Addy Pinto

As the weather becomes sunny and the temperature begins to rise, people often crave lighter foods. Salads turn into a summer staple and a food that many gravitate to. Summer drinks start to become popular, whether in forms of an iced tea or a light lemonade. Food like sandwiches and paninis become relied on as individuals travel more and need to have food that can be transported. Individuals seek summer foods to lighten their mood and kick off a certain summer feeling. 

Salads are often overlooked because many see them as lacking flavor or solely being part of diet culture. However, there are many ways to bring flavour to a salad. One can make a Quinoa salad with tzatziki dressing and cucumbers, or if one is looking for a sweeter option, a strawberry salad is a great way to make one’s day brighter. Salads do not have to be boring or include lettuce. A cucumber and avocado salad can be extremely filling and flavorful, especially with a squirt of fresh lime. Trying different lettuce-free bases and using different dressings keeps summer foods interesting and enjoyable. 

While it is important to stay hydrated with water, sometimes, consumers crave something different. Summer offers many different kinds of sweet drinks that are both hydrating and delightful. Iced tea is one of the easiest summer drinks to make, with only three ingredients: black tea, sugar and lemon juice. One can add different kinds of syrups to make iced tea even better, like blueberry iced tea and raspberry iced tea. Cherry limeade is another summer staple, including a mixture of lemon-lime soda, limes and cherry juice. It is a tart and refreshing drink and goes great with a hot summer barbeque. 

Chips and dip is a must have at any family-friend function. It is easy to snack on and is a lighter food for the summer. There are so many combinations for chips and dip, like pita chips and hummus, tortilla chips and queso, potato chips and onion dip. So many dips can be paired with different kinds of chips. Dips can be store bought or easily made at home. Other chips and dip combinations can be like tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa. Chip and dip platters are effortless and simple; they do not take a long time to make. This is a fantastic way to keep friends and family satisfied at any summer event. 

Paninis and sandwiches are a summer must-have. They can be made hot or cold, with whatever choice of meat. A sandwich is a perfect portable option for any summer adventure. Greek salad sandwiches are extremely light and crunchy, featuring cucumbers, kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta. Another perfect sandwich to bring to the beach or the park is a chickpea salad sandwich with chickpeas, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce. The amazing part about sandwiches is that there are so many different combinations of toppings and unlimited options for bread. Paninis are another way to step up one’s sandwiches, since they are made on a specific kind of bread often like Italian breads and are pressed on a grill. A spinach pesto panini tastes delightful and a prosciutto and mozzarella panini is also very delightful. Sandwiches and paninis are very popular in the summer due to them being easy to make and delicious

It is important to take advantage of the warm season and to go for foods that will boost that summer feeling. Summer is all about spending time with family and friends, going on fun excursions, experiencing new things and enjoying different kinds of foods. With delicious summer snacks, one is bound to have an amazing and memorable summer break.