I didn’t mean to get so carried away making focaccia over the last few months, but don’t I always say that? As if I forget how easily I get consumed with a very specific idea for what a recipe should be and cannot let it go, even when it’s past time to move on. As if it was someone else who made blueberry muffins 25 times one summer until she found what she was looking for. Thus, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised but I still am: I’ve made an obscene amount of focaccia this spring and summer trying to find the recipe I’ll want to use forever. Here are five things I learned along the way:

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It’s Euro Summer Week! Stay tuned for more stories, recipes, and travel tips—and tell us how you’re having your own.

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Around this time every year, it feels like everyone you know is either in Europe, just got back from Europe, or plotting how to get there. (And yes, we’ve all Googled how much a last-minute flight would be. Spoiler: too much.)

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I have a 4-year-old, which means even though I love a good sandwich, I rarely get to eat one without a little negotiation. Unless it’s a burger (she’s all in for burgers), meals between two slices of bread often fall flat. That’s why this week’s plan is all about flexible sandwiches: DIY-style builds, deconstructed options, and satisfying meatless takes that appeal to both kids and grown-ups.

Also included: a nostalgic breakfast sandwich inspired by my early 20s, when I helped open a cafe on the North Shore of O‘ahu. It was hearty, rich, and packed with meat-free protein—just how I like to start the day. As always, while the groceries are listed based on what you need, they’re flexible enough to swap based on what you’ve got—especially for things like mayo, hot sauce, or bread.

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I love my kitchen, I really do. But lately, I’ve been searching for every excuse under the sun to get outside. Whether it’s taking a long walk home from work, bringing my weekend reading to the park, or slipping outside for lunch, I’m making the most of our very warm, sunny weather. But some days are just too hot to think, too hot to move, and certainly too hot to cook. For those sticky, sweaty, sweltering days, make one of these no-cook summer dishes. That means that you don’t have to turn on the stove or oven to enjoy a seasonally inspired meal for lunch or dinner. I want dishes I can toss together sans stove or oven, like crispy salads, cool soups, and crunchy sandwiches. And, thankfully, summer’s bounty is ready to provide. After dinner, cool off with a frozen treat like our no-churn ice creams or dairy-free sorbets. We're in the dog days of summer, when all you want to do is sit by the A/C with a pint of ice cream. Here, I’ve gathered 30 of our freshest no-cook dishes. Now, go outside and enjoy the day!

1. Corn, Shrimp & Avocado Salad With Chipotle-Pepita Dressing

When you’re sick of the heat and don’t feel like cooking, this no-cook salad will save the day. Pro tip: Purchase fresh, precooked shrimp so that you don’t have to turn on the stove.

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© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

When temps are pushing 90 and the air feels thick enough to drink, the only acceptable beverage is one that’s borderline slushy. I’m talking blender cocktails, boozy lemonades, fruit-forward frosés—the kind of drink you almost need a spoon for. Whether you’re craving something tart and citrusy or leaning tropical with coconut and rum, these frozen drink recipes are the move. They’re chill, refreshing, and just a little bit dramatic—in the best way possible.

1. Sunrise Slushie

This mango slushie is giving tropical sunrise vibes with citrus, pineapple juice, and hibiscus tea.

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Summertime produce is in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Salads are my specialty, so I’ve created a collection of my best summer salad recipes. They’re perfect for parties, barbecues and summer evenings at home. These recipes have hundreds of five-star reviews, so they’re sure to be a hit on your table.

You’ll find classic potluck salads, such as potato salad and cowboy caviar, international favorites like tabbouleh and caprese salad, along with a variety of fresh green salads, of course. These seasonal salads feature an abundance of fresh greens, tender herbs, and summer vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, as well as fruits like berries, peaches, and watermelon.

These refreshing salads are perfect for the hottest summer days. Many feature raw produce and require minimal to no cooking. Whether you’ve gone overboard at the farmers’ market or have a garden surplus, you’ll find the solution here.

Bookmark this page and make the most of the season! Which salad will you make first?

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Let’s hear it for poppy seed dressing! This lightly creamy, lemony dressing is irresistible with tender lettuces and fresh fruit. The poppy seeds add a light crunch and nutty flavor that make your salads memorable.

