Summer is the perfect season for al fresco dining and entertaining. Not only is it a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family outdoors, but the warm days and cool evenings make for the ideal opportunity to cook together and eat at the same time. After the past digital-focused years, it can be a great opportunity to get away from the screen for a few hours and spend more time with friends. But with so many delicious recipes to try this season, it can be hard to know where to begin. Fortunately, you can read on for a solid list of healthy and delicious recipes for summer. From delicious and refreshing salads to yummy and easy meals, these recipes are perfect for outdoor entertaining and keeping your current recipe collection fresh all summer long.
Photo by Lee Myungseong on Unsplash
Grilled Halloumi with Pomegranate Guacamole
You don’t have to grill for all your summer meals, but if you’re looking for a solid vegetarian recipe to keep on the menu for those backyard BBQs, a combo of grilled halloumi and pomegranate guacamole is a great option. Not only are they both delicious and full of flavor, but they’re also very healthy. This guacamole is also great to make with your friends or family during the summer. It’s a great way to get everyone together outside to enjoy the warm weather.
Summer Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is one of the most classic barbecue foods you can make. It’s delicious, easy to make, and tastes amazing. Not to mention, it can also be made in bulk and kept in the freezer. This summer, when you don’t have time to barbecue for hours on end, this crockpot pulled pork recipe is for you. Because it’s cooked in the slow cooker, you don’t have to babysit the hunk of pork for hours on end. Instead, you can get everything else done while your pork cooks. Once it’s done, pull it out of the slow cooker and let the juices settle for a few hours. After that, you can easily shred the pork and serve it with your favorite BBQ sides.
Sweet and Spicy Edamame Salad
Edamame is a popular soybean that is boiled and shelled before being eaten as a snack or side dish. So if you’re looking for a healthy side dish to pair with your summer meals, this sweet and spicy edamame salad is perfect. It’s loaded with peppers and also has quinoa, which makes it a great carb option. It’s also very simple to make. You just have to toss the ingredients, add the edamame, and add a dressing of your choosing (like a yuzu-based citrus vinaigrette).
Pineapple Mango Gazpacho
If you’re looking for a refreshing summer soup to keep you hydrated and satisfied, this pineapple mango gazpacho is for you. It combines two of summer’s best elements—fruit and vegetables—and brings them together in a refreshing and delicious way. As with any gazpacho recipe, the great thing about this one is that it’s super easy to make. This gazpacho recipe is also perfect for when you want something a little more filling than a traditional side salad. It’s perfect for getting your vegetables and fruits in and plenty filling enough to keep you full and satisfied.
Use these recipe ideas as inspiration as you plan your summer events! Never be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new. You might just find your new favorite dish.
