Eating well while managing phosphorus, potassium, and sodium levels does not mean missing out on summer favorites! Here are a few kidney-friendly foods and refreshing drinks for those hot, sunny days. These menu ideas will help you stay cool, nourished, and confident as you enjoy the flavors of the season.
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GRILLED LEMON AND HERB CHICKEN: High in protein, low in phosphorus
Ingredients: (4 servings)
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper.
- Brush marinade on chicken.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Grill on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 196
Protein: 24 g
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Calcium: 15 g
Phosphorus: 242 mg
Potassium: 444 mg
Sodium: 131 mg
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Cucumber & Onion Salad: Light and refreshing
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss well and let sit for ten minutes before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 57
Protein: .97 g
Total Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: .5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Calcium: 23 mg
Phosphorus: 34 mg
Potassium: 221 mg
Sodium: 3 mg
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Grilled salmon: High-quality protein, low in sodium, rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Ingredients (2 servings)
- 2 4-ounce salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey for slight sweetness (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Soak salmon in water for 1–2 hours before cooking to lower potassium.
- In a small bowl mix olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and honey (if using).
- Brush the marinade evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Put the salmon in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes.
- Heat a grill to medium and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon on the grill skin side down.
- Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 241
Protein: 22 g
Total Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 62 mg
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Calcium: 20 mg
Phosphorus: 234 mg
Potassium: 583 mg
Sodium: 50 mg
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Rice Salad: Low potassium alternative to potato-based salads
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (rinsed to reduce potassium)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare white rice according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water to cool and reduce potassium.
- Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion (soak onion in water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder taste).
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and honey.
- In a large bowl, mix the rice, diced vegetables, and dressing.
- Toss well to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 180
Protein: 3 g
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Calcium: 20 mg
Phosphorus: 50 mg
Potassium: 120 mg
Sodium: 5 mg
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Homemade Lemonade: Low in potassium if made with fresh lemons
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 4 cups water
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Instructions
- Mix water, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Stir well and serve over ice.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 51
Protein: .05 g
Total Fat: .06 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Calcium: 25 mg
Phosphorus: 2 mg
Potassium: 25 mg
Sodium: 5 mg
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Cucumber Infused Water: A refreshing way to drink water
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 4 cups filtered water
- ½ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3–4 fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- (as an alternative to cucumber, try lemon, mint, or frozen fruit)
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber to reduce potassium, then slice into thin rounds.
- In a pitcher, add the cucumber slices, mint leaves (if using), and filtered water.
- Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight for stronger flavor).
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 5
Protein: .25 g
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Calcium: 14 mg
Phosphorus: 5 mg
Potassium: 56 mg
Sodium: 12 mg
Every person is different and each meal may need adjusting depending on your situation, so please be sure to check with your dietitian or medical team if you’re not sure about a recipe.
Web ID: 45001
Every person is different and each meal may need adjusting depending on your situation, so please be sure to check with your dietitian or medical team if you’re not sure about a recipe.
