This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

I love catching up with friends and family over a delicious meal. It's my favorite way to spend time together, so when I found out my sister and niece were visiting, I decided to test out this Cilantro Pesto Pasta recipe on them. Cilantro can be divisive, and my niece was only five, so this was a bit of a gamble. Thankfully, the pasta ended up being a major hit with adults and kids alike! If you're a cilantro lover like my family, you have to try this pasta. This is pesto with a twist, and the bold flavors of this vibrant green sauce are sure to make your mouth water!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor - Calling all cilantro fans, this scrumptious pasta dish is for your! The pesto has just the right balance of fresh, spicy flavors, and with the roasted vegetables, it makes a great one bowl meal.
• Easy to Make - This recipe has a few steps, but everything is super simple to prepare. In fact, you food processor and oven will do most of the work for you.
• Great for Summer - I love making this recipe in summer when herbs and veggies are abundant. It's the perfect way to show off fresh produce!

Ingredients

This easy recipe uses basic ingredients you can find at any store! Here's what you'll need:

• Pesto - The homemade Cilantro Pesto Sauce is made with almonds, fresh garlic, a serrano pepper, fresh cilantro and parsley, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and kosher salt.
• Veggies - You'll toss grape tomatoes, zucchini, and a yellow bell pepper with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until tender.
• Pasta - This recipe calls for spaghetti, but other pasta strands or chunky shapes will also work.
• Topping - I sprinkled a little queso fresco over the pasta before serving. It's optional, but the perfect finishing touch!

This recipe is naturally vegetarian. You can skip the cheese topping to make the recipe vegan / dairy free. For a gluten free option, just swap in some GF spaghetti.

You'll Also Need

You'll need a food processor to prepare the sauce, a large baking sheet to roast the vegetables, and a large pot to cook the pasta.

How to Make Cilantro Pesto Pasta

This yummy Pasta with Cilantro Pesto and Roasted Veggies is super easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

1. Roast vegetables. Start by combining the grape tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until tender.
2. Make pesto + cook pasta. While the veggie roast, cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve a little pasta cooking water before draining it. As the pasta cooks, make the sauce. You'll mince the serrano pepper (add as much or as little as you'd like), garlic, and toasted almonds in a food processor. Then, add the cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Puree until you have a beautiful, vibrant green pesto.
3. Combine ingredients. Return the pasta to the pot (off the heat), then mix with the cilantro pesto, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently stir in the roasted vegetables. I topped mine with some crumbled queso fresco before serving.

Okay, it's time to eat. Serve your mouthwatering Cilantro Pesto Pasta in bowls for easy twirling!

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize! Here are some ideas to try:

• Herbs - This recipe uses a 50 /50 mix of cilantro (sometimes called coriander) and parsley. However, you can use all cilantro, or even mix in in other herbs, like basil or mint.
• Nuts - Swap out the almonds for walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, or pecans.
• Nut Free - Skip the nuts, or replace them with pepitas or sunflower seeds.
• Juice - Substitute fresh lime juice for the lemon juice.
• Peppers - Replace the serrano with other hot peppers, like jalapeños, or replace it with ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne. If you're not sure how much to add, start with half a pepper and go from there. Not a fan of spicy food? You can leave out the peppers altogether.

Other Ways to Use Cilantro Pesto

There are lots of uses for this yummy cilantro pesto sauce beyond pasta, too. Try:

• Drizzling it over a salad.
• Mixing it with cooked rice.
• Using it as a sauce with steamed or roasted veggies.
• Serving it as a dip.
• Spreading it over dough for a unique pizza sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. Rewarm gently in your microwave before serving.

The pesto tastes best when fresh, but it can be prepared a day or two in advance, then refrigerated until ready to use. It may also be frozen for up to two months.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Southwest Pasta Salad (which uses the same pesto), too! Looking for more pesto pasta ideas? Make one of these delicious recipes next:

• This simple Pesto Pasta recipe is a classic for a reason. Super tasty!
• If you're craving a creamy pasta, then you're going to love this yummy Pesto Ricotta Pasta.
• Serve this crowd-pleasing Pesto Gnocchi on a busy weeknight!
• Have lot of kale to use up? Then this mouthwatering Kale Pesto Pasta is for you.
• This unique Busiate alla Trapanese features a wonderful tomato pesto and a fun corkscrew pasta!

P.S. Check out all my pesto recipes for everything from sandwiches to salad dressings, and so much more!

Print

Cilantro Pesto Pasta

Dig into a bowl of this amazing Spaghetti with Cilantro Pesto and Roasted Vegetables. It makes a great dinner for busy nights!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 471kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

For Roasted Veggies:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) grape tomatoes, halved if large
• 2 small zucchini, quartered and sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• kosher salt and pepper

For Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti

For Cilantro Pesto:

• ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ½ to 1 whole serrano pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 large clove garlic
• 1 cup cilantro (packed)
• 1 cup flat leaf parsley (packed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

For Serving:

• crumbled queso fresco, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Roasted Veggies:

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Place tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow pepper on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Roast veggies for 15 minutes, then flip. Continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and staring to brown.
• Remove from oven, then set aside until ready to use.

Prepare Pasta:

• While veggies roast, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
• Add spaghetti to pot and cook until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.

Prepare Pesto:

• While pasta cooks, combine toasted almonds, serrano pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Process until minced.
• Roughly chop cilantro and parsley, then add to food processor, along with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Process until smooth.
• Taste pesto, then adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt, if needed. Set aside.

Assemble Pasta:

• Return pasta to pot (off heat), then top with pesto. Mix pasta with pesto, adding just enough of the reserved pasta water so that the pesto evenly coats the pasta. Taste, then season with additional salt, if necessary.
• Gently mix the spaghetti with the roasted veggies. Then sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco (if using).
• Serve pasta hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Almonds - To toast the almonds, add them to a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden, watching closely and stirring often. Make sure to cook them before preparing the pesto.

Vegan + Dairy Free - Skip the queso fresco to make this recipe vegan and dairy free. If you'd still like to add a topping, sprinkle the dish with toasted, chopped almonds or toasted panko instead.

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, recipe variations, serving suggestions, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal

Note: This recipe was originally published in October 2017. I've since updated the recipe to make the directions more concise.

The post Cilantro Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

I love trying out unique pasta shapes, and while browsing at Eataly a few years ago, I stumbled across busiate. This spiral-shaped pasta hails from Sicily's Trapani Province, where it's often paired with an amazing tomato pesto made with almonds. I quickly feel in love with this unique pesto and this fun pasta, and I'm excited to share my version of Busiate alla Trapanese with you today! You won't be able to resist its fresh, summery flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Scrumptious Sauce - Unlike classic Basil Pesto Sauce, the Sicilian Pesto used in this recipe includes fresh tomatoes and almonds instead of pine nuts. It's taste similar to the standard pesto, but the tomatoes give the sauce a lighter, sunny flavor that's so delish!
• Fun Pasta - If you like trying new pasta shapes too, you're going to love busiate! It looks like an old school telephone cord, and the twist are perfect for trapping all that yummy pesto. Can't find busiate? Don't worry, other twisty shapes work great, too.
• Super Easy to Make - This sauce is simple to make, and it's ready in the time that it takes to cook the pasta! Serve this summery pasta for quick weeknight dinner and for fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients

You'll find most of the ingredients for this Sicilian pasta recipe at any grocery store! Here's what you'll need:

• Pasta - Busiate is a traditional Sicilian pasta with a diagonal twist. I've spotted it at Eataly, Amazon, and Sur La Table. If you can't find busiate (or if it's too expensive), feel free to substitute other spiral pasta shapes.
• Tomatoes - This is the perfect recipe for showcasing juicy summer tomatoes! I recommend using cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), although other varieties will work, too.
• Nuts - Almonds are the other key ingredient in this Sicilian pesto. Look for blanched almonds, which have had their skins removed.
• Garlic - Grab a couple cloves of fresh garlic. It gives the pesto a sharp, zesty flavor.
• Herbs - Like most pesto sauces, this one includes fresh basil, and it also includes fresh mint (which is optional).
• Cheese - The recipe calls for Percorino Romano (Pecorino Siciliano is more authentic, if you can find it) or Parmesan cheese. A combination of the two cheeses is a good compromise, as the milder parmesan will temper the bolder Pecorino Romano. Tip: If you are vegetarian, look for Parmesan and Pecorino made with microbial or vegetable-based rennet (both are traditionally made with animal rennet).
• Olive Oil - You'll need some Extra virgin olive oil.
• Spices - Crushed red pepper flakes add a little heat, and you'll use Kosher salt to season the sauce.

You'll Also Need

Grab a large pot to cook the pasta, and a food processor to make the sauce. The sauce can also be prepared in a traditional mortar and pestle, if you prefer.

How to Make Busiate Pasta with Trapanese Pesto

Pasta alla Trapanese is super quick and easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

1. Cook pasta. Start by cooking the busiate in well-salted, boiling water until al dente. When it's done, reserve a little pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. Make sauce. While the pasta cooks, prep the sauce. You'll start by mincing the almonds and garlic in your food processor. Then you'll add the herbs, olive oil, cheese, salt, and crushed red pepper. Once that forms a rough sauce, you'll pulse in the tomatoes.
3. Combine pasta + sauce. Return the drained pasta to the pot, then add your homemade Pesto alla Trapanese, along with a splash of pasta cooking water. Mix well, then season with additional salt to taste.

And that's all there is to it! You are going to love the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Busiate alla Trapanese!

Variations

This recipe is fun and easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:

• Pasta - Serve the sauce with other pasta twists, such as campanelle, cavatappi or cellentani, casarecce, or gemelli. You could even pair it with penne or spaghetti.
• Tomatoes - Swap out the cherry tomatoes for heirloom tomatoes or other varieties.
• Nuts - Replace the almonds with pine nuts, pistachios, or walnuts.
• Vegan + Dairy Free - Substitute your favorite plant-based parm or skip the cheese.
• Gluten Free - Use your fave GF pasta.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this Trapanese Pasta recipe on its own for a quick dinner, or pair it with a simple salad (like this easy Garden Salad or this tasty Massaged Kale Salad). A side of Grilled Veggies would make a great pairing, too. And treat yourself to this Caramel Affogato for dessert!

Storage

If you have leftover Busiate con Pesto alla Trapanese, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. Rewarm leftovers gently in your microwave before serving.

