Keepin It Cool

The season of summer is upon us, and unfortunately, so is the wicked Louisiana heat. Give yourself a respite from the blazing temperatures with this month’s summer lovin’ recipes that ditch the use of the oven.

To get your summer morning off on the right foot, consider my Very Berry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits. Prepared in individual-serving-size Mason jars, the parfaits begin with a homemade maple and almond granola, layered with a creamy “cheesecake” yogurt, and then topped with your favorite fruit. The recipe ensures there’s enough for the entire family, so it’s perfect for whipping up while on vacation, too.

The BLT with Avocado Bow Tie Pasta Salad is light and refreshing and the perfect quick-fix meal during the warm-weather months. True to its name, it has all the makings of a BLT sandwich … without the bread. The addition of avocado gives it a smooth and creamy texture and, in my opinion, reduces the amount of dressing you need. I’ve paired it with an avocado dressing found locally, but feel free to whip up a favorite homemade version. I have also had this salad without the avocado and tossed with ranch dressing, and it’s equally delicious.

And finally, while the Summer Strawberry & Green Bean Salad sounds absolutely ridiculous, it is delicious, beautiful and insanely healthy to boot. Sweet and salty with a bit of crunch, it’s perfect for summer.

Enjoy and stay cool, y’all!