Recipes to savour summer

Irish summer is a funny thing. Some days you’re basking in glorious sunshine thinking you’re abroad, other days you’re standing with an umbrella tending to the BBQ. But when we do get those golden afternoons – bright skies, the smell of freshly cut grass in the air – there’s genuinely nowhere better in the world to be.  And when that rare Irish summer magic strikes, you want to be armed with the recipes to make food that matches the moment: light, fresh, easy to throw together. This week’s recipes are about exactly that – proper summer plates that work when you’re having a casual back garden get- together.

Shaved Courgette & Fennel Salad with Lemon & Aged Irish Cheese

First up, Shaved Courgette & Fennel Salad with Lemon & Aged Irish Cheese. Thin ribbons of crisp courgette and fennel (a quick soak in iced water keeps them crunchy), tossed with lemony dressing, handfuls of dill and mint, and a scattering of toasted hazelnuts for good measure. Knobbly bits of an aged Irish cheddar or a good quality parmesan or pecorino adds that salty, sharp bite that ties it all together. 

Get the recipe HERE

Sriracha Prawn Rolls

For something a little heartier, but still summery enough that you won’t need a post-lunch nap, Sriracha Prawn Rolls are a guaranteed hit. Soft, brioche rolls stuffed with juicy prawns bound in a zippy, spiced mayo. They’re fresh, they’re easy to make ahead, and they’re the sort of thing you can just hand out best eaten outside, preferably with a cold drink in the other hand.

Get the recipe HERE

Crispy Lemon & Thyme Chicken

And because no Irish summer feast is complete without something golden and crispy to anchor the table, Crispy Lemon & Thyme Chicken delivers exactly what you want. Marinated with fresh thyme and lemon, then roasted, barbequed or air-fried until the skin is shatteringly crisp, it’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what I want to be eating this time of year. Serve it up with the salad and the prawn rolls and you’ve basically recreated my perfect Irish summer afternoon- no umbrellas needed.

Get the recipe HERE

Photography Credit: Donal Skehan

Food Styling Credit: Charlotte O’Connell