Related Recipes

Looking for more pesto pasta ideas? Try one of these recipes next:

• This simple Pesto Pasta recipe is a classic summer dish!
• Craving a creamy pasta? Then you have to try this luscious Pesto Ricotta Pasta.
• My yummy Pesto Gnocchi is the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight!
• Kale Pesto Pasta is another fun twist on the traditional pesto recipe.
• This unique Cilantro Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetebles is bursting with bold flavors!

P.S. Check out all my pesto recipes for everything from sandwiches to salad dressings, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Print

Busiate alla Trapanese

Learn how to make a popular recipe from Sicily with a unique tomato almond pesto sauce and a fun corkscrew pasta!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 378kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

• 1 package (17.6. ounces / 500 grams) busiate pasta (or other pasta twists)
• ½ cup blanched almonds (I used slivered almonds)
• 2 large cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (lightly packed)
• small handful fresh mint leaves (optional)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup shredded Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan cheese; see note)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pound (454 grams) cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes; about 3 cups)

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add pasta, then cook until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
• While pasta cooks, pulse almonds and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
• Add basil, mint (if using), olive oil, pecorino, salt, and pepper flakes to almond-garlic mixture. Process until a rough sauce forms.
• Add tomatoes to food processor, then pulse until they are finely chopped.
• Taste pesto, then season with additional salt to taste (I used 1 teaspoon total).
• Return drained pasta to cooking pot (off heat), then add pesto, along with a splash of pasta cooking water. Mix until pasta is coated in sauce, adding more water only if needed.
• Season pasta with additional salt, if needed. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Pasta - If you can't find busiate, feel free to substitute other pasta twists, such as campanelle, cavatappi, cellentani, casarecce, or gemelli.

Cheese - Pesto alla Trapanese is traditionally made with Pecorino Siciliano. It can be difficult to find in the U.S., but you can substitute Pecorino Romano, which has a sharper flavor. You may also use Parmesan cheese, or you can use a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino.

More - Make sure to read the information before this recipe card for tips, substitutions, serving suggestions, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal

The post Busiate alla Trapanese appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge pesto fan! There are so many ways to use it, plus you can get really creative experimenting with different ingredients (herbs, nuts, cheese, etc.). Today, I'm excited to share one of my new favorites, Pesto alla Trapanese! This mouthwatering pesto comes from the Trapani Province of Sicily, and it has two ingredients that you won't find in classic Pesto alla Genovese. A combination of tomatoes and almonds (instead of pine nuts) give this recipe a wonderfully light, fresh flavor that's absolutely perfect for summer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delicious - You won't be to resist this rich Sicilian Pesto's vibrant, summery flavor! It tastes similar to the pesto sauce you already know and love, but the fresh tomatoes add a sweet, fruity flavor that balances out the bolder ingredients.
• Easy - The best thing about pesto (besides its amazing taste) is that it's so easy to make! A food processor does all the work, and it's ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
• Perfect for Summer - This recipe is the best way to show off summer tomatoes and fresh herbs! And it's versatile: easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet it's sure to impress dinner guests.

Ingredients

This Cherry Tomato Pesto is made with simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:

• Tomatoes - Save this recipe for your best summer tomatoes! I like to use cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), but other varieties will also work.
• Nuts - Sicily is known for its almonds, and they're a key ingredient in this unique pesto. Blanched almonds, which have had their skins removed, are best.
• Herbs - You'll also need fresh basil, and the recipe calls for a little fresh mint (although it's optional).
• Garlic - Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold taste and enhances the other flavors.
• Cheese - Trapanese Pesto is traditionally made with Pecorino Siciliano, which can be hard to find in the U.S. Percorino Romano is a good substitute, though it has a sharper flavor. You can also use Parmesan cheese, or a combination of the two cheeses (in which case, the milder parmesan will temper the bolder Pecorino Romano).
• Olive Oil - You'll need some extra virgin olive oil, of course.
• Spices - Lastly, grab crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat and Kosher salt to season the sauce.

This sauce is naturally gluten free. If you follow a vegetarian diet look for Parmesan and Pecorino made with microbial or vegetable-based rennet (both are traditionally made with animal rennet, so read labels carefully).

You'll Also Need

Get out your food processor, because it makes preparing this sauce a snap! If you are feeling ambitious, you can also go the authentic Italian grandmother route and use a traditional mortar and pestle.

How to Make Sicilian Trapanese Pesto

This recipe is a version of Pesto Rosso (Red Pesto Sauce) prepared with fresh tomatoes. You'll find a recipe card with measurement below, but here's a quick overview of the process:

1. Mince nuts and garlic. Start by processing the almonds and garlic until they're finely chopped.
2. Blend in basil, cheese, olive oil, and spices. Next, you'll add the basil, cheese, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend this mixture until a rough sauce is formed.
3. Add tomatoes. The tomatoes come next. Pulse them until they're finely chopped, and you have a cohesive sauce.
4. Season to taste. Taste your fresh tomato pesto, then add more salt to taste. The finished sauce should have a bold, vibrant flavor and a slightly chunky texture.

Okay, how scrumptious does that Pesto alla Trapanese look? And I promise you, it tastes even better!

Variations

Although the results won't be quite as authentic, you can easily customize this recipe according to what's in your pantry. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Tomatoes - Swap out the cherry tomatoes for other varieties (such as heirloom tomatoes). Just make sure you use the highest quality tomatoes you can find.
• Nuts - Substitute pistachios, pine nuts, or walnuts for the almonds.
• Herbs - Short on basil? Throw in some Italian, flat leaf parsley, or experiment with other fresh herbs (in moderation), such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Creamy - Craving a creamy pesto? Blend a little ricotta into the finished sauce.
• Vegan + Dairy Free - For a vegan / dairy free option, use your fave plant based parm or skip the cheese.
• Mortar and Pestle - Before food processors were a thing, pesto was prepared in a mortar and pestle (<-- I have this one). And many Italians still prepare it that way! If you’d like the try this old school method, start by adding the garlic and pinch of salt to your mortar, then use the pestle to grind it into a paste. Then, add the almonds and repeat the process. The basil comes next, followed by the cheese, and spices. Add the tomatoes in batches, and lastly, mix in the olive oil to emulsify the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto with Tomatoes and Almonds is typically paired with busiate, a traditional, spiral-shaped, Sicilian pasta (as seen in the photo above). I've found it on Amazon and at Eataly and Sur La Table. Since it's imported, busiate can be a little spendy, so don't be afraid to pair this sauce with other pastas. Try other twisty shapes, such as campanelle, cellentani or cavatappi, or gemelli. You could even serve it with spaghetti!

For a simple meal, serve your Busiate alla Trapanese with tasty salad (like my go-to Green Salad) and some fresh fruit (or a rustic Peach Galette) for dessert, and dinner is done!

You can also use this flavorful pesto sauce as a dip (it would be amazing paired with homemade Garlic Crostini and fresh veggies), used as a pizza sause, drizzled over grain bowls, and served with roasted or Grilled Veggies. Feel free to get creative!

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. You may also freeze it for a month or two.

Related Recipes

Looking for more unique pesto ideas? Try one of these yummy recipes next:

• Craving something creamy? This luscious Ricotta Pesto Sauce hits all the right notes!
• Making pesto with different herbs is always fun. My Rosemary Pesto and Cilantro Pesto Sauce are great places to start.
• Other nuts work too, and this Macadamia Pesto is a fave!
• You can even make pesto with greens. This wonderful Kale Pesto Sauce follows the same basic process, and is so tasty.
• This delicious Pesto Salad Dressing is a must for summer salads.
• Add this delightful Pesto Mayo to any sandwich for an instant upgrade!

Searching for more cherry tomato (or grape tomato) recipes? Try these easy Marinated Tomatoes, colorful Summer Veggie Pizza, versatile Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, or these delish Tomato Tartines, too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Print

Pesto alla Trapanese

Learn how to make a unique Tomato Pesto with Almonds from Trapani, Sicily! It's so easy and so delicious.

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 cups

Calories 89kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

• ½ cup blanched almonds (I used slivered almonds)
• 2 large cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• small handful fresh mint leaves (optional)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup shredded Pecorino cheese (see note)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pound (454 grams) cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (about 3 cups)

Instructions

• Place almonds and garlic in food processor, then pulse until finely chopped.
• Add basil, mint (if using), olive oil, pecorino, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to almond mixture. Process until the ingredients form a rough sauce.
• Pulse cherry tomatoes into pesto sauce until finely chopped.
• Taste pesto, then season with additional salt to taste (I used 1 teaspoon total).
• Serve pesto with pasta, or refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!

Notes

Servings - Recipe yields about 2 cups, enough for 1 pound pasta. One serving is considered 2 tablespoons (16 servings total).

Pairing with Pasta - Serve this tasty tomato pesto with busiate pasta (I used a 17.6. ounces / 500 gram package) to make the classic Sicilian dish Busiate alla Trapanese! You can also pair the sauce with other pasta twists, like gemelli or cavatappi. Cook the pasta in well-salted, boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain. Return the drained pasta to the pot (off heat), then add the pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Mix well, adding more water only if needed. Taste, then season with additional salt before serving, if desired.

Cheese - This sauce is traditionally made with Pecorino Siciliano, which can be hard to find in the U.S. You can substitute Pecorino Romano, which has a sharper flavor. Parmesan cheese also works, or you can use a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino.

Other Uses - This Fresh Tomato Pesto is too delicious to save just for pasta! You can also serve it as a dip, as a pizza sauce, drizzled over cooked veggies or grain bowls, and more.

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for step by step photos, helpful tips, substitution ideas, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal

The post Pesto alla Trapanese appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

It's prime summer fruit time, and I've been craving peaches like crazy! There are so many ways to use peak season peaches, but this Peach Galette is a favorite of mine. This popular French dessert is essentially a flat, rustic pie / tart. Galettes are easier to make than pies, yet they're just as tasty. This recipe pairs sweet, juicy peach filling with a buttery, flakey pastry. It's an absolutely mouthwatering combination that you're sure to love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor - You won't be able to resist this dessert's sweet, spiced peach filling or its buttery pie crust. Yum!
• Simple to Make - No special equipment or techniques here! Make the simple pasty, mix the filling together, then combine and bake. So easy.
• Perfect Summer Dessert - This gorgeous tart is the perfect way to show off the freshest peaches! Serve this delectable dessert for any summer dinner or get together.

