Right now, every time I watch my local weather, they’re talking about how hot it is. But in the kitchen, I’m making sure things stay cool. While I’m sitting poolside or on my porch with friends, I’m making snacks to beat the summer heat.
“A great summer salsa for BBQs and family gatherings,” thinks Natalie Miller (Huber Heights, OH) of her Strawberry Salsa recipe.
Strawberries, tomatoes, and onions surprisingly complement each other very well. The tiny bit of cilantro adds a touch of freshness to the salsa.
It’s slightly sweet and tangy and has a little heat from the jalapenos and diced onion. A refreshing salsa for summer.
Another unusual salsa I enjoy is Terri Opgenorth’s (Lake Mills, WI) Calico Salsa.
“I got this recipe from a friend when I went to visit,” says Terri. “I have tweaked it a bit to add some ingredients that I enjoy.”
Enjoy this fresh and tasty salsa with tortilla chips… or a big spoon.
It’s a mix of fresh veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Canned black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn add heartiness.
Don’t shy away from the dried chili flakes. They give this salsa an extra kick of flavor.
If you are a pickle fan, you will enjoy Diane Schmidt’s (Comstock Park, MI) Dill Pickle Dip.
“This dip is delicious and a hit at parties or potlucks,” shares Diane. “I don’t even like pickles, and I love the dip!”
It is creamy and tangy, and I love the added crunch from the diced pickles. Made with ingredients you probably have handy, this dip comes together in under an hour (including chilling time).
“This is my go-to recipe for when we get the craving for guacamole and tortilla chips,” explains Joyce Tyo (La Crescenta, CA).
Joyce’s Mango Jalapeno Guacamole recipe is a delicious twist on guac. Little bits of sweet bits of mango combined with the avocado are refreshing.
This guacamole has a creamy texture that pairs well with salty, crunchy tortilla chips.
For me, Grishma Shah’s (Nashville, TN) Watermelon Mozzarella Salad tastes like summer.
“The original recipe uses cantaloupe, but I did not enjoy the flavors,” reveals Grishma. “But when I tried it with cold watermelon, I fell in love with it.”
Grisha thinks the magic is in the salad dressing, and I couldn’t agree more.
The mint dressing is sweet and tangy with a little kick. Don’t be afraid of the crushed red pepper. It’s a surprise but not overwhelming.
Pairing mozzarella and watermelon sounds unusual but is super tasty. Light and refreshing, your friends and family will love this.
If you’re hosting friends and family in hotter weather, snacks to beat the summer heat are a must on the menu, and these Blue Ribbon recipes are flavorful options. Look at our Summer Sippers recipe collection if you’re looking for refreshing drinks to serve. Happy Pinching!