These four recipes are quick, easy and satisfying, so you can have the perfect New York summer feast ready in a flash.
Light and Sweet Appetizer: Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad
The combination of sweet melon with creamy cheese is a classic–and classy–summertime treat, and this version of the quintessential warm weather salad can be whipped up in just five minutes. All you’ll need is good-quality watermelon and feta cheese, a little bit of mint and lemon zest, and a drizzling of nice olive oil, and you’ll have the perfect cool and refreshing appetizer to sit down to after a scorching day.
In the Mood for Seafood: Salmon with Salsa Fresca
After a sticky July day, a light dish of seafood and seasonal vegetables can really hit the spot. This mouthwatering salmon recipe utilizes the season’s ripe and juicy tomatoes in a quick and flavorful salsa, and the salmon cooks up to perfect medium-rare in about 10 minutes. Best of all: if you have access to a grill–lucky you!–this recipe will allow you to take advantage of cooking and dining al fresco.
In the Mood for Meat: Steak Tacos with Cilantro-Radish Salsa
Some people want something light after a hot day; others need something heartier and meatier to keep their energy up. If you fall into the latter camp, this recipe is for you. In under 15 minutes, you can have tacos filled with perfectly-seared steak and a refreshing, crunchy salsa of radishes, scallions and cilantro on the plate in front of you.
Sweet On Dessert: Strawberries and Cream Ice Pops
A hot summer day demands an icy treat at the end of the meal. While there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a few scoops of store-bought ice cream from the freezer, making dessert something special is a snap. These Mexican-style ice pops have only four ingredients and take less than five minutes to make. Pop them in the freezer in the morning and you can enjoy your special homemade ice pops while going for an after-dinner stroll down Broadway or up Fifth Avenue.