Ingredients

This rustic peach tart is made with simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:

• Peaches - Choose the tastiest, freshest peaches you can find. Ripe peaches should have a little give when you squeeze them, along with a fragrant, peachy smell. If the peaches are hard when you buy them, let them sit on your counter to ripen for a few days, before making the recipe.
• Sugar - You'll mix the peaches with light brown sugar. The sugar sweetens the fruit, and draws out its juices.
• Lemon - A little fresh lemon zest brightens up all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon - Ground cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that works so well with the fresh peaches.
• Cornstarch - You'll use cornstarch to thicken the peach juices.
• Pastry - The simple pie crust is made with unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, salt, and ice water. You'll also need an egg to make an egg wash (which helps the crust brown), and you'll sprinkle the crust with coarse sugar (such as turbinado sugar or demerara sugar) before baking the galette. The sugar sweetens the crust and give it a nice crunch.

You'll Also Need

To make the pastry, you'll need a fork, pastry cutter, or food processor (the quickest and easiest way), along with a rolling pin. Grab a sharp knife to prep the peaches, a microplane zester for zesting the lemon, and large bowl to mix the crust and filling together. A pastry brush makes applying the egg wash a breeze, and you'll also need a large baking sheet (or a pizza pan) and a sheet of parchment paper to cook the flat pie.

How to Make a Peach Galette

This tasty Galette with Fresh Peaches is fun and easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

1. Make crust. The pastry dough needs to chill before baking, so prepare that first. You'll combine the flour and salt, then cut in the butter. The mixture should resemble course crumbs. Next, add just enough ice water to form a rough ball of dough. Shape the pastry into a flat circle, then wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Tip: To save time, the pastry can be prepared a day or two in advance.
2. Mix peach filling. Next, you'll mix the sliced peaches with the lemon zest, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Roll out dough + add peaches. Roll the chilled pastry into a 12-inch circle, place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, then add the peach filling. Tip: To make it easier to move the pastry, fold it in quarters before transferring it to the baking sheet.
4. Fold crust around filling. Fold the edges of the pie crust over the filling, overlapping as needed. Tip: Don’t worry about being perfect! Galettes are meant to be a little rustic looking (that’s just part of their charm).
5. Add egg wash + sugar. Brush the pastry with an egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sugar. 
6. Bake. Transfer your galette to the oven, then bake until the peaches are tender and the crust is a deep golden brown. Tip: Let the tart cool for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing so the peach juices can thicken.

Okay, time to enjoy your homemade Peach Galette! Doesn't it look delicious?

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize! Here's are a few ideas to try:

• Fruit - Pair the peaches with other fruits, such as blueberries, nectarines, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, or plums.
• Spices - Add other warm spices (like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger) to the filling.
• Cream Cheese - Spread sweetened cream cheese (or mascarpone) over the crust before adding the peaches.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic peach pie is wonderful on its own, but even better topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container (or wrap tightly). The galette will stay fresh at room temperature for a day or so, but beyond that (or if your home is warm), I'd recommend refrigerating it (for up to four days). Before serving, let the tart warm to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes, or gently reheat it in your microwave.

Related Recipes

Looking for more peach recipe ideas? Try one of dishes next:

• Treat yourself to this delightful Peach Crumble (or Crisp). It's definitely a summer favorite!
• This unique Peach Pizza recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
• Wake up to these tasty Peach Overnight Oats or Baked Peach Oatmeal!
• Make a batch of Peach Freezer Jam so you can enjoy enjoy this fave fruit beyond summer.
• Cool off with this refreshing Peach Green Tea!
• Sneak your fave peaches into savory foods, like this delicious Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce.

If you're craving galette recipes, I've got lot of sweet and savory ideas for you, including this yummy Strawberry Rhubarb Galette, my favorite Tomato Galette, and this colorful Vegetable Galette!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Peach Galette

Learn how to make a rustic tart with fresh peaches! This galette recipe is so easy and so delicious!

Course Dessert

Cuisine French

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Chilling Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 to 8 slices

Calories 339kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheet
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry Brush

Ingredients

For Pastry:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (cold)
• 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For Peaches:

• 4 large peaches, sliced ½-inch thick
• ⅓ cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon, zested
• pinch kosher salt

For Assembly:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (such as demerara or turbinado)

Instructions

Prepare Pastry:

• Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
• Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour, stopping when the mixture resembles course crumbs.
• Mix in water, one tablespoon at a time, adding just enough for dough to clump together in a rough ball (typically 3 to 4 tablespoons total).
• Shape dough into a flat circle about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare Peaches:

• Combine peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon zest (save juice for another use), and salt in a large bowl. Mix well, then set aside.

Assemble Galette:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside.
• On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll pastry into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Arrange peaches over pastry, leaving a 1 ½ to 2-inch wide border empty.
• Fold pastry edge over filling, overlapping where needed.
• Whisk together egg yolk (save white for another use) and 1 tablespoon water. Brush egg wash over pastry.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar over egg-washed pastry.
• Bake galette until dough is deep gold brown and crisp (about 40 to 45 minutes).
• Let galette rest for 20 to 30 minutes, then cut into wedges. Serve warm (or at room temperature) topped with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Peaches - Use your favorite variety of peaches for this recipe (any kind works). For reference, my 4 peaches weighed 1 pound 9 ounces (710 grams) total. It's fine if your peaches are slightly heavier or lighter though.

Food Processor - I recommend using a food processor for the pastry, if you have one. It's faster and less messy. Pulse in the butter into the salt / flour mixture, then add the ice water, stopping when the dough starts to come together in a rough ball.

Lemon - Use the leftover lemon juice to make a glass of lemonade or this simple lemon olive oil salad dressing.

More Tips - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, step by step photos, substitutions, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal

The post Peach Galette appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

Did you know that I used to live in San Francisco? Our apartment was near Ocean Beach, so my husband and I spent lots of time there. Before heading home, we often stopped at Java Beach, a cozy cafe located steps from the ocean. It's the perfect place to grab a quick meal, sit outside on a sunny day, or (more likely) warm up after a foggy beach walk. My favorite menu item was a mouthwatering toasted sandwich layered with briny feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, and balsamic dressed greens called the Whirling Dervish. I'm not sure how the owners arrived at that name (lol), but I could never resist that tasty veggie sandwich! Since I rarely get to Java Beach these days, I decided to recreate it. This is my own version of their popular Feta Sandwich, and I know you're going to love it just as much as I do!

Why You'll Love This Sandwich

• Delicious - This yummy Mediterranean-inspired veggie sandwich is loaded with flavorful feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp greens. It's simple, but so scrumptious!
• Easy + Ready in Minutes - You need just a few basic ingredients to prepare this delightful sandwich, and it's so easy to throw together. Best of all, it takes minutes to make!
• Versatile - Enjoy this sandwich for a quick lunch or dinner (it's great for busy weeknights), or serve it for a low key get together or even a picnic. It's perfect no matter the occasion!

Ingredients

You need just a few ingredients to make this easy recipe:

• Feta - You'll need some feta cheese, of course. Pre-crumbled feta can be dry, so for the best results, I recommend starting with a block of feta and crumbling it yourself. Did you know that Feta cheese is originally from Greece? This briny cheese gives this simple sandwich a bold, Greek inspired flavor!
• Tomatoes - Since this sandwich is so simple, choose the tastiest tomatoes that you can find. It's a great way to showcase heirloom tomatoes when they're in season.
• Greens - I used spring mix here, but other leafy, tender greens will also work.
• Dressing - The greens are tossed with the simplest balsamic vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Baguette - You'll serve the sandwich on a baguette. I used a demi baguette, but a standard baguette also works (you'll only need half).

This veggie-packed sandwich is vegetarian and nut free. You can make it gluten free as well, simply by using a GF baguette.

How to Make a Feta Cheese Sandwich

This tasty Feta Tomato Sandwich couldn't be easier to make! Here's a quick overview of the steps (keep scrolling for the recipe card):

1. Halve bread. Start by cutting your baguette in half lenghtwise.
2. Add tomatoes. Slice your tomatoes, then layer them over both sides of the baguette.
3. Top with feta + toast. Top the tomatoes with the crumbled feta, then broil the sandwich until the feta is hot and softened. It should be lightly browned in spots.
4. Make salad. While the sandwich cooks, whisk together the dressing, then toss with the spring mix.
5. Add salad to sandwich. Top half of the hot sandwich with the dressed greens.
6. Serve. Carefully fold the two sandwich halves together, then serve.

Okay, time to enjoy your delicious Feta Sandwich! You are going to love the tasty Greek flavors.

Variations

I love this sandwich exactly as-is, but it's easy to customize depending on what's in your fridge. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Veggies - Add different vegetables, like sliced avocado, roasted peppers or zucchini, thinly sliced red onions (or these tangy pickled onions). You could swap out the fresh tomatoes for roasted cherry or grape tomatoes. And different tender greens (like arugula or butter lettuce) would be also delish.
• Dressing - Replace the balsamic dressing with a lemony Citronette (or this super simple Lemon Dressing), zesty French Dressing, or this amazing Pesto Vinaigrette.
• Bread - Substitute focaccia, ciabatta, thickly sliced sourdough, or crusty sandwich rolls for the baguette. Just make sure to use something sturdy, or the sandwich will fall apart!
• Other Additions - Layer on olives, sun dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, pepperoncini, or capers.
• Gluten Free - For a GF sandwich, use a gluten free baguette (or other GF bread).

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this Veggie Feta Sandwich with a simple side. Pair it with ridged potato chips (just like they do at Java Beach!), fresh fruit (or fruit salad), potato salad (try my French Potato Salad), Grilled Vegetables, or even a Simple Pasta Salad.

Storage

This sandwich has a lot of juicy ingredients, so it tastes best when freshly made. If you're serving a crowd, you could slice the bread, crumble the feta, slice the tomatoes, and make the dressing an hour or two ahead of time. Then assemble the sandwich just before serving.

Related Recipes

Looking for more veggie sandwich ideas? Give one of these recipes a try next:

• These Hummus, Veggie, and Feta Pitas are a cross between a flatbread and an open faced sandwich. So tasty!
• This easy, yet flavorful Vegetarian Baguette Sandwich can be thrown together in a hurry.
• If you're a toast fan, add this mouthwatering Pesto Ricotta Toast to your must make list.
• These wonderful Halloumi Wraps are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory tastes!
• This colorful Vegan Hummus Sandwich is loaded with pesto, veggies, and bright flavors.
• It doesn't get much easier (or more delicious) than this yummy Avocado Tomato Sandwich!

P.S. Check out all my feta recipes for more delightful ideas, like this Nectarine and Feta Salad, viral Baked Feta Pasta, and this Feta and Veggie Pizza!

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Feta Sandwich

Learn how to make the BEST Feta Cheese Sandwich with fresh tomatoes and balsamic tossed greens! It's so simple and so mouthwatering!

