8 of My New Summer Go-To Recipes
When it comes to the summer months, cooking can almost feel like a challenge. I mean who wants to use a stove or God forbid an oven when it’s 119 degrees out for 20 days straight? Heat just makes the thought of even eating pretty obnoxious and unbearable. I always seem to find myself making the same things over and over. They are usually simple recipes that don’t require a lot of cooking, cook fairly quickly, or are things I can prep earlier in the day before it gets too miserable out. Sometimes it even means eating a lot of pasta salads and sandwiches - much to the dismay of my digestive system.
That said, I’m fairly happy we live in the internet age where I am able to find recipes pretty much any time I want. I can find them based on ingredients I already have laying around, seasonal produce, and even based on grocery list items I constantly pick up anyway but can use in a new way. This summer I’ve added a bunch of new stuff into my dinner rotation and many of them even make great leftovers for a couple of days so there really is no shortage of options for beating the heat. All of these recipes get my kitchen’s seal of approval and don’t forget you can always see what I’m cooking up by following me on Instagram.
Caesar Pasta Salad
I absolutely love a Caesar salad whether it's in salad or wrap form. I think during the summer it’s probably the one thing I eat unimaginable amounts of, but I’m also known to love a good pasta salad. Thankfully this recipe has BOTH. It’s what dreams are made of and honestly so incredibly easy to make. Plus, I love that I always seem to have the ingredients on hand through my regular shopping list so it’s easy to make on a whim.
Tomato Salad
Ah, the humble Tomato Salad. A mainstay in Bozzani kitchens for as long as I can remember. A super simple side dish and a way to use seasonal produce (or produce you need to get rid of before it goes bad!). When I saw this one, I knew I had to try it. It has a bright, fresh flavor and really levels up an existing favorite around here. I love the Mediterranean flavors and add feta for a little something extra. I might also love to use it as an excuse to grab Castelvetrano olives.
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
I was thankful to stumble upon this Half Baked Harvest recipe when I had some extra corn I needed something to do with. This recipe is another one of those that seemed to feature ingredients I have on a normal basis. There isn’t much cooking involved which is great on days where it’s scorching hot and the thought of even cooking just sounds horrible. I love the flavors combined together and it uses seasonal produce which is a plus. I also just happened to find the most incredible white cheddar while making this and now I’m hooked - on both.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are a mainstay of my kitchen because they aren’t heavy on the stomach. They are filling and the options are honestly endless. I love to make a couple of different kinds from Italian sausage to another Modern Proper recipe with tons of gooey cheese, but this one really hits the spot. It’s meat-free but has tons of Southwest flavors to cover those taco cravings on Meatless Monday.
Magnolia Table Guacamole
The infamous Magnolia Table Guacamole has been in rotation since I heard of it or got the first cookbook. I’m not even sure because it’s been so long. Either way, it’s a delicious summer snack and if I want guacamole, I’m reaching for this recipe. Yes, even if I need guacamole for a recipe - like 7-layer dip, this is the one I’m going with. It’s a crowdpleaser and honestly easy to make.
Ultimate Breakfast Toast
I’m usually not one for breakfast, but after seeing a nutritionist, they really told me it was something I needed to make time for - both nutritionally and mentally. I’m a huge fan of sh*t on toast, as we know, so why make the same old boring avocado toast? This toast caught my eye and I knew I needed to give it a go. This toast has creamy ricotta, fresh fruit, and a quick homemade jam - that contains less sugar making it a smidge more healthy.
Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Greek food is incredibly delicious and I could probably eat Tzatziki by the spoonful if given the choice. However, that’s not really a meal nor socially acceptable so Chicken Tzatziki Bowls to the rescue! I love anything in bowl form and this is no exception. It has pretty much everything I love from delicious chicken to pepperoncini and feta. It’s a meal that shakes things up and adds a little excitement to mealtime. It’s a super good option for a Sunday when there is more time to dedicate to cooking.
Ham, Butter & Brie Sandwich
I grabbed a ham, butter, and brie sandwich at the deli last summer and my life was forever changed. It was just the perfect combination and despite my not being able to handle tons of bread, I could probably eat this every single day. It’s a French staple and with good reason. I mean honestly, I love sandwiches in general and I’ve never met one I didn’t like. This particular version uses prosciutto and herbed butter so there is a bit of a different flavor. A little salt from the prosciutto, the herbs from the butter, and the peppery notes from the arugula. It’s just as elegant and delicious as the original.
