These fresh, healthy dishes are packed with amazing flavors and good-for-you ingredients
Summer is a great time to live healthier—to move more, and to take advantage of fresh, locally grown produce, like the kind offered at The Beth Farmers Market at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI) every Thursday. “Jersey peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini—they’re delicious and also more affordable in summer,” says Kerri Likakis, a registered dietitian and Wellness Business Partner with NBI. “Fresh produce also has a high water content, so it helps you stay hydrated on hot days.” You can use fruits and veggies to add flavor to water—just add berries, fresh mint, cucumber or a squirt of lemon or lime. And when mealtime rolls around, try one of these easy recipes that take advantage of the season’s best.
Serves 6 (1 cup per serving)
Watermelon has lots of water to water to keep you hydrated, and fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes and mint also pack this dish with antioxidants. Bring it to a barbecue for a healthy side dish option.
Ingredients
• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups watermelon, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons walnuts, roughly chopped
DIRECTIONS:
• Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, pepper and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, watermelon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, mint, walnuts and dressing. Toss together and serve.
The Beth Greenhouse offers fresh produce every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ABC Discharge Lobby at Newark Beth Israel, 201 Lyons Ave. For more information about The Beth Greenhouse, visit www.rwjbh.org/bethgreenhouse.