As summer is quickly approaching, it is time to get the cookbooks out to make the perfect summer dishes. If your anything like me I prefer simple and easy to make recipes. Look no further as I tried four amazing summer recipes sure to be a hit at any summer party.
Cowboy Caviar makes a great side dish or appetizer for any picnic, potluck or summer party, with the perfect use of summer produce. This fresh, simple dip was super easy and quick to whip up. I tried Cowboy Caviar for the first time a few years ago and ever since it has been a staple dish for any summer get together. The only steps to make it are chopping up your veggies and making the dressing (which only consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime, garlic powder and salt and pepper). The vegetables that go in it are corn, black beans, black eye peas, jalapeno, red onion and tomatoes. If you are looking for a light, fresh dish for any summer party, this is the dip for you.
I don’t know about you, but I love lemons, especially in the summertime. Lemon bars is the perfect summer dessert that incorporates the tanginess and sweetness of the lemons. The recipe I used was very simple and didn’t need many ingredients. I loved the soft lemon filling paired with a crisp shortbread crust. The recipe calls for a 25 minute baking time but I would recommend cooking for a bit longer. I would also recommend not rushing the cooling time to make sure that the lemon center is set. If you are going to a backyard barbeque or picnic, this is the perfect dessert to bring.
Similarly to the cowboy caviar, this pasta salad recipe is easy to make by mixing all the ingredients in one bowl. Pasta salad is a light side dish or main course for any summer get together. The base was rotini pasta (but you can use any kind), which held the dressing well and provided a great texture. The addition of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and black olives brought a refreshing crunch and a nice contrast to the softness of the pasta. What really stood out, though, was the dressing which was a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and Italian herbs. It was light but flavorful, coating every bite without overwhelming the ingredients. It felt healthy, vibrant and suited for a warm-weather picnic or a light lunch. Overall this pasta salad was a refreshing dish. It’s simple, colorful and full of flavor. I’d definitely make it again, especially for summer gatherings.
Strawberry shortcake has always been a nostalgic dessert for me. It is light, sweet and the perfect end to a summer meal. I tried a new recipe that promised a “classic homemade taste,” and I have to say, it more than delivered. The shortcake itself was the star. It was buttery with a biscuit-style base. It balanced the fruit perfectly and the use of cold butter really made a difference in achieving the perfect texture. The strawberries were macerated with just enough sugar to make them a bit sweeter. Combined with a splash of lemon juice, they had a bright natural flavor. The whipped cream was homemade and added a richness without overwhelming the other components. Together all three layers; biscuit, berries and cream, created a dessert that was rustic yet refined. Overall, this recipe captures the essence of what strawberry shortcake should be and judging by the empty plates, it was a hit with my family as well.
