Summer is here. The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the air is filled with the promise of barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. But with all the fun, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen for hours, or feeling lethargic after a heavy meal? The good news is you do not have to be. Here are some quick and easy lite meals that are delicious and perfect for keeping you cool and satisfied during the hottest months of the year.

1. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

Grilling is synonymous with summer, and skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal. These skewers are simple to make, and they can be customized to include your .

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

3. Thread the chicken, peppers, onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating.

4. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

5. Serve hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad.聽 Too boost this lite meal, add a squeeze of lime, if you wish, for a little acidity before serving!

2. Caprese Salad

This classic Italian salad is a summer favorite. It is fresh, easy to make, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Plus, it requires no cooking, making it a perfect lite meal for those sweltering days.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1-pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. On a large platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern.

2. Tuck basil leaves in between the slices, or shred and sprinkle on top.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve immediately or keep chilled.

3. Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Tacos are a fun and easy way to enjoy a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. These shrimp tacos are lite, fresh, and perfect for summer, especially with the sweet and tangy mango salsa.

Ingredients:

For the shrimp:

• 1-pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the mango salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalape帽o, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

For assembly:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque.

3. To make the mango salsa, combine the mango, red onion, jalape帽o, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.

4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

5. To assemble the tacos, place a handful of cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla, top with shrimp, and spoon mango salsa over the top.

6. Serve with lime wedges.

4. Watermelon Feta Salad

This salad is the epitome of summer freshness. The sweet watermelon paired with the salty feta and mint creates a refreshing and unique combination that will indeed please.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, and mint.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Toss gently to combine. 5. Serve chilled.

5. Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon

Salmon is a nutritious and versatile fish that is perfect for grilling. This lemon garlic grilled salmon is light, flavorful, and cooks up quickly, making it an ideal summer meal. If you are not a fan of salmon or do not have any on hand, feel free to substitute any white fish into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

4. Grill the salmon filets skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes, then flip and grill for another 2-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. 5. Garnish this lite meal with fresh dill or parsley, if desired, and serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a simple salad.

There you have it鈥攆ive quick, easy, and lite meals that will make your sunny days even more delightful. These dishes are perfect for those hot days when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the great outdoors. From refreshing salads to grilled salmon, these recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and perfect for summer.

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The summer months can be sweltering and staying cool and hydrated is essential. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to enjoy light and healthy dishes that will not weigh you down. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or a refreshing snack, there are plenty of options. From crisp salads to chilled soups and fruity smoothie bowls, there are endless possibilities to satisfy your taste buds. Not only are these dishes delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients to keep you energized and feeling great all summer long. So, put away those heavy comfort foods and embrace the light and refreshing flavors of the season. Let us dive into some fantastic dishes perfect for the hot months!

Benefits of Eating Light and Refreshing Dishes

There are many benefits to eating light and refreshing dishes during the hot months. First, these dishes are often packed with nutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. They are also typically lower in calories, which can help us maintain a healthy weight. Second, eating light and refreshing dishes helps us stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer. These dishes are typically easier to digest, so we do not feel as sluggish after eating them. Last, eating light and refreshing dishes is a great way to try new flavors and ingredients. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with different fruits and vegetables that are in season to create delicious, healthy meals.

Seasonal Ingredients for Summer Dishes

One of the best things about summer is the availability of fresh, seasonal produce. Incorporating local and seasonal ingredients into your meals is good for the environment and keeps your dishes fresh and flavorful. Some of the best fruits and vegetables for summer dishes include tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, zucchini, peaches, and berries. Herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro add fresh and vibrant flavor to many dishes, and often complement the seasonal produce. When shopping for ingredients, look for locally sourced options to maximize freshness.

Salad Recipes for Hot Months

Salads are a perfect meal for hot summer days. They are light, refreshing, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. One of the best things about salad is the ability to add, substitute, or remove ingredients based on what you have on hand. A classic summer salad is a Caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. For flavor, season with salt and pepper, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Another great option is a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.聽 Change it up by rotating in various proteins like chicken, gyro, or salmon.聽 You can even throw together a simple, grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette. Salads can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile and delicious option for summer meals.

