With all the fresh produce available to us during the summer months, it is the perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes with ingredients at their peak. Summer is also a great time to expose your little ones to new foods, herbs, and flavor profiles in recipes that include some typically “safe” favorites like watermelon and peaches. I am always a believer in giving kids foods the adults eat (even in tiny portions), and one day they may even try it! Here are a few that my family loves this time of year.
Delicious Summer Recipes
Watermelon, mint, and feta salad
There are many variations to this recipe, but this is a simple one I have come up with and thrown together during the summer months. Watermelon is typically a fan favorite at my house, but I’ve been able to introduce (finely chopped) mint and feta to my kids by using watermelon as the selling point. This is also delicious over arugula.
Dressing:
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup of olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Salad:
- Half a watermelon, cut into cubes
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, finely diced (or leave it in big leaves in making for adults)
- 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled
Add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake. Combine salad ingredients into a bowl and drizzle the dressing until it lightly coats the salad. Save the rest of the dressing for another salad.
Mexican Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is another summer staple. Be sure to try this flavorful variation with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. Substitute paprika for chili powder if a little heat isn’t your thing.
Classic Potato Salad
If you are heading to a cookout, try out this classic potato salad. Be sure to leave it in the fridge until it is time to eat because of the mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs.
Peach and burrata salad
One of the best things about summer is that the ingredients are so fresh and tasty. Recipes can be simple and the ingredients speak for themselves. That is the case with this salad. Combine fresh peaches and basil, good quality burrata, with a little olive and salt and pepper and you’ve got a delicious salad in no time!
Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sandwiches
What has more summer nostalgia than ice cream sandwiches? If there is one recipe on this list that everyone is sure to love, this is it! These take a little effort by making the cookie dough from scratch, but they are divine and feed a crowd. They are perfect for a summer cookout or pool party.
What are some of your favorite summer recipes?
