simple summer recipes {condensed version}

I’m sharing a few recipes today–mostly ones that I’ve posted before, all ones I’ve used multiple times. In the summer I often stick to tried and true, simple meals and snacks. I rarely use the oven, generally choosing the grill, the crock pot or, better yet, no cooking at all! I thought I’d send a little love today by sharing a few easy recipes. I know we’re all ready to switch things up this summer!

Chipotle Bowls.  It is seriously SO easy to cook chicken in the crock pot, shred it up and use it throughout the week for meals.  One of my go-to meals is chipotle bowls.  I generally have several bowls on the table–one with black beans, one with tomatoes, one with shredded cheese, one with avocado–really whatever your family likes!  Everyone gets a bowl with some rice and shredded chicken and then adds whatever they want to customize it.  It’s quick and easy, I don’t feel any need to make separate meals for allergy reasons and everyone eats fairly well!

Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls.  My kids entire breakfast would be comprised of different bread products if they got their way.  But this summer I have made a short list of allowed breakfast foods–all with protein so they aren’t begging for a snack an hour later.  On that list is smoothies and nut or seed butter smoothies are the favorite for my kiddos.  See the recipe for my peanut butter cup smoothie bowl here.

Powerballs.  I almost always have these protein-packed bites on hand in the summer.  They are perfect for a quick snack or an addition to a picnic.  I use them as a treat but they are clean and sweetened with honey, so I don’t feel guilty serving them any time of day.

Simple meals like this.  I don’t always want a hot meal, so sometimes fruit and a protein bar works as any meal.  Add some veggies and hummus and you’re all set.

Do you have any summertime meal tips?  I’d love to hear them!