Are you looking for light summer fare to round out your weekly menu? As the weather gets warmer I find that I gravitate more towards lighter fare for dinner- seafood replaces meatier main dishes, desserts are more of the no bake variety, and side items are lighter grains that can be served hot or cold.
Tonight’s summer-light menu offers shrimp tacos, black bean couscous salad and lime pudding. This is a fun, south-of-the-border take on easy summer fare that your family is sure to enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Shrimp Tacos
Marinade Ingredients:
2 tbsp of Olive Oil
2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp brown sugar
Juice and zest of 2 limes
4 tablespoons of cilantro, chopped
**You can add chili powder or hot sauce for spicier shrimp
Other Ingredients:
2 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined- fresh or frozen
3 tsp olive oil
Tortillas (corn, white, or whole wheat)
Extra Toppings: Salsa Verde, Red Onion, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Lime Wedges
Preparation:
1. Whisk together marinade ingredients; olive oil, cumin, brown sugar, lime juice/zest, cilantro, and chili powder (if you are using it)
2. Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour marinade over shrimp. Place in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes
3. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat; add shrimp, pouring in two tablespoons of the marinade as well
4. Saute shrimp for 3 minutes, turning as they cook. Shrimp will turn firmer and light pink in color
5. Place tortillas in the microwave, with a damp paper towel over them, for 30 seconds
5. Serve shrimp over warmed tortillas and garnish with desired toppings
Black Bean Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups of couscous
2 ¾ cup water
? tsp salt
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
? of a small red onion, chopped
2 tbsp cilantro
1 cup salsa
Preparation:
1. In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil
2. Add couscous and stir, then turn off the heat and cover
3. Allow couscous to sit for 5 minutes, this allows it to absorb the water
4. While couscous sits, prepare the rest of the salad ingredients
5. Combine black beans, red onion, cilantro, and salsa in a bowl
6. Pour black bean mixture over the top of prepared couscous- serve warm, or place in the refrigerator for a cold salad
Quick and Easy Lime Pudding
Ingredients:
8 oz of softened cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened, condensed milk
Juice of 4 limes
Zest of 1 lime
Cool Whip
Graham Cracker Crumbs- for sprinkling over top of the pudding
Preparation:
1. Mix together softened cream cheese, condensed milk, and lime juice/zest
2. Spoon into ramekins, small bowls, or glasses. Place in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up
3. Place a dollop of cool whip over the pudding, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top, and garnish with lime wedges
Kris Schoels is the editor of Young Married Chic -- a blog devoted to baking, fashion, home decor and travel.
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