This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
How about Six Summer Celebration Recipes? What a way to kick off the wonderful summer season!
It's funny how it seems like summer will never come, and then all of a sudden... it's here! In North Carolina, where we've made our home for the last 34 years, there isn't much transition. One day we're wearing sweatshirts and the next it's shorts, sleeveless shirts and sunscreen.
Scott and I love that The Café now has readers from all over the world and are aware that, even though summer is just about to burst into full force here in the United States, you just might be on an opposite schedule from us season-wise (Hello Aussies, New Zealanders and everyone in the Southern Hemisphere!). If that's true, you might wantto just pin these recipes till your summer comes backaround.
Memorial Day is less than a week away and isa special holiday for Americans, a day that was established shortly after the Civil War in 1868 to honor those who died serving ourcountry.Most Americans take the three day weekendassociated with the holiday to officially welcomein the summer season, though the calendar tells us we're supposed to wait a few more weeks.
With the warm weather season upon us, you probably have lots of picnics, parties, potlucks and get togethers coming up, so thought I'd share a few of our favorite summery recipes.
Fabulous Grilled Chicken Kabobs- definitely one of our favorite grilled chicken recipes EVER! There isa secret ingredient included that you wouldn't expect. But it's a pretty well lovedsecret ingredient, and it makes the chickenso moist and full of flavor that you'd never believeyou're eating breast meat, which always tends to dry out on the grill!
Blueberry Arugula Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing- if you're looking for a summery salad that everyone will love, look no further - this one checks all the boxes. It's super simple to put together too, and looks gorgeous on the table or buffet.
Greek-Style Avocado and Barley Salad- perfect on its own, or with just about anything from the grill, this healthy salad is bursting with flavor and lots of summery appeal.
Fresh Corn, Bell Pepper and Zucchini Crustless Quiche - since summer seems to be the perfect season for brunches and picnics, I thought I'd include this healthy,make-ahead quichethat's delicious warm or at room temperature. I like to serve it with a simple green salad or fresh fruit.
Asian Chicken and Coconut Curry Noodle Salad- we like to eat much lighter in the summer and this Thai-inspired meal-in-one salad is super tasty along with being a visual show-stopper!I've gotten lots of emails from readers who've flipped over this yummy salad.
Strawberry and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta - 0f course dessert is always in season, but this fun, layered Italian-inspired dessert is beautiful and super delicious with a greatpatriotic theme. It's easy to put together; you just need to plan time for the pretty layers to set before adding the next.
~~~~~~
I'm hopingthis has helped getyou in a swimsuit/flipflop frame of mind. Go ahead, pick a few of these deliciousseasonalrecipes and let the summer fun begin!
WANT TO SEE MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES FROM THE CAFÉ? SIGN UP FOR OUREMAIL SUBSCRIPTION. THAT WAY, YOU’LL NEVER MISS A POST.
YOU CAN JOIN US ONFACEBOOKANDTWITTERAS WELL ASINSTAGRAM–WE HAVE LOTS OF FUN OVER THERE!
AND WE’RE FOREVER PINNING RECIPES AND INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS ONPINTEREST– JUST CLICK TO FOLLOW US.
« Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing
Grilled Tri-Tip with Chimichurri Sauce »
Reader Interactions
Comments
Sandra says
Each one is a winner and we are so happy to have warm weather here in Michigan! The panna cotta is beautiful!
Reply
Juliana says
Great recipes for the coming celebration...thanks for the inspiration Chris!
Hope you are having a wonderful week 🙂Reply
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Don't you just love the change of seasons? We love them all! But always look forward to the beginning of summer. Lovely roundup of goodies for us to enjoy. And every one a winner! Thanks so much.
Reply
Maureen | org*smic Chef says
I was just saying the other day that it looked like summer would last all winter and then it turned really cold. (really cold for Queensland - 60F overnight). It's going to be 80 degrees F tomorrow so summer's back for a little bit. (I don't have much to complain about, do I?)
Charlie and I always celebrate Memorial Day by strolling through the tourist town 10 minutes from the house. He wears his American flag bandana and we walk up and down the street waiting for someone to wish us a good day. 🙂
I am in love with all these photos and couldn't choose a favorite.
Reply
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
Where to begin with all these scrumptious recipes Chris! They all sound holiday-perfect. We are in week 3 of dismal downpours, very unusual for Colorado (but better than snow) so it's hard to imagine anything other than hot soup for this weekend's holiday menu at the moment. However those little striped panna cotta's are out of this world cute! I can't take how perfect they are. Even is we are soaked in rain boots those will be happening!
Reply
Liz says
I love ALL these recipes---so nice to move from stews and roasts to grilled meats and fresh salads! I love the secret to those kebabs---my gang would love them, too! And your layered panna cotta is stunning! Hope you have a terrific holiday weekend!!! xo
Reply
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Wow... What mouthwatering and refreshing recipes, Chris! I am in love with the strawberry and vanilla bean panna cotta.
Reply
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Every one of these dishes sounds spectacular, but I can't take my eyes off that panna cotta!!
Reply
Susan says
Even though Memorial Day is a little early this year it has surprised me that it's already upon us! What a beautiful round-up of recipes. Fingers crossed our weather stays nice this weekend!
Reply
Sophia @ NYfoodgasm says
All of these or GORGEOUS!! Any would impress company and be perfect for the holiday! Thanks!
Reply
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love this round-up. Summer food is so beautiful and fresh! I will definitely be trying these this summer 🙂
Reply
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What a great roundup of summer recipes! I love every single one, Chris.
Reply
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
This is always the time of year I get a bit jealous of you (although all the winter warmers you post when I'm sweltering down here in Aus. That blueberry salad is really catching my eye!
Reply
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wow - I love those patriot desserts and the blueberry arugula salad - and those kabobs! I want to come to your house for the holiday - very nice Chris - everything looks wonderful! Pinning them all!
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia! Happy Memorial Day!
Reply
Vicki Bensinger says
These are all wonderful but I definitely remember the Panna Cotta. I need to make these this year for the 4th of July. They are just so much fun and I'm sure taste divine!
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Vick! We had a lot of fun with them last July 4th!
Reply
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Don't be surprised if we show up at your front door for Memorial Day! 😉
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome anytime Laura!
Reply
Ginny Hartzler says
Everything is totally stunning! Especially the Panna Cotta, which would be perfect for the Fourth.
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Ginny! Happy Memorial Day!
Reply
Sandra @ Heavenly Deviled Eggs says
Great summer recipe roundup! Gotta try that secret ingredient on ALL of my grilled chicken. It's an ingredient that I always have on hand. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
It's amazing Sandra! It makes usually dry chicken so moist! Thanks for stopping by!
Reply
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
