June was a whirlwind in my home, but the start of summertime around here did not mean rest and relaxation after a tough year of change (moving, homeschooling, and random illnesses/surgery). So for the sake of balance we have been focusing on more home based stuff. Cooking and creating being at the top of the list. Here is a random list of the summer recipes I discovered this month, let me know what you try!
Summer Salads
Summer is here and that means you’re looking for new, tasty recipes to make with your family. The best part of summer recipes is all the fresh ingredients you can find at the farmer’s market! This is one of my go-to favorite sides in summer:
Best Pasta Salad Ever (with blueberries!)
Serve these summer recipes up on a picnic blanket under a shady tree or in front of an air conditioner. However you try them, I hope you enjoy them!
It’s summertime and it’s time to ditch the heavy salads for lighter, fresher fare. Enter this strawberry mint cucumber salad! This is a perfect meal or side dish that will quench your thirst while also satisfying your hunger. It has all the flavors of a traditional caprese salad but with no cheese and less oil. If you’re looking for an easy way to stay cool in the summer heat, look no further!
The color and texture of this easy fruit salad is enough to make anyone happy. The variety of fruits that are in this dish allows for each person to have their own personal favorite, whether it be apples, strawberries, or grapes. Fruit salads can range from healthy to decadent depending on what you add into the mix. What do you like more: honey or chocolate? It’s your choice!
BBQ / Cookout Recipes
I am such a fan of my Air Fryer it is silly. I will use any excuse to cook in it. So this bang bang chicken made in the Air Fryer is right up my alley! It would be the perfect dish to bring to a potluck. Pretty easy to transport if you put the chicken in a pyrex dish with a lid.
Another quick and easy favorite is a one-pot dish because they are so easy and have quick clean-up. This one pot broccoli and rice would be a tasty addition to any cookout. Even though it has broccoli, the flavors are kid-friendly.
What’s a cookout with a flavorful buffalo chicken dip? I can promise you, one batch of chicken dip isn’t enough!
Dessert recipes
I’m all about whipping up the most impressive desserts, with minimal work. What about you?
Did you know you can make a cake in your electric pressure cooker? Try this Instant Pot pound cake and the come back here and thank me!
Looking for something a little fruitier? This peach dump cake is on my “must make in the Air Fryer” list.
If you’re looking for an easy dessert idea, these cheesecake cups are perfect! Your kids will love them and they can be made in a jiffy. The recipe is easy to follow and budget friendly. What more could you ask for?
This melting ice cream cone cupcake recipe is a fun (and messy) way to make ice cream in cupcake form. You can use any flavor of cake mix and frosting you want, so these are perfect for any occasion. These cupcakes take only 30 minutes to make and they only need a few ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
I joke about “needing a drink” a lot, but most who know me know I am a complete teetotaler! Especially in the summer here in Florida. It is so dang hot here that I love discovering a new recipe for a nice cool drink on a hot day!
A refreshing twist on the traditional iced tea, this blueberry pomegranate lemonade iced tea has whole, fresh ingredients that pop with flavor. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cold. And since it has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, this drink can also be enjoyed by anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences. The best part? You’ll have plenty of time left over to play outside with your family.
When it’s hot outside, nothing beats a cold glass of cherry lemonade. It has the sweetness you need to offset the heat and thirst that comes from being outdoors in the summer. I love how tart and tangy this drink is!
Alcoholic Drinks
Just because I don’t drink much doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy one on occasion! If I am gonna have a drink I like to try something fun and new. Here is a fun one I found for summer. It’s not just alcoholic, but also super refreshing, Prosecco Pops are sure to quench your thirst while cooling you down.
If you’re looking for a delicious drink that won’t break the calorie bank, this huge list of low calorie alcoholic drinks is just for you. These low-calorie alcoholic drinks are perfect for those trying to watch their weight or who want an occasional drink without going overboard. This list includes wine, beer, and more!
Happy Start of Summer
I hope June was good to you and yours and I will share recipes I am a fan of in the future! Have a great start to summer and I hope maybe I inspired you with some new things to try in the kitchen. When I become a fan of something new, I love to share it. Remember to check out all of the great blogs I linked to throughout this article for more delicious ideas!
