I feel like I just stopped talking about how hot it was (I think that went on well into December), but just like that, we find ourselves back in the season of Summer!
Yes, it is great being able to go to the beach or play in a pool, enjoy long summer nights, and BBQ any night of the week. But gosh, I just realllllly don’t like being hot. I shouldn’t complain too much-this morning the news was presenting a “high heat advisory” because we were reaching the high 80’s. It could be worse!
Anyway, in “celebration” of the change in season, I decided to put together a roundup of some of my favorite recipes that just scream “Summer!”
It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost been a year since my site went live and I started posting recipes here. So, this round-up gave me the chance to dig into the archives to find some of the earliest recipes I posted here last summer!
And now that summer is officially here, I better start posting some NEW super summer recipes soon! I have some ideas up my sleeve, so stay tuned 🙂
Since we don’t have AC in our house (not at all uncommon in Southern California, but a bummer none-the-less 😉 ) I will do anything I can to avoid turning on the oven or cooking over a hot stove. So, to me, perfect summer dinners are either made in the CrockPot or cooked on the grill.
Summer Dinners Made on the Grill
Many of these are simple and quick enough for weeknight meals, but also great for company and weekend BBQs!
Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce and Cucumber Tomato Salad
Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Salad
Grilled Steak Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce
Garlic Butter Shrimp on the BBQ
Summer Dinners Made in the CrockPot
I know the CrockPot is known for comforting winter meals, but I honestly use it just as much, if not more in the summer to keep the kitchen cooler, and so I am less cranky when I come home from work all hot and sweaty 😉
Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore (A great way to use up zucchini if you have extra in your garden!)
No Bake/Summer Desserts
No Bake Grain Free Granola Bars
Paleo No-Bake Nut & Chocolate Bars
(Gluten Free) S’mores Brownie Bars
Grain Free Sugar Cookies with Dairy Free Frosting
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (The very first recipe I posted here…can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie!)
Paleo Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Summer Appetizer
If you are trying to avoid using your stove and oven, I hope these give you some awesome summer cooking inspiration! I know many of these items will be making it on our weekly menu soon!