**The Ultimate Summer Recipes: Simple and Quick Ways to Savor the Season’s Harvest**

Summer brings a burst of colors, delightful tastes, and gatherings under the sun. With the arrival of summer signaling the start of a time filled with heat and brightness, it’s an ideal moment to dive into recipes that showcase the finest summer ingredients. Whether you’re organizing a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just trying to stay cool, these recipes will surely please.

**1. Grilled Veggie Skewers**
An essential element for any summer cookout, grilled veggie skewers are vibrant and appetizing. Just thread your preferred summer veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Pair with tzatziki sauce for a cool dip.

**2. Watermelon Feta Salad**
This invigorating salad merges the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the sharpness of feta cheese. Dice fresh watermelon and mix it with crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of balsamic glaze. This dish is ideal for staying refreshed on a sweltering summer day.

**3. Caprese Pasta Salad**
A variation on the traditional Caprese salad, this pasta adaptation is wonderful for picnics. Cook your chosen pasta and allow it to cool. Incorporate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix everything together for a straightforward yet tasty dish.

**4. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken**
For a dish rich in protein, soak chicken breasts in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Grill the chicken until fully cooked and accompany with grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.

**5. Berry and Peach Crisp**
Make the most of summer fruits with this simple dessert. Combine sliced peaches and assorted berries in a baking dish. Top with a concoction of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. Bake until the topping turns golden and the fruit is bubbling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added delight.

**6. Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup**
For a refreshing starter, blend cucumbers, Greek yogurt, fresh mint, and a dash of lime juice until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. This soup is a revitalizing beginning to any summer feast.

**7. Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos**
Light and tasty, shrimp tacos are a summertime favorite. Sauté shrimp with chili powder and lime juice. Serve in corn tortillas topped with a mango salsa made from chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

These recipes not only honor the wealth of summer produce but also maximize the joy of outdoor cooking and dining. Whether you’re savoring a meal on the patio or packing a picnic for the park, these dishes will undoubtedly elevate your summer enjoyment. Relish the season’s harvest and the pleasure of outdoor cooking and dining!

### About the Author: Holly Nilsson

Holly Nilsson is the imaginative mind behind Spend With Pennies, a site committed to offering simple and comforting recipes designed for real-world cooking. Fueled by a genuine love for nostalgic tastes and uncomplicated culinary techniques, Holly inspires busy home chefs to whip up delicious meals that are both easy to create and fulfilling.

Her culinary adventure is captured in her book, “Everyday Comfort,” which acts as a wellspring of inspiration for anyone wishing to craft hearty, home-cooked dishes. Holly’s methodology highlights the significance of simplicity in the kitchen, making it achievable for everyone to relish the joys of cooking without anxiety.

For additional insights and recipes from Holly, you can delve deeper into her work at [Spend With Pennies](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/author/holly/).

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**Do You Know About Migas?**

If you’re not acquainted, allow me to present them! Migas (pronounced mee-guhz) consist of cheesy scrambled eggs mixed with crumbled tortilla chips, imparting a delightful salty-crunchy-corn flavor. Usually, you’ll also find sautéed onions and peppers or tomatoes incorporated, along with your choice of toppings.

Migas go by various names in Mexican cuisine, but this particular recipe is inspired by the Tex-Mex version served in Austin, Texas. It’s a truly fulfilling and tasty dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner.

**I Discovered My Love for Migas During a Month-Long Visit to Austin, Texas**

During my time there, Ali and I tried migas from numerous places, and naturally, some are superior to others. I returned to Austin with my family for spring break, eager to revisit my cherished migas recipe. This streamlined and enhanced recipe makes *the ultimate migas*, in my view!

## The Origins of Migas

The term migas in Spanish literally means “crumbs,” and there is a classic Spanish dish featuring eggs and bread crumbs known as migas. For this recipe with Mexican roots, we’re discussing tortilla chip crumbs.

Migas remind me a bit of [chilaquiles](https://cookieandkate.com/best-red-chilaquiles-recipe/), which is another Mexican dish with saucy tortilla chips, typically topped with fried eggs. In contrast, migas primarily consist of scrambled eggs with tortilla chips integrated, plus optional sauces as garnishes.

