July is the perfect month for enjoying fresh, seasonal ingredients and firing up the grill. Here are five delicious recipes that are perfect for the warm summer days and festive gatherings.
1. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Sweet, juicy peaches and creamy burrata make for a refreshing and elegant salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- Olive oil for brushing
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the peach halves with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and are slightly softened.
- Arrange the arugula or mixed greens on a platter.
- Place the grilled peaches on top, followed by pieces of burrata.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 pineapple, cut into chunks
- Skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more BBQ sauce until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad
A refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for hot July days.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion.
- Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
4. Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter
A smoky and spicy twist on classic grilled corn.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
- Brush the hot corn with the chili-lime butter.
- Serve immediately.
5. Strawberry Shortcake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for enjoying the summer’s sweetest strawberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the strawberries with the granulated sugar. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the shortcakes are golden brown.
- While the shortcakes are baking, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble, split the shortcakes in half and layer with strawberries and whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
These recipes are sure to make your July gatherings delicious and memorable. Enjoy the flavors of summer!
