Inspire New Recipes for Summer 2019

At this point, it shouldn't be a surprise that I love the summer season and that I love everything about it: the sunshine, fun activities, pool parties, barbecues, and, of course, the delicious food. Some of my favorite dishes come from the summer season, including hamburgers, grilled chicken, juicy watermelon, salads, and fresh fruits and vegetables. I can't get enough of the refreshing food!

There is one rule I have learned over the years: keep things as simple as possible. People love refreshing food during this time of the year. So, as you plan your final summer meals of the year [because let's face it, summer will be over before we know it], I recommend these five simple, savory recipes that will certainly please everyone at your summer gatherings. Who knows, you might even inspire someone else to try these recipes at their own dinner parties. 

1. Hawaiian Haystacks 

This is probably one of the easiest meals to cook for a large group of people. For one thing, it's a dish that people build themselves. They make their own haystacks. All you have to do is provide the ingredients. If you're offering this dish at a party, you can arrange a table [or bar] with the ingredients. 

Hawaiian haystacks.

Inspired by a recipe found in the Griffiths Family Recipes cookbook, this dish is a taco salad with pineapple and orange slices, tomatoes, and additional ingredients. This is a vibrant, colorful dish and that's why I love it so much: it's summer in a bowl. 

To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 (1.25-oz) pkg. taco seasoning
• 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1-2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped 
• 1 bundle green onions, sliced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 (5-ounce) pkg. chow mein noodles 
• 1 can sliced olives, drained (not pictured) 

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and then place the taco meat at the bottom of a bowl. Then, add the toppings (pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomato, olives, and chow mein noodles) according to your preference. Enjoy! 

2. Macaroni Salad 

Every summer meal needs the perfect side dish. This complimentary dish should be refreshing and cool--satisfying your taste buds while outdoors for a summer party. For my 4th of July food blog, I featured homemade potato salad. If I don't make that dish, my second choice is homemade macaroni salad, which is just as delicious and refreshing. Everyone has a different version of macaroni salad, but this is the version that always works best for me. 

Macaroni salad.

To prepare this side dish, you will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 16-oz. box elbow macaroni 
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 c. light mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. sugar 
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the macaroni pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. Add the two chopped hard-boiled eggs and the chopped celery stalks to the macaroni. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

In a separate bowl, add the mayonnaise and sugar and stir thoroughly. Add to the macaroni salad and stir until combined. You might have to add more mayonnaise mixture to get the consistency you prefer for your salad. Finally, sprinkle a tiny amount of paprika on top of the salad. Cover and chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy! 

NOTE: For my picture, I added prepared deviled eggs to the top of the macaroni salad for plating purposes. You don't have to add the deviled eggs to enjoy this macaroni salad! 

3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers 

Grilled vegetable skewers.

Can you really celebrate summer without grilled vegetable skewers? Also known as vegetable kabobs, these skewers are an instant success at summer barbecues. Once your guests hear the vegetables sizzling on the grill, they'll be running over to grab the first skewer. This meal option pairs well with any dish at your barbecue and it's also one of the easiest dishes to prepare. 

To make grilled vegetable skewers, you will need the following ingredients: 

• Zucchini, sliced
• Squash, sliced
• 8 oz. carton mushrooms
• Green and red bell pepper, sliced 
• Skewers 

Assemble the skewers according to your preference. Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and place them on a grill. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender. This recipe makes approximately four skewers. Enjoy! 

NOTE: You can use whichever vegetables you prefer for your skewers. It's up to you! 

4. Grilled Chicken with Pineapple 

Grilled chicken with pineapple.

Now that you have grilled vegetable skewers, you need the main meal to pair with the side dish. While you already have the barbecue grill on, I recommend grilling juicy chicken strips and slices of pineapple. The pineapple offers delicious, sweet flavors to the already-juicy chicken. It's the perfect combination for a delicious summer meal. 

To prepare this meal, you will need the following ingredients: 

• Boneless chicken breast 
• Sliced pineapple rings 

Grill the chicken breast for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is done. When the chicken is almost done grilling, add the pineapple rings to the chicken and grill for approximately two minutes. Cut the chicken into strips and serve over a bed of long grain and wild rice [or whatever you prefer]. Enjoy! 

5. Cherry Delight Dessert 

Cherry delight dessert.

Every summer meal needs a dessert, preferably a cold dessert. But there are plenty of chilled desserts besides ice cream. For example, my family loves this cherry delight dessert. The combination of sweet cherries and cream cheese on a Graham cracker crust is absolutely delicious! You'll definitely be going back for seconds with this dessert. Summer desserts don't get any better than this. 

To prepare this sweet cherry dessert, you will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 can cherry pie filling
• Pre-made Graham cracker crust 
• 8 oz. carton of Cool Whip 
• 8 oz. cream cheese 
• 1/2 c. powdered sugar

To begin, use a hand mixer to whip the cream cheese, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar on high speed until the mixture is nice and smooth. Pour the mixture into the pre-made Graham cracker pie crust. Pour the can of cherry pie filling over the top of the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for approximately three or four hours before serving. Yes, it's just that easy! Enjoy! 

NOTE: To make a healthy version of this dessert, substitute with light Cool Whip and reduced-fat cream cheese. 

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These dishes are some of my favorite meals to prepare during the summer season. You can pair these with other traditional summer dishes--hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, salads, etc. These dishes are easy and simple to prepare. But, the most important thing about these dishes is that they're refreshing. They will hit "the sweet spot" with your taste buds this summer. 

There really is no better feeling than sitting outside in the sun, eating a fresh slice of cherry delight dessert, grilled vegetables, and relaxing with your friends and family while sharing a love over similar food. Remember to have fun this summer! 

-KJL-