This story originally appeared on greenwichmoms.com and was contributed by wellness contributor Michelle Calarco.
As we shift into the final weeks of barbecues and backyard cookouts, we often find ourselves on the hunt for recipes featuring lighter fare, but that won’t compromise on flavor. So, we tapped former Today show food stylist and mom Alli Hawes to get some ideas and fresh meal inspiration for the summer weekends ahead!
Basil Pesto with Almonds
If I have a successful basil plant throughout the summer, I will make a big batch (with almonds instead of pine nuts) and freeze it. For a great light and healthy summer dish, serve it with crudités and crackers.
Ingredients:
- 1 big handful almonds
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Two glugs of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, big pinch
- 4 big handfuls washed basil leaves (some stems okay)
Directions:
- Blend together in a food processor.
- Use half and store half in freezer for later use.
- Add grated Parmesan to taste and add water for preferred texture.
Simple Pesto Meatballs
If you’re looking for something slightly less light, take your pesto and transform it into simple pesto meatballs.
Ingredients:
- 1lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup of pesto
Directions:
- Mix ground turkey with 1/4 cup of pesto approximately.
- Cook with preferred method: brown until cooked through in non stick sauté pan with a touch of neutral oil. Or bake in 400F oven on a foil lined sheet tray for approximately 20 min or until fully cooked.
- Serve with salad.
Fresh Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- Baby tomatoes halved or large tomatoes sliced or both
- 1 English or Kerby cucumber
- 1 Diced Bell Pepper
- Fresh Basil or Parsley
- Olive Oil
- Everything Bagel Spice Mix
Directions:
- Arrange tomato pieces on a platter.
- Add sliced English or Kerby cucumber, diced bell peppers and fresh basil or parsley.
- Drizzle with a touch of olive oil – or neutral oil. Sprinkle everything bagel spice mix on top and serve.
Allí Hawes with her children
About Michelle Calarco: Michelle is a communications expert and a wellness enthusiast. After honing her storytelling craft in media and television, Michelle went on to elevate the profiles of premier brands across the hospitality, healthy living, and better-for-you food spaces. She has always been passionate about living and eating well and became even more immersed in health when she became a mom. On weekends you can find her squeezing in a barre class (during Paw Patrol) and baking healthyish desserts with her little one. Michelle has a consulting business and resides in Greenwich with her husband and 2-year-old son.
Have an idea for something you want to see in the column? Write to Michelle at [email protected] or follow her @michelle.calarco
Meet a Mom: Actress Brooklyn Decker!
Actress Brooklyn Decker became a household name by dominating the pages of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues as a model, starting in 2006 and landing the coveted cover in 2010. She’s also a devoted, hands-on mom to two, a boy named Hank (4) and a girl named Stevie (2).
Easy Peanut Butter Football Dip!
This easy, no-bake dessert dip from Lynn Lilly, the talented mama behind the Craft Box Girls blog uses basic pantry ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate chips and pretzels. We’ll be making it for the Super Bowl and then again for Valentine’s Day—simply swapping the football shape for a heart one!
Superbowl: 4 Craft Ideas to Try!
Whether your kids are into football or not, having something to keep them occupied during the big game can be clutch. All the adults will then be able to enjoy the action on the field (not to mention the commercials and half time show!). We rounded up 4 of our favorite crafts from around the blogosphere, perfect for game time or any time you need something to do (which, for most of us, is all the time). Pro tip: for toddlers, use plastic cups instead of mason jars, for obvious reasons.