Here are some suggestions on how to use July’s bounty to create delicious, seasonal meals. You may have noticed that in a few recent salad recipes, I have not cooked the corn before adding it to the salad. Corn, this year, has been plentiful and sweet and I found the salads taste better if the corn is uncooked. The dressing permeates the corn and it tastes quite fresh. Figs and Pecans are also in season here where I live, in fact, the figs are from a friend’s tree. If figs are not available in your area now, you can save this recipe until they are. Peppers and tomatoes are plentiful now and melons are at their peak.
Cold Salad Plate For 2
Cantaloupe Rounds Filled with Tuna Salad
Cantaloupe:
Cut 2 rounds from a the center of a ripe, peeled cantaloupe and remove the seeds. Center the rounds on 2 dinner plates.
Mix the tuna salad:
Combine one 6.4 oz package of tuna, ¼ cup diced onion, ¼ cup diced celery, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and ½ cup mayonnaise.. Place half the tuna salad in each cantaloupe round.
Make the deviled eggs:
Cut 3 hard-boiled eggs in half. Remove the yolks to a small bowl and mash them. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion and 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery.
Add a little sprinkle of salt, ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise.
Mix well and use the fillings to stuff the egg whites. Arrange on the salad plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Add sliced fresh tomatoes to the salad plate and serve with warmed cornbread or rolls.
Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Chopped parsley
- Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips, see recipe below
Directions
Mix the corn, green pepper, jalapeno, tomato and red onion in a bowl. Stir in the olive oil, the lime juice, honey and salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to marinate. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with tortilla chips.
Chili-Lime Tortilla Chips
Lay corn tortillas out on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil and lime juice. Sprinkle with chili powder. Cut the corn tortillas into fourths.
Bake at 400 degrees F until crispy, about 15 minutes. Once they come out of the oven, squeeze more lime juice over them. Serve with the corn salsa.
Summer Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 8-9 oz boneless chicken breasts
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon lemon Juice
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup whole pecans, toasted
- Parsley for garnish
Directions
I like to poach chicken in broth for salads. Place 2 cups of water with a salt free chicken bouillon packet in a medium saucepan. Add a little salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and add the chicken. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook the chicken about 15-20 minutes or until they are white through the center.
Cool in the broth. Drain the chicken and dice. Save the broth for when you need chicken broth for a recipe.
Place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients, except the pecans. Chill.
To serve:
By hand, break half of the pecans into pieces and stir into the salad. Arrange the salad on a serving plate and decorate with the remaining pecans and garnish with parsley.
Corn Cakes
Makes 9-10 cakes
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Roasted tomato salsa, recipe below
Directions
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper and cayenne in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center and add the milk, egg, honey and cooled melted butter.
Whisk together the wet ingredients, then incorporate the dry ingredients (do not over mix). Mix in the corn and cheese.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, drop heaping ¼-cup portions of the batter into the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cakes are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Serve the corn cakes topped with Roasted Tomato Salsa.
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
- 8 oven roasted tomatoes, finely chopped, see recipe
- 1 jalapeño chili, finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
Directions
Mix the ingredients together and allow to rest at room temperature until serving time for the flavors to blend.
Fresh Fig Tart
Serves 8
Ingredients
- One 9-inch refrigerated pie crust, at room temperature
- 1 pound fresh figs, stemmed and halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup apple jelly, heated
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Press the dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch tart pan.
Place the figs in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice; toss gently to combine.
Spread the warm jelly over the pastry.
Arrange the figs in a circular pattern on the jam covered pastry. Sprinkle with pecans.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the fruit juices bubble and the crust is browned. Cool before cutting.
It is 90 degrees outside and you are thinking, “ I am not turning on the oven and heating up the house”. No need. There are plenty of light, delicious meals that you can serve cold or at room temperature for those hot summer days and nights. The Summer is filled with great seasonal foods like peaches, berries, melon, tomatoes, corn, bell peppers and cucumbers – all of which help keep us hydrated and cool during the heat. Turn these summer gems into light, easy meals.
