GREG DUPREE
The blistering summer months are upon us, and just the thought of light the oven or cook on a hot stove seems unbearable. When the temperature starts to rise and the humidity rises, it’s time to enjoy your favorite meals without cooking. Whether you are a backyard barbecue or attending an afternoon picnicthere are so many delicious, rejuvenating recipes to help you stay cool and hydrated.
From veggie-packed gazpachos and crunchy salads to freshly made sandwiches and frozen treats, you’ll be inspired to dine alfresco all season long with these flavorful dishes that will help you beat the heat.
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Pink Dragon Smoothie
Say goodbye to the $9 smoothie from your local health cafe. This stunningly vibrant Pink Dragon Smoothie is So on-brand for the summer. It has the perfect balance between sweetness of fresh raspberries, boiled beets and dragon fruit puree rich in fiber† It also asks for a little Greek yoghurt which adds protein and a luscious, creamy texture.
Good morning Green Smoothie
Getting your veggies first in the morning has never been easier than with this green smoothie. The combination of cucumber and spinach with a Granny Smith apple and pineapple chunks melds into an invigorating drink that will get your day off to a great start, no matter how hot it gets.
The easiest guacamole ever
There’s nothing quite like lounging by the pool with a cocktail and a big bowl of fresh guacamole and chips. After you’ve made this traditional dip, put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to get nice and cold before serving. Don’t be surprised if your guests devour it in record time.
Tex Mex Gazpacho
Take advantage of fresh summer products by making the perfect summer soup. Gazpacho is a great option for a healthy lunch or snack, and it’s more than easy to make. You actually only need a blender for this Tex-Mex Gazpacho and about 10 minutes of your time. The only thing hot about this recipe is the kick of the poblano pepper!
Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita
What makes the most perfect salad? Fresh ingredients, contrasting textures and a tasty dressing. This gorgeous chopped salad checks all the boxes as it calls for crunchy chickpeas, crunchy veggies and creamy goat cheese† Fresh herbs and a sour dressing bring all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
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Every-Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego
A fresh citrus salad is always a good idea on a hot summer day. The mixture of roasted almonds, salty Manchego, blood oranges, navel oranges and sharp grapefruit is not only stunning, but also incredibly flavorful. You will definitely repeat this gourmet recipe.
Pasta salad Spring
Why make a traditional? Pasta salad when can you make this luxury with spring vegetables and a spicy Dijon mustard vinaigrette? This elegant spring pasta salad goes well with a juicy grilled steak or flaky whitefish. And it’s just as delicious if you eat the leftovers straight from the fridge the next day.
Spicy Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a summer staple because you can make a large batch and eat it all week. This version is a little different from your standard chicken salad because it has lemon, pickles in vinegar, and tons of fresh herbs. Make a simple salad and tomato sandwich, add a scoop to a bed of lettuce, or add it to a snack plate with your favorite crackers and chopped veggies.
Summer Vegetable Panini With Lemon Aioli And Mozzarella
Whether you’re going to the beach or going for a walk, consider packing a light lunch. The nice thing about this panini is that you can use it up leftover grilled vegetables and make a quick lemon aioli, and voila – you have the ideal summer sandie.
Frozen S’mores Cake
Who said you need a campfire to enjoy s’mores this summer? If you want to impress your friends with an irresistible frozen treat, a s’mores ice cream box cake is a good idea. Be sure to plan, because while this recipe only takes 25 minutes to make, it takes about nine hours to chill in the freezer.
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Lemon-Hibiscus Italian Ice Cream
Take a bite of nostalgia with these three-ingredient homemade Italian ice creams. Not only are these ice creams insanely easy to make, but they’re so pretty — almost like an adult version of a childhood favorite. But don’t worry, the kids will still gobble up these frozen treats with no questions asked.
Homemade snow cones
There’s no need to spend money on a nice shaved ice maker when you can make snow cones in a standard blender. If your device has an “ice-crush” setting, you can achieve the same snow cone stand in seconds. The best part about this is that you can customize flavors by making homemade fruity syrups like: mixed berry, sweet peach, or even something more advanced like rosemary, grapefruit and ginger†
