20 Colorful recipes to celebrate summer living

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Looking for some delicious new recipes for those hot summer days? This collection has got you covered! From burgers to tacos to salads, these colorful summer recipes will have you celebrating summer living.

Carne asada on a blue plate surrounded by cilantro, halved oranges, limes, and beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers

Turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board.
Turkey Smash Burger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare to be blown away by the delectable flavors of these mouthwatering turkey smash burgers. Featuring caramelized exteriors and savory goodness, these turkey patties, smashed on a hot cast iron skillet, will leave you craving more. Whether it’s a picnic, cookout, or a relaxing day at home, these burgers are an absolute delight.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the delightful combination of grilled garlic lime chicken and creamy cilantro crema in this perfect summer meal. Juicy marinated chicken breast meets the tangy allure of cilantro crema, making it an irresistible option for weeknight dinners or outdoor cookouts, bringing out the true essence of summer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Blackened Cod Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your taco game with these smoky and savory blackened cod tacos, featuring crispy cabbage, zesty lime juice, vibrant pico de gallo, and lightly charred tortillas. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta, these tacos offer a refreshing and satisfying taste of summer that will transport your taste buds to coastal bliss.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

Marinated Tomato Salad

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This marinated tomato salad captures the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomato Salad

Carne Asada

Carne asada on a blue plate surrounded by cilantro, halved oranges, limes, and beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey with the best carne asada marinade that captures the authentic essence of Mexican cuisine. From carne asada burritos to restaurant-quality carne asada plates, this marinade combines smoky, citrusy, and savory elements, ensuring a tantalizing dining experience that rivals your favorite local spot.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Whole wheat pasta salad in a white bowl.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy whole wheat pasta salad is packed with flavorful ingredients! Sundried tomatoes, salami, artichoke hearts, tangy feta cheese, creamy pine nuts, and fresh basil combine with whole wheat noodles to create a delicious and savory side dish perfect for any kind of gathering!
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Watermelon Mojito Salad

Watermelon salad garnished with mint and feta on a blue plate surrounded by cut limes, fresh mint, and a white linen.
Watermelon Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With the sweetness of watermelon, tangy feta, mint, and lime, this watermelon mojito salad is a fresh summer salad perfect for a picnic, potluck, BBQ, or easy dinner at home!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Mojito Salad

Salmon Quinoa Salad

Salmon quinoa salad in a white bowl surrounded by lemons, parsley and cherry tomatoes.
Salmon Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious salmon quinoa salad has perfectly seared salmon, crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a vibrant lemon vinaigrette that brings the salad to life. Serve it for lunch, make it for meal prep, or bring it along to your next picnic or BBQ!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Quinoa Salad

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled and sliced chile lime chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the flavors of lime, chile, and sea salt as they come together to create a mouthwatering experience in this effortless Chile Lime Grilled Chicken recipe. Perfect for warm summer evenings, this dish is a delightful addition to any BBQ spread, infusing your outdoor gatherings with a burst of tangy and savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

BLT with Chicken

Closeup side view shot of a BLT with chicken.
BLT with Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the ultimate summer sandwich with this BLT featuring marinated tomatoes, crispy lettuce, crunchy bacon, and toasted bread. Perfect for picnics, cookouts, or even a simple day at home, this flavorful sandwich is a must-have for embracing the joys of summer.
Get the Recipe: BLT with Chicken

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Greek green salad, a delightful combination of crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, all dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. This refreshing side salad adds a touch of Mediterranean flair to any meal, making it a true summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the classic combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction in this irresistible caprese salad. Bursting with flavors, this salad is a refreshing and elegant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Dive into the vibrant flavors of this beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill, featuring crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Packed with a delightful blend of sweet, savory, earthy, and tangy elements, this salad is a true temptation you won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Mixed Pickles

Mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Transform any assortment of vegetables into bright and tangy pickles within minutes with this quick mixed pickles recipe. Whether it’s for adding a zing to your burgers or as a tangy side dish, these pickles are a must-have for your summer culinary adventures.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white platter.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all your favorite toppings, this incredible turkey burger slider recipe takes your favorite summer BBQ staple and transforms it into bite-sized deliciousness! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or looking for an easy dinner option, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your grilling game.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the luxurious combination of spring mix, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a sweet balsamic glaze in this exquisite Burrata Salad. A perfect addition to your summer menu, this salad brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

Warm german potato salad in a white dish beside a bunch of dill.
Warm German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the bold flavor of traditional German Potato Salad, boasting warm potatoes, crisp bacon, and a rich dressing with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and vinegar. This flavorful side dish captures the essence of comfort food, making it a perfect addition to any summer gathering!
Get the Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Side salad on a white plate with a copper fork.
Side Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This garden salad with lemon vinaigrette has crunchy pumpkin seeds, tangy feta cheese, fresh vegetables, delicate butter lettuce, and a bold, delicious lemon vinaigrette you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Celebrate the bold flavors of pesto, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh arugula in this irresistible pesto orzo salad recipe. With its bright, fresh, and flavorful profile, this summer salad is a true showstopper that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pickled Onions

Spicy pickled onions in a glass jar.
Spicy Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Crisp spicy pickled onions are one of the best ways favorite ways to add bright, slightly sweet, tangy flavor to any summer meal!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

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