umsami Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I hate cooking in the summer time. I can only bbq so much. What are your favorite warm weather meals? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) Salads! In the past few days we had: potato salad with yoghurt and herbs pasta salad with veggies, avocado, egg roasted beets& garbanzo bean salad with lemon tahini quinoa tabbouleh And stir fries with all the fresh veggies now available- takes very little time in the kitchen. Edited June 1, 2016 by regentrude 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I'm so glad you posted this because I was working on a summer menu plan and I can't possibly imagine cooking chili and soup right now :/ We like Mexican so we do a lot with that in the summer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) oh, and today we had crepes with fresh mixed berries, very summery Edited June 1, 2016 by regentrude 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted June 1, 2016 Author Share Posted June 1, 2016 oh, and today we had crepes with fresh mixed berries, very summery That sounds super yummy. Great idea. Salads! In the past few days we had: potato salad with yoghurt and herbs pasta salad with veggies, avocado, egg roasted beets& garbanzo bean salad with lemon tahini quinoa tabbouleh And stir fries with all the fresh veggies now available- takes very little time in the kitchen. Yes, we've done some salads, but my kids aren't big salad eaters unfortunately. Still, I could get away with dips like hummus, tzatziki, and such....maybe with veggie dippers and pita bread? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 oh, and today we had crepes with fresh mixed berries, very summery We just had homemade waffles with strawberries the other night :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 All things zucchini. Zucchini in pasta, zucchini with onions and tomatoes topped with a bit of cheese, zucchini muffins... I also find the slow cooker is good. Good for winter and good for summer because it doesn't heat the house. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Pesto pasta and grilled chicken angel hair with diced tomato, parsley, olives, etc fresh sangak bread, hummus, tomato, Persian cucumber Mexican style salad with black beans, salsa, leftover Mexican rice, avocado, and sour cream 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Falafel, frittata and enchiladas are summer staples for us. Heating up the house isn't really an issue here, though. Back when we ate a lot of pasta, I'd add anything fresh from the garden--usually chard, basil and other herbs, and tomatoes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecropia Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) Cold "family style" meals go over well, here. A plate of deviled eggs (or just plain hard boiled), a plate of various deli meats rolled up onto toothpicks, a cheese tray, a veggie tray, a fruit tray or a big bowl of cut up melon, nuts, pickles/olives, cream cheese/pesto mix served with crackers, maybe buttered french bread slices or a nice cool jello salad. Pass the food around the table; everyone fills their own plate. It is a lot of cutting/prep work, but I always make so much that there are enough leftovers for a repeat the next day. It's also a good way to clean out "odds and ends" in the fridge. ETA: it's also great for getting kids to help making dinner. They really like rolling meat slices onto toothpicks! Edited June 1, 2016 by Cecropia 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 We have two favorites: Tuna Pasta Salad: One box shell pasta, cooked 1/2 to 1 cup Mayo (to taste; I tend to like less) 1 cup frozen peas About 1/2 pound cubed cheddar cheese Cilantro (optional, but we like it) Lemon juice to taste 1 can tuna (my husband likes two cans, but I like just one can) Salt and Pepper to taste About 1/4 cup chopped onion (if you have family members who don't like onion, you can make the chopped sizes bigger so it's easier to pick out) Let everything chill for several hours and don't add the frozen peas til you're ready to serve it. Granola/Yogurt Parfait: Have on the table: Granola Fat-free plain yogurt Fruit juice (some kind of berry) Milk Fresh or frozen berries (if frozen, give them a chance to thaw) Everyone puts their own dish together themselves (in a bowl) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Tacos (ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, carnitas, barbacoa; can be salads or tacos or quesadillas or nachos; many work in crock pot and can double/triple and freeze) Burgers (beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, tons of varieties) Pizza (grilled!) Salads (kids can, to be frank, suck it up those nights ;) or eat it in a wrap) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I relying on the BBQ. Pretty much every night it doesn't rain (it rained for 30 straight days here) I'm doing meat and veg on the grill and a seasoned rice in the rice cooker. It's just so easy and even though the method is the same, the food is different. Tonight instead of rice I'm doing a bruschetta, but I think I want to do it on the grill too. I'm also a big fan of the heavy cheese platter. Cheese, crackers or bread, olives, nuts, and some sort of meat. I tend to rotate smoked salmon, smoked oysters, pepperoni, and salami. Generally there is fruit on the side and one of the cheeses is sweeter, so it's dessert and dinner. Then there's always a pureed veggie soup (usually tomato or broccoli) and a grilled cheese sandwich. I add ham for the carnivores. Or a big salad with leftover grilled meat from the previous night on top. