Summer brings sunny days and warm nights, making it the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing meals that cool you down and satisfy your taste buds. Here are the top 5 refreshing summer recipes you’ll crave all season long, complete with easy preparation steps to keep you cool and energized.

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1. Watermelon Mint Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon cubes
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: feta cheese crumbles

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes and chopped mint leaves.
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad.
3. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
4. Toss gently to mix everything well.
5. Optionally, sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a savory twist.
6. Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing treat.

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2. Cucumber Yogurt Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Fresh dill or mint for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blend the chopped cucumbers until smooth.
2. In a bowl, mix the cucumber puree with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh dill or mint leaves.
5. Serve cold as a soothing summer drink or side dish.

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3. Mango Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper, then gently toss the salsa.
3. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

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4. Iced Lemon Green Tea with Honey

Ingredients:

• 4 green tea bags
• 4 cups boiling water
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Steep green tea bags in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Remove tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
3. Stir in lemon juice and honey until well dissolved.
4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemon green tea over the ice.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

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5. Chilled Gazpacho Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blend tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic until smooth but slightly chunky.
2. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend briefly to combine.
3. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve cold, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

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