3 Recipes to help you Hold On To Summer Vibes

As the school year kicks off and the routines of fall start to settle in, many of us are feeling the pull of summer slipping away. But who says we have to let go just yet? Even though the calendar says it's time for backpacks and busy mornings, we can still savor those warm, carefree summer vibes. One of the best ways to do that is through food!

Here are three fresh and flavorful recipes that will help you hold onto summer a little longer. Each dish is packed with the bright, breezy essence of the season, making it easy to enjoy a taste of summer—even if your schedule is packed.

1. Watermelon Feta Salad

Nothing screams summer quite like a juicy watermelon, and this salad combines that refreshing sweetness with salty, creamy feta cheese and a hint of mint. It’s light, easy to throw together, and perfect for a quick lunch or side dish that reminds you of summer picnics by the beach.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Simply toss the watermelon, feta, mint, and red onion together, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. The optional balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart contrast that’s hard to resist!

2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Barbecue season may be winding down, but these grilled shrimp skewers will transport you back to those late-summer evenings by the grill. Light, flavorful, and ready in just minutes, these skewers are a perfect reminder of warm summer nights spent outdoors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and lemon juice, then toss them on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to enhance that summery flavor!

3. Coconut Lime Popsicles

Summer may be winding down, but popsicles never go out of style. These coconut lime popsicles will bring tropical vibes to any day, giving you a little mental escape to a beachside getaway. Creamy coconut milk paired with tangy lime makes these the perfect frozen treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• Zest of 2 limes

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend all the ingredients together, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze. Once frozen, these popsicles are the perfect grab-and-go snack to brighten up a busy afternoon.

Summer doesn’t have to end just because school has started. With these easy and delicious recipes, you can keep the sunshine on your plate and the summer vibes alive a little longer. Whether you’re enjoying a light salad, grilling shrimp for dinner, or indulging in a tropical popsicle, these flavors will remind you that the best parts of summer can last all year long!

Pepper the Pelican