Summer in the Midwest is fleeting - I mean, it’s almost July, and as I type this it’s 55 degrees out!  Back in February when we were in the middle of the polar vortex, I promised myself that as soon as the temps hit 40 and we no longer had snow, I would NOT complain… so I’m choosing to focus on the heat wave that will be coming.  And when it does, you won’t want to waste a moment!  I’m hoping to host a lot of get-togethers this summer, and I don’t want to spend that time in the kitchen making complicated dishes.  That is why I’m bringing you a list of my favorite easy summer appetizers, perfect for your next barbecue!  All of these dishes require minimal cooking and not only look tasty, but beautiful as well.  Happy Summer!

Links for above:

Corn, Avocado & Tomato Salad from The Law Student’s Wife & Katie’s Cucina

Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojitos from Iowa Girl Eats

Ricotta Crostini Party from Honestly Yum

Strawberry Coconut Fruit Dip from Fit Foodie Finds

Another great, easy summer recipe is aioli.  Aioli is typically a garlic mayonnaise used for dips and sandwich spreads.  I love sitting on the patio at Café Hollander with a cone of frites and one of their many housemade aiolis, so I was excited when Red Gold Tomatoes contacted me about their new line of Aioli Recipes.  Basically, any of their cans of diced tomatoes (drained) can be combined with 1/2 cup of mayo to create an easy aioli.   

I made the basic aioli using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and it was great with eggplant fries. 

 This post was not sponsored, but Red Gold provided me with an aioli starter kit.  Thanks for reading!