Summer is here and we’re taking full advantage to ‘goat’ outside and soak up every minute of this sunny season.  With social distancing still in full effect, a small meal on the porch or in the backyard can feel like a welcome change of pace and scenery after being cooped up inside for months on end.  

In support of getting outside, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite recipes to help extend your outdoor time.  Whether you’re chilling in your backyard or you’re getting out for a hike, we have a recipe for you. They range from simple and fast, like an assortment of sandwiches and salads that assemble quickly and won’t wilt at the first sign of sun, to a fun seafood boil that is backyard dining at its best.   

So roll up your sleeves, and spread a little goat cheese on your quarantine-perfected sourdough bread, because there’s a lot of fun to be had outside.  

 

Here are some of our favorite dishes for easy, breezy, beautiful meals outside.  

Crème Fraîche Coleslaw


Tangy and crunchy, this fresh take on coleslaw will be a welcome addition to any summer meal. Serve alongside burgers, sandwiches or some pulled pork for a fresh and crisp pairing. Toss together in the morning and stash it in the fridge; this crunchy salad will hold up until you’re done playing outside and ready for dinner.  

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Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Simplicity perfected - grilled shrimp gets a boost of flavor from fresh garlic and a splash of lemon. When it’s this hot who wants to cook inside? Fire up the grill for a dish that cooks super-fast and is a buttery and lemony treat for all.  

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Fresh Vegetable Sandwich


This fresh vegetable sandwich gets a bit of heat from a harissa goat cheese spread. Pile vegetables on fresh French bread or an everything bagel. Produce is at its best in summer and this refreshing sandwich is a flexible base for whatever you have on hand.   

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Grilled Vegetable Salad


Top grilled summer vegetables with fresh goat cheese and a refreshing lime and herb dressing for easy summer dining.  Serve on a bed of lettuce or with sandwiches or burgers as a delicious side. 

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Watermelon Salad

A refreshing summer salad and a new, savory way to enjoy watermelon. We love this salad for its sweet and refreshing watermelon chunks, crisp and bright red onion, tangy and creamy goat cheese, all tossed with a maple syrup and apple cider vinegar dressing.  Quick tip:  double the dressing recipe and stash it for a second dinner later on in the week.  

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Lobster Boil

The epitome of summer a lobster boil is best enjoyed outdoors. Minimal cooking time results in a feast for everyone gathered.  Traveling to the lake or seaside might be out of the cards for this summer, so bring the best of vacation to your backyard and boil up some seafood.  We’ve gone classic with lobster, clams, red potatoes, corn on the cob, fluffy rolls, all served alongside sunny melted butter for a decadent and fun meal that celebrates the best of summer.  

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Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches


This vegetable sandwich is a delicious summertime lunch or dinner. Grilling the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness which pairs nicely with tangy goat cheese and fresh herbs. If you’re grilling for dinner, add a few extra vegetables and save them for these sandwiches the next day.   

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Peach Julep

At the end of a hot day, nothing tastes as good as a refreshingly cool beverage. So mix up a little Arnold palmer or this peach julep from Stonecutter Sprits for a treat to chill out with...it just happens to pair delightfully well with our Bonne Bouche. 

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About Betsy

Betsy manages content marketing and creative production at Vermont Creamery and believes that the eyes eat first.  

An avid baker, home cook and artisan cheese devotee, Betsy is at home in the kitchen and behind the lens of her camera, crafting food that tastes as great as it looks. 

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