Italian Cantaloupe Salad
This makes a great lunch. Just add a few bread sticks.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium cantaloupe, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 10 basil leaves, sliced thin
- 12 Italian green olives
- 6 small sweet pickled Italian cherry peppers, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup diced provolone cheese (or any cheese you like)
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Toss with the oil and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. This salad is better chilled for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Carrot, Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad
Good side for grilled meats or fish.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups thinly shaved carrot
- 1 small Vidalia onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups thinly shaved cucumber
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
Directions
Combine the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add the carrot and onion; toss to coat. Let stand 5 minutes.
Add the cucumber and parsley to the bowl; toss to coat. Let sit for an hour to allow the salad to marinate.
Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients
- 6 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cups small heirloom or plum tomatoes of different colors, if possible, sliced thin
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup pitted and sliced Italian oil cured black olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (chili)
- Basil leaves, sliced thin
Directions
In a serving bowl large enough to hold the pasta, add the the lemon juice, olive oil, onion, olives, red pepper flakes and a little salt and black pepper. Mix,
Add the sliced tomatoes and cooked spaghetti. Mix well and cover the dish until serving time. You can also serve this dish chilled.
Tuna Patty with Peach and Corn Salad
Using leftover grilled tuna gives the fish cakes much more flavor than canned tuna.
For 2 servings
Ingredients
- 6 oz leftover grilled tuna
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (hot sauce)
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- Ranch Dressing, recipe below
- Peach and Corn Salad, recipe below
Directions
Combine the tuna, celery, onion, bell pepper, mustard, lemon juice and zest, parsley, chives, hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste in a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Add enough mayonnaise to hold the mixture together. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill.
Divide the mixture evenly into 2 rounds and coat in the panko crumbs, pressing the crumbs into the parry.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium skillet. Add the tuna patties and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel. Allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Mixed Green Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Combine a mixture of your favorite salad greens and spread them on two individual dinner plates.
Make the salad dressing according to the recipe link: Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Place a cooked tuna patty on each plate and drizzle the greens and tuna with ranch dressing.
Place the Peach and Corn Salad on the other side of the plate. The Peach and Corn Salad compliments the tuna very well.
Summer Peach and Corn Salad
Serve this on the side with the tuna patty or as a salad on its own.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed
- 2 peaches, diced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salad
- 1/2 pound fresh salad greens
- 1/2 cup shaved Pecorino Romano cheese
Directions
Whisk together the vinegar, honey and oil. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Toss the vinaigrette with the, shallots, parsley, corn and peaches.
Chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve as a side with the tuna patties over greens and top with the shaved cheese.
You can also serve the salad over greens and top with the shaved cheese as a separate salad with an entree.
Summer is a wonderful time to entertain and enjoy the outdoors with your friends. Serving appetizers and drinks are a great way to entertain when it is hot. You want easy to prepare recipes so you are not in the kitchen for hours and you want to use simple, common ingredients that you usually have in your pantry or refrigerator. Below are a few of my easy to make suggestions.
Mediterranean Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for the bread
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 large tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped oil cured Italian olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- 1 baguette, cut diagonally into 1/4 inch-thick slices
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl; except the bread slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Lightly grill the bread slices and then brush them with olive oil. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of the tomato mixture onto each bread slice and arrange on a serving plate.
Oven Fried Zucchini and Yellow Squash Rounds
Ingredients
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Homemade Marinara Sauce, (see recipe here)
- 2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
- 2 medium yellow squash, ends and neck trimmed
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups dried Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cut the squash into ¼ inch thick slices.
In a plastic bag, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and cheese.
Place the squash slices in the bag with the flour and shake until they are coated.
Next, place each slice in the egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the squash rounds on the prepared baking pan and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 10 minutes. Turn the slices over and bake for another 10 minutes or until crispy.
Serve with warm marinara sauce.
