Easy Recipes for Cottage Entertaining

It seems like every cook has their own take on the infinitely-versatile guacamole, and recipe represents the best of classic ingredients.

A medley of cucumber, roasted eggplant, cannellini beans and seasoning makes this healthy dip great for a snack or party appetizer.

So simple to prepare, make these zesty skewers for your family or serve them at a get-together. Either way, they’ll fly off the plate.

Creamy avocado, hearty pinto beans, fresh cilantro, corn and tomato make for a quick and healthy winning salad.

Strawberries are just starting to turn up at markets, and feel right at home in any recipe, whether savoury or sweet. This salad is a one-bowl affair, even skipping a separate dish for the dressing. Assemble, toss and watch this salad disappear.

Refreshing, water-packed cucumbers make the base of this beautiful, warm-weather salad. A play on the classic poppy seed dressing, omega-3-loaded chia seeds add thickness and nutrition to the mix.

Enjoy these versatile Italian grilled vegetables alone, as a side, tossed into salads and pasta, on top of a burger or between bread. When veggies taste this good, it’s easy to find a place for them in your favourite healthy recipe.

Grilling up some ears of corn on the barbecue is an ideal way to bring the flavours of the summer to your table.

Try this recipe for Sweet Grilled Corn on the Cob with Orange Butter

Pizza on the grill? Yeah, you can. If you don’t have time to make pizza dough, store-bought will do the trick. Here are other tasty ways to transform pizza dough.

Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will go gaga over this fulfilling main. Think of it as a sort of cheesy bruschetta on a grilled mushroom. Yum!

An easy marinade of Dijon mustard, garlic, herbs and lemon is just the thing to throw together for a simple and delicious meal ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Make dinner a fiesta with these tempting fajitas bursting with tender marinated flank steak and fresh summer veggies, and topped off with silky avocado and salsa.

Have you ever tried salmon grilled on a cedar plank? No? You’re missing out. The wood infuses the salmon with an absolutely delicious flavour. All you have to do is add some lemon.

Fire up the grill to make your entire dinner — including the salad — on the open flame. Lean, healthy and packed with warm-weather flavour, this meal is perfect for when time isn’t on your side.

Firm tofu is meaty and filling, and absorbs all the delicious flavours of this sesame and honey marinade.

Get this recipe for Sesame and Honey Marinated Tofu Skewers.

A simple and satisfying spring treat, homemade ice cream is made easy with The Pioneer Woman’s strawberry-infused recipe.

You’ve probably used your skillet to make a lot of meals, but has a giant cookie sundae ever been among them? If not, you’re going to love this recipe for a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream and hot fudge, courtesy of The Pioneer Woman’s Ree Drummond.