## Tips for Making Migas

You’ll find the complete recipe below. Here are my insights from testing this recipe:

### Not All Tortilla Chips Are the Same

While many recipes suggest frying your own tortilla chips, using high-quality store-bought chips yields excellent results. Siete’s Maiz chips are outstanding for this dish.

### Cheddar Is Preferable to Monterey Jack

Cheddar melts well, similar to Jack, but provides a sharper and more distinct taste.

### Importance of Vegetables

For the best flavor, I recommend using a mix of red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. I also experimented with poblano pepper, but red bell pepper is more visually appealing and allows the corn flavor of the tortilla chips to stand out better.

You can omit the jalapeño if you prefer a milder option or if chopping a tiny pepper sounds tedious (you can always add a drizzle of hot sauce later to compensate).

### Serve Migas Immediately

While reheated leftovers are decent, the chips lose their coveted crispness. You might sprinkle some freshly crushed tortilla chips on top of leftovers to remedy this.

### Customize Toppings as You Wish

Keep it simple or let your creativity flow! I highly suggest adding a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You can also incorporate a spoonful of salsa or a few dashes of hot sauce, sliced avocado or guacamole, and chopped fresh cilantro.

## Serving Migas

These migas provide protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one bowl, so you might consider it a complete meal on its own.

**You can also create migas tacos** using this recipe—just warm up small corn or flour tortillas, fill them with the migas mixture, and add a couple of toppings.

If you’re on the lookout for accompaniments to pair with migas, consider these selections for a complete spread:

## More Egg-Centric Mexican Recipes

I adore the tastes of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine with eggs any time of the day! Here are a few favorites from my [Mexican-inspired category](https://cookieandkate.com/category/vegetarian-mexican-recipes/):

## Tex-Mex Migas

This Tex-Mex migas recipe features cheesy scrambled eggs blended with crumbled tortilla chips, sautéed peppers and onions, along with toppings of your choice! Savor a taste of Austin, Texas, with these delightful homemade migas. This recipe yields 4 servings (or 8 to 12 migas tacos).

### Ingredients

– Scrambled eggs
– Pepper blend
– Optional toppings (choose as you like)

### Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the eggs, cream, salt, and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Use a small whisk or fork to blend the eggs until they appear uniformly yellow. Set the eggs aside for later.
2. Sauté the peppers and onions: Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and the peppers are soft, roughly 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Move the peppers to a bowl. Allow the skillet to cool for a few minutes, then wash it before proceeding (or use another large skillet).
4. Return

## Light and Crisp Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This recipe for salt and pepper shrimp is refreshing and light, ideal for quenching your seafood hunger. The shrimp is enveloped in a fine layer of cornstarch and seasoning, cooked just right, and mixed with a vibrant selection of diced vegetables to elevate the taste. Serving this dish atop white rice makes for a fulfilling and complete meal.

### Recipe Ingredients

– **Jalapeno** – Introduces a touch of heat to the dish.
– **Cornstarch** – Offers a delicate, crisp covering for the shrimp.

For an exhaustive list of ingredients and their quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.

### How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp

**Step #1:** Dry the shrimp with a paper towel and season with ½ teaspoon of garlic salt.

**Step #2:** Place the shrimp in a bowl with cornstarch and set aside.

**Step #3:** In a high-heat wok, pour in vegetable oil. Once the oil hits 375 degrees Fahrenheit, add the first portion of shrimp, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

**Step #4:** Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, then take them out and place them on a plate. Continue until all shrimp are cooked to a lovely golden hue.

**Step #5:** After cooking the shrimp, switch off the heat, keep 1 teaspoon of oil, and discard the remaining oil.

**Step #6:** Clean the wok, set it to low heat, and combine the reserved oil with garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.

**Step #7:** Incorporate onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and the white sections of green onions into the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.

**Step #8:** Add the shrimp, half of the seasoning, and chives. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated and well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

**Step #9:** Serve and relish!

### FAQs

**Do I have to use vegetable oil for this Salt and Pepper Shrimp?**
No, you may opt for canola oil, corn oil, or any other deep-frying oil of your choice.

### Storage Information

You can keep any leftover salt and pepper shrimp in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 2-3 days. Freezing is not advisable as it might make the shrimp coating soggy.