Grilled Dishes for Summer Evenings

Grilling is a popular cooking technique in the summer because it is easy and adds a delicious smoky flavor to dishes. Not to mention, it helps you avoid using the oven, meaning the heat stays outside instead of indoors! Barbecued chicken or fish with grilled vegetables is a classic summer meal. Skewers with chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables are also fun and flavorful. Marinate your protein beforehand and keep an eye on the grill to prevent burning.

The grill also makes easy.聽 Consider marinating and grilling portobello mushrooms or adding tempeh or tofu to veggie skewers. Flatbreads and pizzas are also easy to prepare on the grill, especially with the use of a pizza stone.

Cold Soups for Hot Days

Cold soups are a unique and refreshing option for hot summer days. Gazpacho, a Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, is a classic cold soup for summer. Another option is a chilled cucumber soup with yogurt, dill, and lemon juice. Cold soups are typically low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a healthy option for summer meals.

Fruit-Based Desserts for Summer

Fruit-based desserts offer a sweet and light way to end a summer meal. Fresh berries and whipped cream are a classic option that never gets old. Consider mixing up a fruit salad or fruit pizza with various seasonal fruits for a fun and colorful option. To entertain the kids, you can cut some of the fruits (such as melon or pineapple) into stars and other fun shapes.聽 Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream or a fruit tart with a flaky crust and a light custard filling are also crowd pleasers. When making fruit-based desserts, try to use seasonal fruits for the best flavor.

Hydration Tips

While eating light and fresh in the summer is important; so is staying hydrated, especially when it is hot and humid. Drinking plenty of water is essential, but there are other ways to promote hydration. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries, can help keep you hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, as they can dehydrate you. Instead, try with fresh fruits and herbs for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Cooking Techniques for Light and Refreshing Dishes

When cooking light and refreshing dishes, it is important to use cooking techniques that will not add unnecessary calories or fat. Grilling, roasting, and saut茅ing are healthy cooking techniques that add flavor without excess calories. Steaming and boiling are also good options for vegetables and grains. Use fresh herbs and spices to reduce the overall amount of salt and butter needed to flavor a dish.

Eating light and fresh dishes is important to staying healthy and comfortable during the hot summer. Incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals and using healthy cooking techniques can help you create delicious and satisfying dishes that will not weigh you down. From salads to grilled dishes to cold soups and fruit-based desserts, endless options exist for creating fresh, healthy meals all summer. So, embrace the season’s flavors and enjoy all that summer offers!

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Nothing is quite as enjoyable as meeting with friends and family on a sunny day, the sizzle of a hot grill, and the mouthwatering aroma of a well-cooked meal. It is the season to host an amazing backyard BBQ that will be the talk of the neighborhood!

We have put together a list of helpful tips to help you organize a BBQ feast that creates a lasting impression, whether you are an experienced grill master or a novice enthusiast. Get ready to learn the secrets of throwing the best BBQ, from perfecting grilling techniques to selecting a variety of food and establishing a welcoming atmosphere!

1. Improve Your BBQ Grilling Methods

Grilling is a skill that demands patience, practice, and a little finesse. Start by choosing the best cuts of meat and season or marinate them overnight to enhance their flavor. Consider chopping and marinating some vegetables for the vegetarians in the group or for a tasty, healthy side dish.

Ensure your grill is preheated to the proper temperature to achieve consistent cooking. For accuracy, we recommend investing in a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked steaks, burgers, and chicken. The thermometer comes in handy when checking to see if meats have reached the suggested for food safety. For example, you may need to leave your chicken on the BBQ a bit longer since it requires a higher internal temperature than beef.

To add diversity to your menu, experiment with several grilling techniques, such as direct and indirect heat. Mastering the heat exposure will allow you to cook a larger variety of foods without overcooking or charring. You can also work on flipping and basting to bring sauces into the mix. With enough practice, you will surprise your visitors with succulent treats that are expertly cooked and will have them asking for seconds.

2. Create a Variety-Packed and Tasty Menu

While traditional burgers and hotdogs are popular favorites, elevate the BBQ by providing a varied and interesting menu. Include original dishes like skewered seafood, grilled veggies, or homemade pizzas. Explore local marinades, rubs, and seasonings to surprise guests with unusual flavor combinations. Remember to offer vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate various food preferences.

