We are right in the middle of summer, and it is almost the Fourth of July! So, I thought now would be a perfect time to do a blog telling you guys some of my favorite, easy summer recipes. All three of these recipes are tasty and refreshing dishes for hot summer days! I also included a favorite healthy treat our family loves.
BLUEBERRY WATERMELON FETA MINT SALAD
Yield: 8
Total Time: 20 minutes
A refreshing Blueberry Watermelon Feta Mint Salad made with a simple balsamic dressing for a perfect sweet and savory salad for any summer celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz olive oil
- 1 oz balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 8 cups diced watermelon
- 2 cups fresh blueberrys
- ¼ cup rough chopped fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or more if you like!)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and diced red onion.
- Add the diced watermelon, blueberries, mint and feta cheese to the bowl. Gently toss to coat.
- S. - This salad tends to get watered fown the longer it sits because of the amount of water in the watermelon. If wanting to prep ahead, keep diced watermelon separate until an hour of so before serving, then toss together and serve.
BEST EVER BROCCOLI SALAD
Yield: 10
Total Time: 5 minutes
This best ever broccoli salad recipe is bursting with flavor! Packed full of broccoli, bacon, grapes, almonds and more – every bite is delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 2 heads of broccoli broken down into small florets
- ¾ lb bacon, cooked and chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup toasted slivered almonds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 ½ cups red seedless grapes, halved
Instructions:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, and celery seed in a small bowl. Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine broccoli, bacon, toasted almonds, green onions, celery and grapes in a large serving dish.
- (To toast almonds, place on a large baking sheet and bake at 350F for 3-5 minutes stirring in between. Do not walk away! They will burn easily. The almonds are toasted when they turn light brown.)
- Toss the dressing with the rest of the salad ingredients and stir. Dressing can be added at the last minute if desired.
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER NO-BAKE ENERGY BITES
Yield: About 20-25 Bites
Total Time: 15 minutes
These chocolate peanut butter no-bake energy bites taste just like a cookie, although they are full of protein and naturally sweetened. My little boys LOVE them and are always asking me to make them!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (dry) oatmeal. I use old-fashioned oats, although you can also used gluten-free oats to make the recipe GF.
- 2/3 cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup ground flax seed
- 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, to make the mix easier to handle and mold.
- Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (I usually do about 1” in diameter.)
- S. – If the mix seems to dry, add in a extra tablespoon or two of honey or peanut butter. If the mix seems to wet (which may happen if you use natural peanut butter), add extra oatmeal.
I hope you all enjoy these recipes!
Nicole
xo
