During the long days of July, I’d much rather be outside with my family than in the kitchen. That’s why these twenty-one recipes are my favorite go-tos. Dishes like one-pot turkey rigatoni minimize cleanup, and savory salmon skewers and pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa make great use of the backyard grill. If you’re in the mood for something light and veggie-heavy, try the Vietnamese spring roll bowl or vegan kebabs. These six-point or less recipes prove that you can have your fun in the sun and a well-balanced, delicious dinner.
1. Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
This super-easy crockpot chicken beats store-bought stuff any day and is just two Weight Watchers points per serving. Use a mix of flavorful spices like Cajun seasoning, rosemary, and cayenne pepper for a fiery kick, then set it and forget it! In several hours, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone rotisserie chicken, perfect for serving alongside some tasty grilled summer vegetables.
2. Salmon Skewers
These skewers only take 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and will set you back one Weight Watchers point per serving. Juicy chunks of marinated salmon grill to perfection with red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion, and make a satisfying summer meal when served with a homemade yogurt tartar sauce full of zesty lemon juice, pickles, and fresh dill.
3. Weight Watchers Pork Burgers
July calls for al fresco dining, and these four-point pork burgers do the trick nicely. Each homemade patty is full of yummy minced garlic, onion powder, and rich barbecue sauce, and pairs ideally with a dollop of extra barbecue sauce, mustard, and ripe tomatoes. Make these for your mid-summer barbecue and wait for the compliments to roll in.
4. Pesto Chicken and Avocado
I adore this fresh and filling meal because it utilizes some of summer’s incredible bounty of vegetables and herbs, including bright red onion, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and delicious basil, for a nutritious treat that’s only six points per serving. The skinny, water-based pesto is ultra-easy to make and takes this dish to the next level.
5. Jambalaya
This Cajun classic gets a healthy glow-up with turkey sausage so that you can feast guilt-free. It’s just two Weight Watchers points per serving, and comes together in one pot for quick clean up. You’ll also get a whole serving of vegetables in every bowlful, with red and green bell pepper and plump tomatoes, plus plenty of quality protein from the chicken, turkey sausage, and shrimp.
6. Pizza Meatloaf
This family-friendly meatloaf costs you just 10 minutes of prep time, so you can enjoy more quality time with the kids on their summer vacation. It’s five points per serving and combines two of my all-time favorites: nostalgic meatloaf and cheesy pizza. Stir some pizza sauce, chopped pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese into the meatloaf base, and top with pepperoni slices, more mozzarella, and extra sauce for a delicious dish.
7. Pork Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa
Fire up the grill for this sophisticated, but simple, summer meal that’s only two points per serving. The combination of juicy pork tenderloin and bright pineapple is a true winner, and this dish lets both these star ingredients shine. Grill your pineapple juice marinated pork loin until it’s crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, then top with an easy homemade salsa of fresh pineapple, red onion, diced red bell pepper, olive oil, lime juice, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
8. Simple and Delicious Vegan Kebabs
Upgrade your Meatless Mondays with these simple and delicious vegan kebabs, marinated in soy sauce, mustard, olive oil, and barbecue seasoning. This recipe swaps seitan for meat, so you’ll still enjoy a hearty meal, and clocks in at just two Weight Watchers points per serving. I use zucchini, button mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and beets, but you can use anything that strikes your fancy or is in your vegetable crisper for this vegan meal.
9. Asiago Chicken
Asiago is the flavor powerhouse of cheeses, and a little goes a long way: consider this three-point stuffed chicken breast dish. The crispy breading contrasts beautifully with a yogurt and artichoke sauce with plenty of Asiago cheese flavor in every bite. It’s deceptively filling, but light enough to keep you from feeling overly full, and you’ll still have room and points left over for a summery scoop of ice cream after dinner.
10. Vietnamese Spring Roll in a Bowl
This recipe is a great way to make the most of your farmer’s market haul, and will cost you just one Weight Watchers point per serving. Plus, you’ll get tons of nutrients in every bite, including heart-healthy purple cabbage, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. Paired with rice or ramen noodles and a homemade dressing, it tastes just like a summer roll, only better. I top mine with shrimp for extra protein and flavor.
