It’s officially “dinner on the deck” season! And you know what that means: It’s time to find your new favorite recipe of the summer.
Great summer cooking is all about finding fresh ways to bring out the natural flavors in seasonal fruits and veggies, whether that’s trying new and unexpected flavor combinations or finding ways to upgrade summer classics.
We’re here to help. Read on for 11 must-try summer recipes, from crowd-pleasing apps to show-stopping mains, to desserts you’ll want to cook over the campfire.
Tomato Bruschetta Two Ways
Nothing livens up a summer dinner party like bruschetta — and this adaptable recipe gives you two options to suit your mood. Try fresh bruschetta when you’re in the mood for something refreshing and light, or oven-roasted if you’re looking for a smokier bruschetta with depth.
Orzo Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a must-serve in the summer, and this orzo version offers an upgrade from traditional macaroni or penne salads. Smaller orzo grains add delicate texture to the salad, allowing the mix-ins — sweet red peppers, crunchy cucumber and salty olives — to take center stage.
Quinoa Salad
Whether you need a side dish or you love summer meal prep, this quinoa salad deserves a spot in your rotation. Tomatoes and bocconcini cheese add Caprese-inspired flavour, while a five-minute homemade dressing seasoned with lemon juice and Salad Herbs brings the dish together.
Tomato Zucchini Saute
Meet your new favorite way to cook with tomatoes and zucchini. This ultra-easy vegetable saute comes together in minutes. Garlic, onion and oregano combine to add savoury notes that complement the delicate zucchini and sweet tomatoes for a side that works into any meal.
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower with Tomatoes
Need a side to liven up your dinner table? This turmeric-seasoned cauliflower tastes incredible and it looks picture-perfect. The cauliflower caramelizes as it cooks, creating intense roasted flavour, deepened by the earthiness of the turmeric, while fresh summer tomatoes add pops of unexpected sweetness.
Hearty Burgers
A classic burger recipe is right up there with sunscreen and sunglasses as an all-time summer essential. And you’ll be serving this recipe all season long. It uses Club House Brown Gravy Mix to enhance the natural flavour of the beef for hearty, juicy burgers every time.
Quick Italian Chicken
Short on time? This recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavour for convenience. Just sprinkle fresh chicken breasts with Salt-Free Garlic and Herb for complex flavour in an instant, then grill to perfection and serve with lemon slices. If you’re feeling fancy, throw the lemon on the grill too for added smokiness.
Brazilian Grilled Salmon with Orange Salsa
Whether you need a show-stopper for your Canada Day get-together or you’re just craving an elevated dinner, this sweet and smoky salmon is sure to please. A dash of Brazilian Style BBQ Seasoning adds smokiness and just a hint of heat, while a fresh orange salsa adds a burst of brightness and crunch.
Easy Peach Cobbler
Fresh peaches are one of the signature flavours of summer, and this humble cobbler is one of the best ways to show them off. Our recipe features a cozy cinnamon- and ginger-infused topping made using all-purpose baking mix, which means you can prep this dessert in just 15 minutes.
Cinnamon Sugar Grilled Donuts
Never tried grilled donuts? You’ve been missing out! This recipe couldn’t be easier, cutting refrigerated biscuits into a donut shape and warming them on the grill before drenching them in buttery cinnamon sugar. Serve them all summer and into the fall.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Peppered Berries and Vanilla Cream
This grilled angel food cake looks fancy, so your guests will never know it took just 15 minutes of active prep. The star here is the peppered berry sauce, which uses black pepper to add unexpected savoury heat to fresh summer berries, while the mascarpone vanilla cream adds creaminess to bring the flavours together.
