June Things: Baby Is HERE!

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite go-to summer recipes (I definitely won’t be turning on my oven!), a few ideas for summer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes on life lately. Hint: it involves a sweet little baby arrival that I’m so excited to share! Here is this month’s newsletter!

First Things First: Baby is HERE!

If we’re friends over on Instagram (opens in a new tab), then you have probably already seen the news: our sweet baby girl has arrived! She came a few weeks early at 36.5 weeks on April 22nd. This was my third c-section, and to be honest I was pretty nervous about what that would be like. But thankfully, my recovery has gone super well so far! This birth experience was easier than my first two, which was also unexpected, but everything went fairly smoothly. Baby girl is healthy, gaining weight, and doing well!

Everyday Summer Recipes

Summer is here, friends! Who’s ready for fun in the sun and warm-weather recipes?

This summer, I’m making easy, effortless recipes that require zero to little cooking or baking in the oven. Here are some of my favorite recipes for the month of June!

RELATED: 50+ Light Summer Meals

1. Crispy Chili Lime Chickpea Salad

Crispy Chili Lime Chickpea Salad recipe in a bowl.

This Crispy Chili Lime Chickpea Salad is the perfect combination of textures – crispy roasted chickpeas, crunchy fresh veggies, and all brought together with a creamy tahini lime dressing and avocado slices!

2. Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls

Dragon fruit smoothie bowl (pitaya smoothie bowl) with toppings.

The BEST Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl recipe that’s easy to make and delicious! This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe requires only 3 simple ingredients but can have as many toppings as you’d like. Start your day off with these Easy Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls for a healthy breakfast treat!

3. Jackfruit Pulled Pork Tacos

Vegetarian jackfruit tacos with toppings on corn tortillas.

Jackfruit Pulled Pork Tacos – the EASIEST vegetarian tacos ever! “Pulled pork” made with shredded jackfruit, the best seasoning, and barbecue sauce, filling warm corn tortillas and topped off with cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese (or a vegan cheese alternative), and avocado. These jackfruit tacos are full of summertime vibes and can be made in just 30 minutes!

4. Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad

A top shot of a large bowl of carrot chickpea salad with feta cheese and a slice of lemon.

This Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad is FULL of so many amazing and fresh flavors. If you’re into savory, fresh, crunchy, and a touch of sweet then this salad is going to make your day. It’s that good! Have it any day of the week, as a side dish, or on its own completely. This easy-to-make 10-minute vegetarian salad is DELICIOUS!

5. Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe

The BEST Baja Shrimp Tacos that are savory, lightly crunchy, full of flavor, spicy to taste, and just SO GOOD! Made with almond flour breaded shrimp, cabbage slaw with a creamy, smoky Baja sauce, fresh cilantro, lime, crunchy red onions, and cotija cheese, all wrapped in a warm whole wheat tortilla. These healthy tacos are perfect for anything, from an easy everyday dinner to a fun summer gathering with friends!

6. Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad

Close up of sun-dried tomato arugula lentil salad.

Sweet, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, savory lentils, fresh arugula, and fresh tomatoes. All topped with a wholesome Turmeric Ginger Dressing! (opens in a new tab) Perfect for a small summer gathering with friends or as an easy, inspired weeknight meal. This easy-to-make arugula lentil salad is full of summer flavors that truly make it NEXT LEVEL!

7. Cucumber Lime Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)

Cucumber Lime Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) in a tall glass.

This easy-to-make Cucumber Lime Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) is so refreshing! Made with 4 simple ingredients: fresh cucumbers, lime juice, mint leaves, and your choice of ginger beer, sparkling water, or soda, this fizzy, tangy, and perfectly sweet mocktail is the best healthy pick-me-up for warmer days ahead!

8. Homemade Creamy Peach Popsicles

Top shot of Homemade Creamy Peach Popsicles, peach slices, and a napkin on a marble board.

Need a sweet treat? These Homemade Creamy Peach Popsicles are the BEST for a healthy frozen snack! Made with ripe peaches, vanilla yogurt, almond milk, and honey, these popsicles can be put together in just a few minutes. Perfect for a warm, summer day!

Ideas for Easy Breezy Summer Gatherings

Getting together with family and friends? Here are some of my fave ideas to help you seamlessly host a gathering:

What are your summer plans? Are you traveling or moving this month? What are you most excited about? I’d love to hear in the comments below or DM me on Instagram! (opens in a new tab)

That’s it for this month! As always, I’m so grateful for you guys. And if you’re new around here, be sure to join the JOL community by signing up for emails below!