Easy dinner for a hot night
As I write this, it is getting HOT here on Vancouver Island and all of a sudden I'm craving light, fresh and easy snacks and dinners. Food that doesn't take too much time or energy. This simple marinade for chicken uses some herbs from my garden along with lemon and then gets grilled leaving no pots or pans. Zucchini salad is equally easy, utilizing this prolific summer squash and highlighting it's refreshing crispness. Together, these recipes make an easy and fool proof summer dinner guaranteed to please.
Summer food ideas
Cold crunchy salads that are hearty enough for dinner, tangy and refreshing Mexican ceviche and salsa, dinners on the grill and anything with dip! Don't we all crave light and refreshing food in the dog days of summer?! I already lean towards easy and fast recipes but in summer especially so. Check out my Roasted Miso Glazed Salmon for a light grilled dinner or my Blackberry Barbecue sauce that is fantastic on chicken or pork. If you prefer vegetarian try my as
About 3 years ago, we bought a little cabin on a lake. It is fantastic, we love spending time on the water, beside the water and in the nearby trails but...we are off the grid. That means we have just one little sink in the kitchen and no air conditioning so spending time in the kitchen is not so exciting in the heat of the summer. I love make and take meals like this Apple and Fennel Slaw a bright, mayo-free take on coleslaw that keeps well all day. Another of my favourite make ahead recipes are these muffuletta sandwiches. These are meant to be made at least half a day ahead and the finished and wrapped sandwiches last up to 3 days in the fridge!
Tips for zuchinni salad
Tomato, zucchini, garlic, olive oil and let it sit for ½ hour to soften the zucchini and let it soak up the dressing. No vinegar required, the tomatoes provide enough acid for this simple salad. This is great paired with a grilled protein and I think this simple grilled chicken goes perfectly. I served this quick salad twice this weekend, once chopped smaller and served as a salsa with our grilled steak and the second night chopped larger as a salad beside grilled sausages.
Tips for grilled chicken
This delicious marinade recipe for grilled chickenis easy and versatile. I love to incorporate the fresh herbs from my garden. I've used thyme here which grows well most of the year here, but you can sub rosemary, parsley, sage or cilantro. Spend a moment in your garden finding herbs that are growing or use what you have left from the farmer's market.
I mentioned that we have been enjoying easy meals at our cottage. We are also loving the wildlife out there. Have a look at the cute squirrel that came to hang out with us because. We named her Sally Squirrel.
I'd love to hear what you're most looking forward to cooking (or eating) this summer and hope you are having a happy day.
Cheers Friends! Sabrina
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Thyme, chopped
- ½ Lemon, zest and juice
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- ¼ c Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 lb Chicken boneless, skinless breasts or thighs
Instructions
- Mix 6 ingredients together, then add chicken. Marinate for ½ hour or up to 6 hours. Grill chicken and sprinkle with parsley to serve.
Zucchini Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 c Tomatoes, chopped Can use cherry tomatoes or larger tomatoes
- 1.5 c Zucchini, chopped
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Gently toss all ingredients together. If you have time, let it sit for a half hour before eating so that the zucchini softens slightly and absorbs the dressing.
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