Summer Recipes: Refresh yourself with Light and Tasty Dishes with French Products

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and fresh dishes that help us beat the heat. Today I propose a selection of five summer recipes that are ideal for hot and sunny days, incorporating some French gourmet products. From composed salads to barbecue and frozen desserts, these recipes will keep you fresh and satisfied!

1. Nicoise Salad

The Niçoise salad is a classic of French cuisine, perfect for a light and nutritious lunch. With fresh ingredients and full of flavor, this salad is a great option for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 200 g fresh green beans
• 4 small potatoes
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• 1 can of tuna in olive oil
• 1/2 cup black olives from Provence
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red pepper, cut into strips
• 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the green beans and potatoes until tender. Let cool and cut the potatoes into slices.
2. In a large bowl, combine the green beans, potatoes, quartered eggs, tuna, olives, tomato, pepper and anchovies.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and mix well.
5. Serve cold.

2. Chicken Skewers with Herbs of Provence

Chicken Skewers with Herbes de Provence are perfect for a summer barbecue. The aroma of French herbs gives a special touch to this simple but delicious dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 green pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons Herbes de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Herbes de Provence, salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto wooden skewers.
4. Grill the skewers on a preheated grill for 10-15 minutes, turning so they cook evenly.
5. Serve hot.

3. Melon and Bayonne Ham Gazpacho

This gazpacho is a refreshing variant of the Andalusian classic, with a sweet touch of melon and the exquisiteness of Bayonne ham. Ideal for a light aperitif.

Ingredients:

• 1 cantaloupe melon
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1/2 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Bayonne ham in thin slices

Preparation:

1. Peel and cut the melon and cucumber.
2. Cut the pepper, onion and garlic into large pieces.
3. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Add the vinegar, olive oil and salt. Mix well.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Serve the gazpacho in bowls and decorate with slices of Bayonne ham.

4. Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Lavender Honey

A fresh and delicious fruit salad, sweetened with lavender honey. Perfect for a light breakfast or dessert on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup of blueberries
• 1 cup kiwi, cut into cubes
• 1 cup mango, cut into cubes
• 1 cup grapes, cut in half
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lavender honey
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix all the fruits.
2. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the lavender honey.
3. Pour the yogurt with honey over the fruit salad and mix well.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. Goat Cheese and Strawberry Ice Cream

A different and delicious dessert that combines the creaminess of goat cheese with the freshness of strawberries. Ideal for lovers of unique flavors.

Ingredients:

• 200 g fresh goat cheese
• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup of liquid cream

Preparation:

1. Wash and cut the strawberries.
2. In a blender, blend the strawberries with the sugar until puree.
3. In a bowl, mix the goat cheese, milk and cream until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
4. Add the strawberry puree to the cheese mixture and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into a mold and freeze for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve the ice cream decorated with fresh strawberries.

With these five recipes, you will be ready to enjoy summer with fresh and delicious dishes. Enjoy!