Stuck in a recipe rut? Just in time for the holiday weekend, here are some tantalizing (healthy) ideas to add some pizazz to your summer menu.

Main Dish

So you don’t eat barbeque? No worries. You are not resigned to eating baked beans and coleslaw (boooring!) Remember my Grilled Eggplant and Corn on the Cob recipes? (Uh oh, my stomach is growling now…) In addition to these dishes, you can also experiment with grilling zucchini, squash or asparagus. You will love this Asian-style Grilled Asparagus from Weekday Vegetarian. Add fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary or basil to your grilled vegetables to really bring out the flavor.

Salad

Salads are always a hit, but they don’t have to be boring. Think outside the box for toppings and combinations. Check out this post, How to Build a Meal Size Salad, for some creative ideas. You must include this Firecracker Cucumber Salad on your menu from FayinaGirl’s blog–it looks so appetizing!

Dessert

What’s the perfect way to top off a hot summer day? Ice cream!

I took some ice cream cakes to a picnic the other day. I got them in the organic section of my local grocery store. These luscious cakes were made with agave nectar and coconut milk ice cream. Ooooh! They were an instant hit…so much that they were gone before I could get my own. (Hint: Be sure to set aside your own stash of goodies for family gatherings. )

If you want to make your own ice cream, try this simple scrumptious recipe from the blog, Raw Food Passion, Strawberry Banana Ice Cream Dream. This is an ideal recipe for kids to make too. It’s sooo easy and fulfilling..almost too good to be true! For my chocoholics, try this similar recipe for Chocolate Ice Cream.

After you have enjoyed your healthy, tasty dishes, sit back, relax, and enjoy these warm summer evenings.

What favorite recipes are on your summer menu?