Summers here in Seattle are the most glorious time of year, and we deserve it after a long winter of gray and drizzle! It’s never too hot here, it rarely rains, and humidity isn’t an issue. All we get are beautiful blue skies and a sun that refuses to say goodnight until well after 9pm.
To celebrate these wonderfully long and warm days, I’ve put together a menu that’s perfect for a leisurely outdoor meal. Fire up the grill, pour yourself a glass of something cold, and pull up a chair. Summer has come and the living is easy.
Want more summertime menu inspiration? Check out Strawberry-Mango Quinoa and More Must-Try Summer Salads.
Enjoy your first day of summer!
We love a refreshing red or white wine sangria. We've kicked our sangria recipe up a notch with a splash of brandy and triple sec. Tip: for a pretty presentation freeze edible flowers and fruit in ice cube trays to toss in the pitcher. Your sangria will look beautiful while it stays nice and cold.
Citrus Scallop Ceviche
PartTimeHouseWife.com
Tender, sweet scallops "cook" in a blend of fresh lime, lemon and orange juices. Toss in some avocado, tomato and fresh cilantro and you have a refreshingly delicious dish perfect for summer.
Garlic and Parsley Grilled Flank Steak with Parmesan and Lemon Zest
Thinly slice grilled flank steak against the grain and serve atop of fresh baby arugula or spinach. We love it topped with grated Parmesan and lemon zest for a bright burst of flavor. A little drizzle of truffle oil doesn't hurt either.
Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Manzanilla Olives
Don't want to fire up the grill? This easy, one dish Spanish-style chicken recipe is one everyone will love. And you won't break a sweat.
Fingerling Potato Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Chive Blossoms
Tender fingerling potatoes get a splash of color (and flavor!) from quick pickled red onions (we like to call them quickles), and chive blossoms.
Roasted Radishes
Beloved Green
Roasting radishes on the grill is one of our favorite things! They flavor sweetens and deepens and are just divine when simply tossed with a good salt.
Simple Peach, Walnut and Mint Salad
We love any fruit-nut-herb salad in just about any combination. Try pecans and basil, too! A lovely mint oil and white balsamic vinegar makes the flavor simply pop.
Grilled Romaine and Campari Tomato Salad
Grilling Romaine imparts a delicious smokiness, yet the lettuce still retains its wonderful sweetness. Grill alongside small tomatoes, such as Campari, then finish with a good quality Parmesan cheese and a chiffonade of fresh basil.
Easy Watermelon Sorbet
Beloved Green
Simple things, like this easy sorbet, make life so sweet!
Easy Chocolate-Filled Wafer Ice Cream Sandwiches
Kids and adults alike will go crazy over these easy ice cream (or use frozen yogurt or sorbet) sandwiches!
