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Ahhhhh, summer. I love the warm weather, the relaxed attitudes, and the fun of eating meals outside! I try, whenever I can, to eat clean...meaning whole foods, not too much sugar and salt, and lots of yummy fruits and veggies! Summer is the perfect season for delicious, clean food. So, I wanted to combine my love of cooking out with clean eating, and I've come up with a menu that I think will be perfect for your next outdoor dinner! You can check out more of my Clean Eating recipes here.

Appetizer: Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stacks 

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 eggplant, sliced into rounds

salt and pepper
3 Tbsp pesto 
2 beefsteak tomatoes, cut into thick rounds
4 oz mozzarella, cut into thin rounds
basil leaves
1 tbsp vinegar

Directions:
Preheat grill (or grill pan on medium heat if going stovetop) to medium. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and salt to taste. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes and transfer to a platter.
Spread each eggplant with a layer of pesto, then top with a slice of tomato, a slice of mozzarella, and a basil leaf. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. 

For Seafood Lovers: Salmon & Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

Salmon (about 4oz per skewer) 

2 large zuchinni, cut into 1' slices 

1 large white onion, cut into 1" pieces

1 pacakge button/cremini mushrooms, sliced

Olive oil

1/2 lemon

salt & pepper 

Directions:

If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak in water for about 30 minutes before thredding them with the food. Slice the salmon into cubes. Alternating, thread the veggies and salmon onto each of the skewers, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, squirt with lemon, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes. 

For Meat Lovers: Healthier Hamburger 

Ingredients:
1/2 pint tomates, chopped
2 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1/8 cup chopped basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 lb ground chicken
1/8 cup chopped onion
1 medium egg
1/2 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp chopped parsley
2 oz mozzarella
2 whole wheat buns

Directions:

Combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt and set aside.
Combine the chicken, oregano, onion, sesame seeds, parsley. Shape into patties and grill or pan fry until thermometer reads 165. Top with mozzarella in the last two minutes.

Spoon tomato mixture onto buns and add patty. Enjoy!