By Family Features | Contributor
Summer gatherings are all about quick and comfy recipes that complement the joyful atmosphere of warm weather. Spend cherished moments with loved ones and create unforgettable memories this summer by serving flatbreads, sliders, and delightful desserts for everyone to enjoy.
Refreshing Flatbreads for Gatherings
When enjoying the outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors, few meals can compare to a delicious dish that’s enjoyable for all, like these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads.
Ideal for al fresco dining, they pair wonderfully with a vibrant salad and are easy to prepare, allowing guests to customize their toppings before baking. This vibrant and fresh dish serves as a perfect selection for patio get-togethers.
For additional summer recipe inspirations, head over to Culinary.net.
Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads
Recipe inspired by butteryourbiscuit.com
2 flatbreads
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cooked chicken tenders, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
Salt, as needed
Pepper, as needed
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the flatbreads on it. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the flatbreads, then layer with garlic, chicken, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 16 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and chipotle seasoning.
Drizzle the ranch mixture over the flatbreads and top with chopped cilantro.
Health-Conscious Sliders for a Summer Feast
Sizzling, freshly grilled foods are a quintessential marker of summer fun. Hosting outdoor parties this year can be stress-free by showcasing your grilling talent with a straightforward, healthy, and tasty recipe.
These Chicken Shawarma Sliders exemplify how to whip up nutritious summer meals while still enjoying beloved flavors. They are featured in a carefully curated collection of 12 healthy recipes from Fresh Cravings, a family-run brand known for its chilled dips, alongside eMeals, a leading name in meal planning.
“These sliders make for a splendid and healthy choice for your next gathering,” states Rachel West, RD, Senior Nutrition Writer and Editor at eMeals. “The marinade comprises dried herbs and fresh garlic to infuse the lean chicken breast with bold flavors. The addition of lettuce and red onion offers a refreshing crunch, while Fresh Cravings’ creamy hummus adds nutritional value with protein and fiber.”
Check out the complete recipe collection at emeals.com/campaign/Fresh-Cravings-Healthy-Eats.
Chicken Shawarma Sliders
Recipe provided by eMeals Registered Dietitian Rachel West
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package (12) slider buns
1 container (17 ounces) Fresh Cravings Honey Jalapeno Hummus
1 package (8 ounces) shredded lettuce
1/2 small red onion, sliced
In a zip-top plastic bag, pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the heel of your hand. Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and transfer them to a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and cayenne, then toss to coat.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for about 8 hours, or up to 2 days.
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked.
Assemble the sliders by placing chicken on buns with hummus, lettuce, and onion.
Deliciously Fruity Dessert
Summer often awakens a desire for fresh fruit that adds a touch of sweetness to festive gatherings. To tantalize family and guests alike, consider serving a delectable dessert such as Lemon Cheesecake adorned with fruit.
This dessert, featuring a delightful tartness from fresh lemon juice in its base, is perfectly complemented by orange segments and raspberries on top. Garnished with fresh mint leaves, it becomes an even sweeter treat when shared among friends and family.
Explore more delightful summer desserts at Culinary.net.
Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit
Servings: 6-8
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 orange, peeled and separated
8 raspberries
3 mint leaves, for garnish
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Firmly press the mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth. Incorporate eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; blend until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the center springs back when lightly touched.
Cool in the refrigerator until chilled. Arrange orange slices around the perimeter of the cheesecake and place raspberries in the center. Finish with mint leaves for garnish.
Visit Culinary.net to discover more straightforward summer recipes to enjoy with family and friends.
