Summer Inspired Recipes

Common vegetables in a Mediterranean garden may include sweet bell peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley. Here are some suggested recipes to try from your Mediterranean garden.

 

Grilled Veggie Primavera 

This spicy grilled veggie dish is prepared in a grill basket on your BBQ – or on skewers directly on the grill – and can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, with rice, or over pasta. This versatile dish is a great way to combine a variety of vegetables and herbs and you can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.

 

Click here to view the recipe 

 

Fresh Sweet Tomato Relish

Sweet tomato relish is a perfect way to use those extra cherry tomatoes! This relish is easy to put together and uses ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, a touch honey, with salt and pepper to taste.

 

The perfect accompaniment to a grilled or pan-fried white fish, scrambled eggs, a topping for hotdogs or sausages, or even as a flavourful condiment on a charcuterie board. Use fresh in one sitting or store in a mason jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.

 

Click here to view the recipe

 

Cheesy Bruschetta bread

This appetizer is a yummy pizza alternative, using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and parsley with a melted cheesy topping. The key to this bruschetta is the freshly ripened tomatoes AND using a really good quality Italian bread that will crisp up nicely in the oven.

 

The tomato topping is a mixture of fresh ripe tomatoes, fresh parsley, chopped garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a splash of salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

 

This can be served as an appetizer but also works well as a side dish to oven-baked wings and a crispy green salad. This bruschetta has a great explosion of flavours and if you’re lucky to have leftovers – they are wonderful for lunch the next day!

 

Click here to view the recipe 

 

Basil Pesto

This Pesto recipe is made from freshly ground basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese. It is often served over pasta but is also an excellent garnish on garlic bread, roast potatoes, and pizzas.

 

For the freshest tasting pesto always select vibrant basil leaves that have no sign of wilting. All ingredients are processed in food processor, and you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly this recipe comes together!

 

Click here to link to the recipe

 

Summer meals lend themselves perfectly to summer salads and can include an endless combination of fresh vegetables and herbs for salad and salad dressings.

 

Simple cucumber salad

This light, refreshing salad has a perfect combination of cucumbers, vinegar, a sprinkling of dill, a little bit of sugar, and salt. SO simple that it literally comes together in a matter of minutes.

 

The dressing works with any style of cucumber shaved into ribbons, and the tart freshness of the dill goes great with salmon, white fish, or grilled chicken.

 

You can put this salad together and serve immediately – or prep ahead and chill in the fridge to serve a couple of hours later. A perfect summer salad!

 

Click here to view the recipe

 

Classic Chopped Salad Garden with Herb Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Salads are one of the easiest dishes to throw together and can often seem a little dull as a side dish.  Sometimes the little added extra’s can make all the difference between a boring ho-hum salad – to one your guests can’t forget.

 

Chopped salads that make an impression include homemade dressings with fresh herbs and ingredients, olives, croutons, fresh grated parmesan cheese, and a maybe a little spice from some jarred pepperoncini.  Suggestions for vegetables to include in your garden are varying types of lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, radishes, and chives.

 

Combine all the chopped ingredients and then put together one of these homemade dressings to add some extra zest to your salad.

Click here to view and print the recipe

 

 

Infuse your summer drinks with cool cucumbers, mint for mojitos, lavender for a light floral scent, and berries to blend into your smoothies. Here are some suggested additions and garnishes to consider when mixing your summer cocktails and mocktails:

• Cucumber – infuse your flat or sparkling water
• Mint – top up in your Mojitos or mint julep
• Lavender – add a light floral scent to vodka or syrups
• Basil – adds a light peppery flavour
• Lemon Verbena – excellent addition to iced tea
• Berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries in smoothies

 

Strawberry Lavender Simple Syrup: 

1 cup of water

1 cup of sugar

3 tsp fresh lavender flowers

12 fresh sliced strawberries

 

• In a small pot, warm the water to almost boiling.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
• Add the lavender and strawberries and give it a gentle stir.
• Cover and let steep until it is completely cool.
• Discard the lavender and strawberries and serve

 

 

 

Sheridan has an excellent selection of pre-potted seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruits. Visit one of our garden centres today to get your themed garden started.