Tips for kidney-friendly summer eating

Summer is a cherished season for so many people. It's a time when kids are out of school, swimming and going to the beach are commonplace, and when several types of fruits and vegetables are at their freshest. People tend to pick cool and refreshing snacks during these warmer months, and if you have kidney disease, you may need to be more mindful of what you eat and/or follow a kidney-friendly eating plan. Here are some of our favorite kidney-friendly summer recipes: 

Watermelon Coconut Swirl Popsicles  

Watermelon is much more versatile than most people realize. These popsicles are an example of how well it works with tropical ingredients like lime and coconut. There are just four ingredients you'll need to make these frozen treats: watermelon, honey, lime and coconut milk.   

Click here to see the full recipe and preparation instructions. 

Summer Succotash 

This salad is crisp and crunchy as well as light and refreshing. It's great for barbeques or picnics anytime! The ingredients you'll need to make this are: olive oil, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, canned corn, leeks, shelled edamame, roma tomatoes, bell pepper and fresh basil.  

Click here to see the full recipe and preparation instructions.  

Frosted Lemon Cookies 

These cookies are a great treat for a nice, breezy day. They are deliciously tart and sweetened by powdered sugar drizzled on top of each cookie. If you're a baker, you may have several of the ingredients (eggs, baking soda, flour and margarine) on hand already – you'll just need lemon juice and lemon extract, and you'll be ready to start baking!  

Click here to see the full recipe and preparation instructions.  

Grilled Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa 

Fish tacos are a great summertime meal and easy to prepare.  This version includes the sweet and tangy taste of summer, owing to the peach in the salsa and will make you a fish taco convert if you aren't already.  Some of the ingredients you'll need to make these tacos are lemons, peaches, olive oil, ginger root and cod (or another meaty white fish of choice). Be sure to cook your tacos on a grill pan or an outdoor grill.   

Click here to see the full recipe and preparation instructions. 

Cantaloupe Crush  

This is a refreshing and delicate icy treat that is easy to make! There are only 4 ingredients you'll need to mix in a blender: cantaloupe, fat-free milk, ice and sweetener (sugar or another substitute if desired).  

Click here to see the full recipe and preparation instructions.  

Disclaimer: The use of sugar substitutes as a replacement for sugar is a personal choice. While sugar substitutes may offer certain benefits, such as a lower calorie count and improved blood sugar control for people with diabetes, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of these products, especially for people with chronic kidney disease. It is important to discuss any changes to what you eat and drink, including the use of sugar substitutes, with your doctor or dietitian. The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

For more recipes from our Summer Favorites collection, click here.  

Visit our Kidney Kitchen® webpage for all recipes.