As I write this, it is getting HOT here in Campbell River and all of a sudden I’m craving fresh, easy snacks and dinners that won’t take much time or energy. Cold crunchy salads that are hearty enough for dinner, tangy and refreshing Mexican ceviche and salsa, dinners on the grill and anything with dip! I already lean towards easy and fast recipes but in summer especially so.
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, 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. This weekend I made a quick and delicious salad that even my kids liked. I’ve made it before and it’s a great salad idea as we approach zucchini season.
Tomato, zucchini, garlic, olive oil and let it sit for 1/2 hour to soften the zucchini and let it soak up the dressing. No vinegar, the tomatoes provide enough acid for this simple salad. This is great paired with a grilled protein. 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.
Below is the salad recipe and a delicious marinade recipe for chicken to grill and serve on top of the salad. Also some pics of the cute squirrel that came to hang out with us because #squirrel and #cutenessoverload. I’d love to hear what you’re most looking forward to cooking (or eating) this summer. Happy last day of Spring!
Zucchini Tomato Salad
Crunchy, refreshing and so fast and easy, you don't even need this recipe!
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.
Lemon Herb Marinade for Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Thyme, chopped
- 1/2 Lemon, zest and juice
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1/4 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 1/2 hour or up to 6 hours. Grill chicken and sprinkle with parsley to serve.
