You don’t need me to tell you that this has been a bit of a unique year! Typically vacation season would have started and this would be a blog about your best travel snacks. This year, however, we are sticking closer to home and still very aware of our immune system and staying healthy. So I wanted to share a few recipes that combine that taste like summer and also include immune boosting ingredients. A little vacation for your taste buds and a booster for your immune system.
One Pan Lemon & Herb Salmon & Zucchini
In this one pan dish, Chungah makes it as easy as possible to get immune boosting salmon and zucchini in each bite. From a taste standpoint, the lemon herb crust really makes this dish. You can make as is, or wrap in tinfoil and throw in the grill. Either way it is a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
Immune Boosting Ingredient:
Salmon is one of the best food sources of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a critical role in helping our immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.
Full recipe & Photo Credit: DamnDelicious.net
Turmeric-Black Pepper Chicken With Asparagus
This meal is on the table in under 15 minutes. The flavor and immune boosting ingredients are in the sauce so you can swap out both the protein and asparagus with what you have on hand. However, it is perfect as is so I would try it as written at least once!
Immune Boosting Ingredient:
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has prebiotic properties to improve gut health. Curcumin has been shown to be more effective with black pepper, so this combo is not only tasty but makes sure that you are getting the most health health bang for your buck.
Full recipe & photo credit: Cooking.NewYorkTimes.com
Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Peach & Avocado Vinaigrette
This recipe really couldn’t be packed with any more seasonal ingredients. Tieghan really brings it home with this easy avocado vinaigrette. This vinaigrette is so tasty that you can use it as a topping for other dishes… or it also tastes good on a spoon 😉
Immune Boosting Ingredient:
Except for the shrimp, every ounce of this dish is bursting with Vitamin C. You can think of Vitamin C as a “helper” nutrient that simply makes everything else work better. This includes your immune system, respiratory system and even that collagen you are putting in your coffee.
Full recipe & photo credit: HalfBakedHarvest.com
Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Avocado Salsa
This is a really simple weeknight dish that tastes like it took way more effort! My only addition to Ali’s recipe is that I would grill the pineapple too, for a smokier flavor. But you can test taste both and let me know what you decide!
Immune Boosting Ingredient:
Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain. We have talked about bromelian before because of it’s anti-inflamatory properties. Typically I recommend it as part of a post-workout smoothie. It has also been linked to a decrease of inflammation in the sinuses and improves digestion.
Full recipe: Blog.Aldi.us
Recipe & Photo credit: GimmieSomeOven.com
Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Fresh Za’atar
I love this simple salad because it is such a contrast of flavors. You have the sweet from the in season cantaloupe, the light hydrating flavor of the cucumber, the creaminess of the feta, the sourness of the lime and then the herb forward za’atar. This one might be a little out of your comfort zone, but it is 100% worth a try!
Immune Boosting Ingredient:
Za’atar is a herb blend that is common in the middle east. It is typically associated with being a “brain food” but also known for it’s anti-bacterial properties. It sounds unique but it is really a simple blend of herbs you may already have in your pantry.
Recipe & Photo Credit: EatingWell.com
