The sun is out, the grill is sizzling and the farmers market is overflowing with gorgeous produce. Yep, summer is in full swing, and with all those seasonal fruits and vegetables at your disposal, it’s never been easier to eat healthily (or as we like to think of it, save room for dessert). From low-carb zucchini enchiladas to the easiest scallops ever, here are 70 healthy summer recipes to make from now until Labor Day.
90 Easy Summer Dinners That Everyone Will Love
Kristen Kilpatrick/The Comfortable Kitchen
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: low carb, keto, paleo, gluten free, dairy free
The combination of warming spices and sweet and tart pineapple is fantastic on just about any protein—but on salmon, it’s transformative.
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Amy Scott/Healthier Southern Cooking
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: one pan, under 500 calories, low sugar, crowd pleaser
By swapping the usual andouille for chicken sausage, this Southern classic is instantly lightened up. Even better, you won’t need any sides—this is a one-and-done meal.
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Time Commitment: 1 hour
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Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, under 500 calories, dairy free
We love a lettuce-free lunch salad for many reasons. Chief among them, it’s easy to make a few days ahead and store in the refrigerator until needed.
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INFRAORDINARIO STUDIO FOR DALCÒ EDIZIONI S.R.L.
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Time Commitment: 55 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
When you’re craving a snack that’s light and fresh but won’t leave you hangry in two hours, look no further. The sweet and spicy sauce tastes better than anything from a bottle (but is so easy to stir together).
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Katherine Gillen
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: Ready in <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
We like to serve this filling taco-style with charred corn tortillas, but you could also wrap it in flour tortillas for burritos or fry it into quesadillas with a little melty cheese.
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Kristen Kilpatrick/The Comfortable Kitchen
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, sheet pan recipe, gluten free, dairy free
Serve this sticky, savory number over a bowl of steamed rice, and even the non-vegetarians at the table will get behind it.
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ELIZABETH VAN LIERDE and ABAGAIL HALSTEAD/EVERYDAY ENTERTAINING
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Time Commitment: 35 minutes
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Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy, low carb
Serve this elegant platter with plenty of crisp rosé, fresh bread and a green side. No one will believe it took you just 35 minutes.
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LIZZIE MAYSON/THE ITALIAN DELI COOKBOOK
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Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, Mediterranean diet–friendly
It’s so rich and creamy, you’ll have a hard time believing it’s vegan. As it turns out, cooking zucchini for long enough yields a luxurious texture that requires no butter or Parm at all.
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LIZZIE MAYSON/THE ITALIAN DELI COOKBOOK
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Time Commitment: 50 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Proof that chickpeas are good for so much more than hummus. (Nothing against hummus.)
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Katherine Gillen
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, Mediterranean diet–friendly, dairy free, gluten free
Want to look like you pulled out all the stops, with very little effort? Make scallops. They cook up in no time and never fail to impress.
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Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, under 500 calories
You have a bumper crop of summer squash, you say? We know exactly where to use it: in place of tortillas for enchiladas that are light on carbs but not on flavor.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: gluten free, high protein, under 500 calories
The garlicky, chili-rubbed steak has met its match in cool, crunchy cucumber salsa.
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AMANDA FREDERICKSON/SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL FOOD
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Time Commitment: 5 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, under 500 calories
A ripe summer melon is pretty delicious on its own, but a little chili powder and citrus will turn it into a knockout side dish. It’s a great side to throw together last-minute when you totally forgot you said you’d bring, uh, something to the cookout.
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Taylor Peden and Jen Munk/Cook This Book
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Time Commitment: 35 minutes
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Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, under 500 calories, gluten free
Green beans are usually served hot (and, well, mushy), but one bite of this crunchy, refreshing salad and you’ll never want to eat them another way.
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PATRICIA NIVEN/KEEPING IT SIMPLE
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, high protein, <10 ingredients, dairy free
You get bonus points if you swap the canned tomatoes for fresh ones. (Oh, yours are homegrown and heirloom? So fancy.)
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MATT RUSSELL/PROVENÇAL
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Time Commitment: 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <15 minutes, under 500 calories, dairy free, gluten free
When made with peak ingredients, this simple salad is impossible to mess up. Serve it with mozzarella or ricotta and plenty of toast.
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AUBRIE PICK/KITCHEN REMIX
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
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Why We Love It: make ahead, no cook, low carb, Mediterranean diet–friendly
We never thought to serve zucchini raw, then this herbaceous dish came along. Don’t even get us started on the feta.
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Photo: Tyler Mauk/Styling: Anne Mauk
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: gluten free, <10 ingredients, under 500 calories
This salad has all the right flavors: sweet, tangy, sour and salt. It might be our favorite way to eat summer corn—after on the cob, of course.
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DONNA GRIFFITH/THE PRIMAL GOURMET COOKBOOK
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Time Commitment: 4 hours, 55 minutes (includes marinating)
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Why We Love It: keto, paleo, low carb
This spicy chicken is named for the southeast African piri piri pepper. If you can find them near you, kudos; if not, use another fruity, mild red chile instead.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland
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Time Commitment: 45 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, Mediterranean diet–friendly, dairy free
We would make a special trip to the farmers market just to make this chilled soup. It’s worth seeking out yellow tomatoes, which are less acidic and complemented by sweet, ripe peaches.
