Light, Easy Summer Recipes

Summer is my favorite season for cooking—the produce is fresh and local, the drinks are cold andtemperatures are perfect for al fresco dining. In the spirit of the season, I've rounded up my go-to Summer recipes that I like to rotate throughout the week or bring to a family gathering. They're light on calories and the bad stuff (like dairy and gluten), but big on flavor:

1. Moroccan Spiced Hummus

I love the flavors of this bold dip and spread. It's perfect with tortilla chips or as a spread on wraps and sandwiches. It's easy, fresh and takes minimal prep time.

2. Roasted Cauliflower Bowl

I'm really into the concept of bowls right now, considering how easy it is to use up all of the leftovers I pick up from the farmer's market and throw them all into one tasty, filling bowl of goodness. This recipe features some of my favorites, like cauliflower, chickpeas and lemon dijon dressing.

3. Paloma

My favorite Summer drink! A Paloma is a classier twist on a margarita, pairing silver tequila with bubbly grapefruit soda and lime. Make a pitcher of these for your next dinner party or barbecue and it's sure to be a hit.

4. Queso Stuffed Poblanos

I absolutely adore stuffed peppers, but my favorite would be hands down be poblano. I like to stuff mine with quinoa, sweet potato and chickpea for a vegetarian take. I'll also make a batch with chicken, feta and tomato for a Greek spin. It's fun to experiment with different fillings, as you can't really go wrong. Try this Mexican-inspired version as a healthy alternative on taco night.

5. Yogurt with Cherry Compote and Pistachio

This flavor combination is so unique, but extremely satisfying. I love the tartness of the cherries paired with the salty crunch of pistachio. I like to use an almond milk-based yogurt, like Kite Hill, for a non-dairy base. This would also taste great with coconut milk ice cream.

What are your go-to Summer recipes?

My Favorite Cookbooks

I love to cook and create new recipes, but there's always been something I admired about cookbooks. The glossy photos, chef's notes and inspiration that comes from that connection to food. Sometimes I'll add my own spin to the recipe, which makes it even better.

I've owned and started to collect countless cookbooks over the years. Whenever I travel, I love to pick one up that features recipes that originated from the location. It's a cool way to take a bit of the culture home with me. 

Here are the seven that I turn to time and again for countless recipe ideas:

1. The Kinfolk Table—This cookbook puts the emphasis on the relationships that surround eating, rather than focusing on the food itself. It's filled with the gorgeous, magazine-like photography you're used to seeing in a Kinfolk publication. It's an eclectic mix of recipes and stories collected from around the world.

2. Tacos: Recipes and Provocations—I adore Mexican food and tacos are one of the most quick and easy things to make for a weeknight dinner. This cookbook takes the art of the taco one step deeper. Highlighting innovative ways to create the perfect tortilla, how to master the perfect salsa and eclectic flavor profiles, this cookbook proves that tacos can be more versatile than you think.

3. It's All Good—This happens to be my favorite of the list. Every recipe is filled with good-for-you ingredients and is so simple to make. I absolutely love everything I've made from this book. It's perfect if you're looking for healthier alternatives to your favorites, without sacrificing flavor. (And it's Gwyneth-approved, naturally.)

4. Twenty Dinners—This cookbook is all about gathering at the table with friends and family. (Are you noticing a trend here?) I love the family-style portions, crisp photography and how every recipe is divided into seasons so you can make the most of what's fresh.

5. Mexico from the Inside Out—A sophisticated take on traditional Mexican recipes, this cookbook is fueled by the country's culture and history. It has over 65 recipes from easy to more advanced and is perfect for people who enjoy cooking and consuming Mexican cuisine. 

6. Hartwood—Another Mexican-inspired favorite, Hartwood takes recipes from the famed Tulum restaurant and brings them into your home. It's perfect for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, as the recipes don't rely heavily on those ingredients but are still full of flavor. 

7. Everything I Want to Eat: Squirl and the New California Cooking—Squirl's Jessica Koslow is another restauranteur turned author. Her famous Southern California spot is the best place to grab a healthy meal with exciting flavor combinations. She only uses real food, nothing processed, to make her vibrant creations. This cookbook is quirky, unique and bold—just like Squirl.

Shop more of my favorite cookbooks and tools: