10 Essence-of-Summer Dishes

by WomansDay.com Staff

Hot temperatures, shorts with sandals, the end of school-there are plenty of things that signify the start of summer. But there's nothing quite like the taste of familiar seasonal foods to welcome the warm weather. So fire up the grill, stock up on in-season produce (like corn, peaches and watermelon) and bask in the joy of outdoor dining. To help you get started, we've rounded up our favorite entrées, sides and desserts that tell our taste buds summer has finally arrived!

Finger-Lickin' Chicken with Broccoli Slaw and Corn

This simple and scrumptious trio has everything you'd want to eat on a summer afternoon: barbecue chicken, grilled corn on the cob and broccoli slaw tossed with light mayo, sour cream, cider vinegar and sugar.

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

Slaw

• 1/4 cup each light mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream

• 3 Tbsp cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1 bag (12 oz) broccoli slaw

Chicken

• 1 cut-up 3 1/2-lb chicken, visible fat trimmed

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

• 1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce

• Grilled Corn

RECIPE PREPARATION:

1. Broccoli Slaw: Whisk all ingredients except slaw in a serving bowl. Add slaw; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

2. Heat outdoor grill.

3. Chicken: Brush chicken with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Grill 30 to 40 minutes, turning once or twice, until juices run clear when thigh is pierced and a meat thermometer inserted in thigh (not touching bone) registers 170°F. Brush with sauce and grill just until sauce has browned but not charred. Serve with slaw and corn.

Grilled Corn: Rinse 4 ears corn with husks and silks under cold running water; drain. Add corn to grill and, turning ears a few times, cook 15 to 20 minutes until husks are charred and kernels are tender when pierced. Mix 3 Tbsp melted butter and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper in a small bowl. To serve, remove corn husks and silks; brush corn with the butter.

RELATED RECIPES:


Pork Chops with Peach Salsa

Sticky Barbecued Ribs Recipe

Watermelon & Feta Salad Recipe

Succotash Salad Recipe

Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Potato Salad with Celery, Radishes & Herbs Recipe

Black & Blueberry Cobbler

Strawberry Short Stacks

Ginger-Peach Ice Cream Pie

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.

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