Light and Refreshing Dishes for Summer {Indy Style}
Jun 14, 2018, Updated May 30, 2021
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Refreshing recipes that take advantage of fresh summer produce
As the temperatures rise eating habits tend to change. Most of us no longer want the heavy dishes we craved all winter long. Instead, we crave light and refreshing dishes. Today on Indy Style, The Produce Mom’s founder Lori Taylor shared great recipes for summer. Of course, each of them incorporates lots of fruits and veggies!
Cauliflower “Fried Rice” and Beans
Cauliflower “Fried Rice” Blend from Mann’s is a mom’s best friend! In addition to cauliflower rice, it includes kohlrabi, carrots, and snap peas. It can be sauteed or steamed right in the bag. For our recipe, however, we are doing a raw application and using it as our salad base.
Cauliflower “Fried Rice” and Beans is a nice, light dish to serve at your next summer cookout or family gathering. It’s a nice change of pace from traditional slaws and cold salads.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Mann’s Cauliflower “Fried Rice” Blend
- Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup canned kidney beans, drained
- 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
- 1/4 cup green beans, blanched and chopped into 1″ pieces
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss together Cauliflower “Fried Rice” Blend, beans, and Italian dressing.
*This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
*Recipe courtesy of our brand partner, Mann’s
Cauliflower “Fried Rice” and Pineapple
Pineapple is super sweet and super versatile. If your dish could use a touch of sweetness, consider adding pineapple. In this dish, we combine one of our favorite convenience produce items, Mann’s Cauliflower “Fried Rice,” and Del Monte pineapple. This is another light and airy dish perfect for summertime.
Ingredients:
- Mann’s Cauliflower “Fried Rice”
- 1 whole del Monte pineapple, diced small
- 2-3 cloves garlic
Directions:
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- Cut up your pineapple: Twist off the crown. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Set the pineapple on its base and make vertical slices down the pineapple to cut off the outer skin. Cut through the core of the pineapple to create 2 halves. Cut to the side of the core to create planks. Cube the pineapple to the desired size. Save the core to use in smoothies or other use. (see the video for a live demonstration on how to cut up a pineapple).
- Sautee pineapple (diced small) and garlic until garlic is translucent. Add the Mann’s Cauliflower “Fried Rice” and sautee as directed on package. Serve warm.
Grilled Nectarines
Grilling fruit brings out the flavors even more — intensifying the natural sweetness. Nectarines are a great choice for grilling! They can withstand heat and get ultra sweet. New varieties of nectarines have been released over the past decade, and they continue to get better and better! We love that HMC Farms uses sustainable practices, like using pheromones in lieu of pesticides, to grow their nectarines. Learn more here.
Ingredients:
- Nectarine slices
- Toppings of your choice
- Honey & yogurt
- Balsamic glaze & goat cheese
- Ice cream
Directions:
- Grill nectarines until soft and caramelized. Top with toppings of your choosing.
*Get additional tips and topping suggestions here.
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Don’t stop at nectarines! There are so many great fruits that can withstand the heat of the grill and intensify in sweetness when exposed to heat. Here are a few suggestions, but feel free to use whatever fruits you’d like. Read our full post on grilled fruit kabobs here.
Ingredients:
- Kiwi slices (skin on)
- Strawberries
- Banana slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Starfruit slices
Directions:
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Prepare your fruit and place on skewers, alternating fruits.
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Use a pastry brush to lightly brush fruit with coconut (or grapeseed) oil. Alternatively, you can oil the grill grate.
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Grill uncovered over medium-hot heat, turning frequently. Grill until grill marks begin to form and fruit is heated through – about 4-6 minutes.
We hope these light and refreshing dishes help you stay cool all summer long. What’s on your summer menu? Tell us in the comments below.
