10 Seasonal Sizzling Sensations to Try

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These seasonal sizzling sensations are what summer cooking is all about—fresh flavors, bold bites, and just enough chill to keep your kitchen (and your mood) cool. From breezy staples like Creamy Cucumber Salad, Grilled Asparagus, and Easy Breakfast Tacos to cookout favorites like Best Carnitas and Smothered BLT Chicken, every dish here brings the sunshine. You’ll also want to dig into Roasted Beet Hummus, Meyer Lemon Bars, and even Oat Milk Ice Cream for a little something sweet and surprising!

Creamy Cucumber Salad

the BEST creamy cucumber salad (close-up in beige serving bowl)
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect refreshing side dish for any summer meal. With a zesty homemade dressing and simple ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also low-carb and vegetarian-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Roasted Beet Hummus

homemade beet hummus in a bowl next to veggies and pita
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vibrant Roasted Beet Hummus is a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack. Made with simple ingredients like roasted beets, chickpeas, and tahini, this vegan and gluten-free dip is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it with veggies, pita bread, or crackers for a colorful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Hummus

Oat Milk Ice Cream

oat milk ice cream.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Oat Milk Ice Cream recipe is a simple and delicious dessert that only requires three ingredients! The recipe is vegan and gluten-free, so almost anyone can enjoy it. Best of all, you don’t need an ice cream maker to make this creamy treat.
Get the Recipe: Oat Milk Ice Cream

Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Carnitas on a plate.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

These carnitas are the real deal! This recipe creates juicy, flavorful, and fall-apart tender pork in a slow cooker, making it incredibly easy to prepare a delicious Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Grilled Asparagus

Several grilled asparagus spears, topped with coarse salt and cracked pepper, are arranged with fresh lemon slices on a white background.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Looking for a quick and healthy side dish? This grilled asparagus recipe by The Cookie Rookie is your answer! Fresh asparagus is grilled to perfection and drizzled with a delicious lemon butter sauce, making it the perfect summer veggie dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Smothered BLT Chicken

Close up photo of blt chicken.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Smothered BLT Chicken recipe takes the classic sandwich and turns it into a delicious and easy chicken dish! Chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy sauce with bacon, tomatoes, and spinach for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smothered BLT Chicken

Meyer Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Presenting a delicious Meyer Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Photo credit: Heather Mubarak creator of Browned Butter Blondie

These Meyer lemon bars are like a burst of sunshine with their bright and tangy flavor! A buttery shortbread crust is topped with an extra thick layer of silky smooth lemon filling for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. You won’t be able to eat just one!
Get the Recipe: Meyer Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

The Best Family Favorite Salad in a large salad bowl. Salad includes romaine lettuce, bacon, croutons, parmesan, swiss cheese, almonds, grape tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This family-favorite salad recipe, also known as Salad de Maison, is the only salad recipe you’ll ever need! It’s perfect for any time of year and includes a variety of ingredients like romaine hearts, bacon, swiss cheese, and a delicious homemade vinaigrette. This crowd-pleasing salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Easy homemade ricotta in a bowl with a side of crackers.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This homemade ricotta cheese recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, including whole milk, heavy cream, and lemon juice, you’ll have a rich and creamy cheese that’s perfect as a side or appetizer. Impress your guests with this fresh Italian staple!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Easy Breakfast Tacos

Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

Ready in just 30 minutes, these Easy Breakfast Tacos are endlessly customizable and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Load them up with scrambled or fried eggs, homemade refried beans, avocado, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast or brunch!
Get the Recipe: Easy Breakfast Tacos

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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