“Light Bite” Ideas for the Summertime
As the weather continues to heat up, Sphinx Date Co. is thinking about “cool” foods that don’t require the oven or even the grill. Here are some quick light bite ideas that are refreshing and easy — like summertime livin’ should be!
Scrumptious Salads — Cool and crisp salads scream summertime. And there are so many ways to create the perfect salad depending on a craving. Adding a variety of flavors and textures can help build a yummy and filling salad. Consider crunchy items such as nuts, seeds, croutons or onion straws, fruit (fresh or dried, such as dates!) or berries, cheese and uncured deli meats, pre-cooked chicken or shrimp.
Wrap it Up — Using lettuce as a wrapper for sandwich ingredients makes for a lightened up version of this classic lunch. Lettuce cups can also be used as holders or taco fillings or spring rolls. For example, delicious and refreshing wrap could include julienned veggies (carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper and purple cabbage for example), herbs (mint and basil are a great combo) and rice noodles with a peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Un-boring Boards — A charcuterie board is one of the easiest ways to create a snack or a meal with zero cooking involved. Assemble a board with a variety of meats, cheeses, nuts or seeds, spreads (jams or mustards), olives, dried fruit and bread or crackers. There is no right or wrong way to build a charcuterie board. Each one can be as unique and customized as its maker!
Cold Pasta Dishes — A relationship with pasta doesn’t have to be hot and heavy! Cold pasta salads and dishes are the perfect way to enjoy noodles in a lightened up way. Make a big batch of pasta and get creative with different additions. A Greek version might include cucumbers, kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onion and feta and Italian dressing or oil and red wine vinegar, while a BBQ pasta salad can incorporate leftover pulled pork, BBQ sauce, celery, bell pepper and scallions.
Cooking and “non-cooking” is all about fun and imagination! There is an endless number of ways to create cool and refreshing light bites for summertime snacking, potlucks and parties. So get creative, have fun and don’t stress!