Summer Recipes
The summer months are filled with long days at the beach, breezy summer music, and relaxing moments. As the temperatures rise, ice-cold beverages and lighter meals are more appealing. Backyard gardens are flourishing, and farm stands have beautiful sweet smelling fruits. Below are two refreshing side dishes using in-season fruits. They can be perfectly paired with marinated chicken or turkey burgers fresh off the grill.
If you are looking for more of a dessert option, grilled peaches or pineapple topped with whipped cream is an easy and sweet alternative to fruit salad.
Watermelon Salad
3 cups of cubed watermelon
½ cup fresh chopped mint
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp white peach-infused balsamic vinegar
salt
pepper
Add watermelon, mint, and cheese into a bowl. Sprinkle with a touch of salt and pepper. Add a complementary flavor of fruit-infused balsamic vinegar such as peach or citrus. Mix gently, cover, and refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Grilled Peach Salad
5 cups spinach
2 large peaches
¼ cup pecans
⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles
1 diced avocado
3 tbsp blood orange infused balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
cinnamon
honey
-Slice the peaches in quarters. Brush with a light coating of olive oil. Sprinkle cinnamon on the peaches and grill for about 10 minutes; turning once. The fruit will start to caramelize at this point.
-Prepare spinach, pecans, goat cheese, and avocado in a salad bowl.
-Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar and mix together.
-Place peaches on top of the salad.
-Drizzle honey across the salad and serve.
Sweet Grilled Peach Dessert
1. Wash and cut peaches in half. Remove pit
2. Brush oil (coconut oil works well) on the inside of the peaches
3. Preheat the grill to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Place cut side down on a hot grill or non-stick pan to cook peaches until they have softened/grill
marks appear (about 4 minutes)
5. Transfer peaches to a platter and place cut to size up
6. Sprinkle peaches with cinnamon sugar
7. Top with ice cream if desired