Warning: strlen() expects parameter 1 to be string, array given in /home/customc5/public_html/eatcafe.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 262
(Last Updated On: )

It’s finally summertime! This is the time of year when we all want to enjoy refreshing food recipes that will help us stay cool. From salads and fruits to refreshing drinks, we have compiled a list of the top refreshing food ideas for a perfect cool summer. Whether you are looking for something to take to a potluck or just want to make something special at home, these recipes are sure to please. So fire up the grill or get out your favorite recipe book and start cooking!

Below are the best refreshing food recipes this summer:

Salads

Grilled Corn Salad with Feta and Basil: This salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The grilled corn gives it a smoky flavor that is offset by the freshness of the feta and basil.

Watermelon, Cucumber and Mint Salad: This refreshing salad is perfect for a summer picnic. The sweetness of the watermelon, the crunch of the cucumber and the refreshing flavor of mint come together to create a perfect dish.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: This salad is a great way to get your fruits and vegetables in one dish. The strawberries add a sweetness to the salad, while the balsamic vinaigrette gives it a tart and tangy flavor.

Fruits

Grilled Peaches with Honey and Thyme: This refreshing dish is perfect for a summer dessert. The grilled peaches are sweet and juicy, while the honey and thyme add a touch of sophistication.

Watermelon Lemonade: This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day. The sweetness of the watermelon is offset by the tartness of the lemonade, making it a perfect refreshing fruity treat.

Fruit Salad with Mint: This refreshing salad is a great way to get your fruit fix in one dish. The mint adds a refreshing flavor to the salad, while the variety of fruits adds a sweetness and crunch.

Drinks

Refreshing iced tea: This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed with or without sweetener.

Lemonade: This refreshing drink can be enjoyed with or without sweeteners.

Strawberry Mint Lemonade: This drink is perfect for a hot summer day. It’s refreshing and has a beautiful pink color.

Top Refreshing Food Ideas For a Perfect Cool Summer

Watermelon and Feta Salad

This refreshing salad is the perfect light summer meal. It’s simple to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 watermelon, cubed

– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Watermelon is such a refreshing and hydrating fruit, making it the perfect addition to any summertime meal. This salad is so easy to throw together and can be served either chilled or at room temperature. I love the sweetness of the watermelon paired with the salty feta cheese and tangy balsamic vinegar. Yum!

Grilled Salmon with Peach Salsa

Ingredients:

– salmon fillets

– olive oil

– salt and pepper

– peach salsa (see recipe below)

Instructions:

Preheat grill to medium heat. Season salmon fillets with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill for about 12 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve salmon with peach salsa and enjoy!

Grilled salmon is one of my favorite summertime dinners. It’s healthy, flavorful, and so easy to make. This recipe takes things up a notch by adding fresh and colorful peach salsa.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

– cucumbers, sliced

– tomatoes, diced

– red onion, diced

– fresh parsley, chopped

– white wine vinegar

– olive oil

– salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is so refreshing and perfect for a summertime meal. The cucumbers and tomatoes are crisp and cool, while the red onion adds a bit of sweetness. The white wine vinegar gives it a nice tangy flavor, and the olive oil ties everything together. So good!

Giant Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Ricotta and Brazil Nuts

Ingredients:

– 500g potatoes

– 125g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

– one egg, beaten

– 25g Parmesan, grated

– nutmeg

– two beef tomatoes, on the vine

– half a ball of mozzarella (125g)

For the pesto:

– two handfuls of fresh basil leaves

– 25g Parmesan, grated

– one garlic clove

– 50ml olive oil

– squeeze of lemon juice

To serve:

– a small handful of Brazil nuts, toasted and roughly chopped

Instructions:

For the pesto, blitz all the ingredients together in a food processor until you have a smooth paste, then set aside.

For the gnocchi, Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark. Boil the potatoes in their skins for about 15 minutes until cooked through, then drain and leave to cool slightly. Once cooled, peel away the skin and discard.