Marinated Cheese
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4-ounces of cream cheese, quartered
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 packed teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pitted black and green Italian olives
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Toasted crostini, pita chips or crackers for serving
Directions
Place the cheese quarters in a medium container. Sprinkle the thyme, lemon zest, olives and sun-dried tomatoes over and around the cheese. Sprinkle the cheese with a little sea salt.
Pour the olive oil over the mixture. Squash the mixture with a fork and cover the container. Let the cheese marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Bring the cheese mixture to room temperature about 45 minutes before serving. Put the marinated cheese mixture into a serving dish.
Arrange crostini, pita or crackers around the dish with a couple of small knives for serving.
Tuna Dip
Serve with fresh celery, radishes, carrots and thin, crispy crackers.
Makes 8 servings.
- 8-ounces canned tuna
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup chopped red onion
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, washed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, onion, parsley, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Place the tuna in a food processor and pulse to break it up.
Turn the speed to low speed and add the olive oil mixture, a little at a time, until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
Pour into a small serving bowl and chill. Serve with fresh-cut vegetables and crackers on the side.
Starting with this post, I will include posts each week about cooking with seasonal and local (if possible) ingredients.
When buying produce in season, you are not only getting fruits and vegetables at their peak of flavor, you are also getting the best price! Try incorporating a few of the “in season” produce items in your market into your weekly menu. Below is a dinner we had last week that made use of what is in season where I live: asparagus and tuna. February and March are good months for catching tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. I also made this tuna steak work for two meals. Earlier in the week, I grilled a tuna steak and we ate about 2/3 of the tuna steak and I saved 1/3 to make the tuna cakes in the recipe below. Asparagus are at their peak right now and prices are quite reasonable, so they are on our dinner table each week.
Oven Baked Asparagus
2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Wash and trim the woody stems from the asparagus spears. Place them in a baking dish large enough so that they lay in a single layer. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and spread them back into a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with the grated cheese.
Tuna Cakes
Serve with Remoulade sauce on the side, if desired. Recipe below.
2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 oz cooked (leftover grilled) tuna
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seafood seasoning
- Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Shred the tuna into a medium bowl. Add all of the other ingredients, except the Panko crumbs and oil and mix very well.
Sprinkle a coating of Panko crumbs on a sheet of wax paper. Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
Press the panko crumbs into the tuna cakes as you form the patties. Refrigerate the tuna cakes for a few hours before cooking. They will hold together better during cooking.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the patties to the pan and, cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then turn them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Light Remoulade Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a small serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
FESTIVAL-OF-JOY By Leonid Afremov
Fresh seasonal produce and temperatures above normal are reasons to fix a satisfying salad for dinner. Most greens are great sources of folate and of vitamin C, which promotes healthy skin and a healthy immune system. Popular salad additions, such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers, provide an abundance of vitamins.
Most people think of salads as a first course or a side dish served with dinner. However, by adding some great toppings like grilled steak, poached chicken, boiled eggs or cold shrimp you can take any salad and turn it into a meal. Moreover, salad doesn’t always have to be about leafy greens either — many are made with beans or grains like quinoa, bulgur, barley or farro. You can vary a salad’s flavor by changing the dressing or vinaigrette. Add some crunch to your salads by adding some fresh, raw sweet corn cut off the cob, or toasted nuts or homemade croutons. Now you have a great dinner.
Steak Salad with Blue Cheese
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. flank or skirt steak, trimmed and cut in half
- 4 teaspoons sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium red onion, sliced crosswise in 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 6 oz. baby greens (6 packed cups)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 oz. blue cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
Directions
Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare a medium-high (400°F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Oil the grill grates.
In a baking dish just large enough to hold the steak, combine the Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
Add the steak and turn to coat both sides.
Combine the vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the 1/4 cup olive oil.
Season the steak with salt and pepper and grill, turning once, 3 to 5 minutes total for medium rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes.
Toss the greens, onions and tomatoes with just enough of the vinaigrette to coat lightly and divide the mixture among 4 serving plates.
