Bust out your tank tops, shorts, and flip flops because it’s officially starting to feel a lot like summer! To celebrate the warmer weather, I’m rounding up a few of my favorite refreshing summer recipes that are bound to wow a crowd. Make these for your next BBQ, small get together, or night in with the family. From creative appetizers and light meals to sweet desserts and boozy drinks, there’s a little something here for everyone!
Mango, Cucumber, and Smoked Salmon Sushi
This summertime favorite is from nutritionist Karin Reiter. She uses brown rice, fresh mango, cucumber, and smoked salmon to create this fun homemade sushi treat. In our house, we chop up a whole bunch of fillings and everyone assembles and rolls their own sushi, which makes for good pre-meal fun!
Mouth-Watering Summer Taco Salad
While this recipe is a hit with diners all year round, it’s best served with super fresh summer corn. So, next time you swing by your local farmer’s market, pick up some summer corn and enjoy this bikini-approved taco salad!
One Bowl Party-In-Your-Mouth Kale Salad
This salad takes three minutes (seriously) from start to finish, including the chopping. The trick to this one-bowl salad is to skip the hassle of making a dressing – just drizzle all of the dressing ingredients on top of your greens and mix away. And what’s better than a light and quick meal in the summertime? Ready, set, chop away!
Healthified Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you ask me, the only thing better than a delicious chocolate chip cookie is a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich! Since I try to avoid dairy in my house, I also opt for a dairy-free ice cream (any brand will do because the cookie steals the show). Go grab your cookies, ice cream, your favorite toppings, a biscuit cutter, and watch how fun these are to make:
Frozen Banana Pops
Growing up, nothing tasted like quite like summer fun as much as ice pops. It was a race against the sun: Could you lick them fast enough or would the sunshine melt away the sweet goo? Today, I love to play around with different fruit purees to create my own refined sugar-free pops. While I encourage you to get creative and experiment with different fruit combinations, these dairy-free frozen banana pops are a definite must-try!
Frozen Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon is a summertime favorite and can be served up so many different ways. Enter this refreshing frozen watermelon mojito! With natural sugars from the watermelon and a refreshing contrast of lime juice and mint, this drink is a real winner. Serve it up at your next party and I bet you’ll hear “oohs” and “aahhhs”. Watch how easy it is to whip up a batch:
Strawberry and Mango Frozen Margarita
Here’s another must-make frozen boozy drink that has a serious kick to it! Made with strawberries, mango, jalapeño peppers, fresh mint, and a combination of alcohol, this refreshing beverage is truly conversation-worthy.
Frozen Pineapple Mango Daiquiri
Close your eyes and take a sip! This frozen pineapple mango daiquiri is a surefire way to get you in the summer mood. The fruit’s natural sweetness paired with a splash of flavored vodka and rum gives this drink a delicious tropical taste. It’s perfect for the beach, lounging in a hammock with a good book, or a summer party.
