Enjoy a Light Summer Lunch

(Family Features) Watermelon, strawberries, corn and green beans get all the fresh produce love in the summer, but don’t forget broccoli as a warm-weather staple. Instead of dunking in dressing or smothering with melted cheese, go for a lighter dish with this Broccoli Salad – an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. Visit Culinary.net to find more veggie-inspired salad ideas.

Broccoli Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

• 2 medium heads broccoli

• 2 apples

• lemon juice

• 1 carrot

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup sunflower seeds

• 1 cup pecans

• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1. Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl. Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning; add to bowl. Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans and bacon.

2. To make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds. Pour over broccoli salad and mix well.

Protein-Packed Summer Sweet Treats: Bring joy to your health journey with quick and easy summer recipes

(Family Features) Beach vacations, backyard barbecues and long road trips make summer a season of spontaneity. Often cited as memory-making moments, these unplanned adventures can also make it a challenge to stay on track with your health. This summer, sticking to your wellness goals doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious, sweet treats.

When summer throws you off your routine, reach for convenient sources of high-quality protein, like Premier Protein High Protein Shakes. With 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, you don’t have to choose between summer fun and nutrition. These summer shakes bring joy back to the health journey as easy and delicious grab-and-go solutions, putting a healthier, happier lifestyle within reach. Not to mention the shake’s 24 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, which help support a healthy immune system as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The fan-favorite shakes are best enjoyed as part of a nourishing breakfast, afternoon snack, post-workout boost or as an ingredient in a protein-packed recipe. There’s something for every taste bud, with more than 12 flavors including fan-favorites Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel and Cafe Latte. If you’re interested in trying summertime recipes that taste indulgent and pack a protein punch, consider these tasty treats.

When the sun is beating down and the only reprieve is an ice cold refreshment, let this twist on frosted lemonade be your escape from the heat. With fruity flavor and added protein, Frosted Peach Lemonade allows you to travel to a tropical island from the comfort of home.

From hot days to cool nights, Premier Protein delivers the perfect solution for the classic bonfire indulgence with Protein Marshmallow S’mores. Your new summer classic, this unexpected s’more hack lets you embrace a sticky treat without sacrificing your nutritional goals.

With nutrition that works for you, delicious recipes and nutrition tools help make the ride smoother and more enjoyable as a fun reminder the health journey doesn’t have to be daunting. With easy-to-understand nutritionals, Premier Protein High Protein Shakes deliver tasty fuel for whatever comes next, giving you the confidence to reach your goals and be the best version of yourself without missing summer’s special moments.

To find more information and protein-packed recipes that’ll help keep your summer health goals on track, visit PremierProtein.com.

Frosted Peach Lemonade

• 2 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder

• 1 cup lemonade

• 1 cup frozen peach slices

1. In blender, blend protein powder, lemonade and frozen peach slices until smooth.

Protein Marshmallow S'mores

• 2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla High Protein Shake

• 5 tablespoons gelatin

• 3 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder

• 3 graham crackers

• 3 chocolate bars

1. Add protein shake to small saucepan and layer gelatin on top. Let set 5-10 minutes (gelatin will start to "bloom").

2. Over low heat, whisk mixture periodically until consistency thins.

3. Pour into mixing bowl and allow to cool 5-10 minutes until mixture is warm, not hot.

4. Add protein powder; whisk 10-20 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Mixture should not break and fall immediately when whisk is lifted.

5. Pour mixture into lined pan and allow to set in refrigerator.

6. Slice and serve alone or with graham crackers and chocolate bars.

Elevate Your Menu for a Legendary Backyard Barbecue

(Family Features) Summer is here and it’s time to hit the grill. Take at-home entertaining to the next level by upgrading everyone’s favorite cheeseburger with ground pork.

Family and friends will love this elevated twist on a summer favorite that is oh-so-deliciously different than the traditional beef patty. These Pork and Bacon Burgers are made with Heritage Duroc pork, known for its rich flavor and juiciness, and will be a hit at your next barbecue. The crispy bacon adds another level of texture and flavor, making these juicy burgers a gourmet treat that rivals any takeout burger. Celebrating 150 years as the premium all-natural meat choice for families, Coleman All Natural Meats offers a variety of products that are sourced from American family farmers who humanely raise livestock with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.