Slice the steak across the grain and arrange both over the greens. Sprinkle the blue cheese over the salad, drizzle with additional dressing and serve.
Italian Rice Salad
6 servings
Ingredients
- Garlic Vinaigrette (recipe below)
- 3 cups cooked, slightly warm basmati rice (directions below)
- 1 cup chopped red, green and/or orange sweet bell pepper
- One 6 ounce jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup pitted olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons drained capers
- Mixed salad greens, mesclun or torn romaine
- Fresh basil leaves
Directions
Prepare the Garlic Vinaigrette; set aside.
To cook the rice:
Place 1 cup uncooked basmati or long grain white rice in a fine mesh sieve. Run cool water over the rice for several minutes; drain well.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to boiling. Slowly add the rice and return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let cool about 15 minutes. Makes 3 cups.
In a large bowl, combine rice, bell pepper, artichokes, red onion, olives and capers. Stir vinaigrette and drizzle over the rice mixture; toss gently to coat.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Serve rice salad on a bed of salad greens and garnish with basil.
Garlic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, parsley, vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, basil, oregano and garlic. Makes about 3/4 cup.
Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
- 2 tablespoons orange juice plus 1/3 cup
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3-4 oranges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups torn mixed salad greens
- 2 oz. sliced prosciutto
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Directions
Remove a 1/2 teaspoon of zest from one of the oranges. Peel oranges. Working over a bowl, cut oranges into sections and dice them; reserve 2 tablespoons and 1/3 cup of the juice. (If necessary, add additional orange juice to make the 1/3 cup.)
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to boiling. Add shrimp; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque. Drain in colander. Rinse with cold water; drain again and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer shrimp to a bowl. Add orange peel and the 2 tablespoons orange juice; toss gently to coat.
In a covered medium saucepan, cook asparagus in a small amount of boiling water for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain in colander. Rinse with cold water; drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup orange juice, the oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, asparagus, diced oranges, prosciutto, greens and green onions. Pour dressing over all; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
4 servings
Ingredients
- Lemon Dressing, recipe below
- 12 ounces chicken tenders
- 8 cups mixed baby greens
- One 16 ounce jar pickled mixed vegetables (giardiniera), drained and blotted dry with paper towels
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup homemade croutons (directions below)
Directions
For the croutons:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove crusts from 2-3 hearty country bread slices. Brush bread on both sides with olive oil. Cut bread slices up into small cubes.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool.
Brush 2-3 tablespoons of the dressing on the chicken tenders. Lightly sprinkle with black pepper.
Heat a grill pan over medium high heat; add chicken. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning once or until no pink remains. Slice chicken tenders in bite-size chunks.
In a salad bowl toss together the greens, chicken, giardiniera, olives, feta cheese and remaining dressing. Top with croutons and serve.
Lemon Dressing
3/4 cup
Ingredients
- 1 large clove of garlic, squeezed through a garlic press
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Mix together the ingredients and set aside.
Pasta Salad with Tuna and Summer Vegetables
6 main-dish servings
Ingredients
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lb. campanelle or fusilli pasta
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 medium yellow squash
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 large cans or pouches of tuna in water
Directions
Heat a large covered pan of salted water to boiling on high. Add pasta; cook al dente.
Trim zucchini and squash, cut into quarters lengthwise, then cut into thin slices crosswise. Slice tomatoes in half. Slice olives in half and finely chop parsley.
In a large serving bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; stir in tomatoes.
Drain pasta well. Add to the tomato mixture along with the tuna, zucchini, squash, olives and parsley. Toss until well mixed. Chill before serving.
What do you do when it is getting close to dinner time but you just don’t feel like cooking? Maybe it has been a week of very hot weather or you had a tough day at work. Canned foods, deli ingredients, frozen fully cooked meat, such as chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, cooked shrimp and fresh summer produce can all be used to make excellent no-cook meals.