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I'm not so into salads myself. But what I do love are cut up veggies with dip. Sometimes I just make up a plate of that and some cheese. Maybe some cold shrimp... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Caesar salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, with fresh fruit and raw veggies on the side! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) Our current fave is grilled pizza. I'm finally getting good enough at it that it's pretty quick to do too. 1. Make dough in the morning (or buy it. Our recipe is enough for two full size pizzas). Defrost sauce (we make a batch and freeze it in one-cup canning jars with plastic lids). 2. Get grill going--briquettes for us. 3. Divide dough into 4 balls. Roll out. Weird shapes are fine. Two fit on our grill at a time. 4. When coals are ready, place two dough-rounds on the grill. Rotate them with a spatula every minute or two. It only take a couple of minutes to cook one side which will become the top of the pizza. You can briefly cook other side to set it but I don't think you have to. 5. Place each round on a cookie sheet cooked side up. Have helpful children top them while you work the grill (making next two). 6. We brush them with olive oil first, then sauce unless I'm making a Margherita-style one for me (cheese, tomatoes, basil). One will be just cheese for one dd, the others have been pepperoni recently (Margherita is for when we have fresh tomatoes in August and September). You don't want too much cheese because it won't melt before the crust is done. 7. Return topped pizzas to grill (after giving girls the next two to top). Keep cover on to help with cheese melting. Rotate them 1/4 turn every minute or so. Remove from grill, cut into sixths, and nibble away while you finish up the rest. When we make pizza in the oven, we have leftovers. When we grill them, no leftovers. Yum! Edited June 1, 2016 by Ali in OR 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 mmm grilled pizza...that sounds yummy you could buy the dough too... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 This is a funny one I've had because of my husband telling me about it. Sounds weird, but oddly good. If you don't want to do it in the oven you could do it on a grill. http://www.food.com/recipe/toast-hawaii-open-faced-sandwich-for-a-snack-or-dinner-423394 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 We do a lot of BLT's. Gyro's are very popular (although the meat is kind of pricey) when we have fresh tomatoes. Cold tortillini with italian dressing and veggies of choice. Tacos with whatever meat we happen to have on hand. fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Anything with pesto. Corn on the cob (this a complete meal in our family) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnionJack Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 We love shish kebabs! We love this marinade: Beef/Chicken Kebabs Ingredients 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin or chicken 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil Directions Cut the beef or chicken into 1 1/2 to 1 3/4-inch cubes and place into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine the garlic, paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper and red wine vinegar. With the processor running drizzle in the olive oil. Pour the marinade over the meat and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag and allow to marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meat onto the skewers leaving about 1/2-inch in between the pieces of meat. Place on the grill and cook, with lid lowered, 2 to 3 minutes per side, 8 to 12 minutes in all (8 minutes for rare and 12 for medium). Remove from the heat to aluminum foil, wrap and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes prior to serving. