10 Warm Weather Recipes You Will Want To Take Credit For

These warm weather recipes are your secret weapon to make any summer get-together unforgettable.  

1. Blackened Tuna Steak Salad

Forget the can and upgrade your tuna salad game with this warm weather recipe.  It’s cooked on the grill, so your kitchen will stay cool.  Summer fresh ingredients and blackening seasoning make this a game changer on our list of warm weather recipes.

Ingredients

4 -6 tuna steaks

3 stalks celery, diced

1/2 white onion, diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1 bunch green onions, diced

Blackening seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Duke’s mayonnaise 

Method

Generously cover each side of tuna steaks with blackening season, pressing it into the steaks.  Grill over medium heat until cooked to desired level and remove from grill.  On a plate, shred the tuna into large chunks with a fork and allow to cool completely.  Add all remaining ingredients and mix well.  

After trying this warm weather recipe, you will never want traditional canned tuna salad again!  Try it alone, in a wrap, on top of a salad, or inside a mozzarella roll.  

2. Caesar Salad Wraps

This warm weather recipe is incredibly easy and equally satisfying.  It’s perfect for  picnics or light lunches by the pool.  This flavorful meal will keep everyone cool on even the hottest summer days.

Ingredients

Romaine lettuce

Block of parmesan cheese, shredded

Croutons

Creamy Caesar dressing

Wraps or tortillas

Method

Break off whole leaves of Romaine and place in wrap or tortilla.  Top with parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.  

This warm weather recipe is a summer favorite for its simplicity and versatility.  Try adding avocado slices, halved grape tomatoes, garbanzo beans, or any salad topping of your choice.

3. Summertime-Summertime Kabobs

Fresh pineapple make this warm weather recipe the perfect solution to hot and humid days.  Besides, who doesn’t love kabobs?  They are fun to eat with minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to hang out with your friends.

Ingredients

Pre-marinaded Tiryaki pork tenderloin, cut into 2 inch cubes

1 pineapple, skinned, cored, cut into 2 inch cubes

2 red onions, diced into 2 inch pieces

Soy sauce

Method

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes.  If using metal skewers, spray them with non-stick cooking spray.  Assemble your skewers beginning with 1 slice red onion, 1 chunk of pineapple, and one cube of pork.  Repeat 3-4 times.  Be sure to leave enough at thee end of the skewers that you don’t get burned when placing or removing them from grill.  Grill on medium heat for about 4 minutes per side or until the pork is thoroughly cooked.  Remove, drizzle with soy sauce, and serve alone or over rice.

This warm weather recipe is always a favorite.  Keep it simple or add bell peppers and experiment with different sauces. 

4. Shrimp And Avocado Taco Bowls

Why eat out when you can make this warm weather recipe right at home?  It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s delish!  Everyone will appreciate the do-it-yourself taco bowls for the extra effort and taste.  Simply put, it’s amazing!

Ingredients

Depending on # of guests

1/2 pound to 1 pound uncooked jumbo shrimp

Fresh, ripe avocado, sliced

Romaine lettuce, shredded

Grape tomatoes, halved

Shredded cheese of your choice

Dressing of your choice

Tortillas

32 ounces of canola oil

Method

First peel and devein the shrimp and marinade them in Italian dressing.  You will want to make the taco bowls second.  Heat oil in a fry cooker until a small piece of tortilla sizzles.  Lay the tortilla in the oil.  Grab a label and hold in center of tortilla, making a bowl shape until cooked.  Remove with tongs and place on a baking pan lined with a paper towel to soak any excessive grease.  Pan sear the shrimp on medium high for about 2 minutes per side.  Fill the taco bowls with lettuce and top with cheese, grape tomatoes, avocado, and shrimp.  Top with dressing.

The extra time to make the tortilla is worth it!  Guaranteed to impress everyone!  The shrimp and fresh avocado make this warm weather recipe satisfying and worthy of praise all summer long.

5. Made In The Shade Cabbage Salad

This is an extra refreshing warm weather recipe that can be served as a side or on its own.  This the easiest to make on the list, making it perfect for last minute invites where you need to bring a dish.

