Braces Friendly Summer Recipes

Braces Friendly Summer Recipes
Posted on 07/20/2017

Summer is finally here! School’s out, it’s getting hotter and hotter every day and you know what that means! Pool parties, grilling in the backyard, and delicious food! Summer is our favorite season here at Lindsey Orthodontics for just that reason. Unfortunately for our patients wearing braces some of these delicious foods can't be eaten. Food like Corn on the cob, ribs, and other delicious summer treats are off limits. For our braces wearing patients, we’ve got your back. Here are are some of our braces safe recipes for our patients.


Mexican Corn Salad


Who needs corn on the cob when you can have Mexican corn salad! This delicious recipe that perfectly complements any other Mexican dish. If you’re missing corn on the cob while you're wearing your braces in Griffin, GA. For This recipe you will need, brought to you by A Family Feast:

  • 6 ears of corn, with husks left on

  • 2 tablespoons salt

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • ½ small zucchini, cut into a few thick slices for grilling

  • 1 large jalapeno, left whole

  • ½ cup canned black beans, washed and drained

  • 4-6 scallions, sliced. Separate the white bottoms and green tops

  • ½ cup chopped sweet red bell pepper

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

  • One lime, juiced

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • ¼ teaspoon cumin

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 8 ounces of hard Mexican cheese, preferably Cotija or Queso Blanco

  • Salt and pepper


Now that we have everything, let's get to cooking. In order to prepare this braces friendly meal we must:

  1. Peel back corn husks but do not remove them. Take off all the silk from the ears and fold the husks back up around the ears. Fill a large pot or your kitchen sink with corn, salt and enough water to cover the corn. Place something heavy enough to keep the corn submerged and let soak for 15 minutes.

  2. While the corn is soaking, heat the grill to medium.

  3. Remove the corn from its bath and drain the excess water. Place corn with husks on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes turning every 5 minutes. Don't worry about burning the husks, we’re going to get rid of those later.

  4. Crank the grill to high.

  5. Brush your veggie oil on the zucchini and grill for a minute on both sides for a minute or so until you have nice char lines but the zucchini still has a snap to it.

  6. Put your jalapeno on the grill until the skin is black and blistered. Remove it from the grill and place in a paper bag for a few minutes to loosen up the skin. Remove skin and discard and then cut down the center and remove and discard stem and seeds. Dice into small pieces and set aside.

  7. Remove corn husks and discard. Using a bundt pan, put the corn point end down into the center of the bundt and cut the kernels off with a sharp knife. Place the corn in a mixing bowl and set aside.

  8. Cut zucchini into small pieces and add to corn.

  9. Add the jalapeno pieces.

  10. Mix all other ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste.

  11. Let the salad sit for an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend and then serve.


This recipe goes perfect with any Mexican dish, especially if you are planning to grill that day! We recommend chicken fajita tacos to go with this side, since it’ll be easier to eat with braces.


Contact Your Local Orthodontist Today


If you’re looking for more braces-friendly summer recipes, contact one of our offices today! Our friendly staff will be more than happy to recommend some of our favorite meals that are perfect for the summertime and easy on orthodontic appliances. You can contact our Locust Grove office at (770) 914-7994 or our Griffin office at (678) 688-4467. To schedule an appointment either of our offices, you can use our easy and convenient online form at any time. We hope you have a happy and fun summer!