My Favorite Summer Dinner Idea

Summer Dinner. I think it’s probably the hardest time to make anything. You and the kids wanna be outside. You definitely don’t want to be standing in front of a hot stove or heating the whole house with a hot oven. Am I right? It’s also the time for an abundance of goodies from the garden.

First, I’d love to thank Pasha from Pasha is Home for including me in a fun blog hop! Together, Pasha and I, and several of our friends are going to be sharing some fun porch ideas. If you’re coming over from Kristin’s blog, White Arrow’s Home, thanks so much for stopping by! She has so many amazing ideas. Her blackberry recipe looks so delicious! Be sure to check out all the amazing ideas at the end of this post.

In the summer, I want something very fast but also very tasty. During the week, I don’t get home until 4:45-ish. So, I need something easy and something that doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients. I’m sure you’re wondering, what is this magical, tasty, easy meal? I’ll tell ya…. it’s the BLT!! Let’s break down this simple (and so tasty) recipe.

The Bread

You may be thinking the bread really doesn’t matter…. but I think it really does. I like a larger slice of bread, just not too thick. My boys (husband and son) prefer white bread. To kick it up a notch, you can butter the bread and then toast it in a skillet. This helps the bread from getting too soggy from all the yummy juices. But on a busy weeknight, just throw it in the toaster man.

Sauce

You gotta use mayo for this. There can be no debate. Salad dressing “mayo” will not work. I like a lot of mayo…both slices of bread too need it. I suppose you could use Ranch dressing; chipotle mayo would also be very good. I think you can find horseradish-Dijon mayo and garlic and herb mayo too. If you want to jazz up your BLT, you definitely could try some alternative sauces…but I’m sticking with the tried-and-true MAYO.

Bacon

You may think that the thick cut bacon is the best, but I disagree. I’m not even going to use bacon that requires cooking on the stove, okay? I use the already cooked bacon from Costco. All ya got to do is put it in the microwave for a minute or so and you’re good. I use about 4-5 slices per sandwich.

Lettuce

Butter lettuce is the best lettuce, in my opinion. Butter lettuce is my first choice. It has such a pretty green color. Romaine lettuce is my next choice and if there’s nothing else, iceberg will do. I’m definitely going to try and grow my own lettuce next year in the garden.

Tomato

The tomato is so important. I like the on the vine tomatoes (if you aren’t using fresh from the garden). You just have to make sure your tomatoes are nice and ripe. You don’t want those gross pink inside tomatoes. Yuck! Be sure to salt and pepper your tomatoes prior to adding them. I use about 2-3 slices per sandwich.

Serve it up

Before giving this magical dinner to your family, you’re going to want to do a couple of things. You have to smash it down. The BLT is a large sandwich, so it’s best smooshed down. Then, you have to cut it in half…but it has to be cut diagonal. A sandwich cut diagonal just taste better…. I’m looking at you grilled cheese! Serve it up with fries or chips or a veggie, if you’re trying to be healthy.

Extras

So, you want to be a little extra? That’s okay! Here’s a list of some things to try to kick your BLT up a notch.

• Fried egg
• Avocado
• Cheese
• Green/Red Peppers
• Jalapeno
• Everything but the Bagel seasoning (instead of S/P)

Conclusion

So, this summer, when you’re in a pinch and you need a fast and easy dinner idea…do what I do and make a BLT. I do make some adjustments for my Picky Pete, son. He doesn’t like the tomato part. So, his is just a BL. 😆 But, for the most part, I believe this is a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. Next up on the tour is Stacy with Bricks N Blooms. Check out her delicious rum recipe! It looks amazing!

Be sure to check out all these amazing bloggers and their summer recipes. They are so inspiring. Summer is the perfect time for something light and refreshing and easy. I just cannot believe it’s coming to an end already. Tell me in the comments your favorite summer meal idea. I love to hear from you!

Until next time Treasure Hunters!

Tasty and Delicious End of Summer Recipes

Easy Pickled Onions // My Sweet Savannah

A Super Easy Chocolate Chip Dessert Recipe // Pasha is Home

How to Make the Best and Simple Mexican Crock Pot Meal for Your Family // Robyn’s French Nest

How To Make the Best Blueberry Buckle // Cottage in the Mitten

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins With Streusel // Midwest Life and Style

Blackberry Recipe Bursting WIth Flavor // White Arrows Home

My Favorite Summer Dinner Idea // Truemans Treasures

Best Mixed Drink With Rum for Summer // Bricks ‘n Blooms

The Best Summer Shrimp Salad // Peacock Ridge Farm

Maryland Crab Cakes With Homemade Coleslaw // White Lilac Farmhouse

You may also like:

How to Create a Cottage Style Summer Table

7 Summer Porch Ideas

Laundry Room Refresh-The Reveal