Fun and Healthy Summer Recipes from Echelon Instructors Ryn and Mari

With the summer season in full swing, many of us are soaking up the sun and enjoying vacations, outdoor festivals, and other seasonal events. As with any busy time of year, it's important to maintain healthy eating habits to fuel our bodies and help keep us energized. Echelon instructors Ryn and Mari have taste-tested and approved of these quick and easy summertime recipes that are equal parts healthy and fun. 

Grilled Citrus Tilapia 

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• chopped cilantro 
• 2-8 oz tilapia fillets 

1) Combine orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and garlic into a shallow pan to hold both fillets in a single layer.

2) Turn to coat both sides of the fish.

3) Cover and refrigerate for ten minutes, turning once halfway through. 

4) Transfer to a plate, discard the remaining marinade, and season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. 

5) Fillets can be grilled or pan fried in a skillet.

Mango Salsa

• 2 ripe mangos diced 
• 1/2 chopped red onion 
• 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro chopped 
• 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
• 1 large lime juiced 
• Salt to taste 

1) Mix mango, onion, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeño. 

2) Add lime juice. 

3) Stir ingredients together, season with salt to taste. 

4) Let salsa rest for ten minutes or longer. 

Ryn and Mari suggest chopping the cooked tilapia and eating it with a corn tortilla topped with the mango salsa, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.

Summer Salad

**Add all ingredients below to taste!

• Quinoa 

• Red onion

• Cilantro

• Tomato

• Shredded Carrots

• Jalapeño 

• Avocado 

• Black Beans

• Lime

• Minced Garlic 

• Salt and Pepper

1) Cook about one cup of quinoa.

2) Chop your ingredients.

3) Put as much of every ingredient into a bowl as you like you would like. For me (Ryn) that means lots of avocado!

4) Squeeze the lime on top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use garlic salt for added flavor.

5) Toss and enjoy!

Summer Sorbet Ingredients

• 16oz Frozen Pineapple 

• 1/3 can Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1) Blend frozen pineapple and 1/3 of a can of coconut milk.

2) Freeze for 2-3 hours. 

3) Once ready to serve, sprinkle with chili/lime seasoning. Tajin is also great!

Give these recipes a try and tag us in a photo of your take on the meal on Facebook or Instagram! For other easy summertime food ideas, explore these five quick and healthy snacks perfect for a summer on-the-go.