Tara’s Favorite Summer Recipes

July 6, 2023

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It is finally July and I have been finding myself in the kitchen preparing different dishes to enjoy in the blazing heat. Whether it be bringing a bowl of pasta salad to a barbeque, something to snack on with friends by the pool, or an easy appetizer to enjoy by yourself, I have the summer recipes for you! 

Below are some of my favorite summertime recipes that are quick, easy, and refreshing! 

 

Cowboy Caviar 

You may have seen this recipe blow up on TikTok last year. As soon as I saw a content creator make this dish, I immediately went to the store to pick up the ingredients. One of my favorite things about Cowboy Caviar is that you can personalize it by taking out or adding any ingredients you like! 

The recipe shared below is my favorite way to make Cowboy Caviar. It is a mix of vegetables, beans, and a delicious dressing. You can serve this with tortilla chips, like scoops, or by itself as a side! 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, and orange)
  • 1 red onion 
  • 2 large cucumbers 
  • 3 green onion 
  • 1 can of olives 
  • 1 can of black beans 
  • 1 can of chickpeas 
  • 1 can of corn 
  • Cube of feta cheese 
  • 2 jalapenos if you like spice! 

Dressing 

  • 3 limes 
  • ½ cup of olive oil 
  • ½ of white wine vinegar 
  • 3-4 tablespoons of taco seasoning 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

  • Step 1: Mix your ingredients! Dice all of the bell peppers, onions, olives, and cucumbers and put them into a large bowl. Once drained and rinsed, stir in the cans of corn, beans, and chickpeas. Chop up the feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces and mix it into the bowl. Combine and mix everything together. 
  • Step 2: Add the dressing! Juice the three limes into a bowl and add the oil and vinegar. Whisk in the taco seasoning and salt and pepper, then pour it over the Cowboy Caviar. Mix together until it is distributed evenly. 
    • Tara’s Tip: To make the dressing creamier, slowly add the oil after the vinegar while whisking. 
  • Step 3: Enjoy! 

 

Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Appetizer 

There is nothing better than a fresh, cool appetizer in the hot summer sun. This recipe is fun, easy, and will be the hit of the party! With the delicious flavors and exciting way to eat it, this is one of my favorites of the summer! 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 container of mozzarella cheese balls 
  • 1 container of cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves 
  • One bottle of peach balsamic vinegar 
  • One bag of disposable liquid pipettes (link here)

Instructions: 

  • Step 1: Prepare your ingredients! Slice all of the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese balls in half. Wash and drain your basil leaves and cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces. 
  • Step 2: Prepare your pipettes! With your pipettes and peach balsamic vinegar, squeeze the pipes to pull the balsamic into the syringes. Fill as many up as you would like to serve. 
  • Step 3: Combine! With the pipette in hand, carefully push the tomato, basil, and mozzarella pieces onto one pipette. Continue this process until all of your ingredients are gone. 
  • Step 4: Enjoy! Show off your appetizer. When ready to eat, pop the little skewer into your mouth while squeezing the pipette to release the sweet peach balsamic vinegar! 

 

Classic Summer Fruit Salad 

Taking a bite of juicy watermelon or pineapple is a great way to feel refreshed during the summer. My final recipe for this blog is the classic summer fruit salad. Again, something that makes this a great recipe is that you can add or remove whichever fruit you want! Here is what I like to put into my fruit salad. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 pineapple 
  • 1 watermelon
  • 1 cantaloupe 
  • 1 honeydew melon 
  • 1 container of strawberries 
  • 1 container of blueberries 
  • 5 kiwis 
  • 1 mango 

Dressing: 

  • 2 limes 
  • Honey 

Instructions: 

  • Step one: Chop all the fruit! For each of the fruits, chop to bite size pieces or to your liking. Take the heavy fruits first, like cantaloupe, pineapple, and watermelon, and place them into a large bowl after chopping. Continue to add the rest of the fruit on top. 
  • Step two: Make the dressing. Whisk together the juice of two limes and two spoonfuls of honey. Drizzle over the fruit for a sweet and zingy flavor! 
  • Step 3: Enjoy! 

 

These summer recipes are ones that I make at least once a week. Each of these recipes can be easily stored in containers and will last up to 7 days. Do you have a favorite summer recipe? Share below! Thank you for reading this week’s blog and stay tuned for next week!