Recipes for Summer
Fattoush Salad
There is nothing better than a refreshing salad in the summer, and fattoush is one of my favorite salads to eat anytime. A Lebanese salad that was originally a way to use up day-old bread, it makes for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients -
Romaine Lettuce
Cucumber
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Mint
Parsley
Pita Bread (can use gluten free or regular)
Lemon
Olive Oil
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Zaatar/Sumac (if you have it)
Directions -
Chop lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, parsley and mint
Lightly toast pita bread, tear into small pieces, and set aside
Combine all vegetables in a large bowl
Combine lemon juice and olive (approximately ¼ cup of lemon juice and ⅓ cup of olive oil) with garlic salt, pepper, and zaatar or sumac. Mix well
Pour dressing on salad and combine
Add pita bread
Black Bean Salad
This is adapted from a college friend’s recipe and has become a staple at all my summer cookouts. Try with different beans, different color peppers, add a jalapeño, add tomatoes. The quantities below will serve a larger group so adjust as necessary depending on the size of your crowd… or your appetite.
Ingredients –
4 cans of black beans
4 ears of cooked corn (can also use frozen corn kernels)
2 red peppers
2 green peppers
1 large red onion
2 avocados
4-6 limes
Cilantro
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions -
Drain and rinse the beans.
Cut kernels off corn.
Chop peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
Juice limes and mix with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Cube avocado.
Combine everything except avocado into a large bowl and mix well.
Add avocado on top.
Serve with your favorite chips as a dip or as a side to your favorite summer dish.
Watermelon Cooler
A delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol!
Ingredients -
Ice
Watermelon (cut up in cubes)
Mint
Lime
Vodka (optional)
Directions -
Blend watermelon ice and mint.
Add vodka if using and blend again.
Pour into cups and top with lime wedge.
Quinoa Salad
This is one of my favorite things to make for lunch - it is easy and healthy and can easily be adapted to whatever you have on hand. It also stores very well in the refrigerator so you can make a large batch and keep it for a few days. Feta makes a nice addition if you eat dairy.
Ingredients
Quinoa
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Chickpeas
Parsley
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Directions
Cook quinoa according to package directions and set aside
Rinse and drain chickpeas and set aside
Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley
Add chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to quinoa
Mix it all with olive oil and salt and pepper