Use side dishes to complement your BBQ foods with creative salads, delicious dips, and tempting grilled corn on the cob. Give guests a choice of toppings, sauces, and condiments so they may customize their meals. Of course, BBQ is only complete with an array of delicious desserts to quench your appetite. You can guarantee every guest will find something to tickle their taste buds by creating a varied and delectable menu.

3. Establish a Casual, Welcoming Ambiance

Make your backyard the ultimate BBQ refuge by establishing a warm atmosphere that will delight guests. Provide a lot of seating, including pleasant lounge spaces, tables, and comfortable chairs. Utilize outdoor tents, canopies, or umbrellas to provide shade. Bright accents like bunting, lanterns, and fresh flowers will liven up the space.

Set up your grilling station where you can demonstrate your abilities and invite guests to chat with you as you work your magic. Although the grill needs to have ample space from the house and seating area, you do not want to stand alone at the grill for hours!

A properly chosen playlist of lively songs that reflect the spirit of your event can help you create the right atmosphere. Double check the volume level so it does not impede conversation. To keep guests occupied, consider including some lawn activities like cornhole, horseshoes, or a casual game of badminton.

Last, it is important to keep your guests hydrated on warm summer days. Create an area for a well-stocked drink station with cool drinks like specialty cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, and soda. Make your water pitchers stand out by adding sliced citrus, cucumber, or berries.

4. Offer Interesting Activities

Plan activities to keep guests interested and entertained before and after the meal. Invite guests to participate in a friendly BBQ cook-off or a condiment-tasting competition to show off their creative skills and culinary prowess. You can also create interactive food stations where guests can personalize their cuisines, such as a DIY s’mores bar or a build-your-own burger station.

To keep young children occupied, set up a special kids’ area with games, face painting, or a treasure hunt. If your backyard already includes a play set, sandbox, or other kid-friendly areas, it is an easy win!

Remember to arrange pleasant seating places that encourage interaction and relaxation to foster relationships with guests. Play some energetic karaoke or play some lawn games to promote friendly competition. By organizing entertaining activities, you can ensure that your BBQ is about more than simply the food.聽 It is a delicious opportunity to create a sense of community and long-lasting memories.

You are prepared to organize an amazing BBQ that will make your guests excitedly anticipate your next culinary endeavor if you keep these helpful suggestions in mind. Develop your grilling skills, choose a diverse cuisine, create a welcoming atmosphere, and think of fun activities. Gather your loved ones, embrace the summertime, and get ready to throw an amazing BBQ that will be remembered for years!

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Entertaining is a rite of passage for any household in the spring and summertime. Between the official holidays and the nights you simply want to relax with friends and family, throwing a party can get a little pricey. If you鈥檙e hoping to make the most of the warmer weather this year without breaking the bank, here are some cost-effective entertaining tips to get you through the planning process.

Tip #1- Plan Ahead

While spur of the moment plans might come together, try your best to plan ahead for all your get-togethers by multiple days or, preferably, weeks. The reason for this is that last-minute decisions can lead to costly prices on your end. If you weren鈥檛 able to purchase snacks or drinks ahead of time, shopping last-minute could lead to higher prices and rash decisions which can burn a hole in your pocket. Or worse, if you have no food to cook and have to order in, the fees and tips can add up big time! So, try your best to think and plan ahead where possible.

Tip #2- Utilize Deals

Want to go out instead of hosting at your home? Look ahead of time to see if there are any local deals to take advantage of if your group is flexible. By looking for options with a reduced price for meals or admission to an activity, you can save the excess funds for another night or splurge on dessert afterward. Utilizing sites like make cost-effective entertaining easy- you can discover new ideas and find reduced-price group packages.聽 Also consider signing up for local business newsletters for deals and savings that can be used when it comes time for venturing out.

Tip #3- Have a Potluck

Not only can this save money, but also time. Ask friends and family to bring their favorite dishes for a special event and save yourself the hassle of cooking enough sides and mains for everyone. If you feel a little guilty about asking guests to bring something, you can volunteer to cover the mains, such as barbequing the hamburgers and hotdogs, and everyone can bring their favorite side. That provides guests with flexibility on both costs and their personal tastes, making sure there鈥檚 something for everyone.

