5 Healthy Father's Day Meals

My dad is an amazing man. He not only continues to play tennis with young men literally half his age, he regularly beats them on the court. He maintains an active lifestyle by swimming nearly every weekday morning and by going for long weekend hikes.

Celebrating Father's Day provides an opportunity to bring our family together. My father actually enjoys eating a very balanced diet. Instead of overloading him with greasy food he doesn't want to eat, I take care to prepare something simple and healthful - usually meals with lean proteins and healthy fats.

Here are five successful, healthy Father's Day meals:

1. Balsamic Chicken, Roasted Broccoli

Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Pepper

Pat chicken breasts dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season with pepper. Bake in oven at 350 until the internal temperature reaches 170. About 30 minutes. Fill a baking dish with washed and chopped broccoli. Drizzle broccoli with olive oil and roast until stalks are tender and lightly browned--about 25 minutes. 

Mix a cup of balsamic with two tablespoons of brown sugar. Peel and smash a garlic clove  and add it to the mixture. Reduce the balsamic in a sauce pan until it reaches a thick consistency. 

Drizzle the reduction over the chicken, add the broccoli side and serve.

2. Wasabi-Crusted Tuna Steaks, Brussel Sprouts

Wasabi, Maple Syrup, Pepper, Tuna Steaks, Coconut Oil, Brussels Sprouts, Sriacha (Rooster) Sauce)

Halve Brussels sprouts and drizzle with coconut oil. Place in oven at 350 and cook until Brussels sprouts are tender. Remove and drizzle Brussels sprouts with Sriacha.

Combine wasabi, pepper, and maple syrup to taste. Glaze tuna steaks with wasabi mixture. Pan sear in coconut oil until the steaks reach desired doneness. Rest fish and serve. 

3. Dried Apricot and Pork Salad

Dried Apricots, Pulled Pork, Walnuts, Spinach, Sone Ground Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, Shallots, Honey

Sweat shallots in a sauce pan, crush garlic and add to heat. Mix vinegar, mustard, and honey to taste and add to the pan. Bring to simmer, then reduce heat. Chill over night or serve the vinaigrette warm.

Chop apricots and walnuts then toss with spinach and vinaigrette. Heat pre-prepared pulled pork, and toss in the salad. Serve.

4. Mushroom Beet Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries

Portobello mushrooms, Roasted Beets, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Grain Buns, optional toppings.

Cut sweet potatoes into fries and blanch. Place fries in a baking dish, drizzle with coconut oil and bake in oven at 350 until brown and caramelized about 20 minutes.

Place equal parts cooked Portobello mushrooms and roasted beets in food processor and pulse until well chopped. Sear over high heat in coconut oil. Serve on bun with lettuce and tomato garnish and barbecue sauce.

5. Curried Lentil Tacos

Lentils, Curry Seasoning, Sweet Potatoes, Onion, Spinach, Corn Tortillas

Season lentils with curry seasoning and cook until tender. Cube sweet potatoes, and bake at 350 until tender Dice onion, chop spinach, and chop cilantro. Place all individual ingredients into bowls on table as well as warmed tortillas. Allow guests to assemble tacos.

Finish off the meal with delicious chocolate-covered Father's Day strawberries. Berries is a healthful alternative to cake, and definitely easier than baking as they will be delivered straight to your door.

Take time to appreciate your father on his special day by preparing him a healthful and low fuss meal!