Summer just got a whole lot tastier — and healthier. If you’re craving classic comfort foods without the guilt, you’re in for a treat. These three simple, flavor-packed recipes are here to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and nourishing.
First up, crispy Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks that deliver the crunch and gooey center you love — without the deep fryer. Next, we’re flipping the script on cookout season with a Healthier Burger that’s juicy, satisfying and secretly good for you. And to round things out, a vibrant Healthier Burrito Bowl loaded with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will have you skipping the takeout line. These dishes are so good, you won’t believe they’re better for you — and honestly, you won’t miss a thing.
Mozzarella sticks are a classic dish loved all year round, and now they’re getting a healthy twist you’ll feel good about. These Healthier Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks are everything you crave: crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and totally satisfying. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and cooked in the air fryer instead of deep-fried, they’re lighter, easier to prepare, and just as delicious. Whether you’re serving them up as an appetizer, game day snack or a fun side dish, these guilt-free mozzarella sticks are sure to impress — without the grease or the mess.
Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 2-3 eggs
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups panko
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Whisk your eggs.
- Pour your panko in one bowl, flour in another and eggs into a third.
- Dip your mozzarella sticks first into the flour, then eggs and then the panko.
- Place the mozzarella sticks on a lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process once again — dip the mozzarella sticks into the egg and panko again — make sure that the whole mozzarella is covered with flour and panko, if not, the cheese will melt through
- Freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Spray them with spray oil.
- Air fry at 395 F for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve it with your favorite sauce/dip and enjoy!
It wouldn’t be summer without burgers sizzling on the grill — and these Healthier Burgers are here to make your cookout even better. They come together in minutes, are packed with flavor, and can be customized with all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re going classic with lettuce and tomato or getting creative with avocado, grilled onions or spicy mustard, these burgers are endlessly adaptable to your taste. I used a whole wheat bun for an extra boost of fiber and protein, but feel free to choose what works best for you. Juicy, satisfying and better for you, these burgers are the perfect way to elevate your barbecue while keeping things wholesome and delicious.
Healthier Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 burger patties
- Whole wheat burger buns
- 2-3 tablespoons spicy mayo/garlic mayo
- Microgreens/lettuce
- Pickles
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook your burger patties in a pan until done.
- Slice your tomatoes and pickles.
- Assemble your burgers with the bun, mayo, burger, microgreens/lettuce, tomato slices and pickle slices.
- Top it with the top bun and enjoy!
Sometimes you just want a meal that’s quick, satisfying and uses what you already have in the fridge, without feeling like you’re eating leftovers. That’s where this Healthier Burrito Bowl comes in. It’s the perfect way to turn extra rice, leftover protein and fresh toppings into something that feels brand new. Use whatever rice you have on hand — brown rice, white rice or even cauliflower rice — and top it with your favorite ingredients. I love adding grilled chicken, black beans, salsa and avocado, but you can make it your own with whatever protein or veggies you’ve got. It takes just minutes to throw together, is packed with protein, and makes a perfectly filling and flavorful meal for lunch, dinner or even a hearty snack.
Healthier Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 chicken breast
- 1/3 cup black beans
- Microgreens/greens of choice
- 1 tomato
- 1 avocado
- 1 lime
- Dressing of choice
- Salt, pepper, chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook your chicken breast by marinating it with oil and spices.
- Let it cook in the pan covered for about 8 minutes until done.
- Assemble your burrito bowl by placing your rice as the base.
- Slice your chicken breast and place on top.
- Top it with the rest of the toppings: greens, beans, tomato slices, avocado slices, lime wedge and dressing.
- Enjoy!
Summer is all about enjoying great food without spending hours in the kitchen — or sacrificing your healthy habits. These three recipes prove that you can have it all: bold flavor, better for you ingredients, and quick, no-fuss prep. Whether you’re craving the crunch of air fried mozzarella sticks, the juicy bite of a healthier burger, or the hearty comfort of a burrito bowl, each dish brings the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. They’re easy to make, customizable and ideal for sunny days, backyard meals or casual weeknights. So dig in, feel good, and savor every bite of a healthier summer.
Tali is a recipe developer who loves creating recipes that take minimal effort, yet taste delicious. She started her Instagram account @behindthesnack back in 2019 and has grown it to 130,000- plus fans who all share the same love of easy and delicious recipes.
