Our favorite summer recipes to end the season
It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about the end of summer! The good news, though, is that nearing the end of the season means Labor Day and pool parties galore! During the summer, we at Evolve love spending time with friends and family, enjoying the beautiful weather, and of course eating delicious food. Check out these light and fresh recipes to end the summer season on a high note—they’re perfect for small gatherings, pool parties and cookouts!
Grilled Vegetable Orzo with Smashed Feta Vinaigrette
(from How Sweet Eats)
![evolve-summer-recipes-blog-grilled-vegetable-orzo grilled vegetable orzo evolve summer recipe blog](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-summer-recipes-blog-grilled-vegetable-orzo-scaled.jpeg)
This delicious Grilled Veg Orzo from How Sweet Eats is the perfect meal for any summer gathering. Grill whatever veggies you’d like—they suggest using mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli to start, and then adding any others like zucchini, scallions, asparagus, and green beans. All of that will be splashed with balsamic for flavor and topped with the smashed feta vinaigrette.
The best part is that this dish is super versatile. If you aren’t using a grill, the veggies will work great roasted. You can also make it all ahead of time and serve it as a cold pasta salad.
Check out the full recipe here and enjoy!
Summer Peach Spinach Salad
(from Ambitious Kitchen)
![evolve-summer-recipes-blog-summer-peach-salad summer peach spinach salad evolve recipe](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-summer-recipes-blog-summer-peach-salad.jpeg)
Not many things can top peaches, avocados, toasted almonds, and goat cheese in the summertime! We’re obsessing over this spinach salad from Ambitious Kitchen. This refreshing and easy-to-throw-together recipe is awesome for any cookout or gathering.
If you’re toasting your own almonds, place your sliced almonds in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to consistently stir for 3-6 minutes, and that’s it! Let them cool and toss them into the salad.
If you want the full recipe, check it out here!
Vegan Summer Pasta
(from Lazy Cat Kitchen)
![evolve-summer-recipes-blog-vegan-pasta summer pasta evolve blog recipe](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-summer-recipes-blog-vegan-pasta.jpeg)
This light summer pasta is another delicious recipe that works either warm or as a cold pasta salad. Zucchini, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives are the main veggies to top your penne or rigatoni. If you’re looking for quick, easy, and mouthwatering, this vegan summer pasta is the way to go.
Want the full recipe? Click here!
Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit Tacos
(from Love and Lemons)
![evolve-summer-recipes-blog-jackfruit-tacos jamaican jerk jackfruit tacos evolve summer recipes blog](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-summer-recipes-blog-jackfruit-tacos.jpeg)
Who doesn’t love taco night? Jackfruit is truly amazing, and it’s arguably one of the best plant-based meat substitutes. That means these Jamaican jerk jackfruit tacos really do hit the spot. Start with a can of jackfruit and spice it up with a blend of jerk seasoning—cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne are a great place to start. The jackfruit can also be made up to three days in advance, which is a huge plus.
Topped with a mango avocado salsa, you can’t go wrong with these tacos!
Ready to get cooking? Check out the full recipe here.
Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
(from Love and Lemons)
![evolve-summer-recipes-blog-couscous-salad cherry tomato couscous salad evolve summer recipes blog](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-summer-recipes-blog-couscous-salad.jpeg)
Few things are better than some fresh Mediterranean vibes during the summer! Before you get going on this mouthwatering couscous salad, go ahead and roast your cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Though it’s easy to do, it does take a little time, so you’ll want to have them ready to go beforehand.
When they’re ready, throw them into your cooked and cooled couscous with cucumbers, basil, and crumbled feta. Olive oil and lemon juice tie all of the flavors together beautifully.
Check out the full recipe here and enjoy!
What’s coming up for Evolve…
Evolve communities love celebrating summer – check out how these communities are getting festive this season!
811 East is planning a summer pool party on Friday, August 13th! Show up hungry because there will be hot dogs, burgers, chips and dip, fruit and veggie trays, as well as water, wine and beer!
Evolve Surf City is ending the summer with a food truck event in late August or the beginning of September with local vendors.
Mountain View is celebrating Labor Day this year with a pool party and cookout.
![evolve-companies-blog-summer-recipes people grilling eating chips and dip at evolve summer recipes](https://www.evolvecos.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Evolve-Chapel-Hill-1283-scaled.jpg)
What recipes are you making this summer?
Whether you’re trying out any of these delicious ideas or coming up with your own, be sure to tag us on IG! We’d love to see what you’re up to this summer and how you #evolvethewayyoulive.
Not already a resident at Evolve? Click here to see what communities Evolve has near you!