11. One Pot Turkey Rigatoni
The last thing I want to be doing during the summer is messing around in the kitchen, which is why this three-point, one-pot meal is a great option. It starts with lean, ground turkey for filling protein without the fat, then plenty of diced tomatoes, red onion, green and red peppers, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and rigatoni. Cook and serve immediately for a stick-to-your-ribs, comforting dish.
12. Weight Watchers Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
My air fryer is rapidly becoming the kitchen MVP thanks to its ability to crisp food in minutes, all while keeping it skinny. This dish is just three points per serving and is an excellent antidote to ordering takeout. It’s also a light summer dish that comes together quickly. Put your coconut-crusted shrimp and asparagus in the air fryer together, cook at 400 degrees for five or six minutes, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal that works well with your diet goals.
13. Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
If I want to tap deep into my nostalgia, I’ll whip up a batch of Shake ‘n Bake pork chops. These five-point ones are healthier than the ones I grew up on, and just as delicious. The secret is your air fryer, which yields a delectable crunchy outside and juicy inside. Serve them with a big veggie salad or some grilled peppers for a complete meal.
14. Weight Watchers Baked Ratatouille
This dish is my ultimate go-to when I want something nutritious, full of veggies, and has an incredible presentation. It’s only one point per serving and uses all of the season’s bounty, including red peppers, tomatoes, sliced eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash. Each bite bursts with flavor and delivers a potent dose of nutrients. It works as a light vegetarian mid-summer dish, or a hearty side to your favorite grilled meats.
15. Chicken Fajitas
Enjoy chicken fajitas with zero Weight Watchers points using this simple, summertime-friendly recipe. Marinate your chicken breasts in a flavorful mix of spices, citrus, and garlic for at least an hour, then serve with a colorful mixture of thinly sliced bell peppers and white onion for a Mexican-inspired treat. I prefer to marinate my chicken overnight for a more intense flavor.
16. Deliciously Light Salmon Piccata
You only need six ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to make this one-point salmon dish full of briny capers, bright lime juice, and a delicious sauce. You’ll start by marinating your salmon in lime juice to infuse it with plenty of flavor. Then, whisk fish broth, lime juice, and cornstarch into a yummy sauce that you’ll cook with the capers. Gently pour the sauce over the fish, and enjoy your waistline-friendly, restaurant-quality meal.
17. Chicken Shawarma
If you’re like me, shawarma is one of your favorite take-out foods, but the calories can add up quickly. Fortunately, this one-point meal is here to save the day. This recipe employs smart swaps that bring big flavors with comparably fewer calories, like a Greek yogurt-based white sauce with lime, garlic, and dill to complement the chicken. Enjoy it with bell peppers and juicy tomatoes for a nutrient boost that works wonderfully with the chicken.
18. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken BBQ
Backyard eating just got better with this two-point barbecue dish that cooks to perfection in your crockpot. You’ll need skinless chicken breasts, brown sugar, reduced-sugar ketchup, a bit of water, spices, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for that classic zing. Serve piled high alongside a crisp salad or grilled corn for a complete hot-weather meal.
19. Delightfully Light Salmon Alfredo
Pasta Alfredo is my culinary Achilles heel. I can’t resist the pull of pasta noodles swimming in cream sauce, but most versions wreak havoc on my diet. This lightened-up salmon Alfredo satisfies all my cravings for just four Weight Watchers points per serving. The secret is using whole wheat spaghetti for extra fiber, zucchini noodles, and skim milk for the base. You’ll still get that classic flavor from freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, making this dish a fantastic alternative to traditional Alfredos.
20. Veracruz Style White Fish
This one-point recipe combines mild-flavored hake filets with a robust sauce of bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, green olives, and garlic for an unexpected and delicious combination. If you’re looking for a fun spin on fish and veggies, this one is it. I love how the acidity of the tomatoes plays with the brininess of the olives, covering the delicate fish in a rich, briny sauce. Serve with cauliflower rice for a nicely rounded-off meal.
21. Greek Lemon Chicken
Heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine and summer go together so well, and this one-point Greek lemon chicken is one of my favorite July dishes. You’ll use all the in-season vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and it bakes beautifully in just 25 minutes.
These dishes showcase the best of the season. Many of them are no-muss, no-fuss, one-pot wonders that give you more time to relax in the sun with your family. Try one or more of them today and you’re sure to find a new favorite.
