Summer Recipes and Ideas
From fresh salads to juicy tomatoes, savor the flavors of summer with these delightful and healthy recipes.
Summer is flying by. We’ve been staying close to home this year, enjoying time with our family and taking advantage of what La Crosse has to offer. I grew up in Madison and used summers to travel and see family. So embracing what you have at home is something I hold close to me. I realized as I got older, how much I need to embrace both exploring other places, and appreciating what I have here.
As a bonus… this month, farmers’ markets are exploding with yummy goodness. So let’s celebrate these last days of summer with some amazing food we can share (or enjoy ourselves)!
Salads
Salads may seem like a no-brainer, but salads go way beyond lettuce. Try something different with these delicious, favorable, and healthy salads.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a quick, refreshing dish made with pantry staples you’re likely to have on hand. It comes together in minutes and develops more flavor as it sits in the fridge. The perfect make-a-head for picnics, parties, or potlucks.
Cranberry Chicken Sandwich
Looking for a great way to use leftover chicken and cranberries? Look no further than this cranberry chicken salad recipe! With its mouthwatering blend of flavors, you can create a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, if you have any leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, you can easily substitute it in for the chicken and enjoy a whole new twist on this delicious dish. So why not give it a try today?
Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad
I love, love, love this salad! Cucumbers are wonderfully cooling and even with that touch of spice, this salad is still a welcome snack during the summer heat. I went on a bit of a hiatus eating this salad, I grew up with my dad eating it a lot in the summers and when I was little, cucumbers were not my thing. but recently, I came back to it, want to try it again, and found a new love for it. I introduced it to my husband this year and he loves it so much that he said he wants to grow some cucumbers just so I can make it.
Tomatoes
Late summer is prime tomato time! Try any of these recipes to really highlight those tomatoes. No pasta required.
Marinated Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Salad
This marinated cherry tomato mozzarella salad is everything I love about summer food: no cooking (unless you want a crostino or two), fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavor. The cherry tomatoes marinate with olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper for an hour or more if you so choose, so the flavors marry together well.
Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella, and Avocado Crostini
Savor the deliciousness of tomato, basil, mozzarella, and avocado on crunchy crostini. Discover a simple recipe for a satisfying appetizer or dinner.
Recipe: Pico de Gallo or Salsa Fresca
Discover the simple, flavorful ingredients used to make Pico de Gallo, a popular Mexican salsa. Start experimenting with the unique taste today!
Pasta
Pasta may not seem like a summer dish, but my one-pot wonders make pasta the perfect meal for a summer night.
One-Pot Asparagus and Bacon Rigatoni
Try this one-pot asparagus and bacon rigatoni recipe that is sure to please the whole family. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor!
I seriously never knew pasta could be so easy to make! I’m never boiling pasta in the water again!
– Ariel
A Few More Pasta Dishes:
One-Pot Rigatoni Ragu
Experience the deliciousness of One-Pot Rigatoni Ragu. This easy recipe combines pasta and sauce, creating a flavorful and thick dish in just 45 minutes.
Healthy-ish Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Looking for a healthier option for your little one’s favorite mac and cheese? Try this easy and simple stovetop recipe that comes with a secret ingredient to make it not only delicious but also nutritious.
Recipe: One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
I’m back with another recipe using one of my favorite techniques! Cooking the pasta in the broth before finishing the sauce!
This time, I’m sharing my one-pot stroganoff recipe (with an unexpected ingredient that is going to change your view on how you make stroganoff).
Chicken
Chicken is a grilling fan fav! Try these for recipes for quick and easy go to and keep your house cool.
The Best Grilled Chicken Wings (with Air fryer cooking instructions)
Satisfy your cravings with the ultimate grilled chicken wings recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s game-day, a party, or simply your next meal, these wings will not disappoint. And for those who prefer air fryer cooking, we’ve got you covered with bonus instructions. Don’t wait any longer to indulge in this mouth-watering dish.
Lemon Chicken Taco Dinner
Discover a delicious twist on tacos with this Lemon Chicken Taco Dinner recipe. Whether homemade or simplified, it’s a must-try dish.
Desserts
These desserts showcase those summer fruits or use the fire for a perfectly light and enjoyable dessert!
Peach Cobbler
This is the ONLY recipe I was able to get from my grandmother (my mom’s mom) herself. This is the very recipe she used for my mother every year for her birthday. The only issue… when I talked to my grandmother and got all the ingredients, but she didn’t give me measurements. She told me what she used, and what to look for as I was slowly adding in things. So this was interesting to figure out to say the least. I like to have at least an idea of what the measurements are.
A Guide to S’mores Dessert Board from Start to Finish
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a S’mores Dessert Board. Create a customizable dessert platter with your favorite chocolates and cookies.
Recipe: Plum Cobbler
Indulge in a delicious plum cobbler made with fresh plums. Get the full recipe and step-by-step instructions for a perfect dessert.
Let’s get social!
Don’t forget to tag your recipe photos on Instagram or Facebook, @jenngiamsmith #JennGiamSmith. I always share your posts on my stories and tag you! You can also share it on this post’s Pinterest Pin! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe (and other) inspiration!
It’s always wonderful to see loved ones coming together over delicious food.
If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, you can type the ingredient in search and it’ll show you all my posts with those ingredients mentioned.
Another great resource you might like is Top 5 Go-To Recipes. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
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©All images, Photos, Prop Styling, and Styling by Jenn Smith
