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Refreshing & Easy Summer Dinner Recipes

As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rise, the allure of summer brings with it the desire for light and refreshing meals. Long days and warm evenings call for dishes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavour, and often made from the bountiful harvest of fresh produce available during the season. Whether you’re dining alfresco or enjoying a cozy evening indoors, here are some refreshing and easy summer dinner recipes that will delight your palate without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This vibrant salad is a celebration of summer’s best ingredients and is perfect as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 100g pitted Kalamata olives
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook the quinoa in vegetable stock or water according to package instructions. Allow it to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, feta cheese, parsley, and olives.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers are simple to make and can be grilled outdoors or cooked under a grill. Serve them with a fresh salad or pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• A handful of fresh herbs (such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
3. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
4. Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot with a side of tzatziki.

3. Prawn and Avocado Tacos

For a taste of the coast, these prawn tacos are quick to prepare and can be customised with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 400g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh coriander, for garnish
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and salsa

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine the prawns with lime juice, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Warm the tortillas in a dry frying pan or microwave.
3. Assemble the tacos by placing a few prawns and diced avocado on each tortilla. Top with your choice of additional toppings and fresh coriander. Serve immediately.

4. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

This dish is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, yet it’s filled with flavour and freshness.

Ingredients:

• 3 large zucchinis, spiralised into noodles
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 50g pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 50g Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• 100ml olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. To make the pesto, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large frying pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
3. Remove from heat and toss with the pesto. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Conclusion

Summer evenings have a unique charm, and these refreshing recipes are designed to embrace the season’s bounty with ease and flavour. Rather than spending hours in the kitchen, these dishes can be prepared quickly, allowing you to savour the long, warm nights with family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients and flavours that summer has to offer, and create meals that reflect the beauty of this vibrant season. Happy cooking!

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