Summer is finally here! With the kids out of school and into everything under the sun – from soccer practice and summer camp to flashlight tag and endless games of Marco Polo in the pool – making plans for dinnertime can quickly fall to the bottom of your to do list. Who wants to worry about what to make for dinner there’s fun to be had? To save you time and energy, we have a few simple meals the whole family with love and that will leave you more time to teach your children the important skills of water balloon tying and slip-n-slide. With a little advance planning and prep, you can keep summer dinners cool and easy.

Turn down that heat:

The summer months are hot enough; don’t increase the temperature. With these recipes there’s no need to turn the oven on at all.

Side/Starter Dish: California Cucumber and Yogurt Gazpacho

Main Dish: California-Style Chef’s Salad

Dessert: Double Strawberry Popsicles

Summer Fresh:

Take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce available in the summer months.

Side/Starter Dish:Farmer’s Market Fresh Mozzarella Salad

Main Dish: Fish and California Queso Fresco Tacos

Dessert: Central Valley Fruit Basket Sundae

Keep it Simple:

A few simple – and delicious – meals that you can whip up quickly and even have leftovers for the next day!

Side/Starter Dish: Mediterranean Pasta Salad with California Ricotta and Feta

Main Dish: Pepper Jack and Sun-dried Tomato Quesadillas

Dessert: California Ice Cream Sandwiches