If you're like most Southcoasters, the melting of the frost promised the bringing of a new season and breaking out of the grill. I love to grill. Let me rephrase that. I love that my husband grills.  It means that I get to share the family dinner responsibility and tends to mean that what we'll be eating will be healthier.

Some of my favorite and simple meals for spring and summer are marinated chicken breasts paired with a variety of salads or steamed vegetables.  Here are some of my favorite healthy recipes that are go-tos this time of year. And of course, I've included a refreshing libation to pair with any of the meals!

 

  • pinkdonkey
    pinkdonkey
    loading...
    1

    Chicken, Spinach & Avocado Recipe

    Here is a recipe for a Chicken, Spinach and Avocado Salad that looks delicious. I found this on a board that I follow from Recipe Girl.  She shares lots of great recipes that range from healthy, gluten free to more indulgent for those who aren’t calorie conscious.

    Yield: 4 servings

    Prep Time: 20 min

    Ingredients:

    SALAD: 8 cups chopped spinach (1 bag) 1 cup halved cherry or pear tomatoes 1/2 cup corn (frozen, canned, or cut off the cob) 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken 1 large avocado, sliced 1/3 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

    DRESSING: 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

    Directions:

    1.  Place spinach in a large salad bowl.  add remaining salad ingredients.

    2.  In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.  Pour over the salad and toss (a little at a time… as much dressing as you desire).

    You can also find more recipes on-line at http://www.recipegirl.com

     

  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    2

    Healthy Curried Chicken Salad

    1 pound of cooked chicken- boned, skinned and cubed. Rotisserie chicken works great.

    • 3 ribs of celery, chopped
    • 1 granny smith apple, diced
    • 1/4 cup raisins
    • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
    • 6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
    • 2 heaping tablespoons curry powder
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)

    Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve over a large bed of baby greens or in a lettuce wrap. Makes enough for 4. Enjoy!

     

  • loading...
    3

    White Peach Sangria

    White Peach Sangria Ingredients:

    • 1 bottle of white zinfandel wine
    • 1/2 Cup of Peach Schnapps
    • 1 Liter of Sprite
    • 2 peaches slices
    • 1 mango sliced
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    4

    Grilled Lemon Bay Shrimp

    Courtesy of cookinglight.com here is a great recipe for shrimp on the barbie!
    Ingredients: 
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil $
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 32 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 1/2 pounds)
    • 32 fresh bay leaves
    • 4 large lemons, each cut into 8 wedges
    • Cooking spray

    Preparation

    1. Prepare grill.
    2. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 10 minutes.
    3. Place bay leaves and lemon wedges in a large bowl. Coat with cooking spray; toss to coat.
    4. Thread 4 lemon wedges, 4 shrimp, and 4 bay leaves alternately onto each of 8 (10-inch) skewers. Place skewers on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 2 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done.
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    5

    Greek Burger With Feta Aioli

    Burger prep:

    • Burgers:
    • 5 (1/2-inch-thick) slices red onion
    • Cooking spray
    • 1 pound lean ground round $
    • 2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs $
    • 1/3 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
    • 5 (1 1/2-ounce) sourdough sandwich buns

    Combine the beef and the next 9 ingredients (beef through crushed garlic) in a large bowl. Divide the beef mixture into 5 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Place patties on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and cook for 6 minutes on each side or until burgers are done. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons aioli over top half of each bun. Place patties on bottom halves of buns, and top each with 1 onion slice and top half of bun.

    Feta Aioli prep:

    • Aioli:
    • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
    • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise $
    • 2 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
    • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    1. To prepare aioli, combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor; pulse 1 minute or until smooth. Cover and chill.

    Cooking Light is a great resource for healthy grilling recipes, just like these. Click here and you can choose your recipe by meat, seafood or veggie.

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107