Savor the Flavors of Summer: Light & Zesty Flavors Help Beat The Heat

Your next backyard meal can start with a flavor infusion such as a Garlic Vinaigrette Marinade, a versatile option that can be tossed with salads or added to proteins before cooking. It adds a light zesty flavor that isn't too heavy when you come in for a meal out of the South Florida Summer sun.

A great way to enjoy this mouthwatering taste is to enjoy it with locally sourced products such as Florida Shrimp and Squash Kebabs, an easy way to bring loved ones together both before and during the meal. Put an adult in charge of heating the grill while the entire family works together to marinate a concoction of Shrimp, Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onion, Squash and Zucchini before threading them onto the skewers that are ready to hit the grates.

Hot weather means lighter fare is on the menu, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be ready in mere minutes. Just toss together a handful of tantalizing ingredients for a simple bite of summer that is perfect as a meatless meal or al fresco side dish. You can even turn it into a quick weeknight dinner by adding cooked Chicken, Shrimp or a protein of your choice.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Servings: 4

• 2 Cups of cooked Orzo
• 2 Mini Cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3/4 Cup of quartered Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup of canned Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 Cup of Arugula
• 1/4 Cup of pitted Kalamata and Green Olives, cut in half
• 1/4 Cup of crumbled Feta Cheese
• 1/3 Cup of Newman’s Own Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the Orzo, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Arugula, Olives and Feta Cheese. Toss everything with the Vinaigrette. Serve with additional Vinaigrette, if desired.

Summer Shrimp and Squash Kebabs
Servings: 4 (2 skewers per serving)

• 8 Wooden skewers (12 inches each)
• 1 Cup of Newman’s Own Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving
• 16 Large peeled and deveined Shrimp
• 16 Cherry Tomatoes
• 2 Ears of fresh Corn, each cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Large Red Onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 Yellow Squash, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 2 Zucchini, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the Vinaigrette, Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onion, Yellow Squash and Zucchini; marinate everything for 30 minutes - 1 hour.

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Skewer the pieces of Cherry Tomato, Shrimp, Corn, Zucchini, Red Onion and Yellow Squash on a wooden skewer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and skewers. Grill the Kebabs for about 8 minutes, turning them frequently until the Shrimp and Veggies are cooked. Serve with additional Vinaigrette.

Fresh Summer Salsa

Summer is filled with exciting summer events like Baseball, Sunbathing and Barbecues. But what goes best with these summertime favorites? A fresh sunny day snack just waiting to be devoured!

So if you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa. It features fresh, fruity flavors with Pineapple, Mango, Lemon and Lime plus a surprising bite of Jalapeño. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty. This light, warm weather appetizer is perfect for pool parties or dining al fresco. A fresh twist on Traditional Salsa, this recipe will have people lining up for a second scoop to help beat the heat. Enjoy it with Tortilla Chips or as a topping on your favorite Tacos to add a little sweetness to a traditionally savory meal.

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa
Recipe adapted from: https://www.becomingness.com/

• 1 1/4 Cups of fresh diced Pineapple
• 1 1/4 Cup of fresh diced Mango
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1/2 Diced Red Onion
• 1 Finely chopped Jalapeño
• 1 Tablespoon of Coriander
• 2 Tablespoons of Lime Juice
• 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice
• Sea Salt, to taste
• Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste
• Tortilla Chips, for serving

In a large bowl, combine Pineapple, Mango, Tomato, Onion, Jalapeño, Coriander, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice and Salt and Pepper, to taste. With a rubber spatula, mix all of the ingredients together. Taste and season it with additional Salt and Pepper, if desired. Plus, don't forget the Tortilla Chips!