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SUMMER STYLE:

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Five deliciously light options perfect for your summer BBQ

  • <p>Most Canadians can appreciate a solid potato salad. If you’re from Eastern Canada, this salad is present at every potluck, BBQ and outdoor affair. If you’re trying to up your superfoods this summer – or boost your vitamin C – try this alternative. Sweet potatoes are better for you all around and the inclusion of bacon makes every bite of this salad a treat.<i> (Photo <a href="http://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-salad-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Well Plated;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Well Plated</a>)</i><br></p>
    1/5

    Sweet potato salad

    Most Canadians can appreciate a solid potato salad. If you’re from Eastern Canada, this salad is present at every potluck, BBQ and outdoor affair. If you’re trying to up your superfoods this summer – or boost your vitamin C – try this alternative. Sweet potatoes are better for you all around and the inclusion of bacon makes every bite of this salad a treat. (Photo via Well Plated)

  • <p>This is a summer classic. If you’re a fan of greek salad, this is its summer sister. Mixing sweet with salty, this refreshing salad will make you think you’re eating dessert for dinner. Another plus: mint promotes digestion, protecting you from bloat during swimsuit season. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, swap it with goat cheese as an alternative. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.foolproofliving.com/watermelon-avocado-and-mint-salad-with-feta-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Foolproof Living;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Foolproof Living</a>)</i></p>
    2/5

    Mint watermelon salad

    This is a summer classic. If you’re a fan of greek salad, this is its summer sister. Mixing sweet with salty, this refreshing salad will make you think you’re eating dessert for dinner. Another plus: mint promotes digestion, protecting you from bloat during swimsuit season. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, swap it with goat cheese as an alternative. (Photo via Foolproof Living)

  • <p>These ginger and mushroom summer rolls are the perfect treat when it feels like it’s too hot to eat pretty much everything. The cilantro adds a refreshing bite while the mushrooms make the most perfect meat substitution. Ginger helps with nausea so if the humidity gets to you, these refreshing rolls may be a better dinner option. The sweet and sour sauce is also a great addition for any dip-able appetizers that may be present. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.nachoaveragecook.com/ginger-mushroom-summer-rolls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Nacho Average Cook;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Nacho Average Cook</a>)</i></p>
    3/5

    Thug Kitchen summer rolls

    These ginger and mushroom summer rolls are the perfect treat when it feels like it’s too hot to eat pretty much everything. The cilantro adds a refreshing bite while the mushrooms make the most perfect meat substitution. Ginger helps with nausea so if the humidity gets to you, these refreshing rolls may be a better dinner option. The sweet and sour sauce is also a great addition for any dip-able appetizers that may be present. (Photo via Nacho Average Cook)

  • <p>If you’re looking to swap out your animal by-products with a vegan source of protein, black beans will save the day. Delicious in a salad or in tacos, this iron-heavy bean will “beef” up your burger while you’re taking a break from meat. Great for your energy, these burgers will boost your mood and make you feel full. <i>(Photo via <a href="http://www.whereyougetyourprotein.com/no-crumble-bbq-black-bean-burgers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Where You Get Your Protein;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Where You Get Your Protein</a>)</i></p>
    4/5

    Black bean burger patties

    If you’re looking to swap out your animal by-products with a vegan source of protein, black beans will save the day. Delicious in a salad or in tacos, this iron-heavy bean will “beef” up your burger while you’re taking a break from meat. Great for your energy, these burgers will boost your mood and make you feel full. (Photo via Where You Get Your Protein)

  • <p>If the weather makes you feel like indulging in margaritas and pretending you’re on a southern vacation, mix up this salad for an at-home fiesta. With all of the staples of a solid Mexican dish, this salad will be a healthy hit with the quinoa giving your guests an added protein boost. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2016/01/mexican-quinoa-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via The Garden Grazer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via The Garden Grazer</a>)</i></p>
    5/5

    Mexican quinoa salad

    If the weather makes you feel like indulging in margaritas and pretending you’re on a southern vacation, mix up this salad for an at-home fiesta. With all of the staples of a solid Mexican dish, this salad will be a healthy hit with the quinoa giving your guests an added protein boost. (Photo via The Garden Grazer)

<p>Most Canadians can appreciate a solid potato salad. If you’re from Eastern Canada, this salad is present at every potluck, BBQ and outdoor affair. If you’re trying to up your superfoods this summer – or boost your vitamin C – try this alternative. Sweet potatoes are better for you all around and the inclusion of bacon makes every bite of this salad a treat.<i> (Photo <a href="http://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-salad-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Well Plated;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Well Plated</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>This is a summer classic. If you’re a fan of greek salad, this is its summer sister. Mixing sweet with salty, this refreshing salad will make you think you’re eating dessert for dinner. Another plus: mint promotes digestion, protecting you from bloat during swimsuit season. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, swap it with goat cheese as an alternative. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.foolproofliving.com/watermelon-avocado-and-mint-salad-with-feta-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Foolproof Living;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Foolproof Living</a>)</i></p>
<p>These ginger and mushroom summer rolls are the perfect treat when it feels like it’s too hot to eat pretty much everything. The cilantro adds a refreshing bite while the mushrooms make the most perfect meat substitution. Ginger helps with nausea so if the humidity gets to you, these refreshing rolls may be a better dinner option. The sweet and sour sauce is also a great addition for any dip-able appetizers that may be present. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.nachoaveragecook.com/ginger-mushroom-summer-rolls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via Nacho Average Cook;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via Nacho Average Cook</a>)</i></p>
<p>If you’re looking to swap out your animal by-products with a vegan source of protein, black beans will save the day. Delicious in a salad or in tacos, this iron-heavy bean will “beef” up your burger while you’re taking a break from meat. Great for your energy, these burgers will boost your mood and make you feel full. <i>(Photo via <a href="http://www.whereyougetyourprotein.com/no-crumble-bbq-black-bean-burgers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Where You Get Your Protein;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Where You Get Your Protein</a>)</i></p>
<p>If the weather makes you feel like indulging in margaritas and pretending you’re on a southern vacation, mix up this salad for an at-home fiesta. With all of the staples of a solid Mexican dish, this salad will be a healthy hit with the quinoa giving your guests an added protein boost. <i>(Photo <a href="http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2016/01/mexican-quinoa-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:via The Garden Grazer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">via The Garden Grazer</a>)</i></p>
Krista Thurrott

For most Canadians, the summer months reach a temperature where the thought of turning on your oven is unbearable – and as a result the barbecue’s popularity rises. Turning on the grill is a summer staple, but with hamburgers and hot dogs always on the menu, sometimes it’s nice to switch it up with a lighter option. With long weekends and humid evenings ahead, here are five healthy alternatives that you can bring to a summer BBQ.