Healthy Summer Recipes: Hydrating Foods

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There is literally nothing better than a refreshing meal or drink on a hot summer’s day. From chilled cocktails and cold soups to fresh berries and fruit salads, the season is filled with produce with hydration in mind. We rounded up a few of the most revitalizing fruits and veggies to help you beat the summer heat. Take a look!

Watermelon

Summer would be complete with this fruit. From cocktails to salads, grilled, raw, or juiced, consider watermelon a key ingredient in all your upcoming summer meals.

One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

It really can’t get easier than this. Two summer staples in one dish, and all it takes is a single ingredient.

Get the recipe on Pure Wow.

[Updated May 29, 2017]

Juice It!

Scoop out the watermelon and pass it through a juicer. Garnish with mint or basil leaves, plus a splash of lime.

TIP: Excess salt, sugar, and carbs can weigh you down, and when it comes to the summer heat, that is one thing you certainly don’t want. Avoid heavy meals and overly processed ingredients. Take advantage of natural ingredients and locally sourced fruits and veggies.

Watermelon Steak

Yep, it’s a thing. And a delicious one at that. This clever take features roasted watermelon with a savory cheese and balsamic vinegar garnish.

Get the recipe on Live Eat Learn.

Cucumbers

Whether you take it with a side of hummus or in a chilled pitcher of water, this veggie is versatile enough to star within a number of delicious, summer recipes.

Cucumber And Rosemary Margarita

Cool off from the summer heat with this lime-infused blend.

Get the recipe on Kitchen Konfidence.

Tzatziki

Channel the Greek isles with a heaping bowl of herbed tzatziki. Serve with a side of cucumber slices or pita chips.

Get the recipe on What’s Gaby Cooking.

Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

Just the thing to squeeze into your midday snack lineup.

Get the scoop on Budget Bites.

Apples

These seasonal fruits are abundant during summer, readily available just about anywhere. Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Gala, or Red? We’ll leave that up to you. Chop it up and pair it with your morning oatmeal, or slice it up and pair with a little peanut butter (and some chocolate chips!).

Celery

Comprised of 95% water, this green veggie is a no-brainer when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. While we would prefer to take in the form of a Bloody Mary, there are a handful of other ways to enjoy it.

Pickled Celery

Mix it in a salad or add it to a sandwich for an extra bit of crunch!

Get the recipe on A Farm Girl’s Dabbles.

Green Smoothie

Pair it with a handful of other greens to create the ultimate detox smoothie.

Get the recipe on Show Me The Yummy.

Iceberg Lettuce

Got a thing for

iceberg wedge salad

s? You’re in luck. This water-based vegetable is a perfect fit for summer and makes for one very versatile base for salads and more!Most recognized in its form of a wedge salad, iceberg lettuce is a summer salad staple. Here, just a few takes on the classic we simply cannot resist.

Iceberg Wedge Salad With…

Soft-Boiled Eggs And Bacon Radishes And Green Goddess Dressing Bacon, Blue Cheese, And Balsamic

Tomatoes

For those who are lucky enough to have access to locally-grown tomatoes, they’re all too familiar with the luscious summer fruit. Regardless of how they are consumed, there are plenty of sweet and savory recipes to try.

Gazpacho With Basil Croutons

This classic Spanish dish is comprised of a mix of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Making for one seriously delectable and refreshing dish.

Get the recipe on Steele House Kitchen.

Summer Tomato Salad

Tomatoes, onions, and a handful of basil leaves paired with a balsamic vinaigrette make for an easy yet surprisingly filling summer dish.

Get the recipe on Not Quite Nigella.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Pair with a splash of lime and a bowl full of crispy corn chips for the ultimate summer snack!

Get the recipe on Little Broken.

Zucchini

Consisting of 96% water, zucchinis are amply available during the summer months. Fun fact: the thicker a zucchini happens to be, the more water is in the vegetable, consequently diluting its taste. Opt for the more skinner variety if you are more partial to its taste.

Zucchini Noodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto

Indulge in all the zoodles your heart could possibly want with this hearty bowl of pure green perfection.

Get the recipe here.

Parmesan Zucchini And Corn

This garlic-sauteed dish features a handful of fresh summer veggies and a healthy dabble of cheese.

Get the recipe on Damn Delicious.

Zucchini And Fresh Corn Salad

Raw strips of zucchini and squash, plus a lemon-basil vinaigrette complete this savory summer salad.

Get the recipe on Foodie Crush.

Radishes

This delicious root vegetable is just as good by itself as it is on toast or sliced and mixed in a salad. Not only is it refreshing and hydrating, it’s also great for digestion!

Buttered Radish Tartines

These savory bites feature a crisp base, buttered spread, and a refreshing crunch of summer radish.

Get the recipe on Coco + Kelley.

Watermelon Radish Salad

Delicate slices of watermelon radishes are paired with an assortment of fresh citrus and topped with an indulgent mix of onions, cheese, and nuts.

Get the recipe on Alexandra Cooks.

Butter Dipped Radishes

A three-ingredient snack featuring an ingenious blend of radishes, butter, and a pinch of salt. You have to try this!

Get the recipe on Honestly Yum.

Bell Peppers

Aside from being loaded with vitamins, these naturally sweet vegetables make for a healthy alternative to processed confections. Slice these peppers into thin strips and pair with hummus or various summer spreads!

Get the recipe for these crab-stuffed grilled bell peppers here!

Summer Berries

Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries – take your pick! Best enjoyed straight off the bush, these summer staples are nature’s confections.