In the midst of these warm summer months, there is no better time to load up on cooling seasonal produce. Thankfully, summertime naturally supplies an array of divine fruits and vegetables, all of which can and should be used to create colorful and nutritious summer salads.
Avocados, beets, bell peppers, carrots, collard greens, eggplant, squash, zucchini and tomatoes are just some of the tasty ingredients to integrate into your summer diet. Vegetables like these are packed with nutrients, and when paired with a grilled, fried or baked Tilapia fillet, you have a protein rich dish that’s simply perfect for those warm summer days.
Grilled Tilapia Spinach Salad
For a salad that will really fill you up, try this grilled Tilapia spinach salad. This dish pairs fresh seasonal produce like zucchini, spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms with fresh and flakey Tilapia fillets, which can be prepared on either an indoor or outdoor grill. The crunchy candied pecans add a little something extra to the salad, while the tangy lime and honey Tilapia marinade ensures the meal is as tasty as it is nutritious.
Spinach is bursting with beneficial nutrients and vitamins, including immune system-boosting vitamin C, bone-healthy calcium and folic acid, which aids in cell function and tissue growth. Incorporate as much fresh spinach into your diet as possible this summer and reap its rewards!
Try the recipe: Grilled Tilapia Spinach Salad from Tablespoon.
Pan-Seared Tilapia with Grilled Watermelon and Eggplant Salad
This salad might seem like it’s got a lot going on, but the result is a uniquely flavorful treat that offers the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Plus, the water-dense eggplant and watermelon are perfect additions to your summertime menu, owing to their wonderful hydrating factor.
If you’ve never tried grilling watermelon before, don’t be scared off—it’s really very easy! Simply drizzle the watermelon slices with olive oil before placing them on the grill, and cook for a brief 2-3 minutes each side. You’ll be surprised by the result! This recipe is multi-textural and colorful, and great choice for a warm outdoor gathering with friends and family.
Try the recipe: Pan-Seared Tilapia with Grilled Watermelon and Eggplant Salad from Kitchen Tested.
Quinoa Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
With fruits like blueberries, mango and strawberries along with honey-lime dressing, this quinoa fruit salad maintains its natural sweetness while still being healthy. Long touted as a superfood, quinoa lives up to the hype, with one cup offering five grams of fiber and eight grams of protein. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it provides all of the essential amino acids required for good health. Plus, summer berries are packed with antioxidants, with sweet mango also offering a whole host of healthful vitamins. Pair this salad with some fresh grilled Tilapia or enjoy it as a dessert with a dollop of Greek yogurt—it’s truly as versatile as it is delicious.
Try the recipe: Quinoa Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Corn and Tilapia Salad
Simple yet incredibly satisfying, this salad combines fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, capers, chopped red onion and Tilapia cooked with butter. Light yet satiating, this fresh dish is the perfect meal to throw together on those beautiful summer evenings where you want a healthy and tasty meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Try the recipe: Corn and Tilapia Salad from Food & Wine.
Add an avocado crema drizzle to any of the above recipes to further elevate your dish. Not only is avocado tasty, it’s also comprised of monounsaturated “good” fat, so it’s a welcome addition to any meal.
Indulging in fresh summer produce is one of the best perks of the season, so grab your tote bag and head over to a local farmer’s market this weekend, and try whipping up something fresh and flavorful for dinner. We guarantee you’ll be able to taste the difference.
Take your summer cooking up a notch by grilling fresh fish this season. Check out A Summer Sizzler: How to Perfectly Barbecue Seafood for tips.
Photo Credits: The Creative Bite, Food & Wine, Kitchen Tested, Two Peas and Their Pod, Food & Wine.