Recipe

One of my favorite Summer cocktails is the bramble, a mix of gin, lemon, fresh blackberries, and blackberry liqueur. It's also a recipe that's easy to play around with, which makes for a fun day of improvising — something I did this past weekend. Instead of gin, I chose tequila as the base spirit; to me, tequila is the perfect complement to warm weather and fresh fruit.

For anyone craving a fruity cocktail minus the calories, this variation of a classic bramble is a good choice. Like most brambles, it avoids store-bought mixers or fruit juice, but relies on fresh, seasonal blackberries and a hint of agave syrup for its sweetness. In the end, you'll have made a cocktail that is less than 200 calories.

See the recipe after the break!

Looking for a quick way to jazz up any weeknight pasta dish? FitSugar reader thefitnessgourmet posted this recipe for a light spinach pesto in our Healthy Recipe group in the FitSugar community.

This healthy spinach pesto tastes so unhealthy, you'll seriously doubt the nutrition in it!

Find out how to make this easy pesto after the break.

Start your day off with this smoothie recipe from FitSugar reader AllieNic, who shared it in our Healthy Recipe group.

The sun is out; the breeze is warm — it’s definitely Summer out there! My favorite breakfast on a warm Summer morning is a nice, brain-freeze-inducing smoothie packed with spinach and berries. There’s just something about getting a green veggie in the a.m. that makes my day 100 percent better!

Summer Solstice Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls of raw spinach
• 1/2 cup frozen blackberries
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1-2 cups So Delicious unsweetened coconut milk

Check out the rest of this post on my healthy living blog, Frisky Lemon Nutrition

Have a great recipe to share? Don't forget to post it in our Healthy Recipe group. It might end up on the FitSugar home page.

Grab some of Summer's leafy greens and make this recipe from FitSugar reader Thefitnessgourmet, who shared it in our Healthy Recipe group.
See the recipe after the break!

This bean salad will make the perfect side dish for your next Summer barbecue. FitSugar reader Dara8182 posted it in our Healthy Recipe group.

This tasty dish is a great healthy side for your next cookout. Filled with protein and fiber, simple beans, and some garden fresh herbs, the recipe is simple, delicious, and versatile. Add this salad to wraps, veggies, or pasta for a complete meal.

Learn more about the recipe after the break!

I used to be addicted to peanut butter. I ate it on apples, on bread, on pretzels, on ice cream, and even straight-up on a spoon drizzled with a little honey. I thought it was OK to devour gobs and gobs of the peanut buttery goodness because it was made from all natural peanuts. Then I realized there are over 200 calories in a two-tablespoon serving. No wonder I was gaining weight way back in college.

If you're a huge fan of peanut butter, here's a healthier version you can spread on your crackers and bananas till your heart's delight. The consistency is smooth, yet a little chewy, and the flavor is phenomenal. Since it's made with peanut butter it's not low in calories or fat, but it's lower than regular peanut butter for sure. To see my simple recipe, keep reading.

Now that the weather is finally warming up, doesn't My Fare Foodie's tuna and watermelon ceviche look great? She shared her picture in our Healthy Recipe community group.

This ahi tuna and watermelon ceviche is the perfect refreshing treat for these hot Summer days.

Get the recipe and step-by-step photos on her blog, then be sure to upload your own food images to the FitSugar Healthy Recipe community group.

Summer is here, which means strawberries are at their peak ripeness. Crumbles and cobblers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy Summer's bounty. However, it's tough to find gluten-free options that actually taste good. The combination of brown rice flour, flax, and oatmeal gives this version of a strawberry crumble a crunchiness that complements the melt-in-your-mouth strawberries. This recipe is also high in fiber and vitamin C and low in sugar.

Learn how to make this recipe after the break.

Take advantage of Summer's corn crop with this recipe for sweet corn fritters posted in our Healthy Recipe group by FitSugar reader Dara8182. And don't worry; they're not deep fried!

Here is a healthy twist on an usually deep fried treat. This dish takes advantage of delicious Summer sweet corn, avocados, and fresh cilantro. This dish is both filling and delicious. Worth the effort!

Learn more about the recipe after the break.

The berries I bought at the beginning of the week were soft by the weekend, so I used them to make these whole wheat pancakes. The fruit adds natural sweetness, so you don't need much sugar in the batter. And instead of dousing them in a river of maple syrup, I increased the protein by making my own creamy maple-flavored yogurt sauce. They were outstanding and a huge hit with the fam.

Keep reading to see my easy recipe and find out how much this breakfast will run you in calories.