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Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to ignite your inner chef, fire up the grill, and experiment with new recipes. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your meals or impress your guests at a backyard barbecue, I’ve got you covered. After some serious mouth-watering research, I’ve compiled a list of 9 mouth-watering recipes to try this season. From Hawaiian Roll Sliders to Low Country Boil and Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, there’s something for everyone.
Let me start off by saying I am not a cook. I can follow recipe directions fairly well, but being able to just brainstorm what to make for dinner off what I have in my fridge on the fly…not so much. I hate thinking about meal prep and grocery shopping. The dreaded “What do you want for dinner?” question that happens in our house every day at 5 pm…it haunts me.
I grew up in a house where we had dinner every night around the table at 6 pm. My grandma typically cooked something up every evening (she lived with us since I was 10 years old until she passed a few years back). And now that I’m a mom, I don’t want my kids to grow up with a mom who only orders take-out or serves frozen pizza and mac and cheese. Sure, we’re a ways off from the kids realizing my lack of skills in the kitchen but, better to start now, right?
In a dream world, we’d visit a local farmers’ market to pick up fresh produce (summer corn or sweet cherries, anyone?). We’d come home, fire up the grill, and enjoy a perfect summer meal like grilled shrimp or fish tacos with a cucumber salad (fresh basil, of course!). We’d cool off from a hot day with a light co*cktail on the back porch and end the night with a skillet brown sugar peach cobbler.
What can I say? I dream big! And while those dreams don’t actually match our reality, I still want our dinnertime routine to be healthy and fun but also have more variety than your basic grilled chicken and salad recipes. I’m talking exciting sandwiches, easy bowls, and even breakfast for dinner! But, again, they can’t take too much time to make (30 minutes or less is the sweet spot).
I might be willing to dedicate a little more time to the kitchen during colder months of the year, but this time of year when the daylight is long, I want quick, easy summer go-to’s that allow us the time to soak in the evenings on the back patio. With that in mind, here are a few recipes I’ve saved online from some of my favorite websites and blogs that I’m hoping to be motivated to try this summer. Which one(s) do you think looks the best? Let me know in the comments below!
Hawaiian Roll Sliders
One recipe that caught my eye for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors is the Hawaiian Roll Sliders. These mini sandwiches are perfect for a summer party or a quick and easy dinner.
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a great sandwich. It’s a quick, easy way to get food on the table. And the only thing better than a sandwich is a mini sandwich, right? That way you can eat a ton without guilt, right? But for real, sliders on Hawaiian rolls…count me in!
Recipe onLiving Beautiful Truth
Low Country Boil
Another summer favorite that I can’t wait to try is the classic Low Country Boil. This Southern dish is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner with friends. The signature ingredients include shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob, all boiled together in a large pot with Old Bay seasoning. YUM!
Not entirely sure how this is possible since it’s a favorite summer staple here in the south, but I’ve never been to a low-country boil before. You know, when they throw the newspaper on the table and the food gets dumped out of the pot! Making one at home sounds like absolute heaven…but with less mess.
Recipe on Heirloomed
Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
I’m always on the hunt for new breakfast recipes to try, and these Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are at the top of our list. The ricotta in the batter makes for an extra-fluffy pancake, while the blueberries and lemon add a burst of freshness.
And breakfast for dinner, who doesn’t love that! What better way to embrace the meal switch than with a sweet pancake treat? Blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes are my weakness but I’ve never made them at home. That will definitely change this summer! No doubt this would be a seriously delicious twist on dinner. If you want to make the meal a bit more hearty, go all out and add bacon and eggs to the side for a full feast!
Recipe on Half Baked Harvest
Classic BLT Sandwich
Confession: I don’t think I’ve ever had a traditional BLT sandwich. I was meatless for so long that I’d usually substitute the bacon for avocado and call it a day. I’m also not a huge mayonnaise fan but for this sandwich, I may need to make the exception.
Look how fancy and delicious this sandwich looks! Pair it with an awesome summer salad – green beans, summer squash, grape tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil – and you’ve got yourself a full-on easy summer dinner. Ok, now I’m hungry!
Recipe on Heirloomed
Buffalo Cauliflower Po’Boy
Seeing a trend here today? I love sandwiches! And I love cauliflower that’s tricking us into thinking it’s buffalo chicken, don’t you? I feel like I’m seeing it on menus more and more, so why not make it at home and slap it on a Po’Boy? This picture has it plated with chips, but I think it would be delicious with some pasta salad, a little ranch or blue cheese on the side as a dipping sauce, and ice cream for dessert. Yum!
Vegetarian or not, this recipe is hearty and filling. The cauliflower is coated in a spicy Buffalo sauce that’s sure to satisfy any craving for heat. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and satisfied. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to lunch or dinner option this summer.
Recipe on A Beautiful Mess
Sweet and Savory Toast
I honestly never thought of making a variety of toasts for dinner, but what a great idea for those hot summer days when you don’t want to add even more heat to the house by turning on your oven!
Look no further than sweet and savory toast! It’s a simple yet delicious meal that can be customized to your taste preferences. Simply choose your favorite bread, toast it to your liking, and then add your toppings. For a sweet option, try spreading some peanut butter and jelly, or sprinkling some cinnamon and sugar. For a savory option, top with avocado and roasted tomatoes, or add some bacon and scrambled eggs.
Recipe on A Taste of Koko
Barbecue Tofu Tacos
Is it safe to say that everyone loves tacos? What’s better than 2 or 3-bite handheld tacos filled with deliciousness? I’ve never tried barbecue tacos but damn, these look so good and really easy to make! And honestly, what screams summer more than barbecue and corn?
The combination of smoky barbecue sauce with savory tofu and fresh veggies creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, this recipe is easy to make ahead of time, so you can have a satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.
Recipe on A Taste Of Koko
Crispy Chicken Burger
Now that I’m a meat-eater again I have to say, crispy fried chicken is by far my weakness. Seriously, it doesn’t get much better. This sandwich looks delicious with crunchy chicken, crisp red onion, and refreshing slaw. This is a dream burger in my mind – my mouth is already watering!
For those who crave a classic burger experience but want something a bit lighter, the Crispy Chicken Burger is the perfect solution. This burger has all the fixings you’d expect: a crispy, breaded chicken patty, lettuce, and a special sauce. But unlike traditional beef burgers, this recipe uses chicken breast for a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Recipe on Kitchen Sanctuary
Pasta Salad With Avocado
If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying side dish, the Pasta Salad With Avocado is just the thing. This salad combines al dente pasta, creamy avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer.
I love going over to Jessica’s house because she’s the best host and almost always makes me lunch. And since y’all know I’m a bit of a pasta salad junkie, I’m definitely requesting this BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado recipe next time I’m there. She better make a lot so I have leftovers, that’s all I’m saying!
Recipe on An Indigo Day
Summer really is the perfect time to experiment with new recipes that are healthy and delicious. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland and boring. So why not spice up your summer meals with these easy-to-make recipes? Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and try out new ingredients. Cooking really is meant to be fun!
As I mentioned before, my biggest struggle is meal planning and grocery shopping. Maybe I’d get better with practice, but it would seriously take me hours to sit down, find recipes, plan out dinner for each day of the week, and then go to the grocery store to actually buy the food. Who has time for that?! Do any of y’all have tips on how to get over this hurdle? A way to set yourself up for success for the week so I can make these yummy meals without having to run to the store every day? Leave your advice in the comments below I’d love to hear them!
