School’s nearly out for everyone, and summer has officially begun.
If the weather picks up, there’s no doubt that we’ll be looking for something light, quick and easy meals for those long summer days.
Don't tell our mammy, but we're sick of the "picky bits salad" she serves when the sun comes out.
Read More: Dublin chipper says you can eat their food '5 times a week' and stay healthy
Boiled eggs, cucumber, ham, coleslaw, slices of cheese, beetroot, lettuce and tomatoes just doesn't work for us anymore, so Green Isle have put together a range of summer inspired recipes that are quick, easy and full of goodness for all the family.
Irish Olympian, Ireland’s Fittest Family Coach and busy mum of two and Green Isle Ambassador, Derval O’Rourke said: “I ’m really enjoying putting together recipes using the huge range of frozen fruit and veg.
“Summer is a busy time in our house and so getting the kids involved in helping to make some of the recipes is always lots of fun.”
You can try your hand at some of the delicious recipes from Derval and Green Isle:
Pea and Mint Dip
Serves 4 as a snack
Total Time 10 minutes
Ingredients
½ bag of Green Isle frozen peas
Handful of fresh mint leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon tahini
Coarse salt and pepper
Method:
Cook peas in salted boiling water until tender, 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
Pulse peas in a food processor with mint, lemon zest and juice, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and tahini.
Season with salt and pepper; drizzle with oil. Serve with veggie batons and crackers.
Mixed Berries Tray Bake
Serves 10-12 portions
Prep time 30 minutes
Cook time 1 hour
Ingredients
300g Green Isle Mixed berries
1 tbsp chia seeds
100g butter, plus extra for greasing
150g clear honey
400g rolled oats
100g ground almonds
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.
Add the berries to a saucepan on a medium-high heat and stir until the fruit has broken down.
Add the chia seed and mix with a spoon or a potato masher until the fruit reaches your desired consistency.
I like my jam being completely smooth. Set the jam aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and honey with a pinch of salt.
Take off the heat, then stir in the oats, ground almonds and almond extract. Mix until they are coated in the butter and honey mixture.
Press half the oat mix in an even layer in a lined baking tray.
Spread the mashed raspberries over the oat mix layer, then spoon the remaining oats on top and smooth with the back of a spoon. Bake for 12-14 mins or until golden.
Smoothie
Serves: 4
Total time: 25 - 30 minutes
Ingredients
Mixed berry, honey & lime
200 grams Green Isle Mixed Berries
200 ml oat milk
2 tablespoons honey
Juice and zest of 1 lime
Tropical fruit and coconut
200 grams Green Isle Tropical Smoothie Mix
200ml coconut milk, from a carton
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon agave
Raspberry & avocado
200 grams Green Isle Frozen Raspberries
200 ml rice milk
1 avocado, peeled and stone removed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon agave
Method:
For each smoothie: Blitz all ingredients together.
Feel free to add some berries or coconut flakes on top.
Tropical Smoothie, Coconut and Lime Pops with Ginger & Honey
Serves: 4
Total time: 25 - 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 x bag Green Isle Tropical Smoothie Mix
1 x 400 gram tin coconut milk
Zest and juice of 2 limes
½ cm piece of fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons honey
Method:
Blitz all ingredients together and pour into popsicle moulds.
Place in your freezer overnight.
Serve and enjoy.
Read more: Met Eireann reveals exact days heatwave could hit Dublin with temperatures soaring to 26C
Read more: Spain heatwave weather warning for Irish tourists as 40C temperatures forecast
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
