Fuel Your Fun: Nutritious Recipes for Summer Cookouts
- Admin
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Summer is the perfect time for backyard gatherings, fresh air, and family meals cooked over the flame. This year, why not bring the community together with healthy, crowd‑pleasing dishes from Mitten Eats, Michigan’s SNAP‑Ed recipe collection. These affordable, seasonal recipes are designed to highlight Michigan‑grown ingredients and support families in making nutritious (and delicious) choices.
🍔 Half‑Veggie Burgers are a smart twist on the classic burger, with these patties blending lentils and lean beef for more protein, more veggie goodness, and less cost. They cook up juicy and satisfying, perfect for throwing on the grill and topping however you like.
🌞 Tastes Like Summer Salad is a bright, refreshing, and ready in under 15 minutes, this salad brings together chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh basil, lightly dressed in vinegar and olive oil. A cool companion to the warm grill.
🥔 Leanne Brown’s Baked Beans is where classic BBQ flavor meets health‑smart swaps in Leanne Brown’s version of baked beans. Hearty, smoky, and just a touch sweet, they round out the meal and can simmer away while you visit with friends.
🧀 Macaroni & Cheese is always creamy and comforting, and this macaroni and cheese offers a homemade taste without excess fat or sodium. A great option for picky eaters or kids who want familiar flavors at the cookout.
🥗 Potato Salad is perfect to make ahead and chill, and this creamy potato salad uses light dressing and simple ingredients to deliver summertime satisfaction, without heaviness.
How to Plan Your Summer Cookout
Start simple: Fire up the grill and cook the Half‑Veggie Burgers first while salads chill.
Mix and match: Set out salad bowls, burger fixings, sides, and let guests serve themselves.
Keep it casual: Provide plates, napkins, and encourage outdoor seating—no fuss needed.
Think hydration: Have water, infused ice tea, or lemonade cool in pitchers within reach.
A summer BBQ doesn’t have to mean greasy, heavy eating. With Mitten Eats SNAP‑Ed recipes, you can serve food that’s wholesome, affordable, and bursting with flavor, without losing the fun! These dishes are perfect with family, friends, and neighbors looking for tasty ways to make healthy happen together.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a classic side dish passed down through generations, a fresh new favorite you’ve recently tried, or a creative twist on a cookout staple, what steals the show at your summer gatherings?
Share your go-to summer dish or favorite healthy swap in the comments below. And if you try any of the recipes from Mitten Eats, let us know how it went! We’d love to hear what you think, see your creations, and keep the inspiration going all season long. ☀️🍽️
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