As much as we hate to admit it, the end of summer is sneaking up on us. The longest day of the year has passed, and the temperatures are starting to relax a little (OK, that part isn’t so bad). But there’s no reason you can’t make it feel like beach season all year long.
While you may not be lounging poolside much longer, you can whip up one of these coconut recipes and feel like you’re under a tiki hut. Grab a can of coconut milk and some shredded flakes and go nuts (pun definitely intended).
1. Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Overnight oats make mornings so simple. This recipe straight up tastes like an Almond Joy thanks to almonds, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and a little maple syrup. Candy for breakfast, anyone?
2. Coconut Quinoa and Shrimp Skillet
This is basically a piña colada in dinner form. The one-pan meal is made with quinoa, shrimp, pineapple, and unsweetened coconut flakes. You’ll feel like you’re lounging on a beach in no time.
3. Vegan Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pies are usually full of cream, sugar, and butter, but you can make one that’s a little better for you by using coconut milk, coconut sugar, and vanilla for the filling, and making your own crust with nuts and oats. And no, you won’t be skimping on flavor.
4. Toasted Coconut Smoothie Bowls
Skip the $11 juice bar smoothie bowls and make one at home instead. Just blend almond milk, Greek yogurt, a banana, coconut extract, and ice, then top with your favorite goodies, such as dark chocolate pieces, coconut flakes, fruit, or granola.
5. Baked Coconut Shrimp
Honestly, who doesn’t love coconut shrimp? This version is definitely healthier than takeout and so easy to make. Dip shrimp in eggs; then in a panko-coconut mix; and finally in a bowl of paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and flour. Bake for 10 minutes and serve over a salad or with a side of cauliflower rice.
6. Coconut Chocolate Nice Cream
This easy recipe uses just five ingredients and is dairy free, so it’s for sure winning the nice cream game. Blend up a few bananas, add in maple syrup and vanilla, then fold in coconut flakes and chocolate chips. You can freeze it for a few hours or enjoy it right away.
7. Chocolate Orange Coconut Macaroons
Macaroons look super fancy but are actually pretty easy to make at home. The rich cookies are made with egg whites, orange juice and zest, honey, and shredded coconut, then drizzled with chocolate and chilled. We’d definitely go Paleo for these bad boys.