This recipe is easy to mix together with quality ingredients, and beats store-bought dressing by a mile. It features poppy seeds, of course, as well as fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s sweetened with honey, which offers more flavor than plain sugar. Dijon mustard and a clove of garlic keep it interesting, and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt make it lightly creamy (your choice—mayonnaise offers a more luxurious texture, while yogurt lends a lovely tang).

Some poppy seed dressing recipes are excessively sweet or creamy, but this one is not. It’s just right. Below, you’ll find the recipe and complementary flavors to help you build a great salad.

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The post Poppy Seed Dressing appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Bake It Up a Notch is a column by Resident Baking BFF Erin Jeanne McDowell. Each month, she'll help take our baking game to the next level, teaching us all the need-to-know tips and techniques and showing us all the mistakes we might make along the way.

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As a baker, I’m not afraid to practice patience to get to the perfect end result. But here’s the truth: Some shortcuts are worth shouting about, and no-churn ice cream is definitely one of them. In this month’s ice cream episode of Bake it Up A Notch, I spend a lot of time chatting about this exact topic, and all the things you can do with it it. So whether you are looking for an easy summer recipe hack, or you don’t have room to store an ice cream maker, nothing should stop you from making homemade ice cream this summer.

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© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, our newest baking resident, Terrence (@terrencebakes), shares what he’s whipping up first in our Test Kitchen.

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Summer is officially here and as a baker, I go back and forth about using my oven during some of the hotter days.

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Last summer, a friend came to a barbecue and said, “We had soccer and then a birthday party and I had no time to make anything but I brought this” and started unloading items from a grocery bag. There were no clean cooking utensils so she and I proceeded to use our hands to break open balls of burrata and spread them on a plate, smash open cherries and pit them, sprinkling them over, crushed pistachios with the bottom of a pot, and finished the whole platter with olive oil, lots of sea salt, black pepper, and fresh mint we picked from sprigs. We lined the plate with rounds of storebought crostini, I snapped a picture and later when I shared it, dozens of you messaged me to demand a recipe or tutorial.

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Sides are the secret stars of any Fourth of July meal, adding pops of color, crunch, and flavor that perfectly complement everything from massive grilled steaks to plant-based burgers. Honestly, sometimes my favorite kind of celebration is all about the sides—a spread so good you barely miss the main dish. Whether you’re grilling these sides fresh or making them ahead to serve chilled or at room temp, these recipes hold up beautifully, making them perfect for a sunny summer day of eating, chatting, and fireworks.

1. Asparagus With Lemon-Pepper Marinade From Bryant Terry

Will you be grilling this 4th of July? Then let your main dish scoot over a bit to make room for some sides, like this vegan asparagus wonder where the marinade becomes the sauce.

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One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July is with a fully loaded dessert table. When I was younger, I’d make a beeline for the blueberry pie my mom always picked up from our favorite Florida bakery—served with at least two scoops of vanilla ice cream, of course.

These days, I’m still a blueberry pie loyalist, but I’ve added a few more crowd-pleasers to the mix: think icebox cakes layered with whipped cream, no-churn ice creams, and cookies that taste just as good as they look. Whether you're baking ahead or want something you can whip up in under an hour, there’s a sweet option here for everyone.

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Who’s to say when a popsicle is a popsicle? Let me be clear: these watermelon popsicles are frozen slices of watermelon on sticks. (Or not on sticks—you can freeze slices or wedges and use the rind for a good grip.) I tried making watermelon popsicles in molds, and I genuinely prefer the texture and flavor of these straightforward pops.

These watermelon popsicles are refreshing, simple, fruity summertime treats. Here are a few more reasons to make these watermelon delights:

• They’re the easiest popsicles I’ve ever made, requiring only one ingredient and careful slicing.
• They’re a great way to preserve extra watermelon. Watermelons can be massive.
• They’re as healthy as popsicles can be.
• They’re less messy for little kids to eat than fresh watermelon (watermelon juice stains are surprisingly difficult to remove from clothing). Adults will enjoy them, too, perhaps even more with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.

Not to mention, how cute are the cookie-cutter shapes? The star shape would be so fun for Independence Day festivities or summer birthdays. I’m already planning to make these for Grace’s birthday party. You’ll find a photo tutorial and recipe below.

