Being health-conscious doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavorful food. In fact, some of the most delectable and refreshing summer treats can actually be the healthiest. A key to preserving great taste without consuming too much fat and processed sugar is using seasonal fruit as the main ingredient in your desserts. Head to the grocery store or farmer’s market to purchase ripe, fresh fruit to make these nutritious and delicious summer recipes.
Ricotta and balsamic strawberries
When it comes to summer fruit, strawberries are king. While you can purchase them anytime during the year, they are undoubtedly at their peak during the warmer months. Use them to create this enticing and creative treat, courtesy of Food Network Host Ellie Krieger.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, part-skim
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 16-ounce package fresh strawberries, cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into strips.
Instructions
Start by combining the ricotta, honey and vanilla in a food processor. Pulse for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is blended and smooth. When it’s done, put the combination in a bowl and refrigerate it for 2 hours. Meanwhile, put the vinegar and sugar in a saucepan and bring the combination to a boil. Allow the vinegar sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring every few seconds. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the strawberries with the cooled vinegar sauce and basil strips. When the ricotta mixture is done chilling, separate it into four small bowls and top each with a portion of the strawberries. Add some extra basil for garnish and serve immediately.
Take advantage of fresh, sweet and healthy strawberries this summer.
Watermelon sherbet
Watermelon is a staple of many summer diets, as is ice cream. While the former is healthy and delicious, the latter is packed with unhealthy amounts of sugar and cream. Next time you get a craving for a cold, tasty treat, forgo traditional ice cream in favor of this light watermelon dessert, courtesy of Food.com contributor Jamie Lynne.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 lb watermelon
- 1 cup sugar or low calorie sweetener, superfine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 egg whites
Instructions
To begin, cut your watermelon into wedges, then cut away the rind from each piece. If your watermelon has seeds, be sure to remove them as well. Take 3/4 of the fruit and run it through a food processor until it’s pureed. Mash the rest of the watermelon on a plate using a fork to diversify texture.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, lemon juice and 1/2 cup cold water. Let this combination cook until the sugar dissolves completely, leaving you with a clear syrup. Mix the syrup and all the watermelon together in a large bowl. Once combined, put the mixture in the freezer for 60-90 minutes. Take the bowl out, beat the mixture for a few minutes to prevent the edges from setting, then put the combination back into the freezer for another hour.
After this hour, remove the mixture from the freezer. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they appear as soft peaks. Fold the egg white into the watermelon mixture, then allow the combination to freeze for another hour. Beat the sherbet once more, then return it to the freezer again until it’s firm. Once the frozen treat appears solid, place it in the fridge for about 25 minutes. Divide the sherbet into six dishes and serve.
Cherry lemonade slush
Cherries are at their sweetest during the summer, so it’s the perfect season to indulge in a healthy cherry-themed dessert. Pair them with arguably the most classic summer beverage for a tasty, healthy and refreshing treat, courtesy of Hungry Girl.
Ingredients
- 1 2-serving packet of powdered lemonade drink mix, sugar-free
- 1 1/3 cups frozen dark sweet cherries, unsweetened
- 6-10 ice cubes
Instructions
Simply combine the drink mix with two cups cold water and stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Pour the lemonade into a blender and add the cherries and ice. Blend until all elements are thoroughly mixed but still somewhat icy. Pour into two glasses and drink up!
Cool off with homemade watermelon sherbet.
Grilled rum pineapple
Take things tropical by finishing your meal with some sweet pineapple. In this recipe from Catfish Charlie the fruit is grilled to bring out its naturally scrumptious flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark rum
Instructions
Start by cutting the pineapple into eight wedges, using a knife to cut away the rind and core. Place the fruit chunks and brown sugar into a plastic freezer bag, then massage the bag until the sugar coats the pineapple. Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow its contents to marinate for a minimum of two hours or a maximum of two days.
Once the fruit is ready, turn your grill up to medium heat. Pour the rum and vanilla extract into the plastic bag, seal it and shake well for a few seconds. Once the pineapple’s been coated with these ingredients, remove it from the bag and place it on the grill. Reseal the bag and put it back in the fridge.
When each piece of fruit becomes brown on the bottom, flip it over and grill the other side. Once every side’s been grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill. Take the bag from the fridge and pour the rum mixture into a saucepan placed over medium heat. Let this sauce cook until it’s thick, being careful of small flare-ups due to its flammable alcohol content.
Place the pineapple on a serving dish, pour the sauce on top of it, serve and enjoy.
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