During warmer summer months I find myself craving healthy, clean, refreshing summer flavors like lemon and mint. Seafood tends to come into play more because fish and shellfish are a great lighter protein. Summer is also a time to focus more on healthful recipes because, let's face it, you're wearing fewer layers and it's bikini season! I recently heard about a fantastic green meal delivery system called Paleta that delivers portion-controlled gourmet meals to those who don't have time to cook. Check out the below listed recipe and recreate your own perfect healthy summer meal.

Spicy Summer Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Baby Vegetables

You don’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen this summer. This quick and healthy protein packed pasta dish takes minutes to make so you can spend time enjoying the beautiful weather with your family!

Serves 4

8 ounces uncooked quinoa or brown rice pasta

2 cup baby vegetables (squash, zucchini, carrots, etc.)

1 cup baby heirloom tomatoes

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest

salt and pepper

1 lb large sustainable shrimp, cleaned and deveined

1 teaspoon crushed red peppers

1/2 cup fresh green peas, shelled

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

2 ounces shaved parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375f or heat up grill. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta in a colander. Toss vegetables and tomatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil, half the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Place on sheet pan and roast in oven or wrap in foil and roast on the grill until cooked through about 12 minutes.

Toss shrimp with 2 teaspoons olive oil, the remaining half lemon juice, zest, and crushed peppers.

Toss vegetables, peas, and pasta and plate evenly among four plates.  
Top with grilled shrimp.  Garnish with shaved parmesan and fresh basil.