Ingredients

1 Half red cabbage, shredded

1 Half white cabbage, shredded

1 Red onion, sliced

1 Bunch green onions, diced

1 Carrot, shredded

1 Bottle of Yum-Yum Sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Cover and refrigerate.  Serve cold.

Can you believe how easy this warm weather recipe is?  True to its name, it will keep you cool on the hottest summer days.  Try topping with toasted cashews or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  This is your salad!

6. By The Pool Mango Salad

This warm weather recipe will become your new summer staple.  As versatile as it is flavorful, it is destined to steal the show.

Ingredients

1 Cup mango, diced

2/3 Cup tomatoes, chopped

1/2 Cup sweet bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 Cup red onion, diced

Juice of 1/2 lime

1/2 Teaspoon salt

Pinch of pepper

Method

Combine all ingredients and stove overnight in an airtight container.  Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for added color and flavor.

This warm weather recipe can be used as a dip for tortilla chips.  It’s amazing to use as a sauce to top grilled meats, vegetables, and of course fish tacos.

7.  Grilled Salmon With Avocado Salsa

This warm weather recipe incorporates fresh tomatoes and a hint of lime that are perfect for summer.  This dish is easy enough to make for yourself during a busy week, yet elegant enough to serve guests.  

Ingredients

2 Teaspoons olive oil

4 (4 ounce) salmon filets

Salt and pepper to taste 

1 Medium avocado, finely diced

1/2 Cup red bell pepper, finely diced

1 Tablespoon red onion, finely diced

2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

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Juice of 1 lime

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.  Generously season the salmon filets with salt and pepper.  Cook 4 – 5 minutes per side or until preferred doneness.  In a small bowl mix together the avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.  Sprinkle with a little salt and combine.  Spoon the salsa over the salmon filets and serve.

This salsa really compliments the salmon in this warm weather recipe.  Try adding a little liquid smoke to the salmon for a sweet and smoky flavor.  You can also cook the salmon on the grill with the same cooking times if you prefer to keep this whole thing outdoors.  

8. Presto! Pesto Pasta Salad

Summer would not be complete without this warm weather recipe.  It’s bursting with flavor and easy to make, making this a summer favorite.  This dish is an excellent choice for potlucks, BBQs, and a main dish for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

12 ounces corkscrew pasta

1 Cup refrigerated basil pesto

1 1/2 Cups cheery tomatoes, halved

1 1/2 Cups fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 Cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 Cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 Cup diced red onion

1/4 Cup chopped parsley

Method

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.  Drain the pasta and run cold water over the pasta to cool it off.  In a large bowl mix together tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, pine nuts, red onions, and parsley.  Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss until covered completely. 

There probably won’t be any leftovers of this delicious warm weather recipe.  You are sure to get a lot of compliments and requests for the recipe. 

9. Grilled Watermelon With Blue Cheese And Prosciutto

Yes! You can grill watermelon!  This warm weather recipe is sweet and smoky.  This makes a great appetizer, side dish, or snack.  It’s unexpected flavor combinations will have everyone talking and asking for more.

Ingredients

3 (1/2 inch thick) watermelon rounds, quartered

1 Tablespoon olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper

4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

Fresh basil leaves

2 teaspoons bottled balsamic glaze

Method

Pre-heat grill to medium high heat.  Brush both sides of the watermelon with olive oil and season to desired amount of salt and pepper.  Grill without the lid for one minute per side or until grill marks appear.  Place watermelon on a plate and top with blue cheese, prosciutto, and fresh basil.  Drizzle watermelon with balsamic glaze and serve.

This is a fun, yet sophisticated way to enjoy watermelon this summer.  This warm weather recipe will pique everyone’s interest.  It’s guaranteed to be a hit!

10. Rice and Cheese Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

Here is another warm weather recipe that is easy, yet a bit on the fancy side.  This makes a great side dish or can be served as the main course.  This is a great way to take advantage of summer’s fresh tomatoes.

Ingredients

2 Cups pre-cooked rice

1 (12 ounce) can black beans

6 Heirloom tomatoes

1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

Drain and rinse black beans.  Combine black beans with the pre-cooked rice.  Hollow the center of the tomatoes and stuff with the rice and beans.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for another 5-8 minutes.  Remove from oven and serve.

This warm weather recipe has endless possibilities.  Try using different beans or adding chopped veggies to the rice.  You can experiment with any cheese you would like.  Almost anything tastes good with an Heirloom tomato.

What are your favorite warm weather recipes?  Let us know in the comments below.

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