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    Category Home » Summer » Summer Meal Ideas–California Style!

    Summer Meal Ideas–California Style!

    Published: Jun 20, 2022 · Modified: Aug 15, 2022 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Summer starts now! Make the most of the season’s fresh produce with recipes you can whip up both on and off the grill as well as expertly paired sides and salads. Whether you’re firing up the grill or planning a low-key backyard picnic–this list is brimming with recipes for your most delicious summer yet!

    A vibrant red tomato salad with fresh basil on a rectangular platter surrounded by cocktails on ice with orange wedges.

    Main Dishes On (and Off) The Grill:

    Grilled Peel n’ Eat Shrimp with Old Bay

    Be prepared to get messy! These saucy, spicy shrimp should be eaten with your hands!

    Get the Recipe
    Left: grilled shrimp on an oval platter. Right: two halibut burgers, blue background.

    Halibut Burgers with Spicy Sriracha Aioli

    Pan-seared halibut slathered in spicy, sriracha aioli, topped with fresh microgreens and sandwiched between a super-soft brioche bun…need I say more?

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    Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Harissa and Garlic

    Yogurt marinated chicken is perfect for summertime dinners and backyard BBQs. Serve with Creamy Tzatziki, Spicy Zhoug Sauce and Greek Orzo Salad.

    Get the Recipe
    left: chicken skewers. right: grilled lamb chops.

    Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Salad

    Fresh and minty herb salad perfectly compliments these smokey, fatty grilled lamb chops!

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    Carne Asada Street Tacos

    Tacos on the grill ALWAYS hit the spot! These marinated carne asada tacos are the perfect BBQ alternative to burgers and hot dogs.

    Get the Recipe
    Left: two carne asada tacos on a white plate. right: a shrimp taco.

    Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

    Spicy chipotle marinated grilled shrimp piled high with tangy jalapeño slaw and to cool it all down.. creamy avocado crema! All together, this combo is absolutely delicious–and the best part–the shrimp cooks in just a few minutes!

    Get the Recipe

    More Main Dishes:

    • Sweet and Sticky Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs
    • Grilled Skirt Steak
    • Oven-Roasted BBQ Salmon
    • Chicken Thighs with Citrus-Cilantro Salsa Verde
    • Grilled Swordfish Kebabs with Green Goddess Yogurt
    • Grilled Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

    Vibrant Summer Salads:

    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

    Every backyard BBQ needs pasta salad and this one is my go-to.

    Get the Recipe
    left: pasta salad in a white bowl. right: a platter with nectarines, burrata and prosciutto.

    Burrata Salad with Prosciutto and Nectarines

    I promise you this salad tastes just as good as it looks. Here’s the low-down: creamy burrata, sweet nectarines, fresh summer tomatoes, and salty prosciutto drizzled with olive oil and a light vinaigrette. What are you waiting for?

    Get the Recipe

    Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad with White Beans and Feta

    Summer veggies grilled to perfection and tossed with white beans, creamy feta cheese and zippy a lemon vinaigrette. This hearty salad is especially perfect for vegetarians.

    Get the Recipe
    left: white bean salad. right. avocado salad.

    Avocado Panzanella with Snap Peas and Feta Cheese

    This is not your traditional Panzanella salad! This twist on an old classic is made with crisp, sweet snap peas, creamy avocado, and feta cheese, all tossed with toasted bread and basil vinaigrette!

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad

    Old Bay grilled shrimp with crispy romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons and creamy homemade caesar dressing. You really can’t go wrong with this one!

    Get the Recipe
    left: grilled shrimp caesar salad. right: sugar snap pea salad on a platter.

    Snap Pea and Burrata Salad

    Sweet sugar snap peas tossed with lemon juice, olive oil and fresh basil then topped with decadent and creamy burrata cheese! This elegant salad makes the perfect start to a summertime backyard dinner!

    Get the Recipe

    More Summer Salads

    • Greek Orzo Salad
    • Little Gem Wedge Salad with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Warm Garlic Croutons
    • Dandelion Salad with Pecorino and Lemon
    • Spring Couscous Salad with Feta, Avocado & Fresh Herbs
    • Corn and Arugula Salad

    Seasonal Sides:

    Cacio e Pepe Zucchini

    Tender, charred summer squash generously seasoned with cracked black pepper, grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest… Cacio e Pepe Zucchini is the standout summer side dish!

    Get the Recipe
    left: cooked zucchini on a platter. right: corn fritters on a silver tray.

    Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Green Goddess Dip

    Crispy corn and zucchini fritters are SO easy to make and incredibly delicious. Dip them in cool and creamy green goddess dip made with sour cream, basil, scallion, and garlic.

    Get the Recipe

    More Seasonal Sides:

    • Roasted Snap Peas with Yogurt and Garlic Chili Oil
    • Broccolini with Calabrian Chilis and Garlic
    • Grilled Corn with Togarashi-Lime Mayo

    Hungry for MORE? Check out all of Craving Californias *Summer Recipes* and *Grilling Recipes*.

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    « Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño Slaw and Avocado Crema
    Hamachi Crudo with Grapefruit and Serrano Chili »

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    Welcome to Craving California!

    I'm so glad you're here. My name is Leigh and this is my food blog where I share California inspired recipes and tons of tips and tricks for better home cooking!

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