Summer is quickly approaching and it’s time to think about how we’re going to adapt our menus.
If you’re running a cafe or restaurant you’ll want to consider a few things when it comes to your summer menus. In summer most of your clients are going to be more health conscious and looking for healthy alternatives from gluten-free to vegan options. That being said, here are some delicious, popular and healthy options that you might want to consider adding to your summer menu.
Healthy Yogurt and Granola Bowl
Whether you’re offering this option to go or to stay, this choice is sure to be a hit. Make sure to offer both vegan yogurt options to really attract a wide audience. Your yogurt health bowl should include seasonal berries, granola, coconut, roasted nuts and seeds. Honey can be an added option for those who are craving a little sweet quick to their breakfast special.
Naked Fish Tacos
If you want to go hard on the gluten-free options during lunch, offer these naked fish tacos. Whenever we see tacos on the menu, even if it’s without the taco shell we know it’s a sure order.
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
- 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 2 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
Healthy, yet Powerful Smoothies
We love ourselves a good smoothie in the morning, afternoon and even in the warm summer evenings. Smoothies act as a breakfast or dessert and are a big hit in summer time. Offer gluten-free, vegan smoothies with ingredients like:
- Soy milk / oat milk / coconut milk / coconut water
- Dates / honey / dark chocolate / coffee
- Berries / banana / acai / mango / pineapple
- Nuts / seeds / coconut flakes
- Protein powder / camu camu powder / maca powder
Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
This ones really for your dinner or lunch menu. It’s a great gluten-free salad. And we all know how much we love our salads in summertime. Especially those of us trying to stay slim for those poolside vacations and beach holidays.
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- everything seasoning (to taste)
- 3/4 cup dry quinoa
- salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6-8 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 medium avocado
- 1 batch Lemon Tahini Dressing (optional)
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Healthy pancakes anyone? Just reading healthy pancakes makes us want to run out and get ourselves some delicious pancakes with warm maple syrup. Here’s one of our favorite recipes for your cafe or restaurant Brunch menu:
- 2 medium ripe bananas (best when they have lots of brown spots)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
Another great option for on-the-go, lunch or dinner is the vegan tumeric quinoa power bowl. These are the sort of dishes your customers are looking for when they want to pick something up or go out to eat with their friends or partners. It’s light, yet flavorful and filling.
- 7 small yellow potatoes
- 15 oz . can chickpeas
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- salt/pepper
- 2 kale leaves
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 avocado