Parks, the pool, sandboxes, SPF 30, bathing suits, 15 changes of clothes, dirt, mud, sweat. That’s just part of summer. And I cannot wait. But I forgot one thing. Food. The people have to eat, right? Unfortunately, yes. Yes, they do.
I am here to cheer-lead you on to a successful summer of meal prepping sanity – because people can survive without someone slaving for hours in the kitchen. And an ordinary meal can be quite extraordinary. Follow along with this short but sweet post for some favorite, but simple, summer recipes as shared by myself and my fellow DMB contributors.
For starters. IF you get nothing out of this post, I ask that you consider one thing. Meal prep. Yes. It takes extra time on the front end, but I swear, meal prep can save lives. After you go to the grocery for your stock up on all the things, prep all the things that you can. Wash and chop the veggies and fruit, place ‘easy to access’ items for kiddos in places they can reach (like applesauce pouches and yogurt on the bottom fridge shelf, pretzels and quick snacks in the bottom part of the pantry). That alone is sanity.
Cut the cheese into cubes, make a huge batch of pancakes for easy reheat (this may last a few mornings), and grill up a bajillion chicken breasts so they last throughout the week. My family pretty much lives off the grill all summer. Grilled chicken, burgers, and veggies – then I make easy sides – and wahhlahh. Done.
Meal prep can look like lots of different things for different people, so do it your way, own it, and you will seriously love me later. You are welcome. Keep in mind, the recipes we are about to share do involve some sort of prep – but – should not involve hours of hating your kitchen. So read on, find a few gems, try them out, and eat up – sister!
For starters, here are a few of my favorites that I tend to go back to over and over:
Summer Tomato and Cucumber Salad – I will substitute stevia for the sugar to make it less caloric/sugary. It’s our fav!
Egg Roll in a Bowl – Not exactly what I think of as ‘summery,’ but definitely easy! Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding eggs. Make it vegan by just adding more veggies and eliminating meat/eggs.
Simple Broccoli Salad – My family LOVES broccoli salad! If your kiddos have yet to try it (because of the color green), try to introduce them to the glorious nutrient-dense veggie with this recipe. Alter the amount of sugar or use stevia, and substitute greek plain yogurt for the mayo if you wish. This lasts multiple days so make a big ole batch!
Simple Deviled Eggs – Because a little bacon makes everything better. Omit the bacon if you wish, and regardless, these are great little quick snacks to keep in the fridge.
Vanilla Chia Pudding – Throw it in the fridge the night before and you have a quick breakfast or snack the next day. Especially on a hot morning. I love chia pudding, and there are many variations online. Explore!
Avodado Chicken Salad – SOO easy and SOO good! Use to dip veggies in, throw on bread, dip some chips. It’s versatile and lasts many days!
Asparagus, Tomato and Feta Salad – I am saving the best for last. THIS. This beauty is our absolute favorite salad in the summer, or really any day. There is something about blanched asparagus that is just extra divine. If you don’t do feta or balsamic, get creative and use whatever cheese (or don’t use cheese) and dressing that you prefer. But if you make it as is, I guarantee you will love it.
Now for some recommendations by my lovely fellow contributors and executive staff:
Sarah – Easy Quiche – 1 frozen pie shell – 1/2 cup milk – 1/2 cup mayo – salt and pepper (or everything bagel seasoning!) – 3 eggs – Add summer veggies and shredded cheese – Bake 40 minutes at 350
Emily – Avocado Feta Salad AND Italian Pasta Salad – you can definitely munch on these for a few days! Think lunch, snack, dinner. Easy sides to add to any cookout also. For Italian Pasta Salad: Pasta (Farfalle/angel hair are favs), 2 peppers of your choice, 1 tomato, 1 cucumber, 1 onion, Italian dressing of choice, diced pepperoni and cheese (optional). Cook noodles, dice veggies/cheese, cool noodles and throw it all together with dressing. It’s a hit!
Leslie – DIY Taco Salad – grab some shredded lettuce, ground beef (or chicken or really any protein of your choice), refried beans (optional), & any toppings you like or have on hand like black olives, diced sweet peppers, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, etc. Put each item in a bowl and let everyone layer their salads as they like it. Easy peasy!
Cheryl – Beach Dip – talk about EASY! Use as a dip for veggies, chips, or whatever your heart desires! – 1 container sour cream – 1 packet ranch mix – 2 cups shredded cheese – Bacon bits (real)
Sasha – Mojito Fruit Salad – use apple or lime juice to keep it non-alcoholic.
Samara – Avocado Corn Salad and Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Wraps – because avocado and cream cheese are both amazing.
Katie – Turkey Burger Pops – the fact that these are ‘pops’ make me extra excited to try them!
Kristen – Crisp Cucumber Salad – just a few ingredients, chop, mix, done!
Mallory – Grilled Salmon Salad – use a pre-washed bag of greens and pre-cut veggies to make it even easier!
Hopefully, we have provided you with a good starting point for some simple recipes to try this summer. What go-to recipes do you have that you want to share with us?