To reheat, utilize your oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or warm in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until heated through.

### More Recipes to Love

For additional appetizing shrimp recipes, check out:
– [Baja Shrimp Tacos](https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/baja-shrimp-tacos/)
– [Thai Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp](https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/thai-tom-yum-soup-shrimp/)
– [Shrimp and Chicken Paella](https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/shrimp-and-chicken-paella/)

Savor your light and crisp salt and pepper shrimp!

The gimlet is a timeless cocktail that truly merits more recognition! Crafted with gin, lime juice, and sweetened with simple syrup, it belongs to the sour category of cocktails. Reserve the intricate cocktails with obscure ingredients for upscale bars—enjoying a straightforward, citrusy, not overly sweet cocktail at home is one of life’s genuine delights.

The gimlet exudes a light and vibrant essence, akin to a more relaxed iteration of a martini that you can leisurely enjoy on a porch. I relish a gimlet during spring or summer—they’re refreshing and just perfect. If you take pleasure in ordering a quality gin cocktail or a margarita made with genuine lime juice, you will adore a homemade gimlet.

Gimlet Ingredients

Gimlets are shaken concoctions comprising three straightforward components: gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. When I worked as a bartender after college, we prepared gimlets with Rose’s sweetened lime juice, which tastes syrupy and synthetic. A blend of fresh lime and simple syrup is vastly superior.

Certain bartenders maintain that gimlets should be made with homemade lime cordials, but I believe a proper lime twist garnish is all you require. We can all agree that gimlets must be shaken, not stirred. They’re best served ice-cold, which is why my instructions recommend chilling the glass beforehand.

The Best Gin for Gimlets

Plymouth gin is the classic selection for a gimlet, and it’s an excellent one. If you’re ever put off by the intensity of juniper flavor in London dry gin like Tanqueray, you’ll appreciate having Plymouth gin in your bar. It’s less dry and more balanced.

I also enjoy using Hendrick’s gin in my gimlets. Its distinctive notes of cucumber and rose petals blend beautifully with the fresh lime, which is why I chose Hendrick’s for these images.

Feel free to use London dry gin in your gimlet with good results, if that’s available at home. Beefeater or Fords are solid choices.

Gimlet Variations

Now we’re getting exciting! Gimlets adapt wonderfully to fresh enhancements. You can discover a few variations on my blog already. Check out my Basil Gimlet, Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet, and Cucumber Mint Gimlet.

Here are some variations to experiment with. You can combine them freely for fantastic outcomes.

Fresh basil: Consider adding 8 medium basil leaves to your cocktail shaker.

Fresh mint: Incorporate up to 10 fresh mint leaves into your shaker. This creation is known as a Southside cocktail.

Cucumber: Include one 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and quartered. This variant is termed an Eastside cocktail.

Elderflower liqueur: Substitute St-Germain elderflower for the simple syrup to impart a subtle floral essence. This variation is referred to as the “French Gimlet.” St-Germain is less sweet than simple syrup, so you’ll want to use just over 1 ounce of St-Germain to maintain the sweetness balance.

Honey simple syrup: For richer flavors, replace the quantity of regular simple syrup with honey simple syrup. Opt for a light-colored honey, such as clover or orange blossom, for delightful floral nuances. This version brings to mind the Bee’s Knees, a similar cocktail featuring gin, lemon in place of lime, and honey simple syrup.

More Cocktails to Try

More Classic Gin Cocktails

I enjoy a fine gin cocktail. Here are a few more to explore:

More Citrusy Cocktails

These cocktails originate from the sour family, similar to the gimlet:

Please share how your gimlet turns out in the comments. I love hearing from you and hope the gimlets are a success at your next dinner gathering.

Gimlet Cocktail

The gimlet cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a twist of lime. Recipe yields 1 serving; you can prepare up to 3 in a standard cocktail shaker simultaneously.

Instructions:

1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Securely fasten the lid and shake the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is completely ice cold.
3. Discard the ice water from your glass and gently shake out any excess water droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Lightly twist the lime peel over the drink to release the oils, then softly draw it over the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Savor.

Notes:

*To create simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat over medium heat or in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring occasionally.