Of course, there are always salads and adding a few new ingredients will make them exciting again. Going a step further in using summer’s fresh produce means making gazpacho or other chilled soups — very refreshing plus easy to make. Don’t forget about other raw foods as well. This is an ideal time to explore all the ways you can avoid heating up the kitchen.
Here are some ideas on what to fix on those days without heading to the nearest fast food restaurant.
Tuna-Nectarine Salad with Pita
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
- 12 oz canned tuna in water, drained
- 4 ripe, yet firm, nectarines or peaches, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped, toasted pecans
- 2 whole pita breads, quartered
Directions
In a bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in chives.
Add tuna and nectarines to the yogurt mixture; toss gently to combine. Spoon tuna mixture onto salad plates; sprinkle with pecans. Serve with pita bread.
Cucumber Soup With Prosciutto Sandwiches
4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumber (about 2 medium)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup chopped shallot
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or basil, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 4 slices Italian country bread
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
Directions
In a food processor combine 1 1/2 cups of the cucumber, the buttermilk, yogurt, shallot, garlic, crushed red pepper and lemon-pepper seasoning. Cover and process until mixture is smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the chives, balsamic vinegar and the remaining 1 cup cucumber.
Chill until serving time.
Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with chives or basil.
Drizzle bread with olive oil and top with the prosciutto, dividing evenly. Serve sandwiches with the soup.
Crab Rolls
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat or chopped cooked shrimp, defrosted if frozen
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 radishes, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped, plus 2 tablespoons celery leaves
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 hot dog buns, split
- Pickles and low salt sweet potato chips, for serving
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the crab, mayonnaise, radishes, celery, celery leaves, apple, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Dividing evenly, fill the buns with the crab mixture. Serve with the pickles and chips.
Roast Beef Salad
Serve with bread sticks.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 small heads Boston (tender) lettuce, torn into pieces
- 12 ounces deli roast beef, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large tomato, cut into wedges
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Directions
Divide the lettuce, roast beef, tomato, onion, and blue cheese among four salad bowls.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle over the salad. Serve.
Antipasto Plate
Serve with with fresh seasonal fruit.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- One 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/2 pound Provolone (or cheese of choice) cheese, sliced
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
- 1/2 cup mixed Italian olives
- 1/2 small loaf Italian country bread
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, roasted peppers, parsley, scallions, oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Serve with the cheese, prosciutto, olives and bread.
Seasonal Fruit with Orange-Ricotta Cream
2 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier), optional
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quartered strawberries or whatever fruit is in season
- 2 whole strawberries
Directions
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Spoon cheese mixture into a small bowl; cover and chill for 3 hours.
Spoon 1/2 cup quartered strawberries or other fruit into each of 2 small dessert dishes and top each with 2 tablespoons cheese mixture.
Garnish each serving with a whole strawberry or other fruit.
Thinking of grilling fish this weekend? Certain types of fish are trickier than others, but almost any type of seafood can be grilled — shellfish, whole fish, steaks and fillets. Meaty fish are ideal for grilling because they hold together well and are easy to handle. For salmon, use lower heat because salmon has a high fat content and the fat will melt and cause flare-ups if the heat is too high.
Delicate, flaky fish pose more of a challenge on the grill because they fall apart easily. A grill basket solves that problem because it encloses the fish on both sides. Just be sure to oil the grill basket or spray with nonstick spray to prevent the fish from sticking. If you do not have a basket, you can use a wide metal spatula for turning the fish.
Be sure to oil the grill grates well. Grilling times and temperatures will vary depending on the type of fish, its density or flakiness and its thickness. Meaty, dense fish (tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, swordfish) will take longer to cook than lighter, flakier fish (cod, halibut). Start by cooking the fish over high heat, but if the fish is browning too fast, lower the heat to medium-high.
