Aside from the heat and trips to the beach, what is summer really known for? That’s right—FOOD! We all love to have picnics, family barbecues and meals outside when the weather is warm and the kids are fresh from the swimming pool. And if you’re looking for new recipes that are both nutritious and delicious for your family, Saint Francis Healthcare’s Bariatric Surgery MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center has some summer favorites that are sure to be a hit.

Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

What screams summer more than burgers on the grill? Try a healthy spin on a classic at your next barbecue.

What you’ll need for your patties:

• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp. dried dill weed
• 1½ lbs. 93% lean ground turkey
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 oz. frozen spinach, chopped, thawed; squeeze out liquid using a kitchen towel
• 6 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• ½ cup whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

What you'll need for your sauce:

• ¾ cup reduced-fat (2%) Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp. dried dill weed

Toppings:

• 1 cooked medium beet, sliced thin
• ¼ medium cucumber, sliced thin
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

Mix all the ingredients for the patties. Place on the grill (yum—grill marks!) and cook until the center is no longer pink. Slide into a whole-wheat bun and top with sliced onions, cucumbers and beets with some tangy yogurt sauce.

Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Pasta and the summer heat do not always go well together, so here’s a recipe that is light and fresh, but gives you all the satisfaction of a hearty Italian meal!

What you’ll need:

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• ½ medium red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 4 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp. basil pesto sauce
• 6 oz. cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless, sliced, warm

Use a spiralizer on your zucchini or purchase premade noodles at your local grocery store. Heat the oil in a pan, adding the onion, garlic, mushrooms and basil one at a time. Add the zucchini to the onion mixture for 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pesto, mix well, top with your chicken breast and chow down!

More Summer Treats

No time to cook a healthy meal for your poolside lunch? No problem. Here are a few easy and tasty snacks you can enjoy on the go.

• Avocado Toast: Top with sea salt and scrambled eggs for a full breakfast!
• Yogurt Bowls: Pack with all the fruit and granola your heart desires.
• Protein Smoothies: Blend chocolate protein, peanut butter and chopped banana for a healthy treat.

Have you tried any of our summertime favorite recipes? Post a picture online and don't forget to mention @SaintFrancisHealthcare (Facebook) or @SaintFrancisHC (Twitter). Saint Francis offers nutrition and bariatric services so that you can be the healthiest you possible. Call us at 302.421.4121 for more information.