We’re rolling headlong into outdoor cooking with this week’s menu, including my recipe for pounded, grilled chicken and a “how to” on cooking pizza on the grill. I’ve also got two super quickie recipes: Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps and my 3-Ingredient Black Bean Soup. Enjoy!
Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps with Sriracha Lime Dressing
This is a quick fix for dinner… an inventive way to enjoy the convenience of frozen salmon burgers, done in a lettuce wrap with crunchy veggies, avocado, and a tangy/spicy sauce. The meal is on the lighter side, so if you have hearty eaters, throw an extra burger or two in the pan or do up a side of steamed rice.
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado Salad
This is one tasty and very healthy summer supper. It’s light and easy enough for everyday cooking, but is also the sort of dish I’d serve guests. As for side dishes, steamed corn with time of year would be perfect and I never say no to a green salad.
Mussels in White Wine & Garlic
A big pan of garlicky mussels and a good baguette for sopping up all the juices always feels like a celebration at the table to me. And it’s so easy to pull together. If clams are more your jam, I’m crazy about this recipe for Brothy Clams and Chorizo.
Pizza on the Grill
With the summer heat, it’s wise to bring your pizza game outside. A backyard grill doubles as a terrific pizza oven, since it gets piping hot. Make your own dough or pick up refrigerated dough at the market.
Three-Ingredient Black Bean Soup
When dinner needs doing and you literally have no time, this is the ticket. Add a handful of tortilla chips and some guac and call it dinner. Tip: for a no-brainer quacamole, mash together 1 ripe avocado, the juice of 1 lime, and a big pinch of salt.
Avocado Toast with Soft Egg
This is my answer to a quick breakfast or lunch any day of the week. Sometimes I add sliced tomato or cherry tomatoes cut in half before topping it with the egg.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Made with yogurt, zucchini, and whole grain flour, this is sort of a cupcake/muffin hybrid. They make a nice treat for afternoon snack or dessert and beg for a glass of milk to go with. Make them in a mini muffin tin if you want a more petite portion.
SHOPPING LIST
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 heaping cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
1 cup castelvetrano olives (or other favorite meaty olives)
1 small ripe avocado
2 scallions
Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps
3 ounces dried rice stick noodles
1 heaping cup shredded carrots (use pre-shredded for ease)
1 1/2 medium ripe avocados
1 large head Romaine or butter lettuce
2 scallions
4 four-ounce frozen salmon burgers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 Persian or ½ English cucumber
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Pizza on the Grill
1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Tomato sauce or pesto sauce
Shredded Mozzarella or other firm grating cheese (or fresh Mozzarella)
Favorite toppings (such as arugula, olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and prosciutto)
Clams with Spicy Miso Lime Butter
1 1/2 pounds fresh clams in the shell, cleaned
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon white or mellow miso paste
Juice of 1 lime
2 teaspoons sriracha (more if you want it extra spicy)
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
1 lime cut into small wedges
1 crusty warm baguette
Three-Ingredient Black Bean Soup
Three 15-ounce cans black beans (not drained)
One 12-ounce container pico de gallo salsa (about 1 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup sour cream, plus any favorite garnishes, such as avocado, cilantro, salsa, grated cheese, or diced onion
Mussels in White Wine & Garlic
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds fresh mussels
1 tablespoon butter
Grilled bread for serving
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Avocado Toast with Soft Egg
1 egg
1 thick slice crusty bread, ideally whole grain
1/3 medium ripe avocado
1/2 lemon
2 dashes sumac (or other favorite spices or herbs, such as za’atar, paprika, chives, or dried chili flakes)
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
1½ cups coarsely grated zucchini
2 eggs
1/3 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
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