Nicole Herman:
If you're looking for a light summer recipe, look no further! This watermelon & feta salad is refreshing yet juicy with a perfect balance of savoury and sweet. Finished with fresh parsley, mint and lime juice - this salad is the definition of summer in a bowl!
Lindsey Levy:
My absolute favourite thing to eat in the summer (or any time of year!) is a fish taco. The best ones I've had in Toronto are from Seven Lives in Kensington Market. I love the combination of freshly battered mahi mahi with cold crema, pico de gallo and cabbage. I could eat one every night of the week!
Tommy Smythe:
During a recent visit to Chef Lynn Crawford's cottage I had the glorious gastronomic pleasure of having Chef Lora Kirk's potato salad (the two are co-chefs at my favourite restaurant, Ruby Watchco) - this is a tasty take on the classic and it is simply the best I've ever had. It tastes totally familiar in the way all good comfort food should, but it's utterly original all at the same time. I do love a recipe I can't screw up too. Simple to make and simply delicious. Find the recipe in Canadian House and Home's August 2013 Advice Issue on page 92.
Laura Fremont:
My favourite thing to make for dinner in the summer is a steak salad. It's a quick weeknight meal that is super delicious. The first time I ever made it, I used a recipe from Smitten Kitchen, which is one of my all time fav food blogs. I've tried different combos, but this one has proven to be the most delicious and is a great crowd pleaser.
Olivia Hnatyshin:
Summers are all about the patios in downtown Toronto. If you find yourself walking down Queen Street West on any given Saturday, Rivoli is packed because it is one of the best places for people watching and an easy break from shopping. While it is a bit touristy, I will endure the weekend crowd just to get my hands on their Southwest Quinoa Salad. It's fresh, flavourful and filling. I'm still perfecting exactly how to make it at home (something secret in the dressing!)
Sarah Richardson:
There are so many divine summer foods (berries, tomatoes, and anything fresh from the field) but my summer pleasure revolves around having more time to entertain and be with friends and family while at the cottage. Since getting food out to the island is difficult (miles from any stores), I tend to bake bread from Jim Lahey's fabulous cookbook, My Bread. It's easy and delicious, and divine when topped with juicy vine tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mmm summer.
Natalie Hodgins:
Ask anyone who knows me well and they can attest that nothing makes me happier than a good mexican fiesta! This recipe, from my girl-crush Gwyneth Paltrow, has it all; the tacos, pico de gallo, beans and fresh guacamole! Summer is the perfect time to make this as you can get locally grown ingredients and dine al fresco. The only thing missing is a good Margarita... shaken, not stirred, please.
Allison Willson:
Caprese salad is one of the easiest and freshest tasting salads you can make! In-season summer tomatoes and home grown basil taste amazing paired with fresh mozzarella. It is seriously melt in your mouth amazing!
Lindsay Mens Craig:
This recipe is quick to make and a sure crowd pleaser - it's fresh tasting because of the in-season summer fruit, yet it has the right amount of sweet to it. My quick tip - cook for 43 minutes and broil the last 2 minutes so the top gets nice and crispy!
Jenny Dames:
I love popsicles and I love fresh summer fruit, mix the two together, add a little greek yogurt and BAM! You have the most delicious, swimsuit friendly snack where the fruit combinations are virtually limitless!
Tara Finlay:
There's nothing better than fresh local produce in the summer - this super easy and delicious salad is my go-to side dish for BBQs and cottage gatherings. I love to put my own personal spin on things, substituting oregano, with fresh basil straight from the garden, and onions with colourful red peppers. Enjoy!