Challenge your summer food expectations! 17 easy recipes

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Summer’s all about exploration, and that includes food. These 17 recipes? They’re here to challenge what you thought summer food was all about. Let’s get adventurous!

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Switching up your salad game? The Easy Caprese offers a refreshing bite with its blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s perfect for a light summer lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocados aren’t just for toast. This creamy avocado sauce is versatile enough to accompany various dishes. Great on tacos or as a dip, it’s the summer sauce you need.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryers are game-changers. They transform a regular cheese quesadilla into a crispy treat without much oil. Convenient and a healthier twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In just 25 minutes, bite into a hearty black bean burger. Ideal for both vegetarians and anyone looking to change up their grill game, these burgers are summer-ready.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give pizza a rustic touch with French bread as its base. It’s quick, straightforward, and offers a delightful crunch. A French twist that makes pizza even better.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your salad routine with this Korean-inspired dish. Offering a zesty kick, it’s not just a salad; it’s an experience. Perfect for those who love a hint of heat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of these as upgraded veggie snacks. Crispy on the outside, tender inside; they can be a snack or a side. Either way, they’re a win.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad with dressing in a serving bowl.
Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado takes center stage in this salad. Combined with simple ingredients, its creamy texture and fresh taste dominate. A great choice for something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade dressings are a revelation. This Italian version can elevate any salad. Plus, it’s free of preservatives, making it a healthier choice.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy your favorite restaurant-style burrito bowl at home. With all the flavors and none of the wait, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make tortilla chips without the guilt. Air frying gives that loved crunch, minus the excess oil. Perfect for dipping or snacking on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggie burgers aren’t just for vegetarians. Bursting with flavor and texture, they offer a delightful alternative to regular beef patties. You might just get hooked.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A side that can steal the show. Infused with lime and cilantro, this rice pairs well with almost anything. A subtle way to add flair to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a snack with a kick? These are not just spicy; they’re crispy, thanks to the air fryer. A must-try for those who appreciate a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters in a stack.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A delightful way to add more veggies to your diet. These fritters make zucchini the star. They’re hard to resist, even for the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Pasta alla Sorrentina

Pasta in a bowl with cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Pasta alla Sorrentina. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dive into Italian cuisine. With tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this pasta dish feels both homey and gourmet. A summer dish to remember.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Sorrentina

Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of  pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rethink pizza with a lighter, crispier base. Flatbread offers a unique texture and taste, making each bite memorable. Customize for a personal touch.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining the best of both worlds, this offers a playful twist on summer meals. Perfect for when you can’t decide between pizza and salad.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Beet and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Sliced halloumi cheese, beets and greens in a white ceramic bowl.
Beet and Grilled Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A fusion of earthy beets and salty halloumi. Grilled to perfection, the halloumi adds a twist, making it a summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Capture that restaurant taste at home. This corn salsa blends sweet and spicy, making it versatile and addictive. Use it as a topping or dip straight into it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

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