As hard as it may be to accept, the end of summer is fast approaching. Unless you live in California or some other perennially sunny state, back-to-school season tends to signify the end of outdoor hangs, delicious summer recipes, and dining under the stars without a sweater — but we’re refusing to say goodbye to summer just yet. Instead of wallowing in summertime sadness, seize the moment: Now is the time to throw that rooftop party, shake up some summer cocktails, and make all of those recipes you've been meaning to try all summer.
Even if you find hosting friends and serving up seasonal goodies a little intimidating, you can totally wow your guests with minimal effort. With a little guidance from the pros, you’ll see that the perfect menu does not have to require hours of slaving in the kitchen. In other words, if you're just trying to relax with your guests, you don't have to play MasterChef.
Below are 10 recipes that will help you pretend that these perfectly warm nights will last forever. Whether you're entertaining or treating yourself, these dishes and drinks will help you savor the best flavors of the season — no matter your culinary skill level. So mix a drink, and get in the kitchen, because we're heading out to the pool while we still can.
1. Beet, Peach, And Burrata Salad With Basil Oil And Candied Pistachios
Rich, creamy burrata perfectly balances sweet summer peaches, while basil oil and pistachios add unexpected complexity and a little crunch. Yes, please. Blogging Over Thyme has the perfect recipe.
2. Fresh Blueberry And Mint Lemonade
Why have regular old lemonade when you can enjoy this fresh blueberry mint concoction by Joy The Baker? Feet-in-the-pool sipping never tasted so good — and I won't tell if you add a splash of vodka.
3. Snap Pea, Watermelon, And Edamame Salad With Sesame Vinaigrette
This unlikely combo from Joy The Baker is the perfect marriage of sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch. Snack on this, or serve as a side dish with whatever you're throwing on the barbecue.
4. The Ultimate Summer Cheese Board With Pickled Strawberries And Herb-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A little more advanced than slapping cheese and crackers on a plate, this multifaceted layout by Half Baked Harvest is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
5. Real Talk: The Best Guacamole
You can never go wrong with guacamole, and these guys at The Crepes Of Wrath do it right. Accompanying margarita optional, but highly recommended.
6. Brown Rice Shrimp Summer Rolls With Peanut Lime Dipping Sauce
If you're looking for something a little heartier but still cool and crisp, these summer rolls by Blogging Over Thyme are just the ticket — and way easier than they look.
7. Turkey Club Pinwheels With Bacon And Tomato
How cute are these? Grown-up roll-ups are a cinch to whip up, and pack a ton of bite-size flavor — with virtually zero cleanup. Win, win. Get the recipe over at The Crepes Of Wrath.
8. Crispy Avocado Fries With Melty Cheese Dip
What's even better than regular fries? Avocado fries. With cheesy dip! Joy The Baker shows you how it's done.
9. Smoked Salmon Potato Tartine
This recipe by Blogging Over Thyme would be perfect for an outdoor brunch, and the potato base is way more interesting than your typical crostini.
10. Roasted Beet Salad With Pea Shoots And Chèvre
This salad by Adventures In Cooking is the thing that farmer's market conquests are made of. Beets and goat cheese are a classic, and add instant sophistication to your greens.
