Summer is a great time to try some light vegetarian recipes that feature seasonal fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian recipes are good as they can provide proper nutrition without leaving you too full on those hot, humid summer days. Linked below is one of my favorite recipes I found from Martha Rose Shuman at the NYTimes (http://tinyurl.com/2blpd2o) 

Quinoa, Corn Edamame Salad

Quinoa and edamame contribute lots of protein to this mildly spicy, highly textured summer salad.

For the salad:

1 cup quinoa, cooked

2 ears sweet corn

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 red bell pepper, cut in small dice

1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, from the tender inner stalks

4 or 5 radishes, sliced

1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen edamame

2 ounces feta, cut in small dice (about 1/2 cup, optional)

1 jalapeño or serrano chile, minced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 garlic clove (more to taste), finely minced or pureed

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

1. Cut the corn kernels away from the cobs. Discard the cobs (or use for stock), and place the kernels in a steamer above 1 inch of boiling water. Cover and steam for four minutes. Remove from the heat, rinse with cold water and drain.

2. Soak the onion in cold water to cover for five minutes. Drain, rinse and drain on paper towels.

3. Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad. Serve.

Yield: Serves four to six.

Advance preparation: The quinoa freezes well and the assembled salad will keep for a day in the refrigerator.

Nutritional information per serving (four servings): 359 calories; 18 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 43 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 25 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during cooking); 10 grams protein

Nutritional information per serving (six servings): 239 calories; 12 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 29 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 17 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during cooking); 7 grams protein

Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.