Father’s Day Picnic and Grill Favorites

Father's Day is the perfect occasion to gather outside, fire up the grill, and share a relaxed meal with the dads, grandfathers and father figures in your life. Whether you are planning a backyard cookout or a simple picnic lunch, the best Father's Day spreads tend to be easygoing and full of good food. According to the American Heart Association, lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fruit-based sides are all part of a heart-supportive diet, making it easy to celebrate without overcomplicating the menu.

Here are three recipes to bring to the table this Father's Day.

Grilled Chicken With Vegetables

This is the kind of recipe that does most of the work for you. Chicken and fresh vegetables go on the grill together, everything comes out flavorful and tender, and you end up with a balanced, satisfying meal without a lot of effort. It is simple enough for a relaxed Father's Day afternoon but good enough to feel like you put in real thought. This American Heart Association recipe keeps things clean and delicious.

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 small zucchini
1 small red bell pepper
1/4 small eggplant
Cooking spray

For more recipes, visit AmericanHeartAssociation.com.

Summer Pasta Salad

A good pasta salad is the MVP of any summer cookout, and this recipe will add to the meal. It is fresh, bright and easy to throw together ahead of time, which is exactly what you want when you are already managing the grill. The flavors get even better as it sits, so make it the morning of, and it will be ready to go when everyone shows up.

Ingredients: 
3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
2 heaping cups halved cherry tomatoes
11/2 cups cooked chickpeas
2 cups arugula
1 cup Persian cucumbers
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or dried Italian seasoning 
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the full recipe, visit LoveAndLemons.com.

Strawberry Shortcake

Fresh strawberry shortcake is one of those desserts that feels more impressive than it is to make. Tender biscuits, sweet macerated berries and a generous spoonful of whipped cream come together in just a few minutes. Set everything out on the table and let everyone build their own — it is easy, fun and the perfect way to end a summer meal outside.

Ingredients: 
2 pounds fresh strawberries
1/4 cup cane sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cane sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the full recipe, visit LoveAndLemons.com.

Whatever you choose to serve, the most important ingredient in any Father's Day celebration is time well spent. We hope you enjoy a relaxed and meaningful day with the people who matter most.