Hot Off the Grill: Healthy Summer Recipes

For many of us, warm weather means firing up the grill, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor, to whatever is cooked. Grilling is also a quick, relatively easy cooking method requiring minimal clean up, making it perfect for busy weekdays and relaxing weekends. Try these easy recipes on your family before summer slips away.

Perfect Flank Steak
Serves 5

Ingredients
1 flank steak (~1.25 pounds)
1 tbsp (3 cloves) minced garlic (or more if desired)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Lots of freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Combine all ingredients into a large zip-top plastic bag and marinate overnight or at least 8 hours.

When ready to grill, remove meat from bag, discarding remaining marinade, and use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the meat. Allow the meat to come to room temperature while you heat up the grill. Grill 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Remove the steak from the grill, and place a piece of aluminum foil on top, allowing the steak to rest for 5 minutes. Slice very thinly on an angle and serve with grilled zucchini (recipe below).

Nutrition information per serving (marinade not removed, so higher in sodium than if drained and dried): 184 calories, 3.6g saturated fat, 470mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate, 24g protein, 57% daily value vitamin B12, 26% daily value vitamin B6, 14% daily value iron, 25% daily value niacin and zinc, 30% daily value selenium

Simple Grilled Zucchini
Serves 5

Ingredients
10 medium-sized zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions
Slice zucchini into long flat strips, about ¼’’ thick. Place into a bowl and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until desired tenderness.

Nutrition information per serving: 77 calories, 5g unsaturated fat, 36mg sodium, 455mg potassium, 7g carbohydrate 2.5g fiber 3g sugar, 1g protein, 40% daily value vitamin A, 13.8% daily value vitamin C, 10% daily value magnesium, 16% daily value manganese