Summer on a Plate

Summertime is rapidly approaching, and I’ve got my mind on one thing—food.  It’s the season for ripe fruits and vegetables.  A reason to get that grill out and start barbequing. 

For me, summertime is something special.  It’s a time gather around with friends and family.  It’s a reason to go outside and go to the beach or go swimming.  A time to camp, go to baseball games, and be refreshed.  Summer tastes like joy.  And I’m ready to savor every bite.

And in my Soul Kitchen, summer is something I taste.  It’s fruit-sticky fingers, clinking glasses of iced tea, and meals that don’t ask much of me—except to slow down and enjoy.

Food That Feels Like Freedom

Summer food doesn’t demand perfection. It’s unfussy. Uncomplicated. Delicious in its simplicity.  It’s watermelon slices eaten straight off the rind with juice running down your chin.  It’s grilled veggie skewers accompanied by a slab of baby back ribs.  And it’s snacks and treats galore.  

As someone who is neurodivergent, food isn’t just fuel, it’s a sensory experience.  It’s soothing.  And during the summertime, that’s a gift.  Cold crunchy cucumbers, sweet peaches, lemonade with a lot of ice.  Summer food is my love language for showing myself compassion and self-care. 

Slowing Down in the Heat

There’s something magical about the way summer slows everything down.  Even the way we eat shifts. Dinners become picnics.  Lunch becomes whatever’s in the fridge. Routines loosen, and laziness is no longer considered a sign of weakness.  

On the days when the heat zaps your energy or your brain feels foggy, you don’t have to cook a full meal to feed yourself well.  I usually snack my way through the day or just eat a frozen meal for dinner.  Still, it’s nourishment.   

Nourishment That Feels Like Joy

In summer, I let food be fun.  I buy rainbow sherbert just because, eat outside when I can, and choose joy over guilt.  I’ve learned that nourishment doesn’t have to be strict or routine.  Sometimes, it’s a choosing what feels good over what looks impressive.  

What Summer Tastes Like to Me:

• Iced caramel macchiatos 
• Fresh berries eaten straight from the container
• Grandma’s potato salad
• Watermelon slices
• Charcuterie at the beach
• Lemon sorbet after sunset
• Avocado toast with arugula and a balsamic drizzle 
• Whatever’s cold, crisp, and comforting

Summer on a plate is smoky, simple, and full of soul. It’s about slowing down, soaking up sunshine, and letting food be an experience—not just a routine. This season reminds us that a good meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be fulfilling. So light up the grill, eat with your hands, and savor every messy, mouthwatering bite. Let it be about joy, not perfection.

Here’s a quick, flavorful favorite that captures that spirit perfectly:

Embrace The Unseen

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Grilled chicken skewers with veggies. Healthy and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 lemon
• 1 red bell pepper chopped into squares
• 1 green bell pepper chopped into squares
• 1 red onion cut into quarters
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• ⅓ tsp mediterranean seasoning or cumin
• olive oil
• salt and pepper

Equipment

• grill
• wooden skewers soaked in water before using

Method

 

1. Using a large bowl, mix the chicken and veggies with the olive oil. Add salt and pepper along with mediterranean seasoning. Finally, include the minced garlic. Toss to combine. Marinate for an hour or more. *Overnight is better if you want a deeper flavor.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
4. Thread the chicken, peppers, onion, zucchini, alternating for color and variety.
5. Grill them for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. In the last few minutes, squeeze with lemon.

Notes

[ss_social_share networks=”Facebook; instagram; pintrest; tumblr; threads” align=”left” shape=”rounded” size=”small” labels=”label” spacing=”1″ hide_on_mobile=”0″ total=”0″ all_networks=”1″]Serve with:

• grilled corn on the cob 
• wild rice or steamed white or brown rice
• mashed potatoes 

 

No rules, just flavor. That’s summer—bold, bright, and beautifully imperfect.