Let the Summer Flavor Begin!
mouth-watering recipes for festive cookouts
Food eaten outside always seems to taste better. Don’t you think so? This weekend kicks off the official outdoor eating season, whether it’s at a backyard cookout or picnic in the park, so I’m sharing a few recipes that are simple to make but are a level up from the typical fare. I hope you enjoy—and happy eating alfresco!
Salmon Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post
Made with chopped fresh salmon seasoned with lemon, dill and mustard, these salmon burgers have a Greek flavor accent which is punctuated with an accompanying tzatziki sauce (an herb-flecked cucumber-yogurt sauce). Serve on burger buns, in a pita pocket, over a green salad or in lettuce wraps—all deliciously different, and healthy ways to get out of a basic-burger, or same-old grilled salmon, rut.
Sweet-Tart Slaw With Fig Dressing
Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg for The Washington Post
This gem-colored slaw of red cabbage, carrot, onion and sunflower seeds has a luscious, punchy fig dressing that gets its sweetness healthfully from dried figs, which are whirred in a food processor with cider vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Together, these ingredients add just the right flavor punch to brighten a BBQ-sauce-slathered protein or burger or to enliven a summer salad spread.
Berry Tart with Honey-Yogurt filling and Graham Cracker Crust
Photo by Sreal Boruchin
This scrumptious berry tart dessert has everything you expect from a summer tart: a buttery crust, a creamy center and a crown of colorful berries. It’s an ideal ending for an alfresco dinner or a treat with an iced tea in the afternoon. And there’s another thing going for it: It’s better for you, thanks to its healthful filling made with honey-sweetened thickened yogurt.