Everyoney knows that the best fresh produce starts sprouting up at the end of spring; and just when summer rolls around the corner, there are countless watermelons, tomatoes, strawberries, and more available for eating right off the vine, or for creating delicious recipes. Let's start with what produce is in season during the summer:
So many options to choose from! I've selected some recipes that I think represent summer cooking the best, all using some of the produce listed above. There are dishes from every course; including drinks (never forget the drinks!). Without further ado (in no particular order), here we go:
1. Grilled Apricot, Sweet Corn, and Arugula salad with Pistachios
Tried, tested, and approved, there's nothing better than a nice light summer salad when it's piping hot outside. The apricots and sweet corn provide a perfect balance to the slightly bitter arugula. Definitely a game changer for a traditional summer salad. Get the recipe here.
2. Blueberry-Drop Biscuit Cobbler
Blueberries are one of my favorite summer snacks, and you can never go wrong with blueberries in anything. While I know some people don't prefer warm, cooked fruit, I'm a sucker for any kind of tart, pie, or cobbler. This recipe is perfect for a warm summer evening because rather than a heavy doughy crust, there are nice little droplets of biscuit that give the feel of crust without actually having a full crust. This is definitely a recipe I will be trying this summer.
3. Tuscan Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Pasta salad is a pretty classic staple at any backyard barbecue. This particular salad can be modified in a few ways; the recipe calls for radicchio, fennel, and bell peppers for grilling, however, you can add any vegetables you fancy. I would imagine some cherry tomatoes, green beens, or onions would compliment the grilled ingredients well. You can never go wrong with a good pasta salad.
4. Watermelon and Grapefruit Agua Fresca
Um...yum! I didn't have to think twice when I saw this recipe. Two of my favorite juicy fruits put together and made into a drink—delicious. This "cool water" is exactly what the name implies. The watermelon provides a perfect sweetness, while the grapefruits' tanginess gives your mouth a perfect little punch. Although the cutting and pureeing of the watermelon does take some time, let me tell you—it's worth it. Serve this drink over some ice with a cute straw for the perfect summer refresher. Find the recipe here.
5. Spiced Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema and Peach Salsa
Tacos are arguably one of my favorite foods, and in the summer, a perfect dinner is one or two little tacos with a nice, refreshing, fruity salsa. While I'm not a huge pork fan, this recipe is enticing enough for a tryout. The pork could easily be replaced with fish for an even lighter, more summery option! Go buy yourself some fresh peaches and cilantro at the farmers market and give these pork tacos a whirl!
6. Heirloom Tomato Caprese
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of summer produce is tomatoes. My mom raised me in such a fashion that picking up a tomato and biting it like an apple was not an unusual sight. So naturally, I had to incorporate a dish featuring tomatoes. This dish is pretty close to a traditional caprese, but instead of using a large beefsteak tomato, the recipe uses heirloom cherry tomatoes. This salad is also "self-dressed." There is no balsamic vinegar but rather some Maldon salt flakes (super salty, super delicious) and a little bit of oil. All in all, it sounds delicious to me.
7. Grilled Cobb Salad
Quinoa, quinoa, quinoa. I know, people; it's everywhere. Just like kale, it's one of the "new things." Personally I don't have any qualms with quinoa; it's got a nice crunch, has a light flavor, and is a healthier alternative to rice. But while I know everyone does not like quinoa, it can easily be replaced in this salad with barley, wheat-berries, couscous, or anything else you would like for a grain. This salad, much like the first, can be added to quickly to increase the volume. Some fresh tomatoes, a nice ripe avocado, and a little bit of scallions make for a nice Tex-Mex inspired salad. Find the recipe here.
8. White Sangria
While Blake Shelton's "Sangria" is the hottest country song out there, cool yourself off with a nice glass of this White Sangria. This sounds like a perfect drink to sit on the back deck and chill with. Gather some fresh limes, lemons, peaches, and raspberries from the weekly farmers market, go get yourself a nice bottle of white wine, and get mixing away. Add some fresh mint leaves on top for garnish or even a cute cocktail umbrella for a summery vibe.
9. Tomato Sandwich
Out of all the fancy-shmancy recipes on this list, I present to you my hands-down favorite. Nothing, I repeat nothing, in this delicious world will beat a good old-fashioned tomato sandwich. I was raised on these bad boys when I was younger. Come home from swim practice—grab a tomato sandwich. While this recipe is pretty simple, I had to bless you with its presence. The secret to a good tomato sandwich is not the tomato, but the bread. Make sure you have perfectly golden toasted bread (sourdough is my favorite) and a good schmear of mayo. Once you've got your tomatoes, add a nice shake or two of salt and pepper and eat up!
10. Taqueria Guacamole
Guacamole is a perfect appetizer or side for any meal. Serve it with chips, on a burger, or just eat a few spoonfuls (I can't be the only one that does that). This recipe is one of the simplest ones I've ever seen, but a few personal tweaks here and there and you've got a perfect guacamole. Check out the recipe here. Rock out with your guac out!
11. Honey-Lime Strawberries with Whipped Cream
The name of this recipe sounds light and refreshing—perfect for summer. Instead of serving it with whipped cream, these strawberries could also be served with a nice sorbet for a quick cool-down on a warm summer night. This is a recipe I will undoubtedly be trying. Fresh fruit desserts in the summer are always a good idea. Find the recipe here.
12. Barbecued Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Red Onion
What's summer without a barbecue? Nothing. My next two recipes are both barbecue staples. A nice juicy pork sandwich can't be beat when you're grilling on the Fourth of July. This sandwich features a nice bite with some vinegary pickled red onions. If those aren't your cup of tea, no problem! That's the great thing about sandwiches and burgers, they can be personalized with your favorite toppings. Throw some extra barbecue sauce on there and get eating! Make sure you've got lots of napkins handy, because it always gets messy.
13. The BA Burger Deluxe (BA = Bon Appetit)
Sorry to all those who are vegetarians reading this, but I've got to include this deluxe juicy burger. This is a pretty classic burger, grilled to perfection and ready for you to eat. Make sure you season the meat well, because that's the key to a delicious burger! Grab your favorite fresh toppings at the store and get grilling! Get the BA Burger Deluxe here!
14. Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Popsicle
Homemade popsicles sound like quite the feat, but these were super easy to make! Instead of adding tequila and triple sec, I used a little bit more honeydew juice and some water. This popsicle was a perfect snack to come home to after a long day of work outside. I'm sure these taste delicious either way and are definitely worth a try if you want to wow your family or guests over the summer! Find the recipe here.
15. Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos
Last but not least, I leave you with a delicious drink. One of my favorite summer drinks: mojitos! This is a spin on a classic mojito, as we add some fresh strawberries and lemon muddled with the mint to give the drink a sweeter, more summery feel. Be sure to follow the proportions of the recipe so you get the perfect sweet to tangy ratio. Garnish with a beautiful, fresh, summer strawberry, sit back, relax, and enjoy your summer.
Now I must leave you—most likely with a growling stomach—with a few more summer recipes to try. So, head down to your local farmers market or farm stand, stock up on some fresh summer produce, and get cooking!
