Don’t you love summer barbecues? Cooking out is fun and festive, and best of all, it keeps the heat out of your kitchen. Next time you’re planning an outdoor barbecue or a pool party, try some of these great summer recipes.
Shish kabobs
Take a break from the usual hot dogs and hamburgers with a creative and colorful shish kabob. You can stack ‘em with anything you like! Chicken, steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and even pineapple. If you layer it right, a shish kabob can be a work of art! Be sure to marinate first, so the flavors come alive.
Burgers with a twist
Regular cheeseburgers are always a hit, but have you ever tried spicing up your burgers with inventive toppings? Try a cheese spread with bacon. Or give it some kick with roasted hot peppers. Or dial up the flavor with pesto and mozzarella cheese. Want to get fancy? Try grilled pineapple slices with avocado and some sour cream. The sky is the limit when it comes to burger toppings!
Campfire veggies
Ever have campfire veggies grilled in a foil packet? They’re amazing! Just dice up potatoes, carrots, and onions (and bacon if you want to splurge). Next add butter or olive oil and wrap everything securely in heavy duty aluminum foil. Just 20 minutes to 25 minutes on the grill, and the veggies will be tender and delicious.
Seven-layer dip
Seven-layer dip is a sure-fire crowd favorite, and it’s so easy to make. Just layer refried beans, sour cream (mix with taco seasoning for extra flavor), guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Be sure to chill it for an hour or so, so that the flavors mix together.
Easy bean salad
Beans salads are the perfect side dish for any summer party. Just rinse and drain three different cans of beans–like pinto beans, chickpeas, and black beans—and toss them in a bowl along with a can of corn or a diced cucumber. For dressing, add red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and some lime juice, and there you have it! Add scallions and a pinch of red pepper if you like a little spice in your life.
Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is so refreshing on a hot summer evening. Start by peeling the cucumbers, cutting them length-wise, and removing the seeds. Slice into half-moon shapes and marinate in a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Refrigerate for a few hours, and you’re in for a tangy treat!
Fruit salad
Summer fruits are nature’s dessert. For a delectable combo, try a melon salad with honeydew and cantaloupe. Or go more tropical with mangos and pineapple. Strawberries and blueberries are another pairing that is hard to beat. Top off any fruit salad with sliced kiwi fruit for added pizzazz.
Sliced watermelon
“Sweet” and “good for you” don’t usually fall in the same sentence. But watermelon is just that! Slice it or dice it however you want—you just can’t beat a perfectly ripe watermelon. It’s a taste that simply says summer. And with the lycopene and beta-carotene, you’re truly giving your body a healthy treat.
S’mores
Young and old alike—who doesn’t love a s’more? The combination of toasted marshmallows and melting chocolate on a graham cracker is simply mouth-watering. Grab a marshmallow and a roasting stick and get to it while the embers are still hot!
Ice cream sandwich freezer cake
This is a cool and refreshing dessert on a hot summer night. In a cake pan, place one layer of ice cream sandwiches, top it with frozen whipped topping, and repeat for the second layer. Drizzle chocolate sauce on the top and sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles, and you’ve got a festive cake. Make sure you budget a few hours for the cake to firm up in the freezer. It’s simple but scrumptious!
Summer is a time to relax, make memories, and enjoy the outdoors whenever you can. So take the party outdoors this summer—whether at the pool or your own backyard—and try out these fun and simple recipes. Bon appetit!
