My Favorite Summer Recipes!

Summer is a time when I want to eat lighter (not heavy foods) and want to take advantage of things I find at the Farmers Market. If you are in a cooking rut, then these yummy ideas might give you a little inspiration. 

LUNCH

I like a simple lunch, like sliced tomatoes from the Farmers Market with cottage cheese or mozzarella and basil from my backyard. I eat with crackers or fresh bread. I make homemade pasta salad and nibble on that throughout the week. Sometimes I make it very simple with pasta, chopped tomatoes, peppers, and Italian dressing. If I have more time I make this longtime favorite orzo with roasted vegetables It’s a go-to for a crowd, and can be a great side with with grilled chicken for dinner — it’s delicious either way.

Another favorite lunch that is so versatile, and perfect for eating all week long, is chicken salad with tarragon. It’s better to poach your own chicken if you can, rather than use a rotisserie chicken — but sometimes you’ve got to go with ease and convenience! You can find lots of recipes online!

I drink a lot of iced tea during the summer. I bought this restaurant-style iced tea on Amazon and recently put my fresh mint in it. Game changer! And so refreshing on a hot day.

DINNER

We use my husband’s blackening spice on everything during the summer! It’s perfect on fresh fish, shrimp, and chicken. And great for summertime grilling. 

A couple of years ago, I shared my family’s favorite crab dip recipe — and to this day it’s one of the most requested appetizers in our house, especially when at the beach! We started making it on a family trip to the beach and have never looked back. The dip is packed with flavor, uses fresh crab meat, and is so easy to pull together in a pinch. Just serve with crostini! It is very filling it could be enough for dinner with other hor d’oeuvres!

Need an easy dinner in minutes? This pasta aglio e olio is so simple and delicious, and something my husband makes for me often. It uses pantry staples and comes together so quickly. 

Another thing we eat all the time in the summer? Roasted vegetables. Squash, red onions, broccoli, cauliflower, you name it. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and roast at 400 for 25-35 minutes. Great with steaks, chicken, anything you grill!

DESSERTS & DRINKS

Is there anything better than a key lime pie in the summer? I don’t think so! This recipe is our favorite — it’s from Joe’s Stone Crab in Florida, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. 

I recreated Mercat Bistro’s péché mignon cocktail a few years ago and it is the perfect summer cocktail for entertaining. And it’s so easy to pull together — just muddle fruit, freeze it in spheres, and then top with sparkling wine. It’s delightful and party guests love it! You can also use a non-alcoholic sparkling cider. 

I hope this inspires you a bit and encourages you to try something new in the kitchen this summer. With all the fresh produce and the longer days, there’s no better time. 

What do you crave during the summer!?