Seasonal Recipes to Make on a Hot Summer Day
It can be hard figuring out what to make at meal time when there is little to no motivation to spend time in a hot and steamy kitchen during the summer months. I’ve already put my girls on notice that meatball Monday will have to be put on pause until the temps get a little cooler. I mean who wants to have the stove and oven going at the same time when it’s ninety degrees outside anyway?!
Needless to say, they were not happy about that announcement. So, its time I kick it into high gear to find go to recipes to add to the menu planning rotation. And hopefully the girls won’t even miss meatball Monday.
Here are 7 great seasonal recipes I plan to test out on the grill or in our kitchen over the next couple of months.
7 SEASONAL SUMMER RECIPES
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber (Dinner at the Zoo): This recipe caught my eye right away! I think it has real potential to be a crowd pleaser for the entire family. Watermelon is a go to snack to pack for a day at the beach or enjoy on the patio during a bbq on a hot summer day. I’m sure it’s the same for your family too. But, this recipe jazzes it up a little bit, and its simple, and sure to be deliciously refreshing!
Santa Fe Chicken (Food Faith and Fitness): This recipe looks so yummy! The directions do say to sear, then bake the chicken in the oven but, I will most likely use the same marinade and throw it on the grill. I would swap out the canned/frozen corn for fresh because here on Long Island, corn on the cob is in season and sooo sweet and tasty.
Pizza on the Grill (Mom’s Kitchen Handbook): I am the most excited to give this one a try. This recipe is simple, and sure to please the kiddos. I would make a second pizza and load it with all of the veggies, like summer squash, mushrooms, and fresh herbs! Looking for a more adventurous recipe? Then you might want to check out this Grilled Peach + Prosciutto Pizza or this Grilled Lobster and Corn Pizza. I would likely ease up on the corn and sub out the goat cheese recommended in this recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Kebabs (All That’s Jas): I love the simplicity of this recipe, and that it only takes 40 minutes to cook! I am the only one in the house who loves seafood so, I would save this recipe for when I’m home alone (whenever that’ll happen). Or, simply add in some skewers with chicken instead of shrimp…
Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Vindulge): Who says you have to give up comfort food in the summer? This one is a time investment for sure but, a skill I would like to learn. I would save this one for a Sunday dinner but, these ribs need to get on the grill early. So, it has to be a day you have nothing planned but lounging around the house to recharge.
I might pair these ribs with this Zucchini Tomato Bake, seeing as our grill will be occupied for most of the day. Or a simple garden salad or veggie skewers! The kiddos would like this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese.
Lobster Corn Chowder (The Suburban Soap Box): Admittedly, when I think hot summer day, I do not think of soup but, if you live on the east coast, you know summer = prime lobster time! Each and every summer I try to eat as many lobster rolls as I can because well, have you ever had a lobster roll?!? Yum. I prefer mine cold, and one day I will learn how to make them here at home. But for now, adding this Lobster Corn Chowder to my recipe box is a step in the right direction. Check it out, you’ll want to give it a try too, it’s mouthwatering!
Bourbon Brat Skewers (Taste of Home): Two of my favorites “B’s”, brats + bourbon! These look so tasty, and not too hard to make. Definitely adding to our list this summer!
Share your go-to seasonal recipes below!
