This summer is all about backyard cookouts, fresh fruit, veggies, and bubbly beverages to help ward off the heat.
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you fall into a cooking rut and feel like you’re always eating the same things all the time. You have your go to Mexican dishes (which may be from Chipotle), the classic pasta platers (aka Kraft mac and cheese), and when the grill comes out for the summer so do the burgers. However, grills are meant for so much more than beef patties, and Mexican night goes beyond tacos.
1. Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
This recipe calls for herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley that make for an absolutely amazing marinade for the perfect summer chicken. By alternating the chicken with veggies like red peppers, onions, and zucchini to create a summer skewer that is truly exceptional.
2. Sparkling Lemonade
What drink screams summer more than lemonade? This recipe puts a twist on a classic and takes this drink stand staple to another level.
3. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Quinoa has been topping the health trend charts for awhile but I recently discovered how delicious it can be. I made this recipe for my family one night and it went over extremely well. It’s a healthier take on Mexican cuisine, offering those classic flavors in a new way. Even if you tend to shy away from Quinoa, you should still give this one a try.
4. Peach Daiquiri
Peaches are undoubtedly a summer fruit and this drink is ultra refreshing and perfect for sipping by the pool. (It can be made with rum, or virgin with orange juice.
5. Bakery Style Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Have you ever had a muffin that was so perfectly cooked, where the top was almost crispy and had the raw sugar sprinkled over it? That’s what these muffins are. If executed correctly, these muffins are perfection and the perfect light breakfast to last you until lunch.
6. Best Sloppy Joes Ever
After growing up with Sloppy Joes and never really being too keen on them as a kid, I wasn’t sure about these. However I will gladly be proven wrong because this recipe certainly replaces any misconceptions I had about them. Warning: they aren't called Sloppy Joes for nothing.
7. Chocolate Chip Mint Grek Yogurt Pops
Just the name alone has the power to make your mouth water, and this summer treat will literally melt in your mouth. Popsicles are a summer staple and anything with chocolate in it has to be good. (Plus there’s yogurt in it so that makes it healthy, right?)
8. Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
Greek cuisine is something often overlooked, at least by me. I find I lean toward Mexican tacos or Italian cream sauces. Part of it is the fear of not being able to execute a good Greek recipe. This chicken dish is easy, relatively quick, and so worth it. (I paired it with a side of fresh veggies, Nan bread, and hummus.)
9. Berries and Feta Salad
I love a yummy summer salad and this one has two of my favorite things: cheese and berries. It is light and fresh and makes for a delicious lunch option or side dish.
10. Lemon Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream
These light airy lemon cakes topped with decedent fluffy blackberry buttercream are absolute heaven and a summer must try. After making them once, they already made my top list. Yes, they require a bit more work and effort but believe me they are so worth it and are special treat!
________________
I've tried all but the sparkling lemonade and the berries and feta salad. They are all delicious alternatives to add into your summer recipe book. Bon appetit!!
