Craving Summer Flavors? 10 Bright Recipes That Beat The Winter Blues

Winter’s dragging on, and we’re all feeling the need for a little sunshine—at least on our plates. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t bring bold, fresh flavors into the kitchen. If you’re craving something vibrant, zesty, and full of life, these recipes will transport your taste buds straight to summer.

Fresh Recipes to Brighten Up Winter Cooking

🥩 Flank Steak Marinade & Broiled Tacos: Juicy, marinated flank steak, broiled to perfection and packed into warm tortillas with fresh toppings.

🌮 Chorizo Tacos: Bold, smoky, and just the right amount of heat, these tacos are a serious flavor upgrade for taco night.

🦐 Shrimp Saganaki: A Greek classic featuring shrimp, tomatoes, feta, and a hit of fresh herbs. Simple, yet loaded with flavor.

🍔 Pan-Seared Turkey Burgers: Forget dry turkey burgers—these are packed with moisture and flavor, making them the perfect healthy alternative.

🥗 Steakhouse Burger Salad: All the flavors of a juicy steakhouse burger, minus the bun. A satisfying, protein-packed salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

🌿 Homemade Chimichurri (Classic & Red): Herby, garlicky, and just the right amount of tang—drizzle this over steak, shrimp, or even veggies for an instant upgrade.

🍖 Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Perfectly roasted and brushed with fresh chimichurri, this dish is juicy, flavorful, and packed with vibrant herbs.

🥗 Grilled Cobb Salad: All the smoky, charred goodness of a grilled protein-packed Cobb, finished with crisp greens and a bright dressing.

🦐 Zesty Shrimp Marinade: Bright citrus, fresh herbs, and a little heat make this the perfect marinade for shrimp, even if you’re cooking indoors.

🌮 Shrimp Tacos: A balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors make these shrimp tacos the ultimate mood-booster in winter.

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A plate of shrimp tacos with a side of coleslaw, garnished with herbs, displayed on a wooden table with a red cloth.

Prep School: Stock Your Freezer Like We Do

Storage Solutions We Trust

What’s In Our Freezer & Pantry::

FoodSaver for hatch chiles and herbs
Souper Cubes for compound butters, sauces, and more
Ball jars for pickled veggies
Stasher bags for citrus zest (yes, you can freeze zest for later 🤯)

How We Prep Hatch Chiles (Our September Ritual)

The Method:

Char under broiler until black
Steam in covered bowl 15 minutes
Peel (don’t rinse – that’s where the flavor lives) and yes, we know, this part is tedious, but worth it.
Remove seeds for medium heat, leave for hot
Dice and portion into 1/4 cup servings
Vacuum seal flat for easy storage all winter long (then make this Hatch chile turkey soup on repeat – we have).

Pro tip: One full batch lasts us through winter taco nights, soups, chilis, and burger cravings.

Fresh Herbs All Winter

Our System:

Pulse with olive oil (we swear by our Ninja blender to make quick work of this)
Pour into ice cube trays
Freeze, then transfer to storage bags
Label with date and herb type Pro tip: These herb cubes are perfect for quick marinades and compound butters

Quick Pickled Veggies That Change Everything

Make Ahead:

Red onions (perfect for tacos)
Jalapeños (burger topper)
Carrots (fish taco essential)
Radishes (adds crunch to everything and is just a good little snack)

Bringing the Summer Vibes Indoors

🔥 Broiling for Charred Perfection: No grill? No problem. A broiler can give you that same smoky char on meats and seafood.

🍳 Use a Grill Pan for Authentic Marks: If it’s too cold to fire up the grill, a cast-iron grill pan can help you achieve those coveted sear marks and smoky flavors right on your stovetop.

🍋 Citrus Everything: A squeeze of lime or lemon brightens up any dish instantly—keep fresh citrus on hand for an easy flavor boost.

🌿 Fresh Herbs Make the Difference: Parsley, cilantro, and basil cut through heavy winter flavors and add a fresh, vibrant touch.

What’s your favorite way to bring summer flavors to winter cooking? Drop a comment and share your tips!

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