When the high temperature for the day is well above 90, and the humidity is so palpable you can almost swim to work, the last thing you want to do is spend the day with the oven on. This is not the time for boeuf bourguignonne or molten lava cakes; a time like this calls for fresh seafood and in-season produce. You can have both a cool house and throw a successful soirée—just serve your guests this light-yet-satisfying menu, without turning on the oven or stove.
A darling of the country club set, fizzy and floral South Sides deliver welcome refreshment with a lemony hint on a hot summer’s day.
If citrus and gin aren’t really your cup of tea (or, uh, highball glass of booze), we’ve still got you covered.
The secret ingredient to this garlic-free number is red pepper; smoky-sweet, it also introduces a rich ochre color to the dip.
Gazpacho is the OG summertime dish. In this recipe, cantaloupe’s sweetness is complemented by the bite of red onion, and garnished with mint leaves.
Ceviche is the ideal light-yet-satisfying main for a summer dinner. And for all its complex flavor, it’s actually fairly simple to make.
If you’re into creative additions, toss some in-season black mint into the salad for a more complex taste.
This granita may not even need any added sugar if the watermelon is truly ripe and sweet. Just be sure to sprinkle on some ground chile before serving to add balance.