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Denise Austin

5 Summer Recipes to Beat the Heat

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition

Summer is finally here and I’m loving everything about it! From vacations and beach days to sunshine and outdoor fun, this season makes it easy to stay active and energized. But when those temperatures rise, we all need cooling, nourishing foods to help us feel refreshed and fuel our bodies the right way.

That’s why I’m sharing five of my favorite light, fresh, and cooling summer recipes to help you beat the heat! These are perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and busy days when you're on the go. Plus, they pack in protein, fiber, and nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized.

Want more simple and satisfying recipes like these? You’ll find a full meal plan inside my Denise Austin Membership Program, plus hundreds of workouts to help you feel your very best all summer long!

1. Herbaceous Strawberry Salad (NEW!)

This simple summer salad is bursting with flavor and it’s a great source of antioxidants and fiber thanks to those fresh berries!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly chopped
  • Optional: drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine strawberries with lime juice and basil.
  2. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
  3. Serve chilled as a side dish, or add to arugula with grilled chicken for a light summer salad.

Tip: Not a fan of strawberries? Swap them for seasonal stone fruits like peaches or nectarines. Peaches pair wonderfully with basil, and nectarines are delicious with a little fresh mint!

2. Cherry Tomato Burrata Basil Bruschetta (NEW!)

This savory and satisfying snack is a summer staple in my kitchen. It’s easy to throw together and feels like a treat thanks to the creamy burrata! My FAVORITE!

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices toasted whole grain seeded bread or sourdough
  • 1 ball fresh burrata or mozzarella
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Drizzle of high-quality olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Spread burrata onto each slice of toasted bread.
  2. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt to finish.

Serving Idea: This makes a wonderful light lunch and it pairs perfectly with my Artichoke with Lemon-Thyme Vinaigrette, available in my Denise Austin Membership.

3. Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Get your cruciferous crunch on with this healthy, filling, and flavorful salad. It’s great as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ red onion, sliced thin
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons low-fat coleslaw dressing

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Toss well with dressing until evenly coated.
  3. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.

4. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This protein-packed pasta salad is a summertime favorite. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick dinner and it’s just as tasty served cold!

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. whole-grain penne or rotini (use brown rice pasta for gluten-free)
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry and sliced
  • 8 kalamata olives, sliced
  • ½ (15 oz) can artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
  • 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes, until softened.
  4. Stir in roasted peppers, olives, and artichokes; cook 2 minutes more.
  5. Add chicken and cook until fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in pasta, feta, parsley, and lemon juice. Toss to combine and serve warm or chilled.

5. Sesame-Ginger Beef and Veggie Kebabs

This grill-ready recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition making it perfect for summer nights outside! Click HERE to get the full recipe !

I hope you enjoy these delicious summer recipes! Give them a try and let me know your favorites over on my Instagram! And don’t forget—if you want more healthy meals and complete nutrition support, my Denise Austin Membership has it all: Easy, seasonal recipes, custom meal planning tools, fitness challenges that combine workouts + meal plans, and proven results!

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise