As the song lyrics go, it’s summertime and the living is easy! Well, unless you live in one of the states experiencing record-high temperatures (hello, Texas!). No matter where you live, summer is all about making food that’s lighter and brighter than what we typically make during the winter, when warm comfort foods are all the rage. When the temperature soars, it’s all about minimal cooking and fast clean-up so you can get outdoors and enjoy the longer days and warm evenings. Here are some ideas to keep your summer dinner prep easy-peasy.
Quick and Easy Summer Dinners
If you have grilling stations at your apartment community, now is the time to make the most of them! While burgers and hot dogs are summer staples, these aren’t the only dishes you can make using a grill. Try grilling some salmon and vegetables for a quick, delicious dinner. If you’ve never tried a grilled portabella mushroom, you might be surprised at how delicious and simple this is. Put your grilled portabella on a hamburger bun with lettuce and tomato for a meat-free dinner that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
Using grilling skewers, alternate shrimp or scallops (or use both) with slices of green (or red) peppers and onion. Season with paprika and oregano (and maybe a dash of salt and pepper), then grill 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve this over rice for an impressive, easy dinner that’s ready in minutes.
If you’ve never tried grilling corn in the husk on the grill, it’s a great side for just about any meal, and it’s a summertime staple! Before grilling, carefully peel back the husk and remove the silk, then pull the husks back up over the corn. Put them in a pot of cold water for about 20 minutes (this will keep them from charring on the grill). Put them on the grill for about 20 minutes, turning every so often so they grill evenly on all sides.
Tricks for Cooking (and Staying Cool) in a Small Kitchen
If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill and must cook in your small apartment kitchen, here are some tricks for getting in and out in a hurry (without heating up your kitchen too much).
Instead of the grill, try using your stove’s broiler. Use your broiling pan and heat it up for about 10 minutes before adding your food. Flip whatever you’re cooking about halfway through the cook time to make sure both sides cook evenly. To keep from heating up your kitchen too much, grill fish, vegetables, and fruit rather than large cuts of meat, which will need a longer cook time.
Another great way to cook during the summer? An air fryer! This is quick, won’t heat up your kitchen, and you can use it for everything from chicken strips to tofu. Speaking of which, tofu is amazing in the air fryer. Cut it into small cubes, marinate it in your favorite marinade (Personally, I’m a huge fan of maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, and olive oil with a dash of garlic powder and ginger), then toss it in the air fryer until it is golden and crispy. Toss these in a summer salad or use them in a stir fry. (Or… just eat them directly out of the air fryer. My preferred method, I’ll admit it.)
Make the Most of In-Season Fruits and Veggies
If you haven’t visited your local farmer’s market yet this season, now is a great time! You’ll find a variety of in-season produce to enjoy: beets, corn, carrots, asparagus, eggplant, watermelon, berries, apricots, and (a staple here in Georgia) peaches.
If you’ve never grilled eggplant, pierce one with a knife and put it on the grill. Turn it often until it is evenly charred. Allow it to cool, then peel off the skin and puree it for a fantastic dip.
Grab some cabbage while you’re at the market. Cut a wedge, season it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss that onto the grill (or on your grilling pan in the kitchen) for 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle it with some tahini for a quick summer side.
Grilled peaches are amazing, but have you tried grilled watermelon? Cut your watermelon into thick wedges, brush it with some olive oil and give it a quick grill (just until you see grill marks).
We’ve covered grilling, broiling, and air-frying, but what if you want to avoid heat completely?
Simple and Refreshing Summer Salads
No-cook summer salads are a wonderful way to enjoy a cool, healthy meal without turning on the stove. Salads with raw vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, and the wide variety of summer produce makes them incredibly delicious. The possibilities are endless when creating no-cook summer salads - all you need to do is chop, combine, and dress them.
One popular type of no-cook summer salad is fruit salad. Take those beautiful fruits you found at the farmer’s market, such as strawberries, raspberries, melon, blueberries, or any other berry, and mix them together. Add some thyme or mint for extra flavor and to elevate the sweetness of the fruit.
For a heartier, more filling salad, a bean salad is a great choice. Combine cooked beans with raw vegetables such as bell pepper, cucumber, and onion, adding herbs and spices for extra flavor. A simple olive oil and vinegar dressing is the perfect match for this type of salad. Pair it with grilled fish or chicken if you want, but bean salads are a great way to get in your iron and protein if you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
These two types of salads are just the tip of the (ahem) iceberg. There are endless creative combinations to explore for no-cook summer salads. Experiment with different types of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices to create new, exciting, and delicious salads for the summer months.
Food for Your 4th of July Celebration and Beyond
Summer and entertaining go hand-in-hand: Independence Day, pool parties, backyard BBQs, picnics in the park … the days are long and the temperatures are warm, making summer a time for making memories and having fun. If you are planning to host a summer celebration, especially a 4th of July get-together, you’ll want to serve dishes that are simple to prepare, portable, and suitable for warm weather (save the baked lasagna for the fall).
Instead of spending time in the kitchen cooking, consider serving no-prep and low-prep foods, like cold cuts, salads, and grilled meats. Here are some tips and ideas for creating the perfect summer menu that can be prepared in advance.
1. Make-Ahead Dishes. Think sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, dips, and other finger foods that can be prepped the night before.
2. Easy Salads. Use any of the ideas above or get creative for a fun holiday theme. Red, white, and blue fruit salads are festive dishes for your 4th of July celebration.
3. It’s all about the grill! Most summer entertaining revolves around the grill, and it will let your guests get involved in the cooking process (there’s always that one person who enjoys taking over the grill). Go traditional with hot dogs and burgers or get adventurous with lobster tails and grilled vegetables.
4. Cold Drinks and Desserts. It’s hot, so keep guests cool with treats like lemonade, iced tea, soft drinks, and flavored (fruit-infused) water. If your party is outdoors or poolside, pack a cooler with plenty of drinks (follow your apartment community’s rules and make sure the containers and beverages are allowed). If you have an ice cream maker, homemade ice cream is a sure hit for any party. My go-to 4th of July dessert is super simple but always a hit: alternate layers of sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries in tall dessert glasses. It looks beautiful and it’s light and refreshing.
Here's to a summer that’s filled with fast, delicious food, fun parties, and plenty of sunshine! Hopefully, these recipe ideas have inspired you to try something new. Keep it simple, stay safe, and have a terrific summer!
