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Cozy Last Hurrah Summer Family Dinner

last hurrah summer family dinner ideas - featured image
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A collection of quick, easy, and flavorful grilled family dinner recipes perfect for savoring the last warm summer nights with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups sliced zucchini and yellow squash
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • Handful fresh basil
  • Handful fresh parsley
  • 2 lemons (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • Crusty bread or warm pita (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the proteins: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide marinade among chicken thighs, salmon fillets, and shrimp. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Slice zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice red onion. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Preheat and oil the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Use tongs to rub a paper towel soaked in oil over the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the proteins and veggies: Grill chicken thighs 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side until opaque. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Grill veggies in a basket or directly, turning occasionally, about 8-10 minutes until tender and charred.
  5. Assemble and garnish: Arrange grilled proteins and veggies on a large platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, chopped basil and parsley. Add lemon wedges and serve with crusty bread or warm pita.

Notes

Marinate proteins for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 20 minutes for fish and shrimp to avoid ‘cooking’ in acid. Keep grill at medium-high heat for best results. Let proteins rest 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. Use a spray bottle of water to control flare-ups. If no grill available, use broiler or cast-iron skillet with adjusted cooking times.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer dinner, family dinner, grilled chicken, grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, easy summer recipes, backyard dinner, last hurrah summer meal

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/cozy-last-hurrah-summer-family-dinner-ideas-for-perfect-memories/