Summer Menu Ideas

Summer is in full swing, and with it, some very yummy additions to the list of seasonal foods available. We definitely like to keep it light and refreshing when it comes to summer menu ideas, and of course, we love to include the delicious fruits and veggies that are available at this time of year, Check out some of our favourite dishes to add into your own summer meal planning!

Aussie Burger-

It just wouldn’t be summer without an Aussie burger on the menu! We like to include the pineapple for a sweet and tasty tropical twist. Slightly charred pineapples along with beetroot, fresh lettuce and tomato, and your favourite sauce…the best Aussie burgers are the messiest ones! This is also the time of year to pickle your beets for next summer’s Aussie burgers if you prefer to make your own. Try pairing it with a cool and refreshing cucumber salad, maybe even right out of your garden, for the perfect backyard BBQ!

Summer Salads-

Cabbage, lettuce, and spinach are all in season, as well as cucumbers and beetroot, any of which can make a garden fresh base for a lovely salad. One of our favourite summer salads includes spinach, mangoes, and grilled prawns, a delicious and healthy meal! Mix 120g of baby spinach leaves with 2 sliced mangoes, 1 small red onion, 1 cup coriander sprigs, and 500g grilled prawns. Whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 small spring onion thinly sliced, and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, drizzle over salad and toss.

Fresh Fruit For The Win!-

There’s no better season than summertime to enjoy your favourite fresh fruits! It’s so easy to incorporate them into your summer meal planning, Berries are an amazing add to your morning cereals, yogurt, granola, or even topping off your pancakes. A fruit smoothie makes a great on the go breakfast or mid-morning energy booster. Try tossing fresh fruits into any of your summer salads, as a garnish for your dinner pork chop, or as part of a delicious summer dessert. Of course, fresh seasonal fruits work beautifully on their own too! Some of our favourite “in season” fruits include raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, all kinds of sweet and juicy melons, as well as peaches and bananas.

Salad in a Sandwich-

Summer is all about spending time outdoors on picnics and lovely park strolls to soaking up the beautiful sunshine. Try this yummy and light “salad in a sandwich”, we’re sure it will quickly become a summer lunch staple! Start off with a bunch of Tuscan kale and a small shallot thinly sliced. Marinate in 1 & ½ tablespoons of lemon juice while you prepare the rest. Slice a few radishes nice and thin, and toss it all together with your kale, shallot, and ¼ cup shredded parmesan plus 3 tablespoons of olive oil. We like a hearty bread for this, ciabatta buns are a good choice. Spread your bread with a zesty lemon and basil aioli, add your avocado slices, and pile on your salad!

Fresh, light, and healthy are always at the top of the list when planning out your summer meals. Seasonal fruits and veggies are both nutritious and on budget, and road trips to your local farmer’s markets to find your faves are a great way to spend a summer day!