Whew is this summer flying by or what? This is an email I have had on my list to put together since before Memorial Day and as I watch summer whiz by I figured I had to write it ASAP before fall smacks me in the face. Let’s just say I am not ready – ha! While I have it on my radar to add some grilling recipes into AHP at some point I did want to share with you some of my favorite veggie recipes that are absolutely perfect served alongside some grilled meat for a perfect summertime meal! Ps. did you know that you can track half a portion in MFP so if you make one of these dishes and add meat (or a grilled veggie burger) you can divide the recipe into 4 portions instead of two and serve it as a side!

Caprese-Stuffed Mushrooms with Balsamic Reduction AHP 426

Look at those meaty portabella mushrooms…they’re just begging to be stuffed! But what shall we stuff them with? How about a combo of roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, marinated mozzarella cheese and quinoa, all finished with a sticky balsamic reduction? Vegetarian or not, these mushrooms are ready to impress everyone!

Marinated Lentil Salad with Chickpeas AHP 267

Time for a hearty vegetarian main loaded with protein, fiber and tons of flavor! The sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, lemon and green onion make this salad perfect for lunch or dinner all year round!

Vegetarian Panzanella Salad AHP 067

Crispy Mediterranean veggies and crunchy baguette croutons all tossed in a tangy red wine and mustard vinaigrette for the perfect summer salad as either a main or side dish!

Lemony Veggie Pasta Salad AHP 441

We love a good pasta salad and we also love that this meal is delicious served hot, cold or room temperature. But as much as we love pasta salads, subbing Israeli couscous in for pasta and loading the salad with veggies, pine nuts, lemon and marinated mozzarella cheese makes for an unforgettable salad you’ll want to make again and again! And if couscous is so good that they named it twice, you’ll be calling this dish couscouscouscouscouscouscouscous…

Mexican Quinoa and Black Bean Salad AHP 339 

This is a quinoa salad you’ll want to make over and over again. We take tender black beans, fresh cilantro, crunchy bell pepper and fluffy quinoa and toss everything in a fajita-style citrus vinaigrette for a light yet hearty meal perfect for weekday lunches or dinner in a hurry!

Quinoa Tabbouleh AHP 054
A bright flavorful dish that is loaded with veggies!

So there ya have it – a few of my favs to whip up as sides for anything that comes off the grill. Add them to your grilling sides list, pour yourself a glass of wine and soak up the last bit of summer grilling.

Happy Cooking

XO

Kate