Summer Eats For The Working Woman

When the summer heat rolls around, I know that the last place I want to be is wiping a sweaty brow in front of the stove all afternoon. The ideal of hot oatmeal nearly causes me to gag and heavy pasta dishes take second place as salads and fresh produce rule. So, if you’re looking for the best and most affordable produce, seek out a local farmer’s market in your area.

Here are some light summer meals for those of us who just don’t have time to slave away in the kitchen:

Green Monster Smoothie

Serves 1

Start your morning right with this cool and energizing smoothie!

4 cups organic baby spinach

1 frozen banana

1 scoop protein powder

1 tbsp natural peanut butter

1/2 cup blueberries

1 cup almond milk

Blend all ingredients in your blender. Drink immediately.

Light n’ Healthy Pasta Salad

Serves 4

Throw this together after work and have it ready for the next few days. The longer this sits, the better it tastes!

8 oz dry whole wheat spiral pasta, cooked according to package instructions

1 red or orange bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 red onion, sliced thin

1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced in half

1 egg, hard boiled, cooled and chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

pinch of sea salt

Run cooked pasta under cold water to cool off. Combine with bell pepper, onion, cucumber and olives and set in the fridge to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar and sea salt. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Add the egg and feta cheese and toss again gently.  Let chill in fridge for one hour or more before eating.

Summer Salmon with Balsamic Honey Glaze

Serves 4

4 5-ounce salmon fillets, wild caught if possible

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dust the salmon with the salt and pepper and then cook the fillets for about five minutes per side or until just done. Remove and set salmon on a heated plate to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat the honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Take off heat and whisk in balsamic vinegar. Pour glaze over salmon and serve immediately.