Food

Tacos need not be only about Mexican flavours. Here, tender trout is adorned with a seasonal slaw and a punchy yogurt sauce. Dare we say, a taco night with serious photo appeal. Salmon or Arctic char are good stand-ins for the trout.

Repurposing leftover quinoa is made easy with a rich and tangy dressing in this fibre-filled, protein-forward fare. Perfect on its own, or try it wrapped in a leaf of romaine.

A bounty of grilled vegetables melds Mediterranean flavours with creamy goat cheese in a simple and tasty egg dish. When paired with a green salad, this frittata effortlessly transforms those extra vegetables into a light and satisfying dinner.

Yes, when in peak season and peak flavour, you can enjoy butternut squash raw. Ribbons of its sweet buttery flesh bejewelled with pomegranate and pumpkin seeds make for a vibrant salad that is much easier to put together than its good looks would suggest. And an orange marinade is the secret flavour booster in this recipe. The longer the squash marinates, the more tender it will become, making this a good make-ahead salad option.

Have ripe bananas? The browner = the better. Nutritious and fluffy, this banana bread is also school friendly, as it’s free from common allergens like eggs, dairy, and nuts. Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free source of protein, fiber, and iron. See the recipe video here.

Have a napkin handy when you serve these luscious grilled pineapple skewers. They’re as fun to eat as they are juicy, so we can’t guarantee that everyone stays perfectly clean. Grilled pineapple is a classic, but this version spices things up a bit, with just a pinch of heat that even kids will enjoy. Seared only until they begin to release their delicious juices but are still firm, these pineapple pops are topped off with a dollop of lime-zested coconut cream that’s perfect for dipping.

If you’ve ever seen a spiky green fruit with a starchy, fibrous interior, you may have been looking at a jackfruit. Although it is a fruit and doesn’t contain significant levels of protein, its texture makes it a tasty plant-based substitute for pulled pork. In this dish, opt for the canned variety, which will save you the time and considerable effort it takes to clean fresh jackfruit. When paired with jackfruit’s meaty texture and barbecue-grilled corn, these smoky stuffed poblano peppers make for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Something happens when you grill lettuce: it gets deliciously smoky and earthy. Little gems are a miniature variety of romaine, and because of their small size, they’re perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, don’t hesitate to use romaine hearts. The Spanish-inspired dressing flavours of sherry vinegar and sweet paprika enhance the smokiness provided by the grilled lettuce. Finish it off with a bright splash of orange zest and crunchy walnuts.

Fragrant flavours of cinnamon, coriander, and cumin lend a warm spiciness to these meatball skewers made from ground turkey. Serve them on their own as part of a larger meal, or take them a step further by adding some grilled veggies and wrapping them in a pita for a portable handheld meal.

The thyme-scented dough for this flatbread takes only a few minutes to put together, but it develops flavour as it rises slowly in the fridge over several hours. Plan to make the dough in the morning for an evening cookout, or the night before for a lunchtime get-together. Cooked quickly on the grill, slightly charred plums, red onions, spinach, and a hint of goat cheese provide a fantastic flavour punch.

Figs are often served with yogurt and honey as a dessert. For this salad recipe, yogurt and honey come together in a tangy dressing for sweet summer leaves. The figs are grilled quickly on the barbecue for an extra bit of charred flavour.

Challenge your whole family to create a rainbow in their bowls, and you’ll be sure to kick their nutrient levels sky high! Add a creative flair and keep these nourish bowls innovative by switching up the vegetables and proteins each time you prepare them.

Peas are a beautiful, bright reminder of summer, so this salad is the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue, or a light, fresh lunch. Peas are naturally sweet, so they’re a favourite with kids. The nuttiness of the dukkah adds flavour to the simple and subtle dressing, while the burrata provides depth, creaminess, and an element of decadence suitable for a lazy summer day.

This beautiful, tasty, and vegetable-packed ceviche makes the perfect appetizer for friends on a warm summer evening. The vegetables are so perfectly uplifted by the tangy citrus and aromatic herbs, you won’t even notice the fish is missing.

Do your kids run wild all summer long and only slow down long enough to graze? Add this yogurt dip to a simple platter of fruit to up the amount of protein, so your kids stay fuller for longer. This dip also pairs perfectly with pancakes topped with fresh berries or stone fruits. Or serve it as a yummy replacement for whipped cream on your next summertime dessert.

Need a midday break? This delicious spiced lemonade is the perfect pick-me-up for a quick afternoon reset. The beautiful warm spices we typically associate with the colder months don’t need to be forgotten in the summer. They pair beautifully with tropical fruits such as mango or papaya and can be enjoyed year-round. A fruity herbal tea also would work perfectly for a simple caffeine-free version.

Have some ripe bananas you don’t want to waste? Instead of simply freezing them, why not use them in a simple yet delicious ice cream for a sweet dessert without the guilt? Ripe bananas not only add healthy sweetness but also blend beautifully, adding the perfect creaminess we all look for in an ice cream.

Whether serving for breakfast or after a hard workout, this “I-can’t-believe-it-has-greens” frosty smoothie hits all the nutritional and flavour high points. Yes, it does taste like dessert in a glass. If your dates are dry or stiff, it’s recommended to soak them in warm water for a few minutes before blending. If you want to go big on protein, you can blend in some of your favourite protein powder.

When temperatures begin to climb, it’s good to know that soup need not be off the menu. Just serve it cold for a refreshing way to beat the heat. This vibrant Thai-flavoured carrot soup is a feast for the eyes and a smart way to spoon up some brain-benefitting nutrition. The soup may thicken in the refrigerator, so thin with additional liquid if needed. During the cooler months, this soup can be served warm for cozy comfort.

Something about summer weather makes most people want to cook dishes requiring minimal time, effort, and cleanup. This version of Italian puttanesca fits the bill. Eggs and chickpeas are nestled into a super-fragrant sauce studded with flavour boosters including garlic, capers, and anchovies. Consider serving with crusty sourdough bread so you can enjoy every last bit of this sauce.

This lovely open-faced sandwich is at once earthy, bright, briny, and fruity. Combining garden-fresh carrots and raspberries not only provides a great flavour profile but also delivers a good dose of anti-inflammatory properties. Also, feel free to play around with the herbs in this recipe. Be inspired by the soft herbs growing in your garden to make this recipe your own.

This recipe has an unexpected secret ingredient: cantaloupe. While it may seem a bit out of place among the vegetables, it adds a silkiness and sweetness that plays nicely with the corn and peppers. While I’ve kept the soup simple, feel free to go wild with the garnish. Some crab meat would be a luxurious addition, while some toasted almonds or pecans would give the soup some textural dimension.

This dip can be whipped up in a flash and goes perfectly with any array of garden-fresh veggies available this time of year. Try experimenting by replacing some or all the basil with different herbs for a different, but equally delicious, flavour profile. Mint, oregano, or cilantro would all be delicious