Find more recipes to elevate your grilling experience at ColemanNatural.com.

Pork and Bacon Burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2 pounds Coleman Ground Pork

• 1/4 pound ground pork chorizo

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 6 cheese slices (optional)

• 6 hamburger buns

• 6-8 strips Coleman Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon, cooked

• tomato slices (optional)

• red onion slices (optional)

• lettuce (optional)

• ketchup (optional)

• mayonnaise (optional)

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.

2. In large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chorizo, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Gently mix ingredients, being careful not to overwork meat.

4. Divide meat into six burger patties.

5. Cook burgers 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F or desired doneness.

6. During last 2-3 minutes of cooking, place cheese slices on top of burgers to melt, if desired.

7. Transfer burgers to platter. Assemble burgers with buns, bacon, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce, ketchup and mayonnaise, as desired.

Tip: Burger patties may be frozen up to 1 month. Fully defrost before cooking.

Simple Summer Snacks: Sweet, easy recipes to solve warm-weather hunger

(Family Features) From lazy days by the pool to weekend road trips and everything in between, summer is packed with adventures. To keep your energy high for all those warm-weather activities, you’ll need to keep sweet, delicious snacks on the family menu.

Make sure versatile, flavorful watermelon is always on your grocery list so you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in make-ahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes.

It’s easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats.

For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it’s a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content.

Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it’s diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack.

Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat. Don’t forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting.

1. Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.

2. Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the peak of the wedge. Holding the knife parallel to the far side of the fruit and starting at the edge of the rind, cut a horizontal line across the fruit all the way down to the rind.

3. Place the knife blade about 3/4 inch lower and make the same cut. Repeat. Turn the fruit to the other side and make the same horizontal cuts.

4. Starting at the end of the rind, make vertical cuts straight down the rind, 3/4 inch apart all the way across.

5. Remove the cubes and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To find more ways to serve watermelon this summer and all year long, visit Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Ice Pops

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

• 1 watermelon

• chunks of fresh fruit (such as grapes, strawberries or kiwi)

1. Puree watermelon and pour into ice pop molds.

2. Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, insert caps and place in freezer.

3. Serve when frozen.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

• 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette

• 4 cups cubed watermelon

• 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped

1. Drizzle vinaigrette in bottom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint.

2. Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Substitution: Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette.

Cool Down This Summer with a Sweet Slushie

(Family Features) Each season throughout the year seems to have its own “flavor,” and summer is no exception. Hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, refreshing watermelon at snack time and cool, delicious ice cream on warm evenings.

While many people think of sweetpotatoes during the holidays, you can make this sweet vegetable a key ingredient all year-round – including summertime. As one of the most versatile veggies you can find, they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing flavor and boosting nutrition content.

Sweetpotatoes can be your summer staple in both simple and elevated recipes alike, as well as in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be cooked or prepared in several ways: on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or slow cooked.

Or, for an easy way to cool down in the heat, try them in a creamy drink like this Sweetpotato Summer Slushie. It may surprise you, but sweetpotatoes are ideal for sipping – smoothies and cocktails are both crowd-pleasers, especially during sweltering summer days. This refreshing treat can be made with or without the boozy kick; just break out the blender and kick back in the sunshine.

To discover more ways to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes all summer long, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Sweetpotato Summer Slushie

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

• 1          cup cooked, mashed North Carolina Sweetpotatoes

• ⁠1          cup pineapple juice

• ⁠1/2       cup orange juice

• 1/4       cup lemon juice

• ⁠1/4       cup coconut milk

• 2-3       tablespoons simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2          cups crushed ice

• 2          ounces spiced rum, coconut rum or bourbon (optional)

•             pineapple slices or orange wedges, for garnish (optional)

1. ⁠In blender, blend sweet potatoes, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, coconut milk, simple syrup or honey, vanilla extract and ice until smooth and slushy.

2. Pour into glasses and serve.

3. ⁠For alcoholic version: Add spiced rum, coconut rum or bourbon after blending. Pulse in blender or stir after blending for layered effect.

4. Garnish with pineapple slices or orange wedges, if desired.