Spicy Shrimp Skewers, Classic Panzanella, BBQ Chicken Salad: What to Cook This Week
Project 365, Day 184/365
This past week, I’ve really been craving lots of fresh produce and less heavy things. I say that as a person who skipped cooking dinner last night and ordered a Chipotle burrito bowl instead, but in my soul I know I want lots of fresh produce. Basil, tomatoes, asparagus, more tomatoes, crisp peppers, juicy peaches. Dang…that all sounds great.
So, I’m letting my seasonal produce desires lead the way this week with some recipe ideas for ya. Hopefully there’s something here that speaks to your eyeballs and tummies.
Classic Panzanella Salad via Serious Eats
I LOVE a panzanella salad. Charles doesn’t quite get it…always asking me where the “rest” of the meal is (he means meat…where’s the meat?). But on a hot summer night, there’s almost nothing better than a big ol’ bowl of partion chewy, partially soft bread salad with fresh seasonal tomatoes. I’m still experimenting with gluten-free, but I think this would be best with a proper baguette (day old, ideally). Make sure your tomatoes are juicy and ripe (heirlooms are best) for maximum flavor.
Spicy Prawn (Shrimp) Skewers via Taste.com
I don’t have a grill at my disposal, but I do have a grill pan and I love using it for skewers like these. The chimichurri here sounds wonderful slathered all over the shrimp and veggies. I’d serve this with corn on the cob and maybe rice or some form of potato if I want something starchy, too.
Cream of Asparagus Soup via Epicurious
Asparagus is just barely in season, but I think it still has some legs. I don’t know what it is, but when I see a green soup, I’m instantly drawn to it. Green things in general, I suppose…sauces, dishes. I love eating green things. And while a hot creamy soup in the middle of summer might not sound super appetizing to all, I bet this would also be very delicious chilled. Oh, and always add parmesan (if you tolerate dairy) which is the perfect nutty finish to asparagus soup, imho.
BBQ Chicken Salad via Damn Delicious
Back in my more suburban days, I LIVED for the bbq chicken salad from Cheesecake Factory. I mean, it came with fried onion rings and the most delicious bbq ranch dressing. I likely was a calorie bomb, but it was DELICIOUS. A healthier alternative is just making it at home because it’s pretty easy and I usually have at least half the stuff on hand to make it happen. I haven’t made this particular one before, but it seems pretty on par with all the other ones I’ve made. Substituting the tortilla strips with little onion crispies would probably be a very good idea, too.
Baked Pesto Chicken via Skinnytaste
I’ve been making this recipe for years and it’s always solid, fast, and relatively healthy. It’s just a few ingredients (if you buy store bought pesto but homemade is always wonderful here) and the oven does most of the work for you. I sound like a broken record, but seasonal tomatoes really take this over the top. I like to serve either with a side salad or some pasta tossed in extra pesto.
See you tomorrow, FOAS.