Celebrate Memorial Day with Fresh Flavors and Fun

Can you believe it’s already the unofficial start of summer? This special weekend is a time for families to come together, not only to honor those our country has lost but also to kick off the summer with a feast of barbecue, sandwiches, and desserts.

Spring and summer are more than just seasons for sun and sand—they’re also the peak times for fresh produce. Many people associate the warm, sunny months with the vibrant flavors of freshly peeled kiwis and juicy watermelon wedges. These summer staples, along with a variety of other fresh produce, highlight the essence of the season.

This Memorial Day, celebrate with delicious in-season produce and enjoy the fun of the season!

Healthy and Fun Memorial Day Tips

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy fun and healthy activities. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your holiday festive and nutritious:

Go Lean: Who says you can’t have a burger? For optimal heart health, try a lean turkey or chicken burger that tastes just as great as a beef burger! Use a whole grain bun to add more fiber to your meal to aid your gut health. Top with fresh romaine, tomato, cucumbers, and red onion to pack in those nutrients!

Keep it Fresh: What better way to kick off the summer than to indulge in all the freshest summer fruits? Bring the beautiful colors together in a giant fruit salad; it’s great to serve or bring to any family barbecue. Use strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries and top with cool whip to create an American Flag dessert!

Grill up Veggies: Hamburgers and hotdogs aren’t the only things that taste great on a grill.  Vegetables taste delicious on the grill too! Some fan favorites include squash, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, and asparagus.

Wear Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is just as important to your health as the foods you eat!  Apply sunblock and remember to reapply throughout the day.

In-Season Produce

Spring and summer offer a bounty of delicious fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the best:

Arugula & Spinach: These dark leafy greens work great in salads. Arugula in particular is best when the weather is mild. These greens are great for the warm months because they pair perfectly with other fresh summer ingredients, such as lemon, avocado, pears, and walnuts. Use any combination of these ingredients to make a nice refreshing salad!

Asparagus: April is the peak of asparagus season. This vegetable is nutrient dense, containing potassium, folate and vitamins E, A and C. What is great about asparagus during the summer months is it tastes great when steamed or grilled and makes for a healthy side dish for summer barbecues!

Lemons and Limes: These citrus fruits are warm-weather staples!  They can be squeezed into water or seltzer to make a refreshing drink, used in marinades for chicken or even mixed with other ingredients to create a zesty light salad dressing. Lemons are also loaded with health benefits including aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and a rich source of vitamin C.

Apricots, Strawberries, Mango, Kiwi, Pears, Berries and Watermelon:  These fruits are the freshest in spring and summer. Fresh fruit is one of the best foods to snack on while at the beach or hanging out by the pool. Add strawberries and pears to your favorite salad or use any of these fruits to make a cold fruit smoothie!

Rhubarb: Rhubarb resembles a celery stalk but is pink in color. It is freshest in the springtime and has a somewhat tart flavor, which makes it a good way to cut sugar in dessert recipes. Its tart fruitiness also compliments the flavors in savory dishes and pairs nicely with pork and poultry. Rhubarb stalks contain calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Avocado: While many types of avocados are available year-round, this fruit pairs well with favorite warm-weather foods. It adds essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to any salad and are great when used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.  Avocados are also used to make guacamole. Mix with some salsa and lime juice to create a delicious and filling dip!

Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs into any of your summer meals.  Basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, rosemary, and lavender are a few that add refreshing flavor and aroma to any dish. Many of these herbs can be easily grown in your backyard. Enjoy the smell of fresh basil in your garden and have access to it all summer long!

Each of these flavorful ingredients embraces the warm weather and provides you with rich sources of nutrients to get you through the hot summer months!

Like this post? Share it!