No Heat Summer Meals
Cooking in the summer heat is no easy task. Most of us are looking for simple recipes and summer meals that don’t involve turning on the oven. We want to stay cool and enjoy the long summer days. Just because you may be cooking less this summer does not mean you need to sacrifice your health or kidney-friendly lifestyle. No need to head out to the closest restaurant or fast food chain. Below are some favorite no cook summer recipe ideas to help keep you cool and healthy!
Smarten up with Fresh Fruit
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all the fresh fruits available! Adding fruit to salads or as a side dish helps you reach your daily fiber goal while also loading up on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When produce is in season it not only costs less, but it is more flavorful and nutrient dense. Some kidney-friendly fruits include apples, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pears, watermelon, pineapple, cranberries, and peaches. Try chopping one of the fresh fruits listed above and adding to mixed greens or freezing and blending for a refreshing smoothie.
Try one of these recipes:
Veg Out
Raw vegetables do not need to be plain or boring. Turn uncooked vegetables into salads, slaws, soups and sandwiches to add flavor, crunch and nutrients. One of the most refreshing summer dishes is gazpacho, a Spanish soup typically made with raw vegetables and served cold (1). Gazpacho can be made with a variety of vegetables (or even fruit!) and consumed as an entrée or side. Test out this Cool Cucumber Soup
Summer salad suggestions:
Pick a Protein
On the summer days you do cook, try making extra chicken or beef to add to salads and sandwiches throughout the week. You can also purchase frozen prepared shrimp, pre-cooked poultry or low-sodium tuna to save time and avoid turning on the oven or stove.
Try adding one of these salads to a bed of greens, spread it on crackers, or on bread as a sandwich:
For more cool summer meals see No Cook Kidney Friendly Dishes from DaVita.com
Resources:
Merriam-Webster. Gazpacho. Retrieved July 31, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gazpacho
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:
DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
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