10 Light and Easy Recipes to Keep Cool during the summer
After spending some time in hibernation, having light and easy recipes to keep me cool during the summer makes everything seems fresher and cleaner. I am all too happy to dust off my sunglasses and enjoy time outside. There is something about this time of the year that makes reminds me of the days I spent at the ocean as a little girl. Everyone seems happier, as if the fog has lifted. When the sun is out I find myself becoming more creative with food. Based on the fact that a lot of what we eat does not require much cooking. I am not an expert, but from my personal experience, I definitely crave lighter meals, like tapas style dishes.
Here are some of my favorite summer recipes and trust me, it’s more than just salads.
- Grilled Pizza
Traditional pizza will never be out of style because we love it throughout all seasons. Grilled pizzas are usually lighter, crispier and better suited in the warmer months. Choosing the right toppings can make all the difference. Veggies with a lighter cheese can turn this comfort food into a deliciously light summer meal.
2. Swop Fish for Watermelon
Create a delicious poke bowl, but instead of using tuna or salmon, cut up some watermelon. This is not only easy and refreshing, but light and good for you. You can add some avocado slices, pickled ginger and a dusting of sesame seeds. I love swapping ingredients around, just to see how it works out and sometimes it works better than the original.
3. Stuffed Peppers
This is by far one of the easiest recipes. We all probably have an idea of how to make the conventional stuffed peppers. Instead of going for the heavier meat base, you can use vegetarian ingredients. Rice, corn, beans and some light cheese is all you need. You can adjust this to your tasting and add the herbs and spices of your choice.
4. Fruity Caprese
I do enjoy a good salad, as long as it’s packed with flavor and doesn’t taste like I forgot to add the salt. Make a delicious caprese salad with strawberries as the main ingredients. You add some basil and mozzarella i
n the mix and it’s absolutely a wonderful and easy lunch option. Drizzle with some strawberry vinegar and you have one of the tastiest salads.
5. Summer Rolls
Shrimp, cabbage, avocado, rice paper and a sweet chilli sauce is all you need to make this delicious rolls. Simply add the shrimp, raw cabbage and avocado into rice paper and roll it up. Dip it in some sweet chilli sauce and dinner is done. These are also great to pack when going on a picnic or spending some time outdoors.
6. Berry Parfait
Yes, this one had to make it to my favorite summer recipe list because it is light and easy. I love berries because they are packed with antioxidants and it just makes me feel good about what I’m putting into my body. Of course, it helps that it taste absolutely like a desert. It’s also not that complicated to make your own yoghurt and granola from scratch, which makes it even healthier and tastier.
7. Asian Kabobs
Salmon, onions and pineapple chunks makes for a great kabob any way. Add some Asian flavors to the mix and you have a winner. I would also just grill these outside, which is always nice with some friends and family around. It puts a spin on the traditional barbecue recipes, but it taste amazing and fills you up.
8. Pineapple Mojito
Seeing as it is summer time and you will probably be having a lot of outdoor fun, I found the perfect drink idea. Lime, mint, rum and club soda will get you the perfect mojito. You can even add some strawberries to the mix. This drink also taste great without the rum if you want to make it non-alcoholic.
9. Black Bean Burgers
This is by far not a revolutionary surprise, but black bean burgers are so easy to make and definitely better than regular burgers. I just love playing around with the flavors. You can literally throw in the herbs and spices in your cabinet and create an insanely delicious burger. It’s lighter on the pallet and the gut, with a similar amount of protein as a beef burger.
10. Plain Pasta and Pesto
Summer is not summer without some pesto pasta. I’m not entirely sure if it is the basil or the pine nuts that makes me feel all happy inside. Even though pasta might seem a bit heavy for some people during summer, it really comes down to what you serve it with. Pesto is light and refreshing.
Conclusion
There seems to be a universal code that summer equals fun, food and being surrounded by people we enjoy. With these recipes you will be spending less time in front of the stove and more time doing things you are supposed to be doing.
Even though I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, these recipes ensures that I break away. Sharing your favorite recipes with these people is where you are going to find your own summer magic. These are just my favorite summer recipes, but I’d love to hear some of yours.