Four Tasty & Bright Bites for Summer

By Jem Hanan, Contributing Blogger

Summer is the season when food practically begs to be simple, colorful, and shared. Whether you’re coming home with an armful of produce from the farmers market or just looking for an easy dinner that doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen, these recipes are made for warm evenings and casual gatherings. From salads to skewers to sorbet, this collection brings out the best of the season: bright flavors, bold textures, and that effortless summer feeling. Read on for our favorite recipes of the summer!

1. Farmers Market Summer Salad

This salad tastes like summer itself. A celebration of peak-season produce, this salad brings all your summer favorites together: crisp greens, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, with a zippy vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for those warm days when you want something fresh and effortless on your plate.

Source: Taste of Home

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
  
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  

• 1 cup cucumber, diced
  
  

• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  
  

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  
  

• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, corn, red onion, and herbs.
   
   

2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
   
   

3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
   
   

4. Top with feta, if using. Serve immediately.
   
   

2. Charred Broccoli, Lemon & Walnut Pasta

When you want comfort food with a bit of a twist, this charred broccoli and lemon pasta delivers. The crisp broccoli paired with bright lemon and crunchy walnuts makes for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. A hearty summer meal, this pasta is the perfect entree for dinner parties and family time. 

Source: BBC Good Food

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
  
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  
  

• 50g walnuts, roughly chopped
  
  

• 200g whole-wheat pasta
  
  

• Salt and pepper
  
  

• Grated Parmesan or vegan alternative (optional)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
   
   

2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add broccoli, cook until charred and tender, 5–7 minutes.
   
   

3. Add remaining oil and garlic, cook 1 minute.
   
   

4. Add walnuts, lemon zest, and juice. Toss.
   
   

5. Drain pasta, add to skillet with broccoli mix, and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
   
   

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan if desired.
   
   

3. Jerk Marinated Chicken Breast Skewers (with Creamy Cucumber Dipping Sauce and Yucca Fries)

This island-inspired meal brings it all. These jerk-marinated chicken skewers pack a punch with aromatic heat, balanced by a creamy cucumber sauce and delicious golden yucca fries. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or channeling vacation vibes at home, this trio brings bold, summertime flavor to the table.

Source: Food Network – Bob Marley's Reggae

Ingredients:

For the Jerk Marinade & Skewers:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
  
  

• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallion
  
  

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  
  

• 1 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 2 teaspoons sugar
  
  

• 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican pimento (allspice)
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
  

• 1 hot pepper, finely ground (or 2 Scotch bonnet peppers)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  
  

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  
  

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  
  

• 1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar
  
  

• 2 pounds chicken breast, diced 1/2-inch thick
  
  

• Green tai leaves (optional, for presentation)
  
  

For the Yucca Fries:

• 2 pounds fresh yucca, peeled and cut into fries
  
  

For the Creamy Cucumber Dipping Sauce:

• 25 ounces cucumber
  
  

• 7 ounces sour cream
  
  

• 7 ounces mayonnaise
  
  

• 1-ounce cider vinegar
  
  

• 1/2-ounce salt
  
  

• Pinch cayenne pepper
  
  

• 1/2-ounce Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1/2-ounce chopped garlic
  
  

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine onion, scallion, thyme, salt, sugar, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot pepper, black pepper, soy sauce, oil, and vinegar. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
   
   

2. Prepare the Yucca Fries:
   Peel and cut yucca into fries. Boil in salted water until just tender, drain, and set aside.
   
   

3. Make the Dipping Sauce:
   Puree cucumber in a blender or food processor. Combine with sour cream, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, salt, cayenne, mustard, and garlic in a bowl. Mix well and chill.
   
   

4. Assemble and Grill Skewers:
   Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (optionally with green tai leaves for presentation). Grill over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
   
   

5. Fry the Yucca:
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry yucca until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
   
   

6. Serve:
   Serve chicken skewers with yucca fries, creamy cucumber dipping sauce, and fresh pineapple wedges if desired.
   
   

4. Mango Sorbet (Bonus Sweet Summer Snack)

Few things say summer like the sun-kissed sweetness of mango. This homemade mango sorbet is a breeze to make and bursting with tropical flavor. It’s the perfect fix for when you’re cooling down after a hot day or just craving a refreshing treat. This sorbet is a spoonful of sunshine, and the best part, no ice cream maker required!

Source: Taste of Home

Ingredients:

• 4 large ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted
  
  

• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 1/2 cup water
  
  

• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
  
  

Instructions:

1. Puree mango flesh in a blender or food processor until smooth.
   
   

2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves, then cool.
   
   

3. Stir syrup and lemon/lime juice into mango puree.
   
   

4. Pour mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes until firm and fluffy (about 2–3 hours). Alternatively, use an ice cream maker.
   
   

5. Scoop and serve cold.
   
   

Hope you’re leaving here with a few new favorites (and maybe a mango stain on your shirt). Summer’s too short for boring meals, so keep things fresh, try something fun, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy in the kitchen. Whether you're cooking for friends, feeding your family, or just treating yourself to something seasonal and satisfying, these recipes are here to make things a little easier and a lot more delicious. No fuss, no frills, just good food, good ingredients, and the simple pleasure of eating well in the warmth of the season.