Favorite Summer Recipes

Bailey17 · June 2011

I have several upcoming events that I've volunteered to bring food to. I'd really love to bring something new and fresh.

I'm mainly looking for appetizer, side dishes, salads, or desserts. They don't have to be kid friendly but it would really help if they were. The events are mostly family cookouts, bridal showers, and baby showers.

**Also a vent** It drives me crazy that every time my family gets together my mom and I end up bringing all the food. My 3 sisters, grandma, aunts, cousins, etc. rarely ever bring anything. My mom has flat out asked my sisters to please bring something and they'll show up with a few 2 liters of soda or a can of olives....REALLY? **vent over**

Thank you!

raynes · June 2011

I'm a huoooooge, fan of caprese salad skewers in the summer, especially when paired with some balsamic reduction.

eeeeva · June 2011

I got this from a blog a long time ago and I really like it. It's been a favorite at my house.

Wagon Wheel Taco Pasta Salad
1lb wagon wheel pasta
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 10oz package frozen corn (I don't even bother thawing it, because I always make this at least a few hours before serving, so it plenty of time to defrost)
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
8oz shredded Mexican-blend cheese
1 1/2 cups salsa
1/2 cup olive oil
3-4 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp cumin
1-2 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
freshly ground salt & pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 avocado, diced

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. Add the cooled pasta and mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin and chili powder. Pour over the pasta salad, add the cilantro, and mix well. Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Just before serving, stir in the diced avocado.

ring_pop · June 2011

Last summer I fell in love with this potato salad with mint & peas.

2 lb small red potatoes
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup thawed frozen or cooked fresh baby peas (5 oz)
1/3 cup chopped or torn fresh mint leaves

Cover potatoes with cold salted water in a 3-quart saucepan, then simmer, covered, until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

While potatoes are cooking, whisk together vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper in a large serving bowl.

Drain potatoes and halve or quarter if desired. Add to vinegar mixture while warm and toss to coat. Add oil, peas, and mint and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm or at room temperature.

abarber340 · June 2011

This is not at all helpful, but after reading the title of your post (and obviously not the rest) the only thing that I could think of was sangria. I must need a drink Big Smile