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The post Watermelon Popsicles appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

The 4th of July is right around the corner—and if you're planning a backyard barbecue, beach picnic, or just looking for a reason to fire up the grill, we’ve got you covered with recipes for every kind of celebration.

This roundup of 70 festive dishes covers all the bases: juicy burgers, vegetarian BBQ recipes, classic potato salad, red-white-and-blue desserts, and even a few big-batch cocktail recipes to keep the drinks flowing. Whether you're looking for a patriotic cake, no-fuss grilling recipes, or something a little unexpected (spiralized hot dogs, anyone?), you’ll find the makings of a very good holiday menu right here.

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You’ve seen the red-and-white checkered tablecloth before, but now’d your chance to do something different. This summer, swap the standard cookout vibes for something more curated. With styled-to-a-T tabletops and menus that take their cue from around the world, these combinations prove that outdoor entertaining can be both easygoing and elevated.

Scandinavian Simplicity

Lean into easy elegance with a clean, minimalist setup. Think white linens, unfussy wildflowers, and natural wood accents that feel both grounded and elevated. Pair the look with equally refreshing dishes, like lemon-dill gravlax and a Scandinavian summer strawberry tart, that channel the cool, unfussy spirit of a Nordic summer.

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Tabbouleh fans, have you tried making it with quinoa? This recipe is a fun variation on classic tabbouleh made with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat. It turns our favorite Lebanese salad into a gluten-free dish. The quinoa is fluffy and has a somewhat nutty taste, but overall, the flavor profile is quite similar.

Since I already changed one primary ingredient, I took the liberty of adding some chickpeas and feta cheese, more ingredients that you would not expect to find in tabbouleh. They’re entirely optional and absolutely delicious. They make the salad more hearty; if you use both, it could qualify as a light meal on its own.

This herbaceous salad is so refreshing on a warm day. It features fresh parsley and mint, tomato and cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and quinoa. The proportions remain true to the traditional recipe, so it contains more parsley than quinoa, and the lemon packs a punch. I think you’ll love it.

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The post Quinoa Tabbouleh appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Is it too hot to cook? Does the thought of even turning on the microwave feel like it might tip you too close to the surface of the sun? We are long overdue to talk about my favorite heat wave meal, one I’ve been holding out on you for five too many summers. As the president of Overthinkers Anonymous, I had my reasons. What if you’re not as obsessed with inhaling a pound of fridge-cold cucumbers as I am? What if the mere whiff of peanut sesame noodle dressing doesn’t make you want to climb into a vat of it? What if my favorite salad tofu — firm silken — isn’t your favorite salad tofu? What if you don’t have a favorite salad tofu? [Six question marks in a paragraph might be a record!]

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Avocado pesto is a deliciously creamy and fun variation on classic basil pesto. This avocado pesto recipe replaces the olive oil with avocado, in addition to the usual basil, Parmesan and pine nuts (in these photos, I used pepitas instead, which are lovely as well). A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens and complements the flavors, and helps keep the avocado green.

You can use avocado pesto on pasta, of course. It makes a stellar veggie dip and sandwich spread, too. You’ll find more uses and tips for it below. The one caveat is that avocados brown with time, so it’s best used immediately or stored in a jar until you’re ready to serve.

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Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, Isabelle tells us about her search for the perfect sandwich.

Good morning! What’s your sandwich sun, moon, and rising?

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Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year—and the unofficial kickoff to slow evenings, spontaneous backyard hangs, and meals that feel like mini celebrations. Whether you’re planning a proper dinner party or just want an excuse to slice a few extra peaches and light the grill, this is your sign to cook something that tastes like sunshine.

We rounded up 25 of our favorite summer-ready recipes that are perfect for the solstice and every sun-drenched day that follows. There’s a juicy peach and tomato panzanella that’s equal parts salad and main course, a grilled Caesar that’s smoky and crisp in all the right ways, and a cacio e pepe corn salad we honestly can’t stop thinking about. If you’re team pasta salad, don’t worry—we’ve got options. And if you’re looking for a low-lift main to serve with all that veg, let us point you to some extra-flavorful chicken thighs, a lemony Greek-inspired platter, or grilled flatbreads you can top with whatever’s in the fridge.

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