Course Sandwich

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 334kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

• 1 demi baguette (or half a standard baguette)
• 1 large tomato, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 2 ounces (57 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (about ¼ cup)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• kosher salt
• pepper
• 2 cups spring mix

Instructions

• Preheat broiler with oven rack in top position.
• Cut baguette in half lengthwise, then place on a baking sheet (cut side up).
• Blot tomato slices with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Then arrange on both sides of baguette.
• Top tomatoes with crumbled feta cheese.
• Broil sandwich until feta is hot, softened, and golden brown in spots. (About 2 to 5 minutes depending on oven. Watch closely.).
• While sandwich cooks, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and couple grinds of pepper.
• Add spring mix to dressing and toss until coated. Taste, then season with additional salt, if needed.
• Top half of the hot sandwich with spring mix, then carefully (but quickly) close the sandwich. Tuck in any bits of feta or salad that fall out.
• Cut sandwich in half, then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, step by step photos, recipe variations, serving suggestions, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal

The post Feta Sandwich with Tomatoes appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

Looking for something to make with lots of watermelon? Then you have to try this homemade Watermelon Syrup! You'll won't be able to resist the fresh, fruity flavor, and it's perfect for making drinks and cocktails, drizzling over pancakes and ice cream, and more. Plus, you can make it without turning on your stove (a major plus on hot summer days). Keep a jar of this colorful elixir in your fridge to enjoy all summer long!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Delicious Taste - This yummy syrup tastes just like biting into the juiciest, sweetest watermelon! The refreshing, fruity flavor is simply irresistible.
• No Cooking Required - Unlike most homemade simple syrups, this recipe requires no cooking. This give the syrup a fresher flavor, and you won't heat up your kitchen during those hot summer days when watermelon is in season.
• Versatile - You can use this watermelon flavoring for all sorts of drinks, from sodas to cocktails (and mocktails), plus so much more. You'll find lots of creative ideas below!

Ingredients

You need just two ingredients to make this tasty simple syrup:

• Watermelon - I recommend using a seedless watermelon for this recipe. Choose a melon that's heavy with a smooth, firm rind and a large, creamy yellow field spot on the bottom. If the stem is attached, it should be dry (not green). Give the watermelon a thump. Juicy melons should make a deep hollow sound.
• Sugar - The syrup is sweetened with granulated sugar.

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free. For a vegan syrup, make sure to use vegan-friendly sugar.

You'll Also Need

Grab a sharp knife to prep the melon, a blender to purée it, and a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. You'll also need a mason jar (or a similar container with lid) to combine the watermelon juice and sugar.

How to Make Watermelon Simple Syrup

This fresh Watermelon Syrup is super easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

1. Purée watermelon. Start by cutting your watermelon into chunks, then blending it until smooth.
2. Strain pulp. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, the strain the puréed watermelon to remove the pulp (which you can discard).
3. Combine with sugar. Add a cup of the strained juice to a jar, along with the sugar.
4. Dissolve sugar. Stir the mixture for a couple minutes, then let sit until sugar is dissolved (stirring every 5 to 10 minutes). The syrup should be ready in about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often and how much you stir.

Once the sugar is dissolved, your Watermelon Simple Syrup is ready to use! Wasn't that simple to prepare?

Variations

This yummy watermelon flavored syrup is perfect as-is, but you can easily customize the flavor with other ingredients:

• Fruit - Blend the watermelon with other fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries. You could also add fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the overall flavor.
• Sugar - Granulated sugar is best for this recipe, because it dissolves easily and becomes clear. However, you can use other sweeteners, such as brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that they will change the color and flavor. Try experimenting on a smaller batch first.
• Herbs - Purée the watermelon with fresh basil or mint for a tasty herbaceous undertone. Let the herbs steep for about 30 minutes before straining the juice.

How to Use

There are so many uses for this mouthwatering sugar syrup! Here are a few ideas you're sure to love:

• Use it to flavor and sweeten Lemonade.
• Mix with sparkling water to create Watermelon Soda.
• Add the drink syrup to iced tea or hot tea.
• Drizzle over shaved ice or snow cones.
• Swirl into oatmeal, drizzle over Baked Oatmeal, or mix into Overnight Oats.
• Spoon over Frozen Yogurt or ice cream.
• Serve over waffles, french toast, or pancakes.
• Drizzle over cupcakes or cakes before frosting.
• Use it as a cocktail syrup to sweeten and flavor mixed drinks, like these Watermelon Margaritas or these Watermelon Mojitos.
• Combine with ginger beer to create a simple mocktail.

Storage

Store leftover Melon Syrup in an airtight container (mason jars are perfect for this) in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about two weeks.

Related Recipes

Searching for more watermelon recipes? Try one of these delicious drinks next:

• These tasty Watermelon Agua Frescas are perfect for a hot day!
• This wonderful Watermelon Lemonade is a fun twist on the classic recipe.
• Make a batch of this refreshing homemade Watermelon Juice. It's a great thirst quencher, and the perfect way to use up lots of leftover melon!
• Serve this Easy Watermelon Punch at your next summer party.

Make sure to try my Basic Simple Syrup recipe, too. It's great for everything from coffee to cocktails. And check out my other syrup recipes, like this yummy Brown Sugar Simple Syrup or this unique Rhubarb Syrup!

Printable Label

Click anywhere on the image below (or on the text beneath the image) to download the free printable labels.

For best results, print the labels on white cardstock, then attach them to the jar with twine or ribbon, or place the labels underneath the lid's ring. You can also print the labels on sticker paper, then stick them right to the jars (either on the front or on the lid).

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Watermelon Syrup

Learn how to make simple syrup with fresh watermelon! It's super easy and so delicious!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 24 servings

Calories 35kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Blender
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Mason Jar

Ingredients

• 2 heaping cups chopped watermelon
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions

• Add the watermelon to your blender, then purée until smooth.
• Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, then strain the puréed watermelon to remove the pulp.
• Discard pulp, then measure one cup of strained watermelon juice (save extra juice for another use). Add the juice to a mason jar (or other container), along with the sugar.
• Stir the watermelon-sugar mixture for a couple minutes. Then let the mixture sit until the sugar is totally dissolved, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. It should take about 30 to 45 minutes total.
• Refrigerate the Watermelon Syrup until ready to use. Enjoy!

Notes

Servings - The recipe makes about 1 ½ cups, which is equal to 24 servings (1 tablespoon per serving).

Juice to Sugar Ratio - The ratio of sugar to watermelon juice is 1:1. To size the recipe up or down, simply measure your juice, then stir in an equal amount of sugar.

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, step by step photos, serving suggestions, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcal

The post Watermelon Syrup appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

I love watermelons, but they are just so huge. Which is a plus for parties, but otherwise a lot to eat! I'm always looking for creative ways to use up this tasty fruit, and I think I've landed on my new favorite: homemade Watermelon Soda. This delicious drink is the perfect treat on a hot summer day. It tastes just like biting into a juicy watermelon, and it's so refreshing. Best of all? It's so simple to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fruity Flavor - You'll won't be able to resist this colorful drink's fresh, juicy watermelon flavor. It's a must make for watermelon fans!
• Easy to Make - There's no cooking, fermenting, or any fancy techniques required to prepare this simple recipe. You'll be sipping on this fun fizzy drink before you know it.
• Simple Ingredients - You only need three simple ingredients for this recipe, and I guarantee at least one of them is already in your pantry!

Ingredients

This recipe requires just three ingredients! Here's what you'll need:

• Watermelon - I recommend using a seedless watermelon to keep things easy. When selecting your watermelon, look for one that's heavy with a smooth, firm rind and a large, creamy yellow field spot on the bottom. The stem (if attached) should be dry and not green. And give it a thump! Juicy watermelons will have a deep hollow sound.
• Sugar - The fresh watermelon is combined with granulated sugar to make a delicious Watermelon Syrup. You'll use this simple syrup to sweeten and flavor the drink.
• Sparkling Water - You'll also need some sparkling water, and pretty much any variety goes. I used Topo Chico, but other mineral waters, club soda, or seltzer will also work.

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free. And as long as you use vegan-friendly sugar, it's also vegan.

You'll Also Need

You'll need a sharp knife to prep the melon, along with a blender to purée the fruit, and a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Grab a mason jar (or a similar container with lid) to make the syrup.

How to Make Watermelon Soda

This homemade Watermelon Soft Drink is super simple to make! You'll find a recipe card with measurements below, but here's a quick overview:

1. Make syrup. You'll start by puréeing the watermelon, then straining it to remove the pulp. Once you've done that, mix the juice with the sugar. Then stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves into the juice.
2. Add syrup to glass. Transfer some of the syrup to your serving glass.
3. Stir in sparkling water. Add the sparkling water, then mix well.
4. Serve over ice. Fill your glass with ice, and your soda pop is ready to drink!

So easy, right? And just wait until you try this Watermelon Soda. It's like biting into the juiciest, sweetest melon you've ever tasted!

Variations

This delicious fizzy drink is easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:

• Sweeter / Less Sweet - Adjust the sweetness level by adding more (or less) syrup.
• Other Fruits - Squeeze in a little lemon or lime juice, or blend the watermelon with other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries before puréeing. Tip: If you do add other ingredients, you'll need to adjust the sugar. The juice to sugar ratio is 1:1, so just measure the juice after straining, then add an equal amount of sugar.
• Herbs - Add some fresh basil or mint to the watermelon before blending. Then let the purée steep for 30 minutes before straining to infuse the herbs into the juice.
• Flavored Sparkling Water - Experiment with flavored sparkling water (different fruit flavors or lemon / lime) instead of plain.
• Cocktail - Add a shot of gin, vodka, or tequila to create a simple cocktail, or pair the syrup with sparkling wine to make a spritz.

Storage

The syrup can be stored in an airtight container (mason jars are ideal for this) in your refrigerator for a couple weeks. For best results though, prepare the watermelon drink itself just before serving.

Related Recipes

Looking for similar recipes? Try this unique Rhubarb Soda recipe next! And you'll love my other watermelon drinks, too:

• Make this Fresh Watermelon Juice for a refreshing treat on a hot day. This recipe is also a great way to use up lots of melon!
• Learn how to create a delicious Watermelon Agua Fresca (it's super easy).
• Mix up this tasty Watermelon Lemonade, a fun twist on the classic recipe!
• Serve this fun (and easy) Watermelon Punch at your next party.
• Celebrate summer with these festive Watermelon Margaritas or these tasty Watermelon Mojitos!

Check out all of my watermelon recipes for other mouthwatering ideas, like this Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad or this delightful Watermelon Salsa recipe!

