14 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Recipes to Try This Summer

Justina Huddleston · Jul 12, 2018

In the summer, farmers' market produce is the ideal base for healthy, satisfying, AND diabetic-friendly meals. Low-carb is the name of the game, so we like to rely on lean meats, fresh fish, low-starch veggies, and the natural sweetness of fruit to keep our menu lively. Remember: The grill is your friend, adding big flavor to all sorts of ingredients without needing extra oil, salt, or sugar. Read on for the recipe inspo.

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Snapper: The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week, and this luscious snapper recipe is one you'll want to devour again and again. Flavored with citrus, capers, and za'atar and topped with low-fat Greek yogurt, it's an elegant meal no matter what diet you're sticking to. (via Hummusapien)

Cucumber Tomato Salad With Chickpeas and Feta: For a salad that will fill you up, add fiber-rich chickpeas to the mix. Combined with low-fat feta and ripe cherry tomatoes, you have a refreshing meal that tastes good and will make you feel A+ too. (via Kalyn's Kitchen)

Cherry Balsamic Grilled Pork Tenderloin: This dish gets its subtle sweetness naturally from aged balsamic vinegar and pureed cherries. There's a healthy dose of antioxidants from the dark stone fruit, which pairs well with lean, juicy pork tenderloin. (via Give it Some Thyme)

Chilled Avocado Zucchini Soup: Lush avocado lends body and richness to this plant-based soup. Serve as a summery starter at your next dinner party. (via Simply Quinoa)

Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice: Searching for a low-starch side dish can feel like an uphill battle. Luckily, with this recipe for low-carb cauliflower rice under your belt, you'll never be left wondering how to complete your meal. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Homemade Chimichurri Sauce: Just a little bit of this bright green sauce goes a long way. With a heart-healthy olive oil base, chimichurri will liven up lean grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, and tofu all season long. You can even use it as a salad dressing. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Grilled Chicken Kebabs With Pistachio Gremolata: Yogurt-marinated chicken stays juicy on the grill, even when you crank the heat to get those gorgeous grill marks. And pistachio, parsley, and lavender gremolata is what will keep you going back for another bite. Just make sure to use low-fat yogurt and reduce the amount of olive oil to suit your dietary regimen if needed. (via Hello Glow)

Grilled Salmon in Foil: Fish is healthy and scrumptious, but cooking it isn't always in your olfactory best interests. Instead, try cooking it on the grill. A foil packet ensures your salmon stays moist. (via The Roasted Root)

Italian Pesto Zoodle Salad: When you have a noodle craving that can't be tamed, whip out your spiralizer and get ready to enjoy this satisfying meal. Three-ingredient pesto vinaigrette coats each bite of fresh zoodles, roasted peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)

Thai Cauliflower Rice Salad: Cauliflower rice and shredded carrots make up the base of this salad. It's a welcome departure from plain old lettuce, and the avocado dressing on top makes it taste positively indulgent. (via Cotter Crunch)

Tuna Tartare: A fusion of tuna tartare and poke, this cool appetizer is just what you'll want to serve on hot summer nights, along with an ice-cold glass of sparkling water, of course. (via Simmer + Sauce)

Whole Roasted Fish: Is there anything more striking than a platter of whole-roasted fish served with lemon and herbs? It's a surprisingly easy recipe to master, but no one will guess when you bring it to the table. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Spicy Dill Dip: If you struggle to get your daily intake of veggies, a creamy dip is your best friend. The key is using low-fat Greek yogurt and sour cream so you stay within your dietary guidelines. And when you add plenty of herbs and a diced jalapeño for flavor, you won't miss the fat. Slice up your favorite veggies and dunk away. (via Spend With Pennies)

Low-Carb Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes: Finding diabetic-friendly dessert recipes can be a challenge, but this tangy-sweet dessert fits the bill. Almond meal is used instead of flour, and the cupcakes are sweetened with Swerve to keep things low-sugar and low-carb. (via All Day I Dream About Food)

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