Fresh Summer Produce Diet Recipes; Pasta Salad, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Peaches

The best thing about summer recipes is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The possibilities for healthy eating are endless. Visiting your local farmers market can provide all of the ingredients you will need to create fresh and healthy, low-cal, low-fat meals. These are 3 of my favorite healthy summer diet recipes that will help keep that bikini body beach ready.

Whole Grain Pasta Salad

1 lb of whole grain or whole wheat pasta, any shape

1 pint of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 sweet onion, cut into 1 inch pieces

½ sweet red pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

½ sweet green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 medium seedless cucumber, cut into cubes

1 cup diced carrots

½ cup fresh peas

1 cup small diced cheese, use your favorite such as cheddar, provolone, gruyere, etc.

¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

¼-1/2 cup of favorite Italian dressing, depending on taste

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to blend. This recipe is great as a side or as a stand alone meal. Add any of your favorite fresh summer vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours.

Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

4 Whole wheat sandwich buns

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt, Pepper, and garlic powder

BBQ sauce

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and then grill until juices run clear. Allow to cool. Cut in half and then shred with two forks. Add BBQ sauce, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Reheat BBQ chicken by placing in an oven safe dish, covered, on 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. Scoop chicken mixture on buns and enjoy!

T's BBQ sauce recipe

1 8oz can of crushed tomatoes or 1 cup of ketchup

5 Tbsp of brown sugar

1 Tbsp of cider vinegar

4 Tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce

3 Tbsp of Lemon Juice

1 tsp of dry mustard

2 Cloves of Garlic, crushed

Salt and Pepper

1 Tbsp of Chili Sauce (or more or less, depending on your taste)

A great addition to this basic BBQ sauce, make it a little fresh and sweet, is to add pureed Guavas or Mangos.

Put all ingredient in a sauce pan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.

Fresh Grilled Georgia Peaches

One of those special treats is when Georgia Peach Season begins. Not only are they sweet and juicy raw, but grill them and it is a whole new experience.

Be sure to use firm peaches, if they are too soft they will fall apart on the grill.

Cut peaches in half, brush very lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and place cut side down on grill. Grill about 5-10 minutes, but be sure to watch closely so you don't burn them. Excellent served sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon or both. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate or Nutella over top. Also very tasty served with vanilla ice cream or low-fat yogurt. Enjoy!

With these summer diet recipes, you can enjoy the pleasures of summer without the added fat. Make the most of the abundance of colorful and flavorful produce out there while staying healthy!