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Watermelon Soda

Learn how to make a refreshing Watermelon Soft Drink using just three ingredients. It's so easy and so delicious!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 140kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• Blender
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Mason Jar

Ingredients

For Syrup:

• 2 heaping cups chopped watermelon
• 1 cup sugar

For Soda:

• 1 cup sparkling water (chilled)
• ice for serving

Instructions

Prepare Syrup:

• Add the watermelon to your blender, then purée until smooth.
• Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, then strain the puréed watermelon to remove the pulp.
• Discard pulp, then measure one cup of strained watermelon juice (save extra juice for another use). Add the juice to a mason jar (or other container), along with the sugar.
• Stir the watermelon-sugar mixture for a couple minutes. Then let the mixture sit until the sugar is totally dissolved, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. It should take about 30 to 45 minutes total.

Prepare Soda:

• Add ¼ cup watermelon syrup to a glass, then stir in the sparkling water.
• Fill glass with ice, then serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Syrup - This recipe makes enough syrup to prepare 6 sodas. The syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Check out my Watermelon Syrup recipe for more ways to use this delicious syrup!

Sweetness - It's easy to customize this drink to taste! Just add more (or less) syrup to make it sweeter (or less sweet).

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, variations, and more watermelon drink ideas!

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal

The post Watermelon Soda appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

My fridge is bursting with berries. I just can't resist them, especially sweet, juicy blueberries! I'm always looking for different ways to use them, and this mouthwatering Blueberry Crumble is recipe I've returned to many times. If you're a blueberry fan too, this recipe is for you! It is absolutely loaded with fresh berries, and the buttery topping has a wonderful texture and flavor. This luscious dessert is so delicious, and best of all, so easy to make!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delicious - This crumble is a must-make for blueberry lovers! Baking the berries concentrates their sweet flavor, and the crunchy crumb top is so delish.
• Simple to Prepare - Just mix the topping and filling ingredients, layer them in a baking dish, and bake. No special equipment or fancy techniques necessary!
• Basic Ingredients - Apart from the fresh berries and lemon, this recipe relies on basic pantry ingredients. You probably have most (if not all) of them already in your cupboard!

Ingredients

You need just a few simple ingredients to make this delightful dessert:

• Berries - You'll need some blueberries, of course, and this recipe uses a lot of them! Choose the freshest, sweetest berries you can find for the best flavor.
• Sugar - The filling is sweetened with granulated sugar.
• Lemon - Blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven. You'll use lemon zest and juice in the filling, and the sunny flavor really brightens this recipe.
• Cornstarch - A little cornstarch helps to thicken the berry juices.
• Topping - This recipe is made with my favorite Crumble Topping. It has a nice crunch and warm, buttery flavor, and it's quick to prepare with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and unsalted butter. Feel free to substitute my Oat Crisp Topping if you prefer oatmeal in your topping.

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free, and you can easily make it vegan, dairy free, and gluten free with a few simple swaps. Check out the Variations section below for tips.

You'll Also Need

Grab a couple bowls (this mixing bowl set is great, if you need one), a whisk, and a large mixing spoon. You'll also need an 8 x 8-inch baking dish (I love my Emile Henry square baker), and I recommend using a zester for the lemon. This microplane zester is one of my most used kitchen tools!

How to Make Blueberry Crumble

It couldn't be easier to make this mouthwatering crumble with blueberries! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:

1. Prepare topping. Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the butter, and the mixture should clump together. Set the topping aside while you prepare the filling, so it can firm up.
2. Make filling. Next, you'll mix the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, and salt together.
3. Add blueberries to baking dish. Spread the blueberry filling in your baking dish. Then scrape in any sugar from the bowl. Tip: The pan will be pretty full, but the blueberries will sink a bit as they cook.
4. Top with crumble. Use your hands to crumble the topping over the blueberries. Tip: For a prettier dessert, leave about an inch of blueberries visible around the edges.
5. Bake. Transfer the crumble to your oven, then bake until the topping is browned and the fruit filling is bubbling. Tip: Before serving, let the dessert rest for about 30 minutes so it can cool off, and the fruit juices can thicken.

So simple, right? And it tastes amazing, too. You are going to fall in love with this delectable Blueberry Crumble!

Variations

This fresh blueberry dessert is perfect as-is! If you can't resist customizing things though, here are some ideas to try:

• Fruit - Pair the blueberries with other fruits, such as apples, raspberries, peaches, blackberries, strawberries, nectarines, cherries, or apricots.
• Topping - Prefer oats in your crumbles? No problem! Simply use my Oatmeal Crumble Topping instead.
• Spices - Add warm spices to the blueberry filling. Ginger and cardamom are especially tasty with these berries, but cinnamon and nutmeg will also work great.
• Vegan + Dairy Free - To make this recipe vegan and dairy free, use your fave plant based butter and vegan sugar in the topping and filling.
• Gluten Free - For a gluten free version, use a measure for measure GF flour (I like King Arthur) for the topping.

Serving Suggestions

While this Blueberry Lemon Crumble is delicious served plain, it's even tastier when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And I recommend eating this dessert warm for the coziest flavor!

Storage

Wrap leftovers tightly (or transfer them to an airtight container), then store in your refrigerator. The crumble will stay fresh for up to four days, however it will have the best texture when eaten within a day or two. Any longer, and the fruit juices will soften the topping. Tip: Leftovers are extra delicious when you reheat them gently in your microwave before serving.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to try my Triple Berry Crumble next! And check out my other crisps and crumbles, too:

• The warm flavor of this Ginger Pear Crumble is absolutely irresistible.
• Bookmark this mouthwatering Apple Cranberry Crisp for fall!
• This yummy Nectarine Crumble recipe is a favorite with Hello Little Home readers.
• Are you a rhubarb fan? Then you have to try this Rhubarb Crumble and this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp!
• During stone fruit season, I recommend making this Peach Crumble and this Peach Crisp on repeat!

Looking for more blueberry recipes? Try my easy Blueberry Refrigerator Jam, delicious Blueberry Compote (perfect for topping for ice cream and cakes), scrumptious Banana Blueberry Bread, or my creamy Blueberry Overnight Oats recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Blueberry Crumble

This yummy blueberry dessert is the perfect summer treat (so delicious and so easy to make)!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 8 servings

Calories 312kcal

Author Ginnie

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering baking dish)

For Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Filling:

• 8 cups fresh blueberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• pinch kosher salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.

Prepare Topping:

• Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Stir melted butter into flour mixture, pressing it together until it clumps. Set aside while you make the filling.

Prepare Filling:

• Combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (save the rest for something else), lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

Assemble + Bake:

• Transfer blueberry mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading in an even layer. Scrape any juice / sugar remaining in the mixing bowl into the baking dish.
• Using your hands to crumble topping over berries.
• Bake until topping is browned and blueberry filling is bubbling, about 45 to 50 minutes.
• Let cool at least 30 minutes, then serve plain or topped with ice cream. Enjoy!

Notes

Blueberries - My blueberries weighed exactly 2 pounds 7.4 ounces (1118 grams). Don't worry if you're slightly short on berries. As long as you are close, it will be fine!

Topping - Prefer oats? Swap in my Oat Crumble Topping.

Vegan + Dairy Free - Substitute your fave plant based butter, and use vegan sugars in the filling and topping.

Gluten Free - Use a 1-to-1 gluten free flour. I like King Arthur!

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, photos, recipe variations, serving suggestions, and more crumble recipes!

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal

The post Blueberry Crumble appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginnie's Take

If you're looking for an easy, no fuss rhubarb recipe, this scrumptious Roasted Rhubarb is for you! Cooking rhubarb in the oven is one of the simplest ways to prepare it. This recipe takes minutes to throw together, and after a quick bake, you'll be rewarded with the tastiest fruit sauce / topping. I like serving it over ice cream, but there are so many ways to use this rhubarb recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delicious - If you're a rhubarb fan, you won't be able to resist this mouthwatering recipe. It has a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor you'll be sure to love!
• Easy - Just mix a few ingredients together, then bake. So simple, and you can easily size up the recipe if you have lots of rhubarb to use up.
• Versatile - As it cooks, the Baked Rhubarb creates its own sauce, making it perfect for pairing with all sorts of sweet and savory recipes (everything from cakes to cheese and crackers). You'll find lots of tempting ideas below!

Ingredients

You need just a few basic ingredients for this simple recipe:

• Rhubarb - Of course, you'll need some fresh rhubarb. To ensure it cooks evenly, choose stalks that are about the same width. And for the prettiest color, choose bright red rhubarb.
• Sugar - Granulated sugar is a must for balancing out the rhubarb's tart flavor. Other sweeteners will also work. Check out the Variations section for tips.
• Lemon - Fresh lemon zest brightens up the finished sauce. Orange zest would also work great.
• Cardamom - A little cardamom adds a wonderful warm, spicy flavor.

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan (if you use vegan sugar), gluten free, and nut free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it!

How to Roast Rhubarb

This Oven Baked Rhubarb is truly simple to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's quick overview of the steps:

1. Prep rhubarb. Start cutting your rhubarb into two-inch lengths. You can slice the rhubarb on an angle like I did, or simply cut it straight across.
2. Mix ingredients. Next, place the rhubarb in your baking dish (I used this beautiful ceramic dish). Add the other ingredients, then mix well.
3. Cover + bake. Cover the baking dish with foil, then bake the rhubarb until tender.
4. Test for doneness. You can check the rhubarb by piercing it with a sharp knife. The fruit should be very tender (almost falling apart).

And that's all there is to it, your Roasted Rhubarb is ready to serve! Doesn't it look so delicious?

Variations

This recipe is fun and easy to customize! Try one of these tasty ideas:

• Sweetener - Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
• Citrus - Swap out the lemon zest for orange zest. For a more intense citrusy flavor, you could also use juice instead of water when baking the rhubarb.
• Spices - Use other warm spices, such as cinnamon and ginger, instead of (or in addition to) the cardamom.
• Savory - Add a savory note by tossing the rhubarb with a thyme or rosemary sprig.
• Vanilla - Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or add a vanilla bean.
• Fruit - Blend the rhubarb with other fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, even peaches, before baking. Use a larger baking dish, if needed.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to use this tender Oven Roasted Rhubarb! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Serve over ice cream or plain frozen yogurt.
• Spoon it on poundcake (and other baked treats).
• Top it with whipped cream and nuts.
• Dollop over oatmeal (or baked oatmeal) and overnight oats.
• Layer it in a yogurt and granola parfait.
• Serve over pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
• Treat it as a salad topping.
• Pair it with cheese and crackers.
• Add it with savory dishes as sweet-tart sauce.
• Serve it over homemade crostini (pair it with a creamy goat cheese).

