Barbecues, beach days and hours spent in the backyard –– we’re soaking up every minute summer has to offer. As you invite friends and family over for pool dates, picnics, and playtime, get ready to impress with these five summer recipes.

Cook them up individually or play chef and host a five-course dinner –– drinks and dessert included!

Avocado Strawberry Smoothie

Recipe: Delicious strawberry Smoothie

Bet you never thought an avocado and strawberry pairing was possible. We’re here to tell you it is –– and it’s beyond delicious. The avocado adds a thick texture while the strawberry adds a sweet kick. It’s just as healthy as it is filling, making it the perfect pick-me-up after a workout or a day at the beach.

 

Tomato and Mozzarella Bites

Recipe: Caprese salad

Perfect for an outdoor barbecue, cool off with a platter of Caprese bites. The presentation is sure to impress guests, and the recipe itself can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes. All you need is a couple of dozen skewers, bite-sized cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Yeah, you just won the dinner party game with these.

Watermelon Salad

Recipe: Watermelon and Feta salad

Summer is the best time of year to get creative with your everyday salad recipes. That’s why we’re slicing up a bowl of watermelon with onion, cucumber, feta cheese, sea salt, cracked black pepper, cilantro, and a few tablespoons of lime juice. Eat it for lunch or dinner, or pack a small serving for a quick on-the-go snack. This refreshing take on the traditional salad is sure to impress at any gathering.

Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs

Recipe: Chicken & Veggie Skewers

We’re all about shish kabobbing in the summertime. They’re fun to eat and simple to put together. (Double win!) We’re drooling over this chicken and bacon version, which calls for mushrooms, pineapple chunks, and peppers. Think of it as an explosion of flavors, with equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory. Mmmmm.

Frozen Vanilla Custard

Recipe: Vanilla Custard

We’re all for pies and cobblers, but it wouldn’t be right to indulge in a summer sweet if it wasn’t frozen. Who knew making homemade vanilla custard was this easy? With five large egg yolks, white sugar, milk, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, you’ll have friends and family calling you the next Julia Child in no time.

We’re eyeing the watermelon salad and the frozen vanilla custard. What about you?

via GIPHY

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