Are you ready to enjoy the bounty of summer fruits and vegetables while keeping to The Paleo Diet®? Not a problem! This time of year, farmers’ markets and grocery stores are overflowing with fresh, organic, and often locally sourced produce. If you're new to The Paleo Diet, then you may be feeling torn about wanting to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables while wanting to stick with the protocol, but guess what? Nearly all fresh fruits and vegetables are Paleo-friendly!
Bell peppers
Sweet red, green, and yellow bell peppers are a treat in the summer. Whether sliced up raw as a snack or roasted with garlic and olive oil, peppers are at their peak freshness between July and September - that's when you'll find them at their most flavorful.
Bell peppers are packed with nutritional benefits including your daily requirements of immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants while only having around 30 calories per serving!
Cucumbers
Fresh, local cucumbers have a bright, clean flavor that makes a great base for your fresh green juice or serves as the foundation for delicious salads!
Extremely low in calories, cucumbers are composed primarily of water, making them a simple, healthy snack that boosts hydration. Plus, when you add fresh, organic cucumbers to your diet, you'll get an excellent source of phytonutrients which help reduce inflammation in the body and provide you with vitamins and minerals.
Tomatoes
No vegetable is associated with summer quite like the tomato! A staple of home gardens and farmers' markets, fresh, organic tomatoes are bursting with flavor and nourishment.
Tomatoes offer vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, plus, are a great source of the antioxidant lycopene. So, when you're shopping for seasonal produce, be sure to reach for tomatoes.
Chicken & Cucumber Salad with Lemon Dressing
By Jess Case
Eggplant
Eggplant is in the same family as tomatoes and peppers. This low-calorie vegetable has dietary fiber, copper, vitamin B1, and is surprisingly versatile.
Enjoy a Paleo alternative to hummus with baba ganoush, which replaces the chickpeas of hummus with roasted, pureed eggplant. You can also slice eggplant into thin layers for Paleo lasagna!
Zucchini
Even though they look like cucumbers, zucchinis have more "substance" and a more developed flavor. This summer squash is a good source of fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Like eggplant, it's also incredibly versatile. Many people who follow The Paleo Diet turn to zucchini as a healthy and delicious alternative to pasta by using a spiralizer to create "zoodles."
One Pan Lemon Zoodles with Shrimp
By Jess Case
Not sure what to do with all your produce? Try this simple, tasty recipe that's great with leftover chicken for a fast weeknight meal!
Italian Chicken and Vegetables with Zoodles
- 2 medium zucchini, ends removed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
- Julienne or spiralize zucchini into a large bowl to create "noodles". Set aside. (Spiralized zucchini can be eaten raw for maximum nutritional benefits, while also providing a nice, crunchy texture. However, if you prefer, you can saute your zucchini noodles in olive oil for three to five minutes over medium heat to soften for more of a traditional pasta texture.)
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet, add onion and bell peppers; saute until softened.
- Add garlic, tomato, eggplant and crushed red pepper; saute for three to four minutes.
- Add cooked chicken to the seasoned, sauteed vegetables and stir. Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and reach the desired temperature.
- Serve over zucchini noodles and top with chopped basil.
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