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnthemLights Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 My husband just bought a smoker. I kind of objected to it at first budget-wise :tongue_smilie:, but he has made supper 3 times in the last week. He made the meat, I warmed up some veggies and we skipped the carbs. Super simple. So, hey, yeah, no worries. Enjoy your smoker. :001_cool: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 That sounds super yummy. Great idea. Yes, we've done some salads, but my kids aren't big salad eaters unfortunately. Still, I could get away with dips like hummus, tzatziki, and such....maybe with veggie dippers and pita bread? DS doesn't think he likes salads, so I make him a "veggie plate" when we have salads. We had greek salads with pita wedges the other night for dinner. DS had all the veggies except the lettuce cut up into sticks on his plate, hummus for dipping and pita bread. Taco salad night is similar. Instead of on a salad, I'll put everything into a quesadilla for him or just on top of tortilla chips. A few nights a week are usually big salad nights here veggie burgers, salad and baked sweet potato fries homemade summer rolls - these are so yummy! Rice paper wraps, lots of veggies, rice noodles and tofu. mmmm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Although it's weird. I like salads, but I think I don't. Meaning I often won't choose it, but when I do I think hey this is good why don't I eat these more often. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sukale Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I get lots of inspiration here http://thisweekfordinner.com/2016/05/15/week-486-weekly-menu/#comments Read the comments where other share their menus each week. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraw4321 Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Homemade ice cream. :leaving: But only once a year. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SemiSweet Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 This is a family favorite here. https://www.pamperedchef.com/recipe/Appetizers+%26+Snacks/American/Cool+Veggie+Pizza/9658 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I like some cold soups. Pierogi or crepes with fruit. big salads veggie burgers done on the bbq roast veggies done on the bbq I haven't tried the pizza on the bbq yet but want to. Mostly though we eat the same stuff year round but then our climate is almost the same year round.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted June 2, 2016 Author Share Posted June 2, 2016 Thanks everybody. You've inspired me! :) This is a family favorite here.https://www.pamperedchef.com/recipe/Appetizers+%26+Snacks/American/Cool+Veggie+Pizza/9658 Ooh...may try that tomorrow as I think I have all the ingredients on hand. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Lots and lots of salads: lettuce based, veg based, pastas and slaws--endless possibilities Sandwiches: pesto, mozzarella tomato; grilled portobello, arugula, rstd peppers, grilled veggies Gazpacho or other cold soups (avocado, cuke, etc) Fajitas - grilled chicken or beef Burgers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 We just grill basically everything and it turns out how it turns out, LOL. Google "campfire meals" for a nice alternative. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I made sloppy joes tonight (from scratch, mind you), and they were a huge hit! One pan. One cutting board. Two cooking utensils. Done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) Not necessarily a summer meal, but I cook a whole chicken in the crock pot, then roast okra, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, squash, brussels sprouts, or potatoes for an easy, delicious meal. I often use frozen veggies, so there is maybe five minutes of prep time. Edited June 2, 2016 by trulycrabby 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) Egg salad sandwich, corn (microwave in the husk 3 min makes it perfect) and berries. Edited June 2, 2016 by poppy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serenade Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 We have two favorites: Tuna Pasta Salad: One box shell pasta, cooked 1/2 to 1 cup Mayo (to taste; I tend to like less) 1 cup frozen peas About 1/2 pound cubed cheddar cheese Cilantro (optional, but we like it) Lemon juice to taste 1 can tuna (my husband likes two cans, but I like just one can) Salt and Pepper to taste About 1/4 cup chopped onion (if you have family members who don't like onion, you can make the chopped sizes bigger so it's easier to pick out) Let everything chill for several hours and don't add the frozen peas til you're ready to serve it. This looks good. We've been looking for a new pasta salad, so I think I will try this. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I hate cooking in the summer time. I can only bbq so much. What are your favorite warm weather meals? I don't think you can bbq too much... :D I was going to say smoked pork loin (we have a smoker grill so it can work like an outdoor oven.) Any kind of meat served with watermelon and sweet potato fries. :) Loaded baked potatoes and a salad. I *truly* despise cooking when it's hot so we use our grill a LOT. