Fresh Summer Dinner Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

June 30, 2022

When fresh ingredients come to mind, fruits and vegetables are at the top of our list. Summertime is the perfect season to explore new flavors and get the whole family on board. With all the current dietary restrictions, there are options for everyone – vegetarian, vegan, and more. 

At Holly Springs Pediatrics, we understand the importance of a well-balanced diet for healthy children. Here are some fresh summer dinner ideas even the kids will love: 

Pasta Salad

Most (if not all) kids enjoy pasta, so why not try out a new pasta salad recipe? There are many different variations and ingredients you can choose from to fit your family’s preferences. Serve it as the main dish or as a delicious side for any outdoor barbeque. Many pasta salads have a mayonnaise base, but try an olive oil and vinegar mixture for a lighter, more refreshing taste this summer. Pasta salad is also an excellent opportunity to trick your little ones into eating their vegetables. This meal is quick, simple, and so versatile! Here are some of our favorite recipes: 

• Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad by Little Sunny Kitchen
• Summer Pasta Salad by The Food Network
• Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad by Life in the Lofthouse

Spaghetti Squash 

Continuing with the noodle theme, veggie noodles seem to be all the rage these days. Spaghetti squash is a delicious alternative to pasta dishes, whether you’re gluten-free or celiac or simply trying to up your daily vegetables. Swap out regular pasta for spaghetti squash in whatever recipe you and your family already love. It pairs great with tomato-based sauces, creamy alfredo, garlic butter, and so much more. If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, here are over twenty kid-friendly spaghetti squash dishes! 

Zucchini Boats

Being creative in the kitchen is half of the fun – especially when you get to enjoy that with your children! One of our favorite stuffed vegetable entrees is zucchini boats. This meal gives you the freedom to tailor recipes to fit your preferences. For example, pizza is a well-known fan favorite for children, so you can use your zucchini boat to imitate pizza flavors. Once you’ve halved and scooped out the zucchini pulp, you can fill your “boat” with ground turkey, ground beef, or a vegetarian alternative. Mix your protein with a sauce and top with a melty cheese before you pop it into the oven. These recipes are bound to become a new family favorite: 

• Stuffed Zucchini Boats by Cooking Classy
• Taco Zucchini Boats by Cooking Classy

Turkey Burgers

Summer BBQs are a great way to spend time with your friends and family. A classic twist on the burger is swapping the protein from ground beef to ground turkey. Using turkey opens up the door for a whole new flavor of profiles for seasoning, condiments, and toppings. A summer favorite is a teriyaki turkey burger; you could even add a grilled pineapple on top for an extra burst of sweetness. 

Take advantage of fresh ingredients this summer by trying out one of these summer dinner ideas. These four meals all have so much variety and room to explore so you can find what works for you and your family. Be sure to let us know which recipe was your favorite! Contact us for any further questions on food and diet for your children.