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Make the most of summer with these tasty dinner recipes that are not only quick to prepare but also perfect for the season. The team at Trustworthy Home Advice picked 5 of what we consider fantastic summer meals. From vibrant salads to light and flavorful grilled options, these 5 refreshing summer recipes will help you beat the heat while enjoying some delicious great food. Get ready to savor the flavors of summer with these easy-to-make dinner ideas.
All of the recipes below are 2 servings, so scale them accordingly.
Recipe 1: Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- Fresh mint leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine watermelon cubes and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add chopped mint leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Gently toss the ingredients to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing summer salad.
Recipe 2: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot and enjoy these zesty and tender grilled chicken skewers.
Recipe 3: Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients (2 servings):
- 4 ounces pasta of your choice (such as penne or rotini), cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve chilled as a light and satisfying summer pasta salad.
Recipe 4: Grilled Shrimp Tacos Ingredients (2 servings):
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 small tortillas
- Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. 2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
- Assemble the tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful and light grilled shrimp tacos.
Recipe 5: Cucumber Gazpacho Soup Ingredients (2 servings):
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Chopped cucumber, mint leaves
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, garlic clove, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Chill the cucumber gazpacho soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- When ready to serve, pour the chilled soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped cucumber and mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy this refreshing and cooling gazpacho soup as a light summer dinner.
Make the most of the summer season with these 5 refreshing dinner recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. From the juicy Watermelon Feta Salad to the zesty Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers, each recipe is designed to keep you cool and satisfied during the warmer months. Whether you prefer a light pasta salad or crave the smoky flavors of grilled shrimp tacos, these dishes offer a delightful balance of flavors and simplicity. Embrace the freshness of summer ingredients and enjoy these quick and easy recipes that will keep you nourished and happy. Happy cooking and Happy Summer!
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