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Meal Planning: Easy Summer Meals

Jessica Fisher · May 30, 2010 · 11 Comments

A plate of Taco Salad

Summertime says, “Slowdown and relax,” to me. It doesn’t mean that we really have a slower schedule. But fewer obligations, longer days, and warmer weather suggest a vacation mentality.

Easier said than done.

While the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer can’t usually take the whole summer off, there are things that we can do to make mealtime prep easier.

Make It Easy

Consider meals that don’t take a lot of prep work, meals that can be cooked outside, reducing your clean-up, meals that the crockpot can handle.

Chimichangas*
Grilled, Marinated Chicken*
Salsa Verde Beef*
Chihuahua Chili*

Make It Fresh

Hot days call for cool meals. And if it’s got fresh fruits and veggies, it’s got great “cool” potential.

Taco Salad*
Summer Rolls*
Asian Chicken Salad with Noodles*
DIY Smoothie Bar*

Make It Ahead of Time

Cook up a bunch of meals ahead of time and stash them in the freezer. Freezer Cooking can be a great way to have economical, home-cooked meals without a lot of fuss. The items above with asterisks are freezer friendly. All or part of the meal can be made ahead and frozen. You’d be surprised at all the things you can freeze.

How do YOU make summer meals easy?

Filed Under: Meal Planning Tagged With: easy meals

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carrie says

    May 30, 2010 at

    one of my favorite summer meals is a nice fresh loaf of bread with some cheese or butter and a bunch of fresh fruit

    Reply
    • FoodontheTable says

      May 31, 2010 at

      @Carrie, That’s a great idea. It’s like a little picnic.

      Reply
  2. Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says

    May 30, 2010 at

    Great ideas! These are some awesome recipes, thanks!

    Reply
  3. Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says

    May 30, 2010 at

    Your chihuahua chili link isn’t right. Just so you know. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jessica Fisher says

      May 30, 2010 at

      @Debbi Does Dinner Healthy, thank you!

      Reply
  4. Sharon @ UnfinishedMom says

    May 30, 2010 at

    I’ve been wanting to make the Summer Roll recipe for a looong time. But I have a dilemma – I don’t know what “rice paper rounds” look like, so when I go to the grocery store I don’t know what I’m looking for!

    Help! Where do I find these? Is that what they’re called or do they have another name I should look for?

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Jessica Fisher says

      May 30, 2010 at

      They look like this. We’ve found them at ONE local grocery store in their Asian food section. They cost about $3.50, so this Amazon price is not terrible for a 3 pack. I imagine an Asian food store would have them perhaps for cheaper.

      Reply
  5. Christi {Jealous Hands} says

    May 31, 2010 at

    We have a busy summer, so I really appreciate these ideas! I am definitely looking to minimize my time in the kitchen, and still serve great meals.

    Reply
  6. Nicole says

    May 31, 2010 at

    Once the garden is producing… I love a plate of tomatoes, basil, fresh mozz cheese, a little EVOO and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Throw in a glass of wine and you have the perfect light summer meal for enjoying on the deck.

    Reply
  7. Vicki R. says

    May 31, 2010 at

    I make summer meals a little easier by having at least 2 BBQ meals a week that include a fruit salad and corn on the cob. DS loves helping to shuck the corn, hubby loves grilling anything, even in the hottest temps, & it keeps the heat out of the kitchen – and me as well! 🙂

    Reply
  8. FoodontheTable says

    May 31, 2010 at

    The spring rolls looks so delicious and fresh! I’ll have to try them this summer.

    Reply

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