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 We do warm weather meals often in summer. Some favorites are: -sandwiches or wraps -main dish salads -snack dinner, usually cheese and crackers along with crudites and some fruit -quesedillas - while they aren't no-cook they don't really heat up the kitchen -I used to use the crock pot more often and though I haven't used it lately, it does keep the kitchen from getting hot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Our favorite - http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chicken-taco-salad/ I try to make extra meat so I can freeze it and use it later (same recipe though) and just grill the corn. This is usually a false hope though! My non-salad lover can just use a flour tortilla or chips. We can thaw some beans too to stretch it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Our favorite - http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chicken-taco-salad/ I try to make extra meat so I can freeze it and use it later (same recipe though) and just grill the corn. This is usually a false hope though! My non-salad lover can just use a flour tortilla or chips. We can thaw some beans too to stretch it. I'm not a fan of Pioneer Woman, but that's how taco salad works here too. Ds doesn't like lettuce so he makes a taco and leaves off the lettuce, while dh and I have a taco salad. I always try to have taco seasoned meat in the freezer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnionJack Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Here's another one we like to eat during the summer. It's hardly Greek, but it was the title of the recipe when it was given to me! Greek Pasta Salad 16 oz shell pasta 1 C mayonnaise 1/4 C italian dressing 1/4 C grated parmesan cheese 1/2 C feta cheese crumbles 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 1/2 C black or kalamata olives, sliced Sliced grilled chicken pepper to taste pine nuts to sprinkle on top Cook pasta, then rinse with cold water. Stir in mayonnaise to coat pasta, then stir in dressing. Add all remaining ingredients, stir well. Top with pine nuts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I like this salad: Grilled Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with Honey Lime Dressing I'm pretty sure I found that recipe HERE a few years ago! Also, I'm not opposed to doing cheese, meat and cracker trays with veggies and dip on the side. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 Tonight we had: Grilled pork tenderloin Grilled pineapple Zatarains carribean rice mix Sautéed green beans I used this method for grilling the tenderloin and it was perfect. I'll definitely do it again. http://www.finecooking.com/articles/foolproof-grilled-pork-tenderloin.aspx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) I'm a huge fan of fish tacos (cabbage slaw, lime, cilantro) -- they feel summery to me! Ooh, with a side of watermelon or berries. And corn on the cob. Now I'm hungry! Edited June 3, 2016 by alisoncooks 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 Massive salad wtih anything green we can find, choppped up with tons of veggies, nuts, seeds and whatever cheese/ meat we have left-over. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 Last night we had grilled chicken (Montreal steak seasoned) over baby greens with strawberries and bslsalmic vinegrette, sugared almonds. Almonds can be done in batches ahead of time, as can the vinegrette . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Just had fish tacos tonight: takes only a couple minutes to make the marinade. I use cod pieces from Trader Joe's ($3.99/ lb!) , top with thinly sliced red cabbage/dressed with lime juice "slaw", guac, sour cream or yogurt, salsa, rice, tortilla. So so so so good. And good for you. Everyone here loves them. I found a recipe for a Cajun spice mix that everyone likes. Sprinkle on boneless, skinless chicken thighs, bake. Yum. Serve with baked potatoes and some kind of greens served with vinegar. Black bean burritos: canned black beans, rinsed and heated with minced garlic, chopped green/red peppers/onion. Serve on soft tortilla with guac, salsa, etc. Nacho chips: top with black beans, peppers, onions, possibly some ground cooked turkey or beef. (I usually buy several pounds of ground turkey, cook it into crumbles, then freeze for quick meals. Summer produce on pasta. Lots of garlic & olive oil. Parmesan cheese. Meat of some kind optional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted June 27, 2016 Share Posted June 27, 2016 A friend just brought me the best homemade quiche ever! It had sauteed onions, sun-dried tomatoes, cheddar cheese, spinach, and basil (the latter two ingredients from our shared garden). I coupled that with sliced tomatoes and avocados. ETA: And, yeah, I just realized this thread is 3 weeks old, but it's still summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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