30 Recipes Made for Cooking Over a Long Weekend
Summer's not over until we say it's over! Take advantage of the season's fresh produce and plan to make these dishes this weekend.
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Long, luxurious weekends are made for getting outdoors and gathering around delicious food. Not sure what to cook? We’ve got you covered with recipes for every kind of long weekend celebration. Whether you’re planning a BBQ bash or hanging out at home, try these recipes to make the most of the gorgeous weather and seasonal produce that’s available near you.
Cool, No-Cook Recipes
Too hot to cook? Don’t let extra-warm weather stifle your long weekend plans. You can create a great spread featuring recipes that don’t need any heat, or any cook time at all. With these simple but vibrant recipes, you won’t have to turn on the stove or oven. In fact, they’ll even keep you cool while digging in.
Mixed Pepper Slaw with Mango, Jicama & Cilantro Lime Dressing
Broccoli, Cucumber & Napa Slaw with Coconut Lemongrass Dressing
Fresh, Leafy Green Salads
Sure, proteins might be the standout star of your typical long weekend cookout – but we love a good, highly satisfying salad recipe, too! Salads don’t have to be a bed of leafy greens and a few toppings. They can showcase some of the season’s best produce, and right now is your opportunity to combine veggies, plant-based proteins, fruit, and your favorite flavor-packed dressings into a gorgeous salad. Use what’s growing in your garden, the extra produce and fresh herbs hanging out in your fridge; as you’ll see from the salad recipes below, you can even blend ingredients from different seasons in one dish.
Roasted Grape and Salmon Kale Salad with Cider Maple Vinaigrette & Gorgonzola
Long Weekend Grilling Recipes
If you’re planning to cook over a long weekend, let’s be honest: You’re firing up the grill! Little is better than getting the chance to cook outdoors and spend the day soaking up the sun in your own backyard, at a friend’s cookout, or even at your favorite campsite. We’re sharing some of our favorite recipes to satisfy every kind of crowd from the classic burgers-and-hot-dogs fans to plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian eaters.
Sweet Summer Dessert Recipes
Long holiday weekends are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the abundant fresh produce available during the warmest, sunniest months of the year. From sweet berries caramelized on the grill or stovetop to satisfying stone fruits paired with freshly whipped meringue to juicy tropical fruits turned into cool sorbet and ice cream, you can grab whatever you find at your local farmers market and serve some some seriously stunning desserts like those below.