Summer is the best time for having foods that are light, tasty, and healthy, and these foods do not make you feel so warm and tired. Here are fifteen tasty and crisp summer recipes that you can try out when you are having a picnic, a barbecue party, or even a family dinner. This summer, prepare to enjoy tasty and nutritious meals that are suitable for the warmer season. So now let’s jump right into these yummy dishes!
Why Summer Recipes?
Health Benefits
Summer meals are usually embellished with fruits and vegetables which are nutritional strengths of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients assist in the strengthening of a man’s immunity, the renewal of his skin, and the regulation of hydration in his body. Besides, such meals do not cause that feeling of tiredness after eating a heavy meal, something common in the hot weather.
Seasonal Ingredients
Sampling during the season makes it possible for one to have fresh and quality produce while at the same time promoting farming by locals and being environmentally friendly. Summer is another perfect season as it gives different edible fruits and vegetables such as berries, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, and these crazy green leaves among others which I have used in preparing these meals.
1. Zucchini Cornbread Muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.
- Combine and Bake: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, fold in zucchini, and spoon batter into muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
2. Grilled Sweet Corn with Cilantro Chimichurri
Ingredients
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill corn on medium heat, turning occasionally, until charred.
- Make Chimichurri: Blend cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Serve: Drizzle chimichurri over grilled corn.
3.Texas Corn Succotash
Ingredients
- Fresh corn
- Green beans
- Red bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prep Veggies: Cut corn off the cob, chop green beans, bell pepper, and onion.
- Sauté: In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft.
- Cook Veggies: Add corn, green beans, and bell pepper. Cook until tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Vegetarian Summer Rolls with 3 Dipping Sauces
Ingredients
- Rice paper wrappers
- Vermicelli noodles
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Bell pepper
- Lettuce
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
Instructions
- Prep Fillings: Julienne carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper.
- Assemble Rolls: Soak rice paper in warm water, then fill with noodles, veggies, and herbs. Roll tightly.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, and a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
5. Best Chickpea Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- Chickpeas
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix Salad: Combine chickpeas, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion in a bowl.
- Dress and Serve: Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
6. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
Instructions
- Chop Veggies: Dice cucumbers and tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion.
- Mix Salad: In a large bowl, combine veggies.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Toss well.
7. Tabbouleh Recipe
Ingredients
- Bulgur wheat
- Parsley
- Mint
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook Bulgur: Soak the bulgur wheat in boiling water until tender, then drain.
- Mix Salad: Combine chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions with bulgur.
- Dress and Serve: Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
8. Strawberry Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients
- Strawberries
- Banana
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh ginger
- Honey
- Ice
Instructions
- Blend: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.
9. Pasta with Zucchini, Raisins, and Walnuts
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Zucchini
- Raisins
- Walnuts
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, sauté garlic and zucchini in olive oil until tender.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta, raisins, and walnuts to the skillet. Toss well.
- Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
10. Egg Zucchini Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Eggs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Spiralize Zucchini: Create zucchini noodles using a spiralizer.
- Cook Eggs: Boil eggs until hard-boiled, then peel and chop.
- Mix Salad: Combine zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped eggs.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
11. Tomato Salad with Gremolata
Ingredients
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop Tomatoes: Cut heirloom tomatoes into wedges.
- Make Gremolata: Mix minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and olive oil.
- Serve: Drizzle gremolata over tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
12. Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients
- Cannellini beans
- Chickpeas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prep Veggies: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Mix Salad: Combine beans, veggies, and olives in a bowl.
- Dress and Serve: Add feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
13. Easy Lebanese Salad
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Fresh mint
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop Veggies: Chop romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Mix Salad: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Dress and Serve: Add chopped mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
14. Pollo al Cilantro
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a marinade. Coat chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or sauté chicken until fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of your choice.
15. End of Summer Greek Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- Chickpeas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Red onions
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Fresh dill
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, vegetables, and Kalamata olives.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with fresh dill, feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Conclusion
Enjoy cooking summertime dishes and snacks with these delightful and popular recipes. Every dish created is light, which means quick to produce as it also aims to bring out summer in each bite. It could be simple as light salads, starter to more complex like main dishes, soup, steaks, barbeque to simple delicious desserts.
FAQs
What are some healthy summer meals?
Healthy summer meals often include fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and light dressings. Examples include Greek Chickpea Salad, Zucchini Cornbread Muffins, and Cucumber Tomato Salad.
How can I make summer meals more refreshing?
Incorporate ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, and use light, tangy dressings. Cold salads and smoothies are also excellent choices.
What are some vegetarian summer recipes?
Vegetarian summer recipes include Tabbouleh, Vegetarian Summer Rolls with Dipping Sauces, and Pasta with Zucchini, Raisins, and Walnuts.
How do I keep summer meals healthy?
Use a lot of fruits and vegetables when they are in season, avoid using processed foods with a lot of bad fats, and instead use olive oil. Some of the cooking techniques that can be used to maintain the nutrient content of foods include grilling and steaming.
Can I prepare summer meals in advance?
Yes, many summer meals like salads and cold pasta dishes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This also helps enhance the flavors as they marinate.
What are some quick summer recipes?
Quick summer recipes include Strawberry Ginger Smoothie, Cucumber Tomato Salad, and Easy Lebanese Salad. These dishes require minimal preparation and cooking time.