Mash the potatoes in a large bowl, then add the flour, egg and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper and a good grating of nutmeg. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough.

Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the dough into long sausage shapes about two cm in diameter. Cut into two cm pieces and set aside.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until beginning to soften.

When the tomatoes are cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled, place in a food processor and blitz until you have a smooth sauce.

Bring a large pan of water to the boil, then carefully drop in the gnocchi. Cook for two to three minutes or until they float to the surface.

Drain the gnocchi using a slotted spoon and add them to the tomato sauce. Add the mozzarella and stir until everything is combined.

Serve in bowls, with a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkling of Brazil nuts. Enjoy!

Salmon, Lemon and Herb Skewers

You will need:

– 500g skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces

– juice of ½ lemon

– small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley or chives), finely chopped

– olive oil

– salt and pepper

To make:

Thread the salmon onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use). Mix the lemon juice with the herbs and some olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat your grill, barbecue or griddle pan to medium-high heat. Cook the salmon skewers for a few minutes on each side, until cooked through. Serve with the lemon and herb dressing. Enjoy!

Another great refreshing food for summer is Gazpacho or cold soup.

Gazpacho Recipe

You will need:

– 500g ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

– ½ cucumber, roughly chopped

– ½ red onion, roughly chopped

– garlic clove, finely chopped

– red wine vinegar

– olive oil

– salt and pepper

To make:

Put the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blitz until smooth. Pour into bowls and serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for an hour or two first.

Top with some finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil or chives, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Enjoy!

Mango and Lychee Crunchy Noodle Salad

You will need:

– 200g rice noodles

– mango, cut into small cubes

– lychees, fresh or tinned and drained

– red pepper, thinly sliced

– spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal

– a handful of beansprouts (optional)

– small bunch of fresh mint, finely chopped

– small bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped

– juice of ½ lime

– fish sauce

– sugar

– sesame oil

– vegetable oil, for frying

– salt and pepper

To make:

Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and refresh under cold water. Mix together the mango, lychees, red pepper, spring onions, beansprouts (if using), mint, coriander and lime juice.

In a separate bowl or jug, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil and vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat a wok or large frying-pan over a high heat. Add the noodles and toss in the oil until coated. Fry for a minute or two until crispy.

Add the mango mixture and toss everything together. Cook for a minute or two until everything is heated through. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Grilled Peach, Arugula and Prosciutto salad

You will need:

– peaches, halved and pitted

– olive oil

– balsamic vinegar

– salt and pepper

– arugula

– thinly sliced prosciutto

– crumbled goat cheese (optional)

To make:

Preheat your grill, barbecue or griddle pan to medium-high heat.

Brush the peaches with a little olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or griddle for a few minutes each side until slightly softened and marked with grill lines.

Place a handful of arugula onto each plate. Top with the grilled peach halves, prosciutto slices and crumbled goat cheese (if using). Drizzle with a little more olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

The best drinks for summer are refreshing and hydrating to help you beat the heat! Here are my top five refreshing drinks for summer:

– Watermelon juice

– Coconut water

– Homemade iced tea

– Fruit smoothies

– Spritzers or cocktails made with fruit juices, seltzer or club soda.

Below is how to make these drinks at home:

Watermelon juice:

Cut watermelon into small pieces and remove the seeds. Blend the watermelon in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Coconut water:

Crack open a young coconut (you can find these at most health food stores). Pour the coconut water into a glass and enjoy!

Homemade iced tea:

Brew your favorite type of tea using double the amount of tea leaves. Let the tea cool, then pour over ice. Add a little honey or sugar if desired.

Fruit smoothies:

Blend together fresh or frozen fruit, juice and yogurt. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Spritzers or cocktails:

Mix together fruit juices, seltzer or club soda. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

There you go, top refreshing food ideas for a perfect cool summer! Let me know in the comments below if you try any of them out. Cheers!