Four Fun Small Plates to Add to Your Summer Menu

Written by Lauren Graham

Are you looking for some fun, colorful, and delicious small dishes to add to your summer menu? Well, look no further than these four recipes that can serve as appetizers, small plates, side dishes, and more. These dishes will no doubt spice up your summer cooking rotation and add a vibrant feel to your weekly menu. Not only are they relatively easy to make, but they’re fun to prepare and utilize the perfect summer produce. Let’s jump right in!

1. Melon and Prosciutto 

Feeling fancy? This popular Italian appetizer, or antipasto, is a favorite during the summer time. All you need is fresh cantaloupe melon, prosciutto slices, and a ball of burrata cheese. Prepare the melon by cutting it in half and then chopping the fruit into slices. Next, wrap the thin slices of prosciutto around the melons and arrange them however you see fit. You can enjoy this snack as is, or you can add burrata cheese, a mozzarella cheese with a thick and creamy inside that adds the perfect touch to the melon and prosciutto. And if you want to make it a salad, add some arugula and a peppery vegetable to make this meal complete! 

2. Watermelon… with a twist!

Summertime is the peak for indulging in this sweet and refreshing fruit. The great thing about watermelon is that it pairs well with a host of different flavors. But, if you’re looking for a watermelon recipe that is refreshing, light, and, you have to try this mint and lime watermelon dish. Chop up some mint to add vibrance to the watermelon, and squeeze a generous amount of lime juice to add complexity. Trust me, this combination will leave you grabbing for more!

3. Elote 

Nothing screams summer like corn on the cob. But elote is a delicious and popular Mexican street food snack packed with tons of flavor. It’s a great side dish or a small plate to have at any time, and it’s pretty fun to eat. All you need is fresh sweet corn cobs, Mexican crema (or mayonnaise), cotija cheese, and Tajin for a nice kick. You can grill your elote for the full experience, or you can boil it until tender. Lather on the cream and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese all around. Dust some Tajin and squeeze a lime, and there you have it! 

4. Bruschetta 

Last but definitely not least is bruschetta, another lovely Italian antipasto featuring fresh and juicy tomatoes and a ton of flavor. Traditional bruschetta features only a handful of ingredients, but when paired together and you’re in for a tasty dish. First, you need a French baguette or a rustic Italian bread like a ciabatta. Cut them into bite-sized slices and grill or toast them until brown and crispy. Next, take a garlic clove and rub it into the face of the bread, and apply a generous drizzle of olive oil. For the tomato mixture, dice fresh Roma or heirloom tomatoes into small cubes. Chop up some fresh basil leaves and add them to the tomatoes. Next, add in minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and of course, more olive oil. For extra tang, add balsamic glaze for a nice, sweet taste. Enjoy!

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