I got up early this morning to put the finishing touches on a post about summer vegetable quiche. As I was about to hit publish, I realized that 4th of July was just days away and that quiche is the farthest thing from your mind. Hotdogs, shrimp boils, and flag cakes are all acceptable fare this weekend. Quiche is not.
Which is why you’ll find my post about quiche next month and today you’ll find my annual guide to the summer. This annual tradition serves as a good reminder to me of my favorite recipes for the season. In reading it, I hope that you find it just as beneficial and that it not only reminds you of past favorites, but also leaves you inspired to try something new in the kitchen.
From starters using the best of summer produce to refreshing cocktails for the hottest summer days, read on for plenty of inspiration for your summer table. And at the end of the day, no matter what graces your table, remember that what is most important are those that crowd around it.
May you have safe travels, good food, and great company this holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day!
Because it’s hot:
Ginger, Lemon and Rosemary Tea
Roasted Plum and Ginger Pops
Melon, Strawberry and Mint Pops
Pink Lemonade
Watermelon with Mint
Because it’s hot and 5 o’clock (somewhere):
Strawberry Mojitos
Watermelon Margaritas
Mint Juleps
The Caipirinha
Margarita Pops
Nibbles and Starters:
Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Cherry Tomatoes stuffed with Panzanella
Roasted Tomato and Chipotle Salsa
Quick Pickled Green Beans
Southern Caviar
Fried Coconut Shrimp with a Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Spicy Asian Chicken Wings
Deviled Eggs with Shrimp or Curried Deviled Eggs
Vietnamese Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ricotta Herb Dip
Pickled Shrimp
White Bean Bruschetta
For those who celebrate with flame and fireworks:
Chipotle-Maple Barbecue Chicken
Korean Bulgogi with Kimchi
Sweet Tea Brined Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa
Grilled Flank Steak with Watermelon Salsa
Lime and Jalapeño Marinated Flank Steak
Grilled Fish Tacos
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki
Banh Mi Burgers with Sriracha Mayo
For the lucky ones who find themselves at the beach:
Pan-browned Red Snapper with Lemon and Capers
Shrimp Po’Boys
Spicy Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp and Feta Pasta (hot) or Shrimp, Feta, & Tomato Salad with Orzo (cold)
Macadamia-Encrusted Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
Squid Ink Linguini with Clam Sauce
Slow-Roasted Salmon with a Dill-Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Pan-Seared Black Bass over Black Lentils
Sides and Salads:
Arugula and Spinach Salad with Watermelon, Blueberries and Feta
Summer Corn Salad (this is one of the most popular recipes on Minced)
Farro with Bell Peppers and Olives
Summer Herb Tabbouleh
Grilled Vegetable and Farro Salad
Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Dill Dressing
Cole Slaw
Fried Okra
The Cheesiest Macaroni and Cheese
Vegetable Fritters
Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bell Peppers and Almonds
Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto
Sweet Endings:
Homemade Marshmallows for 4th of July S’Mores
Salted Caramel Sauce
Pina Colada Ice Cream
S’more cupcakes
Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries
Upside-Down Cherry Almond Cake
French Yogurt Cake with a Tropical Twist
7-Layer Bars
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Ginger Snaps
Peach & Almond Clafouti
Classic Cheesecake
Granny Ivey’s Strawberry Roll
Blueberry Pie with a Lattice Crust
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies
Peach & Jalapeno Pops
Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
For Breakfast:
Beer & Blueberry Pancakes
Chewy Gooey Granola Bars
Baked Buttermilk Doughnuts: 3 Ways
I want summer to last forever and have the time to make it so:
Peach and Jalapeño Jelly
Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
