08/14

Healthy Summer Dinner Recipes: Part 1

Every week over at Glamour.com, I am sharing some of my favorite summer recipes.  I wanted to make sure that we shared the loved over here on my site as well.  So every Friday for the next few weeks I will be breaking down my “go to” healthy summer recipes that can be enjoyed all year long!!

I love having friends and family over for dinner especially during the summer.  An evening meal outdoors is sheer perfection. The key for me is to make as much as possible ahead of time, so that when the guests arrive I can enjoy socializing. But, let’s not forget, I’m a Southern girl at my core and I’m a big fan of everyone piled into the kitchen chatting and drinking a libation while the last steps of the meal are prepared.

The kitchen is the central hub of a southern home and I follow that tradition very closely.  Big Momma (my mom) would be proud!  Everything on my dinner menu is pretty simple to make, but don’t mistake the simple preparations for boring eats.  The ingredients are easily found all year long so these recipes don’t have to gather dust during the fall and winter months. There are even a few surprises in there. Pizza with crust made out of cauliflower? Incredibly creamy ice cream without dairy? Don’t be scared, it is all nutritious and super delicious.

Foodies never fear, I promise you won’t be disappointed!!  I can’t wait to share all the deliciousness over the next few weeks.  Let’s start with one of my favorite starters…

Cannellini Bean Hummus

This yummy twist on traditional hummus is light and bright.  You can make this recipe a day ahead.

Ingredients:

• 40-ounces Cannellini beans (approximately 2 large cans)
• 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups rough chopped parsley
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 Teaspoons drained capers
• 2 Teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 ½ Teaspoon salt

Directions:

• Drain and rinse beans.
• Place all ingredients (except olive oil) into food processor.
• Blend together until smooth.
• While motor is running slowly add the olive oil.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.