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about three days. Rewarm gently in your microwave, or serve cold.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this easy dessert, try one of my other rhubarb recipes next:

• This gorgeous Strawberry Rhubarb Galette tastes just as good as it looks.
• Treat yourself to this Old Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble. Topped with ice cream, of course!
• This unique Rhubarb Quick Bread is bursting with chunks of this yummy fruit.
• Craving cake? Make this impressive Rhubarb Upside Down Cake or this Easy Rhubarb Cake, which is a fave with Hello Little Home readers!

Print

Roasted Rhubarb

Learn how to make Oven Baked Rhubarb with this easy recipe. It's so delicious paired with your favorite sweet or savory dishes!

Course Dessert, Sauce

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 78kcal

Author Ginnie

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (227 grams) rhubarb, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ lemon, zested
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine rhubarb, sugar, lemon zest, cardamom, and water in an 8x8-inch baking dish. Mix well.
• Cover pan with foil, then roast rhubarb until it's tender and can be easily pierced with a knife (about 15 to 20 minutes).
• Serve rhubarb warm or chilled, paired with ice cream, cake, and other sweet and savory dishes.

Notes

Testing for Doneness - The rhubarb should be very tender when it's ready (pierce it with a sharp knife to test), but still holding its shape. The cooking time will vary depending on how thick your rhubarb stalks are.

Doubling the Recipe - You can easily size up the recipe by doubling or tripling it. Just keep in mind that the rhubarb needs to bake in a single layer. If you size up the recipe, make sure to use a larger pan.

Customize - This recipe is simple to customize by swapping out the lemon zest for orange zest, using other spices (such as cinnamon or ginger), or adding fresh strawberries (or other fruit).

How to Use - There are so many ways to serve this sweet-tart sauce! Use it as a topping for ice cream, poundcake, pancakes, yogurt, and more.

More - Check out the info before this recipe card for recipe variations, serving suggestions, more rhubarb recipes, and other helpful tips!

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal

The post Roasted Rhubarb appeared first on Hello Little Home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summer is officially here! Are you ready for it?

It's time to make the most of long days and beautiful weather, get outside, go on vacation (or plan a staycation), cook seasonal recipes with fresh produce, and entertain your kids over summer break!

If you want to make the most of this wonderful season, then you need this Summer Bucket List! It has 75 fun and easy way to celebrate the season, and there's something for everyone, from kids to adults, friends, families, teens, and couples.

Ready to get started? Keep reading for all the ideas, plus a free printable list!

Summer Bucket List

If you’re looking for fun things to do in summer, then you're going to LOVE this list! It's loaded with creative ways to make the most of the season.

You'll find plenty of classic favorites on this list, plus even more ideas for trying new things, all while creating lasting memories with your friends and family. Discover fun outdoor and indoor activities, ways to make the most of a sunny day, creative recipe ideas, and so much more.

At the end of this post, you’ll also find a free printable with all of these summer activities. Print it out, then start checking off your favorite summer things! There’s also a blank printable. Use it to create your own custom to do list.

75 Summer Activities

This summer activities list truly has something for everyone: couples, friends, families, adults, teens, kids, groups, individuals, and more. You'll find oodles of outdoor and indoor activities, so you can choose something based on the weather. Try just a few of these summer ideas, or if you're feeling ambitious, attempt to do them if all!

1. Make homemade lemonade.

Is there anything more summery than a glass of lemonade? Especially if you enjoy while sitting outside, soaking up the sun! Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try:

• Classic - Learn how to make Lemonade with just a few ingredients! Only have one lemon? Make my easy recipe for Lemonade by the Glass instead.
• Flavored - Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can easily change it up by adding fresh fruit. Let my Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, and Rhubarb Lemonade recipes inspire you!
• Cocktail - Add a shot to any of the above recipe to create an easy cocktail, or try my refreshing Spiked Raspberry Lemonade and Lemonade Shandy recipes.
• More - For an orange-flavored twist on this drink, make this easy Orangeade recipe, or try this fun Watermelon Punch, which is served in mini melons!

2. Take a road trip.

Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip! The best thing about traveling by car is that you have so many options. Stick nearby for an impromptu day trip, or head out for a long weekend (or even a few weeks). Don't forget to leave time in your schedule for unexpected discoveries (check out Atlas Obscura for sites!), and make sure to check out my road trip essentials list before you go!

Tip: Need some inspiration? Read about my El Paso to Phoenix Road Trip through the Southwest!

3. Go swimming outside.

Sure, you can go swimming year round, but it just hits different when you're outside! Don't let summer pass you by without visiting your neighborhood lake, pond, swimming hole, or pool for a afternoon of fun and relaxation in the sun.

4. Visit an amusement park.

It's amusement park season! Whether you're parent trying to entertain the kids or an adult looking for thrills, a visit to the local amusement park or water park is sure to create core memories! Not sure where to go? Check out this list of the best amusement park in every state.

5. Make homemade s'mores.

S'mores are a classic summer treat, so make sure to add this delicious, gooey treat to your bucket list! If you don't have access to a campfire, learn how to make s'mores indoors with my step-by-step guide.

Tip: Serving a vegan or vegetarian at your campfire? Make sure to stock up on vegan marshmallows, dairy free chocolate, and graham crackers!

6. Watch a parade.

There's nothing that says good, old fashioned fun for kids and adults quite like watching a parade! And with everything from community events to local fairs, 4th of July, and LGBT pride parades, you're sure to find a summer parade near you.

7. Take surfing lessons.

With warmer temps and (often) milder waves, summer is a great time to learn how to surf! Check out these surf schools to get started or find one near you.

8. Look for fireflies.

There is something so magical about fireflies, and summer is the best time to spot them! There are more than 100 species in North America alone. In the U.S., you're most likely to find them in dark fields in the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Learn more about why fireflies glow and the best places to spot them.

9. Go camping with friends or family.

It's camping season! Time to haul out your tent and sleep in the great outdoors. Are you a camping newbie, and not sure where to start? Check out these helpful camping tips for beginners!

10. Spend a day at the beach.

A beach day is a must on any summer bucket list! Whether your idea of fun is relaxing on a beach towel, cooling off in the water, building a sandcastle, collecting seashells, walking the boardwalk, or all of the above, make sure to head to the beach at least once this season.

Need a little beach vacay inspiration? Read more about my favorite beach destinations, including Rockaway Beach in NYC, Isla Verde and Luquillo in Puerto Rico, Chacala in Mexico, and Orange Beach in Alabama!

11. Watch a fireworks display.

Add catching a fireworks display to your summer to do list! Fireworks are ubiquitous on the 4th of July, but you'll find them throughout the summer at sports competitions, community gatherings, and other events. Keep an eye on your local listings to find a fireworks display near you.

12. Make homemade popsicles.

A delicious popsicle is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! Sure you can buy them, but popsicles are so fun and easy to make. Try one of these recipes the next time you get a craving:

• Watermelon Popsicles
• Breakfast Popsicles
• Strawberry Coconut Paletas
• Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
• Iced Coffee Popsicles

13. Go stargazing.

Looking for a relaxing and magical way to spend a night? Choose a clear night, then put down your phone, find somewhere dark, and look up at the sky! These stargazing tips will help you make the most of the experience.

14. Plant a backyard garden.

Grow something this summer! Start small with a container garden (filled with your fave herbs and flowers), or go all out with a backyard patch. There's no better feeling than eating something you grew yourself. And don't count yourself out if you live in an apartment! For the last few years, I've planted a bunch of herbs on my tiny balcony, and this year, I added cherry tomatoes. It's so rewarding, and I'm able to make homemade pesto all summer long.

15. Take a bike ride.

If you're anything like me, riding a bike makes you feel like a kid again! So park your car this summer, and haul out your bike, take a city bike tour, or rent a bike for a few hours. You won't regret it!

16. Plan a staycation.

You don't need to book an expensive European holiday to enjoy a summer break. Take a staycation instead! A staycation can include relaxing at a local hotel (hopefully, one with a pool), or it can mean exploring your city while staying at home. Make sure to plan activities that you'd normally do on a regular vacation, like relaxing in your backyard, reading a great book, visiting a museum, checking out a new restaurant, taking a walk in a park, seeing your city's sites, or planning an at-home spa day.

17. Watch a beautiful sunset.

There's nothing more relaxing than catching a gorgeous sunset with a cold drink in hand! Make sure to set aside some time this summer to watch a few.

18. Spend an entire day outside.

Embrace the idea of an analog summer (at least for a day), and enjoy a day outside. Spending time in nature has many benefits, including lowering stress, improving your sleep, and reducing your risk of chronic disease. The best part? It's so easy to reap these benefits! Put away your phone, then head to the park for a picnic, play some lawn games, go hiking or for a long walk with friends, or simply hang out in your backyard with a cold drink and good book.

19. Grill a meal.

Why heat up your house this summer, when you can cook a delicious meal on the grill? Here are three easy vegetarian recipes to try this summer:

• Grilled Vegetables - This recipe is endlessly versatile! Serve these veggies as a side, or add them to other dishes, like pasta, salads, or sandwiches.
• Grilled Portobello Tacos - Tacos on the grill? Yes, please! These yummy tacos are simple to prepare, and they make an excellent dinner any night of the week.
• Grilled Halloumi Salad - This colorful salad is so delish! Serve it as a entrée or as a side dish.

20. Go kayaking or canoeing.

If you're looking for an enjoyable physical activity this summer, try kayaking or canoeing. It's easy to find rentals near any lake or river, you don't need any experience, and once you get the hang of things, it's so relaxing to glide along the water. Need some inspiration for your trip? Check out my tips for Canoeing the Kickapoo River, the crookedest river in Wisconsin!

21. Plan a picnic.

A picnic is a must for any summer bucket list! For a low effort picnic, simply clean out your fridge, grab snacks from your pantry, or hit your local grocery store for cheese and crackers on the way to the park. Or plan ahead, and make one of these delicious recipes:

• Baguette Sandwich - Super simple to make and so delicious! For a fun French touch, wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper tied together with colorful twine.
• Easy Pasta Salad - This delicious recipe only has four ingredients, so you can throw it together in minutes. Customize it based on what's in your fridge.
• Bulgur Veggie Salad - I like to bring heartier, wilt free salads on picnics, like this easy grain salad, which has a bright flavor you're sure to love. This scrumptious Caprese Freekeh Salad would also be delish!
• Peach Green Tea - Of course, you need a cold drink, and this one is so tasty and refreshing. Classic Lemonade is always a hit, too!
• Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies - Don't skip the dessert. Cookies are perfect for picnics, because they're so easy to transport.