Grilled Shrimp Pitas
6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 6 pitas, about 6-inch diameter
- 3 cups lettuce
- Sliced red onion and plum tomatoes
Directions
For the Sauce
In a medium-size bowl, stir together yogurt, crumbled feta, cucumber and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the Shrimp
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, mint, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add shrimp, seal bag and shake to coat shrimp with marinade. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Heat gas grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal grill with medium-hot coals. Lightly coat the grill rack with oil or nonstick cooking spray. Place shrimp in a grilling basket and grill for 3 minutes. Baste once with the remaining marinade. Turn shrimp and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
To serve, equally divide the lettuce, sauce and shrimp over each pita. Add onion and tomato.
Grilled Hazelnut Salmon
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 six-ounce skinless salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil
- 1/3 cup finely ground hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup hazelnut oil
- 2 ½ cups arugula
- 1 cup yellow or red tiny pear-shape or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 ounces Brie cheese, cubed
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
Directions
Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Brush one side of the fillets evenly with the 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil. In a 9-inch pie plate stir together ground hazelnuts, flour and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Dip the oil brushed side of the salmon in the nut mixture; coat well.
For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Place fish, coated sides up, on the greased grill rack over the pan. Cover and grill for 14 to 18 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust for indirect cooking. Place fish, coated sides up, on greased grill rack over the burner that is turned off. Grill as directed.)
For the dressing
In a small bowl combine vinegar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; whisk in the 1/4 cup hazelnut oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the dressing; set aside. In a large bowl toss arugula, tomatoes, cheese and chives with the remaining dressing. Divide evenly among serving plates.
Add a grilled salmon fillet to each plate. Drizzle salmon with reserved dressing.
Tuna with Fruit Salsa
4 servings
Ingredients
- Four 5 ounce tuna steaks, 1-inch thick
- 2 fresh ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions
Lightly brush tuna steaks and peach halves with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat grill and oil the grates.
Grill tuna and peaches over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Remove peaches; set aside to cool. Coarsely chop peaches.
Turn tuna and cook 6 to 7 minutes more or until it flakes easily when tested with a fork. Transfer tuna to a platter; cover to keep warm.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl heat apricot preserves on 100 percent power (high) for 15 seconds. Stir in vinegar; gently fold in raspberries and chopped peaches.
Serve fruit salsa with tuna steaks and sprinkle with green onions.
Mustard-Glazed Halibut Steaks
Save time and grill a vegetable or two alongside the fish.
4 servings
Ingredients
- Four 4-5 ounce halibut (or any white fish) steaks, cut 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons finely snipped fresh basil
Directions
Pat fish dry with paper towels.
In small saucepan heat butter, lemon juice, mustard and basil over low heat until butter is melted. Brush both sides of the fish steaks with the mustard mixture.
For a gas grill: cook fish steaks on greased rack over medium for 8 to 12 minutes or just until fish begins to flake easily when tested with a fork, turning once and brushing occasionally with additional mustard mixture.
For a charcoal grill: arrange preheated coals around a drip pan in a covered grill. Heat to medium and place fish on the greased grill rack over the drip pan. Cover and grill for 8 to 12 minutes or just until fish begins to flake easily when tested with a fork, turning once and brushing occasionally with the mustard mixture.
Grilled Scallops With Salsa Verde
Choose scallops that are “dry” (not stored in liquid preservatives). Large sea scallops are better for the grill; small bay scallops could overcook before browning or fall through the grates. Make sure to coat them thoroughly in an oil based marinade before grilling, so they don’t stick to the grate.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 metal skewers
- Salsa Verde, recipe below
Directions
Prepare grill for medium-high heat; oil grate. Mix scallops with oil and season with salt and pepper. Thread scallops on 4 metal skewers and place them on the grill, flat side down. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Serve scallops with Salsa Verde.
Salsa Verde
This sauce is delicious with shellfish.
Ingredients
Makes About 1 Cup
- Half a lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Directions
Squeeze juice from the half lemon after the peel is removed and set aside. Combine the lemon zest, shallot and garlic in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Let sit 5 minutes. Add oil, parsley, basil and chives. Stir in reserved lemon juice.
