder, almond milk, and ice until smooth.
- Pour the berry protein smoothie into a glass.
These protein-packed summer recipes are perfect for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Try them out and enjoy the fresh and delicious flavors of summer!.