Summer vacation is filled with all kinds of fun activities we look forward to all year long, but the one thing we all look forward to most is the beach house rental. Staying right next to the ocean shore, the days are filled with splashing around in the waves, relaxing in the sand, and casting a line into the water. They're also filled with whipping up some of the best food you've had all year long. Don't forget to bring along these summer vacation recipes.
With a fully stocked kitchen at your disposal, it's time to bust out your culinary skills and whip up some fresh recipes you haven't been able to try, not to mention didn't have the time for, in your own home kitchen. From a fresh corn chowder to mussels over linguine, these are the 15 summer vacation recipes that were made for the beach house. Summer screams for easy recipes. Forget about work, it's summer vacation meal time.
1. Summer Fresh Zucchini and Corn Chowder
Nights at the seaside rental can get a bit chilly, and what better way to warm up than with Little Broken's Summer Fresh Zucchini and Corn Chowder.
Utilizing seasonal ingredients, this chowder hits the spot with fresh corn, carrots, zucchini, onion, potatoes, garlic, bacon, half and half, and a handful of fresh herbs and spices all in one creamy bowl of chowder. Get the recipe here.
2. Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn and Avocado
The best part about a vacation rental is you now have time to experiment with all those recipes you've been waiting to try, like this grilled romaine salad. By grilling the lettuce with a little bit of olive oil the salad gets a hint of smokiness, while still maintaining its crispness.
And topping it with fresh corn and avocado? That's a bonus. Get the recipe here.
3. Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki
Whether you're entertaining guests or simply want to utilizing the amazing backyard space during your family vacation, you'll be thrilled to toss these skewers on the grill.
Healthy and an easy dinner, simply skewer marinated chicken and grill for a few minutes on each side. Once these suckers are done, pair it with a creamy, lemony homemade tzatziki sauce. Get the recipe here.
Chef's Notes: If using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak before using.
4. Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies
After spending the entire day taking in all those warm summer rays, you can be pretty beat. That doesn't mean you should skimp on a tasty meal though! Summer cooking is as much about taste as it is about ease. Your answer to this is this Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies recipe.
Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, asparagus, tortellini, and basil are all tossed into one satisfying meal you can have ready in under an hour. If you're really beat, save yourself some time and use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead for this summer vacation recipe. Get the recipe here.
5. Mussels Over Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce
Show off your chef skills with this beautiful marriage of mussels and linguine. A recipe that simply screams beach vacation, fresh mussels are simmered in a white wine sauce then topped on al dente linguine with a touch of cream and parmesan. Staying by the sea never tasted so good. Get the recipe here.
Chef's Note: Discard mussels that are open before cooking, along with ones that don't open after cooking.
6. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
It simply wouldn't be summer without a good seafood boil. While you're spending all your time in leisure though, you may not want to go through all that trouble. That's where this Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil recipe comes in handy.
Andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, and shrimp are tossed into the slow cooker with some Old Bay seasoning. Left to cook for a few hours, when you get back from the beach your meal will be ready. Get the recipe here.
7. Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
There is probably no better way to celebrate the catch of the day than with fresh blackened fish tacos. Corn tortillas are stuffed with a blackened tilapia, slices of avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded red cabbage, and a dollop of tartar sauce.
While this recipe calls for baked tilapia, you could just as easily grill whatever fish you caught that day and avoid turning on a hot oven. Get the recipe here.
8. Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
This Grilled Salmon and Mango salsa recipe is what vacation food is all about. The secret to preparing this recipe just right is wrapping the salmon in foil before grilling. This will prevent the salmon from flaking off on the grill. Once it's grilled to perfection, it's topped with a tropical sweet mango salsa to match the spicy, smokiness of the salmon.
Didn't catch salmon? No worries, this works great with other fish too. Get the recipe here.
9. White Fish and Shrimp Ceviche
Nothing screams a warm summer day like a refreshing, cold bowl of ceviche. Fresh shrimp and cod are marinated in the citrus juice of lime, lemon, and orange, then bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro are tossed in to seal the deal.
Eat with chips or grab a fork and dig in. Get the recipe here.
10. Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops
Fire up that grill because your mouth will be watering once you start thinking about these Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops. Thick, juicy soy sauce marinated pork chops are topped with grilled pineapple, scallions, and more delicious sauce for a vacation worthy meal the family won't stop talking about. Get the recipe here.
11. Fresh Herbed Red Potato Salad
It wouldn't be summer without the potato salad side dish. While you're enjoying your summer pad, mix things up a bit and try this classic with a twist. Omitting the mayo, sliced potatoes are coated in a homemade lemony dressing then tossed with celery, green onion, and chopped parsley.
Since this salad will keep for a couple days, it's not a bad idea to whip up a big batch to keep on hand. Get the recipe here.
12. Kale and Quinoa Berry Salad
This kale and quinoa summer fruit summer vacation recipe powerhouse salad is an excellent way to keep you fueled while enjoying all those summertime activities.
Kale is massaged with a balsamic dressing then loaded with quinoa, four kinds of berries, grapes, pistachios, and crumbly feta cheese. A salad bursting with energy, this is a lunchtime must before you head back out to play. Get the recipe here.
13. Orzo Summer Chicken Salad
Pasta salad is great for lunch, perfect at a barbecue, and what you'll want when you're vacationing in that beach house you rented. Don't just whip up any old pasta salad, whip up this light Orzo Summer Chicken Salad.
Simple and fresh, rotisserie chicken, orzo pasta, corn, spinach, cucumber, and goat cheese are tossed in a lemon dressing. Get the recipe here.
14. Blueberry and Red Bell Pepper Salsa
Of course, no snack is better for the summer than a pairing of chip and salsa. While there are a handful of delicious salsa recipes out there, blueberry season is in full swing and what better way to take advantage than with this Blueberry and Red Bell Pepper Salsa for your summer vacation recipe arsenal.
Fresh blueberries are tossed with bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lemon for this summer inspired salsa recipe. Want to add even more of a kick? Try roasted red peppers instead of raw. Get the recipe here.
15. Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Take full advantage of the vacation rental and make dessert on the grill with this tantalizing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice cream recipe.
Grilling the peaches bring out their sweet nectar and adds a touch of smokiness, which when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey tastes like heaven on a warm summer evening. Get the recipe here.
Originally published May 29, 2018
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The post The 15 Fresh Summer Vacation Recipes for the Beach House appeared first on Wide Open Eats.
