Simple and fresh : Pefect summer meals

As the temperature rises, the thought of standing over a hot oven for several hours becomes less appealing. Focus on simple, super-fresh recipes that require little cooking. Here are some examples.

A charcuterie board

When it’s hot, it feels nice to eat lighter meals and pick at a wide variety of food displayed on a board or serving plate. It’s laid-back and each member of the family can make their own plate depending on their appetite and what they like. For example, you could prepare a board with local charcuterie and garnish it with pickles, olives, chutney and hot mustard. Or make more of a Quebec cheese board, along with some crackers, slices of baguette, nuts, and fresh or dry fruit. You could also make an oceanside-themed board featuring gravlax, trout rillette, a succulent salmon fillet, and smoked honey-glazed salmon, dotted with a few lemon wedges, capers and bagel chips. Or you could go with a classic plate of fresh veggies and homemade dip that everyone will love!

Savoury tartine

The idea of a savoury toast or tartine is simple: it’s a slice of toast garnished with whatever you want. It’s convenient, you can improvise, and it’s a dinner made from ingredients you already have in the kitchen. For more texture and flavour, make a vegetable spread for your toast (avocado with sour cream, beet and goat cheese, chickpeas and lemon). Then add seasonal ingredients, like slices of tomato or cucumber, asparagus, Matane shrimp, or grilled eggplant. Try a cold version with our tartine with chicken, asparagus and mashed avocado and sour cream recipe, or a warm version with our bacon, leek and cheese tartine  recipe.

Watermelon pizza

For a striking appetizer or maybe a picnic lunch, serve this watermelon pizza garnished with Kalamata olives, goat cheese, fresh basil and red onion. The contrast between the sweet and savoury flavours makes this dish irresistible! Here’s a little trick to temper the taste of the red onion: after slicing it thin, let it soak in a bowl of ice water for at least 30 minutes. This no-cook, five-minute pizza will become a favourite dish during heatwaves.

Sushi pizza

Who can resist sushi pizza? With a crunchy fried rice base and generous, high-quality seafood or raw fish toppings, this recipe is a massive hit every time. For a fancy yet hassle-free evening, get the fried rice base and some pre-cut salmon tartare. Season the fish to your liking with citrus zest, fresh herbs, mango, green apple, Espelette pepper, etc. You could also add some slices of avocado, a bit of spicy mayo and some panko, if you’d like.

Taco salad

Whether you’re using chicken, tofu or ground beef, get inspired by the flavours of Mexico to make a taco salad. All you need to do is take each component you’d normally find in a taco and place them in individual bowls. For a tighter presentation, make sure each element has its own spot: iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black or red beans, grated cheese, tortilla chips, fresh coriander, and your choice of protein, perfectly seasoned with chili powder or other spices. Serve it with some guacamole, and let the fiesta begin!

Lettuce wraps

Everyone loves flank steak or pork brochettes grilled on the barbecue. To add a bit of freshness and crunch to the menu, try these grilled meats wrapped in a lettuce leaf. Prepare some condiments to complement these incredible wraps, like a peanut sauce, julienned carrots and cucumbers, or mint and Thai basil leaves. Simple, fresh, and delicious!

Raw zucchini salad

Here’s another recipe to keep in your back pocket that features a fresh local ingredient: zucchini salad. For the best results, cut the zucchini into thin strips using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler. As for seasoning, prep a creamy vinaigrette with avocado, yogurt, and a touch of honey. It’ll blow you away!

Poke bowl

Trendy, healthy, and filling, poke bowls are a summer winner. If you’re receiving friends out on the terrace, Chef GenevièveTrendy, healthy and tasty, poke bowls are a crowd-pleaser in the summer months. Impress your guests with an outdoor meal using Chef Geneviève Everell’s original, super flavourful recipe for Sushi à la maison low-carb poke bowl. Cut down on your prep time by getting pre-cut salmon cubesand a bottle of spicy mayo. Once your bowl is ready, craft the perfect bite by making sure to include a little bit of everything: roasted cauliflower, salmon, cucumber, strawberries and pecans. A perfect marriage of flavour!