3 Gut-Friendly Recipes for a Healthy Long Weekend

Long summer weekends mean outdoor gatherings and BBQs, but if you're mindful of your gut health, you might be looking for recipes that won't leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable. Fear not! We've curated a collection of gut-friendly recipes that are perfect for bringing to your long weekend BBQ. These dishes are not only delicious and satisfying but also gentle on the digestive system. Let's fire up the grill and get cooking!

Grilled Lemon Garlic Salmon Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillets, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Thread the salmon cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
• Brush the salmon skewers with the lemon garlic marinade, making sure to coat them evenly.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the salmon skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
• Serve the grilled lemon garlic salmon skewers hot off the grill, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
• In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the chickpea salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve the Mediterranean chickpea salad chilled as a refreshing and nutrient-packed side dish at your BBQ.

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Herbed Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes), sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives), chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
• In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt with chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and serve with the herbed yogurt dip on the side.
• Enjoy the grilled vegetable platter as a colorful and nutritious addition to your BBQ spread.

These gut-friendly recipes are perfect for bringing to your long weekend BBQ, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional BBQ fare. From grilled lemon garlic salmon skewers to Mediterranean chickpea salad and a vibrant grilled vegetable platter with herbed yogurt dip, these dishes are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they're also gentle on the digestive system, allowing you to enjoy your BBQ feast without any discomfort. Here's to a happy and healthy long weekend celebration!