If you’re an angler, there is no time of year that is better than summer, when you can cast a line and hopefully reel in some delicious eats. Sitting on the shore or in a boat on a gorgeous lake on a blue skied summer day is a big part of the draw, at least to me. Fishing is rewarding, catching is a bonus, and eating is just plain heaven.
But, if even if you’re not an angler, and you prefer to “catch” your meals at your local fishmonger or supermarket, summertime is a great time for eating fish. Actually, there really is no bad time for eating fish, if you think about it.
So, we put together a list of 10 healthy summer fish recipes to get you started. But, first, let’s talk about the health benefits of fish, how often to eat fish, and how to pick the best types.
We Should Probably Eat More Fish
Fish are superb sources of protein, and many oily varieties boast much-needed Omega 3 fatty acids which boost the immune system, not to mention healthy fats. And the non-fatty versions (white fleshed) are also healthy in their own right, providing lean protein lacking in the over-consumed fats of red meats and vegetable oils, called Omega 6 fatty acids.
In America especially, it’s estimated that we consume somewhere between 10 and 20 times more Omega 6 fats than we do Omega 3 fats. The ideal ratio for healthy is believed to be 1:1 but definitely no more than 4:1. Fish is a great way to get this ratio back to where it’s supposed to be.
Fish is Versatile
There are infinite ways to prepare all varieties of fish and seafood, from the really healthy (grilled) to the really not so healthy (Alfredo), and everything in between. Some recipes are more comforting, and better for cold, snowy days (Mocequa), and some, like the ones we’re highlighting here, just scream summer.
Now, some of you might be concerned about fish tasting “fishy.” And you’re not wrong. Some fish definitely taste fishier than others, and some people just don’t like that flavor. The good news is that not all fish taste fishy, and with so many different ways to prepare it, so many delicious healthy fish recipes, there’s sure to be one everyone will like!
What to Buy
No matter what time of year you’re eating fish, be sure you’re eating it! We suggest making fish at least once a week, especially as a substitute for one of your regular red meat nights.
Common varieties of fish are usually readily available at most supermarkets, either fresh or frozen or both. We prefer wild-caught over farm-raised, because farm raised tend to lack naturally-occurring nutrients, which then have to be artificially added. That said, buy the best you can afford. (Or better yet, become a fisher person and wild-catch your own!)
10 Healthy Summer Fish Recipes
We’ve put together a list of 10 healthy summer fish recipes for you to try. Be sure to leave us a comment when you try one and let us know how it went! We love feedback from our readers!
Also, don’t forget to pin this article so you can easily find it again. Use the handy pin icon on the collage image below (hover to see it on desktop).
1 - Salmon-Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Going to a picnic or potluck? Need a healthy potluck dish to share? Look no further than our Amazing Salmon-Kale Caesar Pasta Salad! It’s easy to prepare and is served cold, so it’s easy to make enough to share and it’s easy to transport. This also makes great healthy lunch prep!
2 - Basil Butter Mahi Mahi
If you use quality, grass-fed butter for this recipe, you’re going to get amazing flavor and amazing health benefits.
3 - Blueberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon
The blueberries add just the right amount of flavor to this unique salmon dish. Perfect for summer.
4 - Fish Sandwiches
Move over Filet-o-fish. There’s a better sandwich in town.
5 - Blackened Salmon Tacos
One taste of this and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life.
6 - Fish Tacos
I might be biased but I’m pretty sure this is the best fish tacos recipe on earth. The slaw is to die for. Oh wait…except for the new air fryer fish tacos (see below).
7 - Chili Lime Mahi Mahi Salad
How can you resist this amazing feast of color and flavor?
8 - Asian Salmon Kebabs
Grilling. Pineapple. Salmon. Enough said.
9 - Air Fryer Baja Fish Tacos
These air fryer fish tacos mimic the southern California baja fish taco style of chains like Rubio’s and Taco Del Mar…but without the deep frying.
10 - Air Fryer Salmon
The air fryer just does fish so well! You can heat up the broiler in your oven to do this as well, but the air fryer does it with no preheat.
Comments (1)
My husband was just saying he wanted some salmon!