The Perfect Father's Day Recipe

Photo: Delish

Not only is it men's health month, but June is also when we get to celebrate our dads.

Father's day originated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. It was organized by a woman who's father had raised her and her five siblings single-handedly, as a way for her to express her immense gratitude.

You might not be able to replicate that kind of gift (starting a world-wide holiday in your dad's honour), but you can give him the next best thing: a healthy and totally delicious meal!

I have it on good authority that dads are particularly partial to grilling, and since June is the perfect month to break out the BBQ, I've hand picked a grilled meal that's actually good for you.

So pour some love into your cooking AND give your father the gift of health on June 21!

 

Grilled Summer Squash and Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
  • 4 medium organic, free-range chicken thighs
  • 2 medium organic yellow summer squash
  • 2 medium organic zucchini 
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives
  • 1/2 inch thick lemon slices

Directions

From lemon, grate 1 tablespoon of peel and squeeze 3 tablespoons of juice. In medium bowl, whisk together lemon peel and juice, oil, salt, and pepper; transfer 2 tablespoons to a cup and place to the side.

Add chicken thighs to bowl with lemon-juice marinade; cover and let stand 15 minutes at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, prepare charcoal fire or preheat gas grill for covered direct grilling over medium heat, and prepare the summer squash (zucchini) by slicing it into 1/4 inch strips and brushing with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Discard chicken marinade. Place chicken and squash on hot grill rack. Cover grill and cook chicken and squash 10 to 12 minutes or until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with tip of knife and squash is tender and browned, turning chicken and squash over once and removing pieces as they are done.

At the last minute, add the lemon slices to the grill and grill for 1 minute on each side.

Transfer chicken and squash to cutting board. Cut chicken into 1-inch-wide strips.

To serve, on large platter, toss squash with reserved lemon-juice marinade, then toss with chicken and sprinkle with chives.

Garnish with grilled lemon slices.

Recipe adapted from www.delish.com.

Blog, Nutrition, RecipesDoctor Marita