22. Create a summer playlist.

Take time to make a custom summer playlist now, and you'll enjoy the good vibes all summer long! For my own playlist, I included a mix of classic summer hits (like "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and "Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & The Family Stone), along with laid back faves (like "Sunny Afternoon" by Benny Sings and "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers).

Don't have enough time to make your own? Search for summer mixes on music apps, like Spotify or Apple Music. You'll find many to choose from!

23. Transform your backyard into an oasis.

You don't need a lot of time, effort, or money to transform your backyard (or porch) into a summer oasis. Simply add a few string lights, some comfy seating, and a plant or two. For shade, set up an umbrella, and for easy summer meals, don't forget the grill. If you need a little inspiration, check out my tips for decorating a small patio on a budget!

24. Go for a boat ride.

Enjoying a boat ride is one of those quintessential summer activities that brings so much joy! It's the perfect way to spend a sunny day, and gazing out at the water is actually good for you, too. Don't have your own boat? Look for boat rides in your area (or while on vacation).

25. Visit your local aquarium.

When it's too hot outside, skip the beach, and enjoy an aquatic scene indoors instead! Aquariums are a great way to entertain to kids, but adults will get a lot of enjoyment, too. Find an aquarium near you here.

26. Read a book outside.

Whether you're lounging poolside or kicking back in your yard, reading a great book outside is one of the most relaxing summer experiences!

Looking for some bookspiration? Here are a few books I've read that would make great summer reads:

• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (Mystery) - One morning, a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. But Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the wealthy family that owns the summer camp, and this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child to disappear. Find it on Bookshop and Amazon.
• The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson (Romance) - Daphne isn't a baseball fan, but it beats sitting at home in the days after signing her divorce papers. After one too many ballpark beers, she heckles Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler, who quickly proves there might actually be a little crying in baseball. Horrified, Daphne reaches out to Chris on social media to apologize, but forgets to identify herself as his heckler in her message. Find it on Bookshop and Amazon.
• Change the Recipe by José Andrés (Nonfiction) - If you're looking for an inspirational read, you'll love these short essays! This book would also make a great gift for new grads. Find it on Bookshop and Amazon.
• The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson (Cozy) - When Maggie arrives in Bell River to run her best friend's struggling bookstore, she expects to sell bestsellers to the small-town clientele. But Bell River's literary society insists on keeping the bookstore stuck in the past, and she's banned from selling anything written this century. Maggie soon realizes that she'll have to get creative to keep the shop afloat. Find it on Bookshop and Amazon.
• Hunger and Thirst by Claire Fuller (Mystery) - In this creepy gothic thriller (slow burn), the storyline alternates between 16-year old Ursula, who grew up in foster care and is struggling to find for love and acceptance, and fifty-something Ursula (now known as Uschi), a famous sculptor whose life is thrown into turmoil when a documentary filmmaker starts digging up her past. Find it on Bookshop and Amazon.

27. Create a list of must-try summer recipes.

With fruits and veggies at their very best, summer dishes are full of fresh, bright flavors. Don't let the season of perfect tomatoes and juicy peaches pass you by, create a list of recipes to try! Here are some recipes you'll love:

• Summer Favorites - Classic seasonal recipes, like Pasta Salad, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Potato Salad, or this creative twist on Strawberry Shortcake, are must makes for a reason!
• No Cook Recipes - Why heat up your kitchen when you can make a tasty no cook recipe instead? Start the day with the easiest Overnight Oats (pick your fave toppings), snack on this herby Green Goddess Dip or these yummy Caprese Skewers, pair this easy Marinated Tomato and Onion Salad with crusty bread for a simple meal, or enjoy this cooling Watermelon Gazpacho, then cool off with a batch of homemade Mango Sorbet.
• Pizza - Add some seasonal produce to your pizzas! You'll love this easy Summer Pizza recipe, which is loaded with fresh veggies. Feeling creative? Try this mouthwatering Peach Pizza, which has a wonderful combo of sweet and savory flavors!
• Crisps + Crumbles - An easy-to-make crisp or crumble is the perfect summer dessert. This Mixed Berry Crumble and this Peach Crisp are two of my favorites.
• Unique Ingredients - Give your go-to recipes a fun twist! If you're an iced coffee fan, you'll love this refreshing Orange Coffee (or Grapefruit Coffee), or add ice cream to make an Aussie Iced Coffee. This tasty Tropical Rice Salad has a unique mango dressing, and this colorful Watermelon, Feta, and Quinoa Salad is bursting with summery flavors. Give your typical potato salad a Tex Mex flavor with this delish Sweet Potato Salad with Black Beans. These Radish and Butter Sandwiches are perfect for a hot day, and this pretty Pink Pineapple Salsa recipe makes a eye-catching appetizer or snack.

28. Fly a kite.

If you're looking for summer activities for the whole family, get out your kites! Flying a colorful kite (like this cute Rainbow Kite!) is sure to make you smile, whether you're a kid or an adult.

29. Get a summer haircut.

Summer is an ideal time to try a new, breezier hairstyle. Trying a short haircut, or simply experimenting with different hairstyles, like a polished ponytail or fishtail braid, is an easy way to refresh your style while staying cool. I chopped off my long locks for a chin-length cut two years ago, and haven't looked back!

30. Cool off with a summer cocktail (or mocktail).

Summer is all about taking time to kick back and relax, with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, of course! You'll love this colorful Watermelon Margarita, unique Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail, and this classic Daiquiri. Looking for something alcohol free? Try my Mojito Mocktail, this delish Watermelon Agua Fresca, or this lovely Apple Cider Mocktail instead!

31. Explore a new-to-you neighborhood.

After holing up all winter, summer is a time to explore, and you don't need to go far. Simply head to a new-to-you neighborhood, nearby small town, or a even a new park or restaurant. You may just find a new favorite that you'll return to again and again!

32. Celebrate the 4th of July.

Celebrating the 4th of July is always a highlight of the summer! Make the most of this patriotic day by gathering with friends and family, taking a U.S. history-themed trip, or reading a relevant book (this roundup of American history books has something for every interest). Try one of these recipes and ideas to make the day extra special:

• Individual Berry Trifles
• Mini Red, White, and Blue Cakes
• Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
• Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Tart (No Bake)
• Summer Berry Ice Box Cake
• 30 Patriotic Recipes, Crafts, and Decor Ideas
• Printable Star and Stripes Banner

33. Go hiking.

Summer is peak hiking season! Whether you're headed to a nearby trail or planning a trip to a bucket list-worthy destination, there's a hiking trail for all ages and experience levels. If you're new to this fun activity, check out these hiking tips for beginners. Looking for a nearby trail? AllTrails is a great resource, no matter where you live.

34. Make pizza on the grill.

Cooking pizza on the grill should be on everyone's summer to do list! It's surprisingly easy and fast (especially if you use store bought dough), super fun, and of course, it's delicious. My favorite summery combo is tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, but you can really get creative with different toppings. Check out my pizza recipes for ideas!

35. Plan a scavenger hunt.

If you're looking for a fun boredom buster, go on a treasure hunt! This cute Printable Summer Scavenger Hunt is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. If you're working with an older crowd, check out these Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Adults or this relaxing Self-Care Scavenger Hunt.

36. Have a water balloon fight.

When it comes to classic summer activities, it's hard to beat a good old-fashioned water balloon fight. I love these re-usable water balloons! They're easier to fill than traditional balloons, they don't hurt when hit, and you can use them over and over again all summer long!

37. Attend an outdoor concert or festival.

Attending an outdoor concert or festival is one of the very best things to do in summer. Look for local events in your area, attend a multi-day festival (we went to Primavera Sound one year, and it was amazing), or see your favorite artist at an outdoor arena.

38. Go berry picking.

Summer is berry season! Skip the store bought berries, and unlock a core summer memory by pick them yourself. Once you've gathered your berries, try one of these berry recipes, or make a batch of freezer jam (it's so much easier than you'd think).

39. Eat all your favorite summer veggies.

Don't let summer pass you by without making the most of the bountiful summer produce! Looking for recipe ideas? Here's are the most popular summer veggies, plus five ways to use each one:

1. Tomatoes - 1. Tomato Crostini 2. Pan con Tomate 3. Tomato Galette 4. Caprese Pizza 5. Roasted Tomato Pasta
2. Corn - 1. Curry Corn Chowder with Coconut Milk 2. Black Bean and Corn Salsa 3. Southwest Hummus with Corn Relish 4. Harvest Veggie Enchiladas 5. Elote
3. Zucchini - 1. Vegetable Galette 2. Cold Noodle Salad 3. Zoodles with Tomato Artichoke Sauce (or Romesco Sauce and Feta) 4. Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini 5. Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas
4. Cucumbers - 1. Garden Salad 2. Greek Tortellini Salad 3. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl 4. Arugula Quinoa Salad 5. Greek Veggie Burgers
5. Bell Peppers - 1. Feta, Pepper, and Olive Bites 2. Roasted Veggie Breakfast Sandwiches 3. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers 4. Bell Pepper Nachos 5. Black Beans and Rice

40. Make a pie or tart.

Homemade pies are an awesome ways to use up fresh fruits and veggies! I especially like making free form, rustic pie, like this amazing Strawberry Rhubarb Galette, and mini desserts, like these yummy Mini Cherry Tarts (which have a been a favorite of Hello Little Home readers for years). You can also go savory, and bake a mouthwatering Tomato Pie or this delicious Mushroom, Kale, and Cheddar Quiche! Looking for something else? Check out Sally's Baking Addiction. She has a huge selection of pie recipes to choose from!

41. Go mini golfing.

When was the last time you went mini golfing? Puttering around a fun course is a great way to entertain kids and adults for hours! Tip: If you live in Dallas, check out Another Round! It's an indoor course that looks like something an crafty dad would have built back in the day. So fun for all ages!

42. Turn off your phone for a day.

Take advantage of beautiful summer days, and turn off your phone. Doing a digital detox has many benefits, including improving your mood, sleep, and attention span. Not to mention, all that extra time you'll have! And summer is the perfect time to take advantage. Use the free time to connect with a friend or relative, make a delicious meal, play a board game, go for a walk, or enjoy another phone free activity.

43. Plant a flower bed.

A beautiful bouquet is an easy way to brighten your home (and your day), but flowers can be expensive. Rather than relying on store bought bouquets, consider planting your own flowers, and you'll reap the benefits all summer long. If you're a newbie, learn how to how to plant a flower bed and how to choose the best cut flowers for each USDA zone. This guide to native wildflowers by region is also helpful!

