Healthy Summer Recipes for Retirement Communities in South Texas

Hot weather doesn’t have to mean an end to healthy and tasty recipes!

When summertime comes around, it can be tempting to eat easy, less nutritious meals rather than heating up the kitchen by turning on the oven or stove. Fortunately, there are lots of healthy and delicious foods that can be enjoyed this summer. Here at The Gardens at Brook Ridge Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living, our private chefs provide healthy and flavorful meals for our residents throughout the day. However, we also want to help you empower your loved one to assemble some of their own meals and snacks if they are interested. Take a look at these easy, healthy, and oven-free recipes your loved one can enjoy this summer!

South-of-the-Border Chicken Salad

While this recipe is technically a salad, this flavorful and protein-packed meal will be the best salad you’ve ever tasted! To make this south-of-the-border entree from Taste of Home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce
• Cooked chicken breast
• Cilantro
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Corn
• Black beans
• Green onions
• Queso Fresco

This chicken salad recipe is perfect for hot summer nights because it comes together quickly and easily! You can assist your loved one in adding the ingredients to a large bowl, tossing until everything is evenly distributed, and portioning out into salad bowls. For the dressing, you can make your own using the recipe by Taste of Home, or grab a premade one that you love.

Tomato and Avocado Sandwiches

If you’re needing a vegetarian healthy meal idea for your loved one, look no further than this one for tomato and avocado sandwiches! Another perfect go-to lunch idea for a warm summer day, this sandwich from Taste of Home only calls for a handful of ingredients and some quick assembly. In just a few minutes, you’re enjoying your sandwich with the company of friends and family and you only dirtied one or two dishes! To make these sandwiches, you’ll need:

• Avocado
• Bread
• Tomatoes
• Hummus
• Shallot

The hummus in this recipe provides some protein, which is great for overall blood and bone health. If you aren’t vegetarian and are interested in making this sandwich even more packed with protein, consider adding some shredded chicken or tuna. Fresh fruit like berries or grapes would make a great side dish for this lunch. Give this sandwich recipe a try next time you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor and nutrients!

Crunchy Tuna Wraps

Our final recommendation for an oven-free, stove-free, yet healthy and delicious meal idea this summer is a crunchy tuna wrap. A good way to know if a meal is nutritious is if it has lots of naturally colorful ingredients; this recipe hits the mark! To make this portable and yummy meal, you will first put the following ingredients together in a bowl: light tuna, chopped celery, green onions, water chestnuts, chopped red bell pepper, mustard, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. You’ll then spread this mixture onto whole-wheat or spinach tortillas, and top with sprinkled lettuce. Finally, you’ll roll up the tortilla to complete your crunchy tuna wrap.

We know that coming up with ideas for healthy summer meals can be a challenge for your loved one. These recipes are sure to give you a jumping off point without heating up your home or causing you to break a sweat! Give one of these easy healthy recipes a try this summer and enjoy the memories you create! For more information about The Gardens at Brook Ridge Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living, or to schedule a tour, contact our friendly team today!