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The days may be longer, but somehow summer still seems to slip by too quickly. Between barbecues, block parties, beach time, and everything in between, it’s easy to find yourself wishing for more weeks of fun in the sun. Keep that summer feeling forever, or at least past Labor Day, with these tips and tasty recipes to relish the season.
Tip 1: Keep Your Schedule Open
With kids home from school and so many options for activities, it’s tempting to jam pack every minute of summer vacation. Sometimes, however, the most memorable days are the totally unplanned ones. Whether it leads to an impromptu adventure or just some low-key relaxation, carve out at least a few hours every week for being spontaneous.
Avocado Green Goddess Chicken Salad
This versatile recipe inspired by herby green goddess dressing is perfect for lazy days with nothing on the agenda. It’s no-cook, thanks to store-bought rotisserie chicken, make-ahead friendly, and works in sandwiches, wraps, as a dip for veggies, or as a stand-alone, high-protein meal or snack. It’s also easy to pack to-go for last minute picnics and day trips.
Summer is the perfect opportunity to make the backyard, park, or any scenic spot an extension of your home. Playing a game, doing a puzzle, or reading a book outside can turn a regular pastime into a special summer experience. That goes for cooking and eating outside, too.
Grilled Salad Pizza with Proscuitto
It’s always a party when pizza is on the menu, especially when it’s served hot off the grill. This uniquely summer pie topped with meaty prosciutto and Parmesan gets a crisp, peppery finish from fresh arugula. Serve it for dinner on the patio or as a handheld snack for outdoor family game night.
While it might be impossible to ditch the computer, tablet, or phone all together, scheduled breaks from screen time can help the whole family squeeze in more summer fun. Keep complaints to a minimum by letting kids choose an activity or project to do together instead, and make it a regular event.
Rocky Road Popcorn Balls
Cooking is a great alternative to screen time for kids of all ages, and these ice cream-inspired popcorn balls deliver both the fun and the yum. Serve them in paper cupcake liners or skewered onto craft sticks and take your tasty creations to-go.
You don’t literally have to hike in uncharted territory to feel like a summer explorer. Make time to scope out spots you’ve never been before, like a new park, playground, or swimming hole, and have a family adventure without going far from home.
Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Pepper Beans
If you’re charting a new course for fun, these crispy, protein-packed beans are the perfect pack-along snack. A stint in the air fryer turns canned lima beans dusted with lemon-pepper and garlic powder into a pop-them-by-the-handful munchie that satisfies.
With a bounty of delicious produce at its peak, loading up on fruits and veggies is a guaranteed way to infuse meals with the joy of summer. From fresh berries to crisp greens, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and so much more, it’s easy to create memorable, plant-powered meals that never get old.
Grilled Ratatouille
The garden hits the grill in this version of French ratatouille that’s a breeze to make. Serve the combo of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes lightly charred on the barbecue with balsamic drizzle as a cookout side, a plant-powered main, or with eggs for a summer-inspired breakfast.
