Yesterday, I attended my sister-in-law, Shawna’s 30th birthday party. Her brother, Brandon, brought a Caprese Salad to the party. It was gorgeous and it tasted even better than it looked. He used a combination of cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and yellow pear tomatoes.
Brandon purchased all the vegetables at the Farmer’s Market, so not only was the dish fresh, it was also inexpensive. To find a Farmer’s Market near you, take a look at Local Harvest.

Brandon’s Caprese Salad
5 cups mixed tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size chunks
1 bunch Basil, approximately 1 loose cup, sliced into thin ribbons
4 Tablespoons Extra …read more

Salads are super delicious during the summer when the greens and vegetables are fresh from your garden, or from the local farmers market. Oh, and they’re usually super simple to make, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. This grilled sirloin steak salad from Stockman and Dakota lets you avoid the stove and make a light and delicious summer dinner.
Make some extra steak and you can whip up another salad for lunch the next day.

Grilled Sirloin Steak Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes + marinating
Grill Time: 8-16 minutes
Amount: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 ¼ pounds Stockman …read more

During the summer I like to make dinner on the grill whenever possible. I really don’t like to fire up the stove when it’s hot out. I’d rather be outdoors anyway. One of my favorite side dishes is grilled potato packs, they’re easy to make, and I just throw in the vegetables I have on hand.

Here’s how I make my potato grill packs. They’re really fabulous with fresh from the garden vegetables. My potatoes and carrots aren’t ready yet, but I used onions straight from my garden.
What you’ll need:

4-6 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
About 1 cup of carrots chopped
About 1/2 …read more

During the summer I look for meals and recipes that are lighter, and leave out the bread. I usually opt for salads when I can or recipes loaded fresh from the garden herbs and spices. This recipe by Chef Art Smith from Love Your Veggies meets most of my requirements for a great summer meal.
The Chinese lettuce wraps are loaded with spices, and light on the bread. Using lettuce leaves as a clever wrap. Don’t just take my word for it check it out for yourself.

Chinese Lettuce Wraps
You’ll need:
3/4 pounds chicken tenders
Marinade:
6 ounces non‐fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon Hidden Valley® Original …read more

I enjoy a good salad during the summer, and I really enjoy a salad with a spicy or southwestern flavor. Add this black bean and corn recipe from Dei Fratelli to a bed of lettuce, and you have a yummy quick and light southwestern lunch. I think I’d have to add a handful of corn chips to the top for an extra crunch!
If you’re serving your black bean and corn chicken salad to kids, serve it on a whole grain roll with greens or applesauce on the side. Yum!
Dei Fratelli has more great serving suggestions below.

Black Bean n’ Corn Chicken …read more

I’m not a vegetarian, but I am a a fan of Morningstar Farms veggie burgers and sausages. I love the flavor, they’re a great quick and healthy lunch option, especially during the summer.
Morningstar Farms has a new veggie Italian Sausage I’d like to try. They sent me a recipe that sounds easy and delicious. It’s a potato salad recipe that puts a new healthier “twist” on the traditional BBQ potato salad.

Warm Italian Sausage, Potato and Arugula Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Time to Table: 30 minutes
Ingredients
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 …read more

Here’s the last recipe you need to make the Food Network’s Michael Symon and Pilsner Urquell’s summer meal. I’m a pushover for pasta, so I think this is my favorite dish. It’s a close call though, the summer tomato salad sounds pretty great too.
This recipe uses Brandywine tomatoes, that’s my favorite heirloom tomato. I always have at least one plant of Brandywine’s growing in my garden. This summer I have them growing in red and yellow.

Linguini with Heirloom Tomato, Capers, Anchovies and Chilies – Summer Recipe
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup brandy wine heirloom tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
3 cloves sliced …read more

Here’s another delicious recipe for you from the Food Network’s Michael Symon and Pilsner Urquell. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try this summer with some fresh tomatoes from my garden. I’m sure it will taste like pure sunshine, yum!
I have the onion, dill and mint growing in my kitchen garden too. I love it during the summer when I can step right outside my front door to have fresh ingredients to prepare a meal.

Tomato Salad with Red Onion, Dill and Feta – Summer Recipe
1 pound heirloom tomatoes (use an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors)
1 red pepper, …read more

I have a trio of summer recipes for you today from the Food Network’s Michael Symon. Michael is partnering with Pilsner Urquell, the original Pilsner style lager to showcase in this tough economy how foods can be paired with beer as well as wine.

About Chef Michael Symon:
Chef Symon is owner of Lola and Lolita restaurants in Cleveland, as well as Roast in Detroit. Michael is renowned in the culinary world and adored in his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio. Chef/owner of critically acclaimed restaurants Lola and Lolita and chef/partner of newly opened Roast in Detroit Michigan, Michael has earned much attention through …read more

Watermelon and feta are a perfect summer food combination. They combine the juicy fruit with the creamy and slightly salty cheese. Julie Biuso, the author of “Sizzle,” shares her recipe for chicken skewers on watermelon and feta salad with us. “Sizzle” emphasizes the barbecue cuisine of New Zealand, using mostly fresh ingredients.

Chicken Skewers on Watermelon and Feta Salad
Fresh and juicy, with a salty lick of feta, this dish is perfect for lunch on a hot summer’s day or for a shared platter with friends on a balmy evening.
Serves 6, approximately 24 skewers
Chicken Skewers
2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, cut …read more