6 Refreshing Recipes for Summer
Summer brings in some of the freshest produce and the most colorful dishes. Whether you’re cooking for one or making something for a family cookout, having staple summer recipes is must. Here are some easy and refreshing recipes to add to your summer meals or bring to your next summer gathering.
1. Smoothie Your Way
Smoothies are a must for me every summer and they can be personalized to your taste. Here is my most recent personal smoothie recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- Frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Acaí
- Almond milk (add til desired consistency)
- Tsp peanut butter
- Handful of spinach
- Scoop of protein powder of choice
Note: Measurements listed are suggestions, I tend to measure with my heart!
Instructions: Blend together desired ingredients until fully combined.
Other ingredients you can add: other fruits, avocado, kale, oats, yogurt, juice, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, etc.
Recipe Credit: https://www.thespruceeats.com/acai-and-berry-smoothie-recipe-4165473
2. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a classic dish for any time of the year, but I find it to be very refreshing in the summertime. There are many variations of this recipe, and you can’t go wrong with it but this is my simplified version.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of small pasta (I prefer the classic spirals)
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 6 ounces of fresh mozzarella, cut into bite size pieces
- Your favorite Italian dressing, vinaigrette, or a homemade dressing
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped olives and red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta, drain it, and rinse with cold water to bring it to room temperature.
2. Place your pasta in a bowl and stir in your favorite dressing or vinaigrette.
3. Add in the chopped tomatoes and mozzarella and stir.
4. Stir in salt to taste and add any additional desired seasonings.
5. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate to serve cold.
Recipe Credit: https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pasta-salad-recipe-258379
3. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is another dish that is so refreshing in the summer, especially served cold. It contains a lot of good nutrients and can be served as a side dish with any meal.
Ingredients for dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 Tbsp suger
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Ingredients for salad:
- 6 cups of broccoli, cut to remove thick stalks
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated but not finely shredded
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/3 cup red onion, sliced into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Combine broccoli, cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, and onion in a bowl.
2. In separate bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad combination and toss or stir until evenly coated.
4. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate to serve cold.
Recipe Credit: https://sugarspunrun.com/broccoli-salad/
4. Seasonal Salad
This is a twist that I like to do on a basic salad to make it brighter and more flavorful for the summer. It’s my go to salad when I want something sweet but also light and filling.
Ingredients:
- Spring mix lettuce
- Dried cranberries
- Apple, chopped into small pieces
- Strawberries, thinly sliced
- Walnuts, chopped
- Protein: chicken, salmon, etc. (optional)
- Lemon poppyseed dressing
Instructions:
1. Combine desired amounts of all ingredients into a bowl.
2. Pour on the dressing, mix, and enjoy.
Recipe Credit: https://www.kimscravings.com/strawberry-apple-chicken-salad/
5. Caprese Chicken Sandwich
This is one of my favorite dinners any time of the year because it is so easy to make and so delicious. The caprese flavors are so perfect for the summer.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Baguette roll
- Pesto
- Sundried tomato
- Mayonnaise
- Mozzarella, sliced into discs
- Basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Lightly season your chicken as desired. Grill or sear the chicken in a pan until fully cooked.
2. Slice and toast your bread.
3. In a small bowl combine pesto (1/3 part) and mayonnaise (2/3). In another small bowl combine the sundried tomato (1/3 part) and mayonnaise (2/3) part.
4. Spread the pesto mayonnaise on one half of your bread and spread the sundried tomato mayonnaise on the other side.
5. Add a couple slices of mozzarella, a few basil leaves, and your chicken.
6. Serve with chips, French fries, or any side and enjoy!
Recipe Credit: https://www.beyondthechickencoop.com/pesto-chicken-sandwich/
6. Agua de Fresca (Strawberry Water)
Staying hydrated in the heat of summer is always very important. This recipe will help you do just that with added flavor.
Ingredients (for a whole pitcher):
- 4 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 8 cups cold water, divided
- Ice for serving, or as needed
- 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges (optional garnish)
- Fresh mint sprigs (optional garnish)
Instructions:
1. Mix together strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup cold water in a medium bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
2. Blend the chilled strawberry mixture until smooth. Pour through a mesh strainer set over a large bowl; discard pulp and seeds. Stir remaining 7 cups cold water into strawberry juice until well combined.
3. Serve aqua de fresa over ice. If desired, garnish each serving with lime wedges and mint leaves.
Recipe Credit: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/141370/mexican-strawberry-water-agua-de-fresa/