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KAREN TEDESCO/FAMILY STYLE
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, under 500 calories, dairy free, low carb, low sugar
Choose your own adventure: Any seasonal vegetables will work here, as long as they’re cut into similarly sized bites.
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NASSIMA ROTHACKER/CALIFORNIA: LIVING + EATING
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Time Commitment: 45 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, high protein, gluten free
Nothing against salmon, but it’s nice to switch up your fish dish from time to time. This one will work with any firm white fish, and is ready in under an hour.
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ERIC WOLFINGER/THE MEXICAN KETO COOKBOOK
Did you know you can cook with your trusty cast iron skillet on the grill? (Sure, you could also just grill the chop, but we like the full-contact sear of a skillet.)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 30 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, under 500 calories, low carb
This lightened-up slaw is both free of gloppy dressing and suitable for an outdoor picnic. We laugh in the face of mayonnaise.
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Melina Hammer/Simply Julia
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Time Commitment: 50 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, one pot, beginner-friendly
Adapt this nutritious meal to whatever vegetables you have in the fridge (or growing in your garden).
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Michelle K. Min/Spicebox Kitchen
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Time Commitment: 55 minutes
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Why We Love It: dairy free, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
Sure, it’s nice to switch up your usual ground meat for roasted salmon, but the real stars might be the toppings. The grilled pineapple salsa and (vegan!) cashew-lime crema are *chef’s kiss.*
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MATT ARMENDARIZ/EAT WHAT YOU WANT
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, low carb, under 500 calories
In our humble opinion, lettuce wraps don’t get enough love. Sure, they’re healthier than a tortilla, but we just love ’em for the crisp texture and contrast to the filling.
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Betty Liu/My Shanghai
Behold silky, tender eggplant doused in a vinegar-soy sauce. It will convert even the staunchest eggplant haters (we see you).
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Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Psst: You can grilled the sweet potato wedges too—in fact, we highly recommend it. Just don’t skip the easy-peasy yogurt sauce, which you’ll want to serve on everything.
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ERIN KUNKEL/THE VIBRANT LIFE
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, low carb, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Not only are scallops healthy (with about 100 calories in a three-ounce serving), they’re also so quick and easy to cook.
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Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Heath Goldman
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
You can have your burrata and eat it too; just pair it with a mound of green veggies and stone fruit instead of a charcuterie board.
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Inspired Entertainment/The Domestic Geek’s Meals Made Easy
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: one pot, ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian, under 500 calories
No one wants to heat up the kitchen on a hot, muggy night. Lucky for you, this one-pot miracle is ready in 20 minutes.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 30 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Found: what you should make with your most recent farmers market haul. It takes 25 minutes and tastes like summer on a plate.
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Liz Moody/Healthier Together
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Time Commitment: 50 minutes
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Why We Love It: high protein, under 500 calories
To switch up your zoodle game, try this healthy update on a takeout fave. The zucchini is peeled into flat strips instead of skinny noodles, and the savory sauce is mouthwateringly good.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland
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Time Commitment: 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, under 500 calories, vegetarian
One too many avocado toasts has us craving something new. Enter carrot toast. (It’s ready in ten minutes, folks.)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: high protein, low carb, under 500 calories, one skillet
Our preferred summer dinner is made in one skillet dinner, has almost no cleanup and tastes indulgent even though it’s not.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, no cook, low carb, under 500 calories
Cold dinner when it’s 90 degrees outside? Genius. We call this one “climate control in a bowl.”
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Jeanine Donofrio/Love & Lemons Every Day
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Time Commitment: 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, ready in <15 minutes, vegetarian, low carb, gluten free
This dish serves four as a side, but if you’ve ever dreamed of eating broccoli rabe and burrata as a meal (we have), it could serve two and still clock in at less than 400 calories.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 30 minutes
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Why We Love It: one skillet, high protein, under 500 calories
Pan-frying eliminates the greasy mess of deep-frying and that whole turning-on-the-oven thing. It looks fancy, but you could totally make it on a Wednesday.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, high protein, ready in <30 minutes
It’s lunchtime and you’re stuck between a PB&J and a hard place. Might we suggest making this filling bowl instead?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: low carb, under 500 calories, gluten free, one pan
Read between the lines and you’ll discover this low-cal skillet dish is meant to be eaten on the porch with a glass of white wine.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, one skillet, low carb, high protein, under 500 calories
This chicken stir-fry is full of satisfying protein (so you won’t be hungry in an hour) and is a breeze to make.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Eden Grinshpan
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian, under 500 calories
A fattoush is a type of Middle Eastern salad—it’s herbaceous, spicy and features pita chips on top. Oh, and it’s delish.
