Bringing Summer Vibes into Your Kitchen: Fun and Refreshing Ideas
Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to infuse your kitchen with the bright, refreshing vibes of the season. Whether you're cooling off with a glass of iced coffee, staying hydrated with homemade Gatorade, or enjoying light and vibrant meals, there are countless ways to make your kitchen the ultimate summer haven. Here are some fun and delicious ideas to get you started!
Keep Cool with Iced Coffee and Homemade Gatorade
Iced Coffee
There's nothing like a refreshing iced coffee to beat the summer heat. Brew a strong batch of coffee, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Add your favorite milk, sweeteners, or flavorings, and enjoy a chilled caffeine boost any time of the day. For an extra special treat, try making coffee ice cubes to keep your drink cold without watering it down.
Homemade Gatorade
Stay hydrated and energized with homemade Gatorade. Simply mix lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and either a flavor enhancer or frozen fruit. This concoction is perfect for rehydrating after sweaty activities, alleviating headaches, or combating summer bloating. Keep a pitcher in the fridge for easy access and enjoy the refreshing taste all summer long.
Light and Vibrant Summer Meals
Salads and Bowls
Summer is the season of salads and bowls. Here are some tasty ideas:
Simple Arugula Salad: Just add lemon juice, pepper, olive oil, and parmesan to a bin of arugula for an easy, delicious side salad or flavorful green to add to other dishes.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: Combine corn, cheese, pasta, cilantro, and red onion for a zesty, satisfying dish.
Poke Bowls: Create your own with fresh fish, rice, and a variety of toppings like cucumber, carrots, and cilantro. Sauces like sriracha mayo, soy sauce, sesame oil, and/or sweet chili sauce make it taste like the $15 version, at home!
Yogurt or Smoothie Bowls: Simply top greek yogurt with fruit and granola, or blend a smoothie bowl with frozen bananas, yogurt, and fruit.
Chia Pudding: Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with ¼ cup of milk for easy overnight chia pudding. You can add maple syrup or coffee creamer for extra sweetness! Top with granola and fruit for a cool, nutritious breakfast or snack.
Tacos and Quesadillas
Tacos and quesadillas are easy to make and perfect for summer dining. Fill them with fresh ingredients like rotisserie chicken, pork and pinto beans, or black beans. Add a side of homemade salsa or guacamole to complete the meal.
Some of our favorite taco + quesadilla fillings are:
Pork with Pinto Beans and Green Enchilada Sauce: Simply pan-fry pork chops, throw in a can of pinto beans and green enchilada sauce- and you’ll have flavor-packed taco filling. Great topped with feta cheese, red onion, lime juice and cilantro.
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos: Just shred rotisserie or homemade chicken and add tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and chipotle mayo or guac!
Black Beans and Sweet Potato Quesadillas: Don’t knock it till you try it! Mash sweet potatoes, add black beans, and make a quesadilla that goes great with feta and chipotle mayo.
Easy, Flavorful Summer-Inspired Ingredients to Have on Hand
To make your summer cooking easier, stock up on these essentials:
Yogurt, Granola, and Chia Seeds: For quick and healthy breakfasts or snacks.
Fresh Herbs like Cilantro: Adds a burst of flavor to many dishes.
Cucumber and Tomatoes: Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
Rotisserie Chicken: A versatile protein that can be used in numerous recipes without needing heat to cook!
Frozen Fruit: Great for smoothies, homemade Gatorade, or as a cool treat.
Fresh Fruit: Summer is a season for fruit of all kinds! Embrace the melons, berries, pineapples, mangoes, bananas and so much more.
Make Use of Summer-Friendly Appliances
To keep your kitchen cool and reduce household heat, try using appliances like the rice cooker, air fryer, or grill. These methods can help you prepare delicious meals without overheating your home:
Rice Cooker: You can make full meals in a rice cooker! Rice cookers can cook veggies, meat, and rice all in one go. Just set and forget! You can make teriyaki chicken bowls, salmon bowls, fried rice (just add in the egg last) and so much more!
Air Fryer: Great for making crispy, healthy dishes with minimal oil AND minimal heat. Some air fryers even have a “bake” setting that make them function like little ovens.
Grill: Enjoy the smoky flavors of grilled meats, vegetables, and even fruits while keeping the heat outside.
Embrace the Summer Kitchen Vibes
With these tips and ideas, you can bring the vibrant and refreshing vibes of summer into your kitchen. Whether you’re sipping on homemade Gatorade, enjoying a light and colorful salad, or indulging in a refreshing iced coffee, these simple and delicious ideas will help you make the most of the season. Happy cooking and stay cool!
