This week we'll explore pineapple and a special coconut lime rice salad. We'll also delve into a great book series of mysteries set in Ireland and ideas about healthy snacks for summer adventures.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: PINEAPPLE

As we enter into summer, I'm beyond excited to celebrate a superstar tropical ingredient: pineapples! These sweet, juicy, beautiful fruits are a summer delight that can be used in many different ways.

It may surprise you to learn that pineapple is fabulous in savory dishes. The sweetness contrasts perfectly with salty flavors and especially with a bit of heat. If you're excited to try pineapple in a savory way, this Pineapple Guacamole is easy and feels perfect for a summer party. Speaking of dips, pineapple is a great salsa ingredient alongside grilled red onions, jalapenos, and fresh herbs; there are lots of ideas in my fruit salsa guide. Or, if you're really looking for a winning appetizer, try this Vegan Pineapple Seven Layer Dip.

Feeling adventurous? I think you'll love this unique Vegan Pineapple Poke Bowl. In this highly non-traditional plant-based take on poke, savory marinated pineapple takes the place of the usual raw fish. It has a seductive balance of salty, savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, which makes for a fun and fresh summer meal.

Special Recipe: COCONUT LIME RICE SALAD

In celebration of warm weather and outdoor meals, I figured I'd share a fun and fresh recipe that's not available on my blog. This Coconut Lime Rice Salad is packed with summer flavors and colors. It comes together quickly, especially if you have leftover rice, and is one you can come back to all season long.

Ingredients

• 1.5 c cooked, cooled rice of choice
• 4 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 c frozen, shelled edamame
• 1 c sugar snap peas
• 6-8 baby bell peppers of different colors
• Small wedge of purple cabbage
• Small mango
• Handful of sunflower (or other) sprouts
• Small handful of fresh cilantro
• Small handful of roasted salted peanuts
• Sprinkling of sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook the rice as directed, then cool completely. Conversely, you can use leftover rice for ease or even cauliflower rice.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (coconut milk, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, salt, and cayenne).
3. Thaw the edamame. Cut the ends from the sugar snap peas and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the peppers into rings and the cabbage into very thin ribbons. Peel the mango, cut the flesh from the pit, then cut into cubes.
4. Add the rice, edamame, sugar snap peas, peppers, cabbage, and mango into the mixing bowl with the dressing and toss.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Just before serving, garnish with sprouts, fresh cilantro, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

Live Colorfully

A Book Series to Explore: TANA FRENCH'S CAL HOOPER SERIES

I just finished the third book in a series that I can't wait to tell you about. I've discussed Tana French's books here before, but today I specifically want to highlight her newest: the Cal Hooper series. The first book is The Searcher, the second is The Hunter, and the third (which I just finished) is The Keeper. You'll definitely want to read them in order.

This series follows the story of a retired Chicago detective who moves to rural Ireland, only to find more mysteries rather than the quiet life he was dreaming of. Tana French is so good at developing multi-dimensional characters, and the books explore the beauty and the complexity of small-town life. She writes great dialogue, and the Irish phrases and slang are really fun; I highly suggest the audiobooks for that reason.

Overall, the three together manage to be serious and funny at the same time, and the character development is engaging. I actually re-read the first two this spring before diving into the third right when it was released, and I couldn't put any of them down. If you're looking for great reads this summer, you'll definitely want to check these out.

Remember that you can always browse my favorite book list if you need some additional ideas.

Self-Care Pick: HEALTHY SNACKS FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES

As summer approaches and many of us will be traveling, adventuring, playing outside, and otherwise on the move, I wanted to dedicate some time to chatting about healthy snacks.

Generally speaking, I'm a fan of snacks that are high in protein, have some healthy fats, and are small in size. I also love snacks with some texture, e.g. chewy or crunchy, since I find them more satisfying. Homemade snacks are less expensive, waste less packaging, and are generally much healthier since you can be in full control of the ingredients. Some of my favorite go-to portable homemade snacks are homemade Larabars, these healthy monster cookies, and these sweet and spicy roasted nuts. If you'll be out in warm weather, ditch the chocolate so it doesn't melt.

However, it's not always realistic to make your own snacks, especially if you're traveling. That's why I've also put together a healthy snack list that includes my store-bought favorites. You'll see some protein snacks and also some healthier options for salty snacks.

Where will your adventures take you this summer? Whether you'll be traveling the world or just adventuring in your own back yard, don't leave food to chance; bring some healthy snacks to make sure you're well-nourished and happy.

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!