Oliver Meder – Culinary Media Specialist
Cobb Salad
My go-to dish this summer is the Cobb Salad. I’m a sucker for breaded chicken cutlets--not to mention the homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is out of this world! I love how filling yet light this salad is. I always feel energized and ready for an afternoon of adventure when I have this salad for lunch. If I’m really in the mood for a salad for dinner, I’ll whip this up and add some homemade croutons to bulk it up a little.
Hailee Catalano – Culinary Assistant
Vietnamese Noodle Salad
There are so many great summer dishes on the CHEF iQ app, but I would have to say the Vietnamese Noodle Salad is my current favorite! It’s a light, yet filling dish perfect for lunch or summer supper. It has protein-packed tofu, and a bunch of fresh veggies and herbs that are sure to leave you feeling invigorated without weighing you down. I love packing this up for a picnic or road trip as well!
Megan Scrivner – Culinary Content Manager
Mussels in White Wine
Our Mussels in White Wine is one of my personal favorites because it is a perfect light yet decadent dish that makes any summer day feel special. I also personally developed this recipe to be reminiscent of the "moules frites” that I had during a summer trip years ago in Normandy, France. This recipe gives you the feeling that you are in France eating a delicious meal sipping on some white wine but in the comfort of your own home. You also can't beat that this recipe is made in under 30 minutes!
Joshua Gruenberg – Test Kitchen Associate
Whiskey Mint Lemonade
At your next cookout, spend less time worrying about the food and drink and more time with your guests by serving a batch cocktail like the Whiskey Mint Lemonade. Sweet and tart with a hint of cooling mint, nothing refreshes better on a summer evening! It comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect to prepare the night before and serve as guests arrive. Invited to a barbecue? Be a super guest and bring a pitcher. Your friends will think you’re a mixologist.
Sarah Breckenridge – Culinary Writer
Caprese Grilled Cheese
During peak tomato season I love a Caprese Grilled Cheese for an easy dinner or special lunch. It’s so simple that it really depends on quality ingredients: the freshest ciabatta rolls and mozzarella (I buy from my local Italian deli), ripe farmers' market tomatoes, basil from my garden, and made-from-scratch pesto from more of that home-grown basil. It’s heaven on a roll!
Kerri Gilman – Culinary Data Manager
Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna
One summer dish that stands out to me is the Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna-- it is so simple, but served over fresh arugula, it is such a nice, refreshing dish. And the miso vinaigrette is insanely flavorful! If I am really hungry, I like to make it more of a full salad by adding avocado, shredded carrots, and edamame. And if I have wonton wrappers around, I'll fry some up and add those too for some additional crunch factor!
Joelle Battista – Culinary Director
Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna
One of my favorite summer recipes is the Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna. There's something magical about the end of a hot day on the beach, showing up at a local fish market, buying some fresh, locally caught tuna, and making something amazing with it. The Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna recipe is incredibly flavorful while being perfectly simple, so you can really appreciate the flavor of fresh fish!
Joanne Smart - Lead Culinary Writer
Seafood Paella
Every summer, we host a huge paella party and cook the classic Spanish rice dish in a giant pan over a live fire in our fire pit. Though fun, it’s always a bit of a panic as fire can be so unpredictable. When I want those same briny, earthy, saffron flavors with little effort, I turn to the Seafood Paella on the CHEF iQ® App. Bonus: Cooking in the Smart Cooker™ also keeps the kitchen cool, and cleanup is a breeze.
Chris Hoelck - Proofreader
Mexican Street Corn Salad
As an adult, I’m generally not in favor of eating foods that might require me to wear a bib. (Sorry, lobster, but hello, lobster roll!) So, despite the magnificent flavors of elote – corn on the cob covered with mayo, lime, cotija cheese, jalapeno, cumin, and cilantro -- I’m not a taker. That said, bring on the Mexican Street Corn Salad, which takes all that deliciousness and features it in a safe-to-devour format. Bonus: This salad is a great make-ahead. Extra bonus: Top leftovers with an egg for a great vegetarian breakfast. Summer bonus: This salad is perfect with fresh corn. Whether you’re having it alongside burgers at a barbecue or enjoying it on taco Tuesday, Mexican Street Corn Salad is an ideal side dish.