44. Tie-dye a t-shirt.

Tie-dying a t-shirt is a classic activity for any summer to do list! It's fun for all ages, and the process is actually really easy! Learn how to tie dye (plus get lots of unique and trendy ideas) with this helpful guide.

45. Make a summer craft.

Get crafty this summer! Here are a some fun + easy ideas to try:

• Create a Cigar Box Frame for a favorite summer photo.
• Paint a set of Striped Burlap Coasters to use on your deck.
• Wrap up your sunnies in a DIY Sunglasses Case.
• Make one of these adorable DIY Donut Crafts to celebrate your fave treat.

46. Visit or host a garage sale

You know the old saying: one man's junk is another man's treasure. And garage sales are the perfect place to find some bargains for your home or wardrobe!

Is your own home bursting at the seams? Hold a garage sale is the perfect excuse to clean out clutter and get organized, all while making a few bucks. If you're feeling ambitious, you could even get your whole neighborhood involved! Check out these helpful yard sale tips to get started.

47. Toss a frisbee.

Kick it back to your childhood days, and head outside with a frisbee! This simple, cheap plastic disc can provide hours of fun. If you find frisbees hard to control, check out these popular flying rings. They're a unique take on the classic frisbee, and they're super easy to use, even for young kids! And if you're a disc golf player, looks for nearby courses at UDisc.

48. Find your city's best street art.

Street art is super popular these days! You can find colorful murals everywhere from tiny villages to huge metropolises, and many cities even host street art festivals. Spotting murals is also a fun travel activity. Find murals on Street Art Cities interactive map. You can even add street art near you!

49. Treat yourself to an ice cream float (or shake).

Sure, ice cream is delicious on its own, but there's something about floats and milkshakes that's even more special! To make an ice cream float, add a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream (or another flavor) to a glass of soda. Root beer is traditional, but orange, grape, cola, and other flavors also work.

To make a milkshake, blend any type of ice cream with milk (try two cups ice cream and a half cup milk), along with other flavorings (like chocolate syrup, fresh berries, or peanut butter). To create a malt, add malted milk powder, too. And of course, you can get really creative and over-the-top with unique ingredients (check out my S'mores Freak Shake recipe for inspiration).

50. Build a campfire.

This summer, plan to spend an evening gathered around a campfire! If you're a newbie, check out guide to building a campfire, plus a few safety tips, before getting started. Make sure to round up s'mores supplies and classic campfire stories to make the night even more enjoyable.

51. Visit a State or National Park.

Get outside this summer at local park! State Parks are easy to access, and they're full of fun activities, ranging from hiking to fishing and more. You'll find National Parks in every state, too.

To explore some of my favorite National Parks, read my Texas National Parks, Puerto Rico National Parks (which includes the Old San Juan Forts), and White Sands National Park guides!

52. Buy a bunch of sunflowers.

Is there any flower more summery than the sunflower? By yourself a bunch to cheer up your day! Tip: Learn more about sunflowers, including their meaning and the origin of their name.

53. Check out a local museum.

Museums are the perfect place to spend a too hot day! Find a museum near you, then enjoy the A/C. If you think museums are boring, you just haven't found the right one. You'll find museums for every interest, from cars to boobleheads to mustard, pinball, clowns, and more. This list of unusual museums has lots of unique ideas!

54. Play a classic summer game.

Looking for a boredom buster? A classic summer game may just be the answer! Backyard games, like tag (or flashlight tag at night), ghosts in the graveyard, kick the can, red rover, hopscotch, four square, dodge ball, kickball, hide-and-seek, Simon says, duck duck goose, and red light green light, require very few supplies, yet they provide hours of fun. For more permanent games (that you'll play again and again), try bocce, pétanque, corn hole, giant jenga, or make your own DIY Summer Yard Games!

55. Buy a new pair of sandals.

Summer is sandal season, and it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a new pair (or two)! Put your best foot forward with a DIY pedicure, too!

56. Celebrate Christmas in July.

Looking for a unique summer party idea? Then you'll love Christmas in July! Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate:

• Put up a tree and decorate with summery items (like shells or flowers), or stick to a traditional color scheme.
• Bake your favorite Christmas cookies.
• Host a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange.
• Play holiday music or sing Christmas carols.
• Wear a festive outfit, such as Hawaiian shirts with a Santa hat or Christmas lights necklace.
• Have a holiday movie marathon.
• Cook a Christmas feast, featuring all your favorite holiday recipes.

57. Visit your state or county fair.

If you're searching for a wholesome, family friendly activity this summer, head to your local state fair! Most fairs are held during summer, although some hot weather states hold theirs in early fall (like the Texas State Fair, which starts in late September). You'll find so many different things to entertain you at the fair, including farm animals, rides, arts and crafts, music, and more.

58. Go to a baseball game.

Hit the ballpark to see your favorite team (major or minor league) this summer! The relaxed atmosphere and yummy snacks make ballgames an ideal activity for families, couples, and friends.

59. Eat ice cream for dinner.

Every once in a while, it's okay to eat dinner for ice cream. Especially on hot summer days when you can't bear to cook! And this fun, no stress meal is guaranteed to please kids and adults. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Head to your local ice cream parlor for scoops of your fave flavor.
• Set up an Ice Cream Sundae Bar (or Waffle Sundae Bar).
• Dig into a Homemade Ice Cream Cake.
• Make M&Ms Sundaes with leftover candy.
• Serve this delicious Salted Caramel Affogato for an after dinner drink.

60. Embrace your inner child.

Calling all adults? Stop being so serious and have a little fun! Do a cartwheel, roll down a hill, walk barefoot in the grass, have a water fight, do a cannonball, swing in the sun, float in the pool, or jump off the diving board.

61. Make homemade iced tea.

Having a pitcher of homemade iced tea in the fridge is a gift to yourself that keeps on giving! Here are a few unique recipes to try:

• Iced Green Tea (with Coconut Water)
• Ginger Melon Green Tea
• Peach Iced Tea

62. Watch a movie at a Drive-In Theater.

For a nostalgic movie-watching experience, head to a drive-in theater! These old-fashioned cinemas are becoming increasingly rare, so support your local outdoor theater before it disappears. Use this drive-in movie theater directory to find a screen in your state. Tip: Many cities have outdoor movie screenings in local parks, too! Check out your city's event websites to find them.

63. Enjoy an outdoor workout.

Break out of your boring gym routine and exercise outside! There's an activity for everyone and every ability, including biking, running or walking, hiking, swimming, yoga, canoeing or kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, basketball, baseball, kick ball, and so many more. Try a new one, or stick to a fave. Here are 10 outdoor workout routines to inspire you!

64. Learn how to play a court sport.

Speaking of outdoor exercise, summer is the best time to try a court sport! And you've got so many options, including the increasingly popular pickleball, classic tennis, padel (a cross between tennis and squash), fast-paced badminton, old school handball, and more!

65. Create an activity jar.

Head off boredom by creating a summer activity jar! Simply find a large jar (or other container), then fill it with slips of paper, each listing a unique activity. When you can't think of anything to do, pull out an idea. Activity jars aren't just for kids, they're great for couples, singles, and groups of friends, too.

To keep things super easy, use the ideas on this summer bucket list, or fill the jar with your own activities. Need a little inspo? Here are 50 ideas perfect for kids!

66. Visit the farmers market.

Get your fruits and veggies straight from the farmer this summer! They'll be fresher, and they'll taste better, too. Farmers markets are a great way to spend a morning, and many markets include food trucks, craft and food artisans, mobile coffee shops, and other fun businesses. Search for a farmers market near you here.

67. Relax in a hammock.

Looking for relaxing ideas? Set up a hammock, then spend your afternoons swaying in the breeze!

68. Get lunch or dinner at a food truck.

Want to eat outside without the effort of a picnic or grill? Grab lunch or dinner at a food truck! These mobile restaurants make trying different types of food easy. Many cities now have food truck parks, and trucks often group together too, which means you can find a dish to temp everyone in your group.

69. Attend a community event.

Get together with your community this summer! Look for local events, like wine walks, fun runs, and fundraisers at your local parks, favorite businesses, block parties, carnivals, art festivals, and other neighborhood events.

70. Blow bubbles.

Blowing bubbles is a foolproof way to entertain kids, and adults will find it pretty enjoyable, too. Pick up bubble wands and solution at any local store, or create your own bubble solution. You can even make your own Bubble Wands with a little wire and some colorful beads!

71. Go roller skating outside.

Strap on your roller skates or in-line skates (roller blades), then hit the trails this summer! Skates and a smooth sidewalk / paved trail are all you need to get started. Learn how to in-line skate here. Too hot to skate outside? Find a rolling skating rink near you here.

72. Make homemade ice cream or froyo.

Treat yourself to homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt this summer! Learn how to make vanilla ice cream, or try one of my easy frozen yogurt recipes:

• Homemade Frozen Yogurt
• Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
• Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt
• Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt

73. Run through a sprinkler.

You don't need a pool to get soaked this summer! Set up the sprinkler, then run through it! These slip and slides and large inflatable pools are super fun, too.

74. Sit on your porch or patio.

For the simplest of activities, grab a comfy chair and a cold drink, then sit on your porch or patio! It's free, relaxing, a great way to slow down time.

75. Cool off inside.

While summer is the best time to get outdoors, sometimes it's just too hot! When that happens, try one of these indoor ideas instead:

• Play a board games.
• Work on a puzzle.
• Host a movie marathon.
• Read a book.
• Make a no cook meal.
• Complete a crossword puzzle
• Have an indoor scavenger hunt.
• Workout to an exercise video.
• Write a letter.
• Enjoy a homemade dessert.
• Treat yourself to a DIY spa day.
• Give yourself a manicure (or pedicure).
• Make a junk journal filled with all your summer adventures.
• Organize a messy closet or room
• Go bowling.
• Build a fort.
• Visit a library or bookstore.

Printable Bucket List

Ready for that summer to do list? You'll find two bucket list printables below: one with all 75 summer activities, plus a blank printable so you can make your own Summer Bucket List.

To download the free printables, click anywhere on the thumbnail images below. I’d recommend printing the files on card stock. That way, your list will last all season long, and you can reference it anytime you're looking for something to do or feeling bored!

Tip: Depending on your printer, you may need to shrink the pdf size slightly before printing (so the images around the page do not get cut off). These settings should pop up in your printer's dialog box before printing.

I hope you found these summer bucket list ideas helpful! Let me know in the comments if you try any of them.

And don't forget to PIN this post and save these ideas for later:

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