First Day of Summer Recipe Ideas (June 21st)

June 21st marks the Summer Solstice. This day rings in the official start of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky and offers us a day with the longest period of sunlight. Translation: Hello summer.

Many of us cannot wait for the kickoff of the summer season and for good reason. The summer season brings with it fresh summer produce, summer meal prepping, and all things health and wellness – summer style. This year, celebrate the first official day of summer with these summer recipes, perfect for, you guessed it, the first day of summer.

 

Backyard Burgers

One of the best (and most delicious ways) to welcome the start of the summer season is to host a backyard burger party with family, friends, and neighbors. Serve up some sliders or juicy, mouthwatering burgers that require two hands to enjoy.

Skip the basic and boring cheese and other traditional toppings and get creative with something new and exciting like this Heavenly Elk Cheeseburger with the Works or try this Paleo Toluca Burger. How about this epic Bacon and Chili Burger? No matter what backyard burgers recipe you select, grilling a big batch of burgers is one of the best ways to say hi to summer.

If you prefer something lighter, but still want to enjoy the irresistible taste of a grilled backyard burger, whip up this recipe for a Cheeseburger Salad. It is basically a Big Mac salad in a bowl. What’s not to love?

 

BBQ Anything

Besides backyard burgers, anything BBQ is perfect for the start of summer. BBQ Baby Back Ribs are the quintessential BBQ recipe, so fire up the grill, select a savory or sweet sauce and listen to the summer sizzle as you grill up a sensational summertime meal with all things BBQ.

 

Fish Tacos

The warmer months of summer beckon our taste buds to fresher lighter fare. Chilled soups like gazpachos, handcrafted sandwiches (like this Bison, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato BBLT), and homemade salads are all great options, but so are fish tacos. Select from cod or halibut and try these Gluten-Free Baja Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Chipotle Slaw. It is like the taste of summer all in one taco shell.

 

Grilled Steaks

This Summer Solstice, skip the overpriced steakhouses and grill your own steak instead. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try grilling a hearty cauliflower steak. Need some recipe inspiration? Check out this recipe for Grilled Sirloin and Cauliflower Steaks perfect for carnivores and vegetarians alike.

Homemade Kabobs

Another delicious and fun way to celebrate the first day of summer is with an array of homemade kabobs. Select your favorite protein sources like beef, poultry, and wild-caught seafood and pair them with fresh fruit or vegetables.

Add your favorite herbs, marinades, and spices then toss on the grill and enjoy a delectable dinner on a stick. Try these Lemon Pepper and Garlic Steak Kabobs or how about these Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs. 

 

Ice Cream

What would summer be without a scoop or two of ice cream? Ice cream is great any time of year, but it is even better on a hot summer’s day, especially when it is the first official day of summer. 

Whether you enjoy it in a bowl or in a cone, with bacon or without, get creative and set up a build-your-own ice cream station right in your very own backyard or kitchen. Serve up a sweet treat to all of your family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the start of the summer season.

Celebrate the First Day of Summer with these summer recipes all perfect for the Summer Solstice. Happy Summer everyone!

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