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Henry Hargreaves/Avocaderia
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegan, under 500 calories
Why is it that so many Caesar salads are secret calorie bombs? This vegan version is a little more nutritious and just as flavorful as the original version.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, under 500 calories, high protein, <10 ingredients
Pasta that takes almost no effort to make and won’t weigh you down? The proof is in the skillet.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 35 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, vegetarian
Nothing against a juicy ribeye, but we’re partial to grilled watermelon these days. It sure beats fruit salad, too.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian
Flavorful and nutritious is the name of the game and this spiced legume-yogurt combo is totally winning.
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Healthfully Ever After
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian, low carb, under 500 calories
The edible flowers are optional, but considering the whole thing takes 15 minutes to make, they’re an easy way to impress.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
You won’t miss the meat with these briny, charred radishes. (But if you want more protein, you could add tofu or tempeh.)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 45 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, under 500 calories, gluten free
Some chicken salads should stay in their deli case. This one, however, belongs on your lunch plate.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, under 500 calories, vegan
If you’ve got a blender, you’re 15 minutes away from an easy-breezy summer soup that’s more refreshing than running through a sprinkler.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian, under 500 calories
We know it’s hot out, but don’t settle for cheese and crackers quite yet. This dinner is all about the three c’s: cool, crunchy and crazy-delicious.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Eden Grinshpan
Kamut is a sweet, nutty ancient grain that’s similar to couscous, but with more complexity. Here, it’s complemented by sour cherries and a sprinkling of cheese.
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Nisha Vora/Avery
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Time Commitment: 55 minutes
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Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, vegan, high protein, under 500 calories
Lasagna in the Instant Pot? Yep, it’s a thing, and it’s the secret behind this stoveless, ovenless vegan masterpiece.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 30 minutes
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Why We Love It: no cook, high protein, under 500 calories, gluten free
The Greek yogurt dressing keeps things light, while crisp bell pepper boats replace the usual sandwich bread.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Eden Grinshpan
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Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, high protein, gluten free
While your chicken marinates in a Mediterranean spice blend, you can whip up the refreshing yogurt dipping sauce to go with it.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, under 500 calories
It’s a little spicy, a little sweet and exactly what we want to eat on a humid, sticky night.
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Vegan In the House
Skip the frozen veggie patties and make these instead. One bite and you won’t regret the extra effort.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 50 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free
These nourishing bowls were inspired by Korean bibimbap. We eliminated the usual egg to make them vegan, but add it back in for a more filling dish.
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ESTEBAN CASTILLO/CHICANO EATS
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Time Commitment: 15 minutes
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Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, under 500 calories, low carb
Proof that simple is best in the summertime. Don’t skip the crusty bread for mopping up all that garlicky sauce.
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CON POULOS/WEEK LIGHT
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, ready in <30 minutes, high protein
This homemade veggie burger requires no fancy appliances or extra trips to the store. Pass the mustard.
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GENTL AND HYERS/OPEN KITCHEN
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, low carb, one pan
If you see squash blossoms at the market, grab them and run . And if you can’t find them, NBD—this frittata will still taste amazing.
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Aran Goyoaga/Cannelle et Vanille
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Time Commitment: 20 minutes
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Why We Love It: under 500 calories, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
When you’re putting in all that effort to prep your vegetables just so, it makes sense to buy a high-quality, sustainable tuna, no?
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SIMON PASK/THE HAPPY BALANCE
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Time Commitment: 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, ready in <15 minutes, low carb, vegetarian, gluten free
Cooking your vegetables on the grill is an easy way to add a ton of flavor while still keeping the dish light.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Time Commitment: 35 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, under 500 calories, crowd-pleaser
Itty-bitty cauliflower pieces are pan-fried and tossed in a savory-spicy-sweet gochujang glaze. In other words: See ya, popcorn shrimp.
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GRAYDON HERRIOTT/SIMPLE PASTA
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: dairy free, <500 calories, low sugar
Aka “summer on a plate.” If you can’t get olive bread for the croutons, just use any rustic loaf and add a handful of chopped olives instead.
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© EE BERGER/PULP
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Time Commitment: 10 minutes
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Why We Love It: <15 minutes, gluten free, <10 ingredients, low carb
This healthy, savory side is inspired by the classic pairings of melon, salt and cream, with a bit of extra heat and nuttiness from the chili oil and tahini.
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Katherine Gillen
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: gluten free, dairy free, no cook, low carb
Inspired by the flavors of pai huang gua, a Chinese cucumber salad that’s seasoned with rice vinegar, chili oil and soy sauce, this salad is refreshing and crisp with just the right amount of heat. See ya never, lettuce.
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Katherine Gillen
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Time Commitment: 40 minutes
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Why We Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, <500 calories
You can head to the frozen aisle for some respite from the summer humidity…but you have to promise you won’t cave and buy frozen veggie burgers. These are so much tastier (and nearly as easy to make).
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EVA KOLENKO/THE MODERN PROPER
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Time Commitment: 25 minutes
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Why We Love It: high protein, dairy free, gluten free
Indulge in a steak? You sure can, since this one is paired with plenty of summer produce (like zucchini and fresh greens) to balance out the meal.
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53 Summer Salad Recipes Under 500 Calories (That Still Taste Delish)
Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she’s an avid home cook and fanatic baker.
