Dressing for Summer

Summer is in full swing. The weather is warm, backyard and park grills are fired up and there are burgers, ribs, and other charred meats awaiting consumption as far as the eye can see. But what about the side dishes that complement the grilled main meat events? Coleslaws, potato and pasta salads are the usual American BBQ go-tos but these dishes can easily feel boring and uninspired with the same old dressing combinations.  

Our solution? Breathe new life into these all-American classics by simply adding a few easy to find Latin-inspired ingredients to the mix. Our dressing and side suggestions, like Chipotle Ranch tossed with potatoes, corn and red onions, are easy to make and have on-hand at a moment’s notice. Packing a zesty punch, they keep well in the refrigerator and, along with some common pantry ingredients, make casual summer entertaining feel effortless.

Best of all, all of our suggestions below can be made one to two days in advance and leftovers make for a light weekday lunch or a quick picnic dish. It’s time to get dressed for summer!

Head into the kitchen with these three recipes for summer salad dressings next…

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Chipotle Ranch Dressing 

• 1 canned chipotle pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves or chives, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Get the full recipe. 

Jalapeño Honey Lime Dressing with Cilantro 

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and cut into quarters
• 1/4 cup packed cilantro
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons salt

Get the full recipe. 

Cumin Yogurt Dressing with Shredded Carrot 

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 ounces shredded or processed carrot
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Get the full recipe.