Tip #4- Bring It Home

Doing something new and exciting may be perfect from time to time but entertaining outside the home can become expensive quickly. Instead, try getting creative with your at-home entertainment to add some variety to your entertaining. There are plenty of fun events to host such as rotating game nights, sips and paints, dessert decorating, home-based karaoke, and more. Each of these can cost hundreds for a few hours of fun while out, but bringing it home means only paying the cost of supplies, which in some cases can be used time and time again!

Tip #5- Decor

Home entertaining can be a bit mundane if it鈥檚 in the same spot and the environment is the same every time. If you鈥檙e looking to spice it up, try shopping at your local discount store to find cheap d茅cor such as streamers and balloons or themed . Adding these can be fun and inexpensive, with d茅cor sometimes costing under $10 for the entire room or space! Not only is d茅cor from discount stores affordable, but it can also be saved for next year and can really elevate the experience.

Tip #6- Borrow What You Don’t Have

If you鈥檙e hosting a big get-together and don鈥檛 have quite all the materials or space, try asking neighbors or others for spare supplies. For example, borrowing a folding card table from your next-door neighbor is much easier and cheaper than going out to purchase your own simply for entertaining one night. Though, if you鈥檙e planning to continue hosting get-togethers, it may be worth investing in your own so you aren鈥檛 having to worry about the logistics of tables and chairs at each event. Make sure to invite those you borrow from when appropriate!

Tip #7- No Need to Show Off

Just because you technically can, doesn鈥檛 mean you need to. If loved ones are coming over to visit, keep it simple and stay true to yourself. It can be easy to fall into a spiral of wanting the newest and best place settings and d茅cor to impress guests, but it is not necessary. Not only will you burn through funds on purchases that weren鈥檛 needed, but it can be a slippery slope trying to continually update and change to simply impress others. Chances are, if people are journeying to your home to spend a night or day with you, they鈥檒l be happy for the hospitality!

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Summer is here and your backyard is calling your name after the long winter months. From pool parties to a neighborhood BBQ, it is always fun to get together with family and friends to enjoy good food, games and sunshine. Hosting an event, although fun, can get stressful fast so next time you are planning your next summer bash take a look at these tips!

Food: On the bright side…you don鈥檛 have to think too hard about the menu for a summer party as many people are expecting the traditional backyard grub, but try to make it fun with a few new staples.

Add some color to the table with fresh fruit and vegetables paired with some killer dips. Try dipping flavors not many people have like a spicy chipotle hummus or a sweet dip for the fruit like cookie dough. You also want to make sure you have more than just hamburgers and hot dogs for the main dishes. Try to have a vegetarian or vegan option for guests like sweet potato and pepper kabobs. Also maybe you want to be adventurous and try something like salmon on the grill.

Drinks: Make the party fun with some signature cocktails or 鈥渕ocktails鈥� to celebrate the new summer season. Sangria or frozen cocktails are great for a refreshing beverage for adults and the kids can enjoy slushies!

In addition, having a cooler full of water and soda will ensure that every guest has something to wash down that delicious food with and keep hydrated in the heat.

Games: It鈥檚 all fun and games during the summer months! Buying classic yard games like croquet, bocce ball or ladder toss are all good ones to keep on hand. You may also want to provide some playing cards for the tables in case those sitting want something to entertain themselves too.

If you are having a pool party, get some small squirt guns or water balloons for everyone to enjoy. Remember these will always have more clean up than land games though.

Best party set-up: The most important thing when hosting a summer party outdoors is having a space for your guests to cool off and escape the heat. This could either be opening your home and letting people hangout indoors for a bit or setting up umbrellas or shade tents in the yard. Also remember to buy extra ice and cooking fuel! Nothing ruins a good cook-out like hot drinks and cold food.

Some other things to consider is providing sunscreen or bug spray to your guests to keep them safe, especially for little ones as they are often prone to sunburns and bug bites.

Music: If you don鈥檛 have a musical ear, go ahead and put someone else in charge of a playlist! There are plenty of pre-made 鈥渟ongs for the summer鈥� playlists on streaming services or free platforms like YouTube, but it can also be fun to make your own. Pick songs that are chill and happy but also appropriate for all ages if children are attending.

Whether it鈥檚 a family barbecue or a pool party for your closest friends, take these tips to make sure your summer bash will be the envy of parties for the rest of the sunshine season.

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