Kid Friendly Summer Fun with Melissa d’Arabian

“Summer is probably my favorite time of year to cook, with its abundance of fantastic, seasonal produce,” says Melissa d’Arabian, television host, cookbook author, and mom of four. On her show Ten Dollar Dinners, d’Arabian likes to focus on fresh, but affordable foods. Every kid loves the summer, and d’Arabian’s are no exception. 

“I let each daughter pick a friend and we invite over the entire family for a cookout,” says d’Arabian. “To combat boredom, I create my own ‘Camp Mommy,’ which is just a list of activities we are doing for the day, but somehow by listing it all on a whiteboard (or piece of paper), the girls get so excited about it,” she says of her list which can include anything from a simple errand or a day of summer car travel — something unique to break up pool and beach time.

Family picnics are another great way to be together and enjoy the outdoors. When planning your picnic, get the kids involved too! For d’Arabian, one of her summer family traditions is going to her local park on Sundays for a summer concert series. “It’s a tradition where we live and the whole community shows up, so, we picnic a LOT,” says d’Arabian.

Her favorite choices to bring on a picnic are her Tuna Panzanella and Quinoa Tabouli.

“All of the recipes are easy to make and quick to assemble, so you can get the kids in the kitchen,” she says. “The tuna panzanella is served in a mason jar, which is fun because kids love eating out of something other than a boring bowl or plate, and the quinoa tabouli can be prepared ahead of time,” she continues.

Read on for more tips on kid-friendly summer fun, including a recipe for your little kitchen helpers.

She also suggests “summerizing” dishes by putting them on the grill, such as her Grilled Potato Salad or Grilled Crunchy Slaw.

“Sometimes I even make a whole meal on the grill with my Grilled Chicken Fajitas Platter and serve it with my Grilled Tomato Salsa. It’s that good and the kids love it!” she continues.  And don’t forget dessert! 

“My daughter Valentine, loves to help me make Black Bean Brownies, they’re a family favorite,” says d’Arabian. “The black beans add a velvety texture, some protein and fiber,” she continues.  Get the kids ready for summer by making it fun, fresh and easy to enjoy. If you follow d’Arabian’s motto of getting the kids involved in planning healthy foods and fun activities, summer is sure to be a blast.

Get a head start with D’Arabian’s summer pizza recipe! 

Tomato Salad Topped Grilled Pizza 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for rolling dough
• 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
• 1 large and very ripe tomato, cored and chopped, or 1 1/4 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced and quartered
• 2 cups arugula (or other baby greens or chopped lettuce)

Get the full recipe.