Refreshing Summertime Bites

May 14, 2024 at 20:56 PM EDT

Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://spiceworldinc.com/tips-and-tricks/refreshing-summertime-bites/

It’s finally summertime! With the sun coming out and temperatures rising, there’s a good chance you’ll get invited to more outdoor gatherings and summer picnics with friends. Of course, one thing you shouldn’t do is show up empty-handed. Luckily, we have some of the most fresh, satisfying, and simple summertime bites that are perfect for sharing. There’s no better way to usher in the sunniest season than with some light and healthy entrees or cool summer salads and sides. So, let’s dive right into these easy summer dishes perfect for entertaining and, above all, enjoying!

Entrees

Garlic-Ginger Chicken Kebabs

Lean, white meat chicken soaks up the flavors of the Caribbean in marinated garlic-ginger chicken kebabs. Marinated garlic-ginger chicken kebabs and Spice World Squeezable Ginger add bold, healthy flavor to these mouthwatering kebabs, which can be prepared on the grill or in the oven. Serve with Naan or pita and your favorite summer sides.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup pineapple slices
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp Spice World Squeezable Ginger or 2 Tbsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Minced Ginger
2 Tbsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp white vinegar
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 24 pieces
1 bell pepper (ideally red, the most flavorful) cut into 24 pieces
¼ of a yellow onion, cut into 24 pieces

Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least thirty minutes. Skip this step if using metal skewers.
Purée olive oil, pineapple, salt, pepper, Spice World Squeezable Ginger, Spice World Ready-to-Use Minced Garlic, and vinegar in a food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken in a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Alternate pieces of chicken, bell pepper, and onion on each skewer (about 4 of each ingredient per skewer). Discard the remaining marinade.
Cook on the grill or on the top rack of a 450°F oven on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Searching for summery seafood recipes? Try these crowd-pleasing entrees:

Crispy Fish Tacos

This lightened up version of Baja fish tacos is quick and easy, thanks to the convenience of frozen fish fillets and Spice World Ready-to-Use Chopped Easy Onion. Fresh veggies, herbs, and citrus mingle together to add crunch and color to these delicious tacos.

Firecracker Shrimp Skewers

Spice things up with these fiery shrimp skewers. Frozen shrimp and Spice World Read-to-Use Minced Garlic make preparation as breezy as a day at the beach, so you can spend more time socializing and savoring your food.

Side Dishes

Simple Pasta Salad

This summery pasta salad is full of fresh flavors and perfect to bring to picnics or pool parties.

Ingredients

16 oz rotini pasta
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
8 oz black olives, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
½ cup Spice World Ready-to-Use Chopped Easy Onion
16 oz Italian salad dressing
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Fill a large pot with cold water. Season with salt to your preference. Boil water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Remove from heat and drain when al dente. Allow pasta to cool.
Once the pasta is cool, layer in tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and cheese.
Combine Spice World Ready-to-Use Chopped Easy Onion and dressing in a small bowl; mix well.
Gently toss the dressing mixture over the cooled pasta.
Salt and pepper pasta to taste.
Refrigerate for one hour or more before serving.

Esquites

Sweet summer corn gets the VIP treatment in this creamy, spicy, craveable Mexican street corn salad that tastes just as delicious cold as it does warm. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and enjoy alongside fish tacos, burgers, or grilled meats.

Super Green Ginger Smoothie

Cool off with a green ginger smoothie, packed with flavor and vitamins from fresh produce and a pop of spice from Spice World Squeezable Ginger. It’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Spice World Ready-to-Use products help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up fun summer celebrations. Find more recipes and tips for grilled and chilled summertime meals at Spice World Inc.