Summer is a great time to experiment with healthy recipes! Many delicious vegetables are in season, and you can grill outside or even simply enjoy your meal outdoors. Cooking is a great retirement activity to keep busy and help you stay heart healthy.

If you’re looking for something new to try, here are four easy healthy recipes for seniors we love:

1. Sriracha-Glazed Chicken with Paprika Butternut Squash

This recipe may have a long name, but it’s a simple recipe to make. The result is flavorful, healthy, and is a fan favorite among all who try it. For ingredients, you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons canola or corn oil
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika
  • Sprinkle of salt and pepper
  • 1 4-pound butternut squash
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons canola or corn oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Whisk together 2 tablespoons of oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the squash and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Mix the sriracha, 2 tablespoons of oil, vinegar, syrup, and pepper. Cook the chicken with the marinade in a nonstick skillet for 8 to 10 minutes, then serve with the cooked squash.

To view the original recipe, visit the American Heart Association Recipe Guide.

2. Banana Split Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great food that can help improve our heart health. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with fruit, honey, peanut butter, and other delicious and healthy toppings. This banana split oatmeal is one of the tastiest, easiest recipes for seniors.

For ingredients, you’ll need:

  • 1/3 cup oatmeal (quick-cooking)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup water (hot)
  • 1/2 sliced banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen yogurt

Stir together oatmeal, salt, and water and microwave for 3 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Then, simply top with banana slices and frozen yogurt. You can enjoy this recipe for breakfast, lunch, or a snack in between meals.

To view the original recipe, visit The USDA’s My Plate Recipes.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a vegetable that many forget about but is great in a variety of dishes. While soup may not be a typical summer item, you’ll want to add this meal to your list. You’d be surprised when a rainy day pops up and you’re craving something warm.

For ingredients, you’ll need:

  • 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
  • 2 medium shallots (chopped)
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 3 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons minced, peeled ginger root
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (coarsely ground preferred)
  • 1/3 cup fat-free half-and-half
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg

Use a pressure cooker to heat the oil, then add the shallots and let cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the squash, ginger root, broth, and season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and cook under pressure for 20 minutes. Then, let the pressure release for about 10 minutes.

Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Put the mix back in the pressure cooker and mix in half-and-half. Let saute for 2-3 minutes, and your soup is complete!

To view the original recipe, visit Go Red for Women’s Recipe Page.

4. Veggie Hummus Sandwich

There’s nothing better than a fresh, cool meal on a hot summer day! This vegetable and hummus sandwich is perfect for lunch on the go. You can mix it up with different vegetables, depending on what you have in your fridge.

You’ll need:

  • 2 slices of whole-grain bread
  • 3 tablespoons hummus
  • 1/4 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 cup mixed salad greens
  • 1/4 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot

Spread half of the sandwich with avocado and the other half with hummus. Arrange the vegetables on the bread. Slice in half and serve. You can also make this ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to four hours.

To view the original recipe, visit EatingWell.Com.

Embrace Healthy Cooking at Vineyard Senior Living

Vineyard Senior Living strives to provide a personalized lifestyle for each resident. Whether you enjoy cooking every day or prefer to dine at the onsite facilities, you’ll have access to everything you need.

With our great sense of community, you’ll even find opportunities to share your easy healthy recipes for seniors. Curious about our community? Give us a call today to learn more! Our team is excited to share what Vineyard Senior Living can become for prospective residents.