Simple Summer Recipes To Try Today
If there is one question I receive more than any other, it’s about how I find time to cook for my family. More than time, cooking takes intentionality, and summer is the perfect time to try some new things in the kitchen.
As Texas temps soar above 100 degrees, it can be challenging to find the energy to cook much of anything. However, these recipes are our family staples in this season specifically because they aren’t fancy, just practical. I hope you can find one to try!
breakfast
Blueberry crisp - make it for dessert or for the best breakfast atop plain yogurt. Trust me.
Eggs in a cup - this is great for a morning on the go or enjoy it as a different take on eggs. Make soft-boil eggs, put one or two in each cup/mug, and add your favorite toppings (green onion, crumbled bacon, etc.). I can do several at one time and it’s a great quick breakfast for a big family.
Smoothie / Acai Bowls - make a smoothie like usual, but pour it into a bowl and then top it with granola, berries, etc. Fun and different from something you may already make.
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites - I just made up that name for this family favorite. Take a can of biscuits and cut each raw biscuit into fourths (so they look like little triangles). Then dip them in a bowl of melted butter. Once covered, dredge them in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (1/2 cup sugar with 1-2 Tbsp cinnamon). Place them on parchment paper and cook according to biscuit instructions. They are like making your own donuts and they are e-a-s-y. You’re welcome.
Breakfast cookies - healthy and delish. You feel indulgent, but make a batch and enjoy.
lunch
Quesadillas - microwave or use the skillet and make them your own. Tortillas filled with your choice of ingredients (beans, cheese, avocado, chicken, onion, cilantro, you name it!)
Snack lunch - a charcuterie board of sorts that consists of all finger foods for a fun lunch. This is great for a picnic. Consider carrots, cucumbers, hummus, fruit, dips, crackers, etc. It’s one of my kids favorites and it takes no time.
Grilled cheese - my kids make their own now and take it up a notch. Some add turkey, avocado, bacon, pesto. Get creative and try different things.
dinner
Chicken Fajitas - cut chicken breasts in half or buy chicken cutlets and marinade in a Ziploc bag with seasonings bought or fresh. We mix lime juice, cilantro, salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and olive oil in a Ziploc and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or longer. Then take it out and cook it. You don’t even need a grill for it. We are also big fans of guacamole, so I always keep ingredients on hand for a big bowl. Check out THIS reel to see how we do it. Make it into a rice bowl with my CILANTRO LIME RICE recipe pictured above.
Thai Chicken Noodle Bowl - we are big fans of noodle or rice bowls. You can change ingredients according to dietary restrictions, but this recipe is a favorite and easy way to add fresh vegetables to your plate.
Arugula Salad - this is the perfect summer side. We combine arugula lettuce (buy it in the plastic container ready to go) add spinach leaves (optional), red onion, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze fresh lime juice, and toss together. It’s healthy and it honestly doesn’t get more simple than that. Adjust to your preferences and enjoy!
Carnitas/ Pulled Pork - my sister told me about this recipe, and now it’s a family favorite! Don’t be intimidated. Add these ingredients to your grocery order and set it in the crock pot. I can’t wait for you to try it. Serve in corn or flour tortillas, over rice, or even on a salad.
If you are needing more recipe ideas or strategies for how to feed your family more meals at home, check out:
Listen to THIS PODCAST by The Lazy Genius.
Now, let’s get to cookin’!