3 Super Simple Summer Meals

Oh, hello summer.

Dinner needs to be easier these next few months. Whether you have kids out of school, you have a new baby, a busy work schedule or you just don’t feel like spending time going from store to store when you could be out playing in the sunshine these recipes- shopped entirely at Costco- will make your summer groceries a little quicker.

And no, I’m not sponsored by Costco in any way.  I do love them though. ❤️ 💙 🤍

Fun fact unrelated to dinners: when I went into labor with my son, my water broke at Costco 🥰 - so maybe I should request some sponsorship!

3 Super Simple Summer Meals

This month, to help your summer go more smoothly here are three recipes I love to shop from Costco - and at the end of I’m adding 3 extra “no cook” options to add to your shopping list.

• Beef and Broccoli with Ramen

  Shopping List: Sous Vide Grassfeed Beef Sirloin by Cuisine Solutions, Organic Millet and Brown Rice Ramen by Lotus Foods, Frozen Organic Broccoli by Kirkland
  

  The Recipe: Boil water and prepare the ramen. Microwave or steam the broccoli. Saute the steak on the stove about 30 seconds a side. Add each to individual bowls. 

  You can serve this “as is” or add a splash of sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, sesame seeds, and some chopped green onions for more flavor. 

  Kid-friendly tip: For my 3.5 year old we often leave the items separate on his plate rather than mixing as a bowl. 

  For quantity: My family of two adults and a preschooler usually eats about 3-4 ramen bricks, ½ of 1 package of steak, and all the broccoli. 

  Time: about 10-15 minutes total

• Salmon and Potato with Brussel Sprouts, Green Beans, or Asparagus

  Shopping List: Wild or Farmed Salmon Fillet, Baby Potatoes (or your favorite potatoes currently in stock), and your favorite oven roasted veggie that they have available that week (oooh the fun of costco 🙂

  The Recipe: Use all your favorite recipes for each of these items OR 

  Heat your oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit. 

  Toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cut into bite size or 1 inch pieces and then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper  if you have bigger potatoes. 

  Rinse your vegetable. 

  Trim the ends of asparagus or green beans. Trim and half the brussel sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. 

  Line baking sheets with almuninum foil or parchment paper for super easy cleanup (especially helpful for the salmon!)

  Put all potatoes, veggies, and salmon onto separate baking sheets. 

  Drizzle olive oil, salt, peper and add some sliced lemon to the salmon.

  Cook potatoes for 20-30 minutes until centers are tender.

  Cook veggies approximately 15 minutes (10-20 depending on size and quantity).

  Cook salmon 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness). 

  For quantity: My family of two adults and a preschooler usually eats about ½ of the costco full salmon filet, a few pounds of potatoes, and a half-bag of any of the vegetables. 

  Time: 30-45 minutes total depending on whether veggies need to be sliced

• Vegetable Curry

  Shopping List: Any simmer sauce that looks appealing to you. They usually have a thai or indian option. We love the Maya Kaimal brand. Normandy Veggies by Kirkland in the frozen section. StoneFire Mini Naan.  

  Added shopping: I often add a can of rinsed garbanzo beans to this to keep it vegetarian with quick and easy cleanup. You could also add any meat that you like sliced into cubes or strips. Rice or quinoa.

  The Recipe:  Add the simmer sauce, veggies, and rinsed beans to a pot. Simmer until the frozen veggies are hot all the way through. About 10-15 minutes. Toast the mini naan. If you are making rice or quinoa follow package directions. If you are making a meat saute it before adding to the simmer sauce.
  

  For quantity: My family of two adults and a preschooler usually eats about 3 cups of veggies, 1 can of beans, and 1 jar/container of simmer sauce. 

  Time: As a vegetarian dish about 15 minutes. 

3 no-cook quick meal ideas for you: 

But what about those days where you stayed at the pool (or work….) a little too late and there is no time to cook? 

I’ve still got you covered.

• Loaded Salad

  Shopping List: Spring Greens, English Cucumber, Blueberries, Mini Bell Peppers, Nuts, Avocado, Organic Cooked Beets, Cheese

  The Recipe: chop everything up together and toss with your favorite dressing 

• Yogurt with Fresh Berries and Granola

  Shopping List: Your favorite yogurt (A2, Noosa, Greek - they seem to have it all!), fresh organic berries, any granola you like from the cereal aisle.

  The Recipe: Mix it all in a bowl or get fancy and stack it in layers in a tall cup for a parfait.
  
  

• Charcuterie Board

  Shopping List: Costco pre-made charcuterie mixes or pick your favorite aged meats and cheeses from the pre-made section. Head over to produce for some berries, grapes, or citrus. Then stop in dry goods to add olives or dried fruits. Finally the snacks aisle for crackers.

  The recipe: Add everything to a giant plate or board and let your family choose their favorites. 
  

I hope this jump starts some ideas for summer cooking and I’d love to hear your go-to recipes too as:

1) I love the inspiration

and

2) we are all just over here wondering “what’s for dinner?!”