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Top 10 Summer Recipes

By , About.com Guide

These are some favorite recipes for hot summer nights when you want something refreshing, or when you pull out the grill for a perfect summertime outdoor fiesta.

1. Turn up the Heat - Carne Asada on the Grill

This perfectly seasoned skirt steak will be juicy and tender if you let it marinate and then cook it slowly over a hot grill.

2. Add Some Color with Seasoned and Grilled Veggies

These lightly seasoned green onions and sweet peppers make the perfect companion to any grilled meat you like. They are smoky and slightly sweet when cooked and you can even enjoy them alone, as a snack.

3. Perfect Pollo - Throw That Chicken on the Grill

Your favorite cuts of chicken flavored with fresh oranges and cilantro and cooked on the grill makes a wonderful summertime meal.

4. Cool off with a Cool Drink on a Hot Afternoon

Take advantage of all that fresh summer fruit by making a pitcher of Aqua Fresca- "Fresh Fruited Water." The kids will enjoy the sweet, fresh taste and they can even help make it.

5. Melt Away the Summer Heat with a Frosty Lime Margarita

This perfect Margarita is made with real lime juice, not bottled, and is further flavored with Triple Sec. Make sure to use a good tequila for full flavor.

6. Let Your Chips Take a Dive into Some Corn and Bean Salsa

Salsas with cool tomatoes and sharp chiles are a perfect for summertime chip-dipping. This salsa, with crisp corn and light beans makes a great addition to any fiesta or picnic.

7. Bring out the Flavors of Summer Fruit

Enjoy the fresh, ripe flavors of summer with this refreshing, chilled, mango salsa. Add some chopped strawberries for some extra summer flavor.

8. Pico De Gallo Fruit Salad - A Perfect Cool and Spicy Pair

Many people order "Pico de Gallo" as a salsa like concoction of tomatoes, onions, cilantro and tomatoes. "Pico de Gallo" is in fact a fruit salad seasoned with a spicy chile powder. You can also add in your own favorite fruits such as mangos, plums or nectarines.

9. Refresh Yourself with a Cool and Crisp Enselada Fresca

A hearty salad makes a great dinner when you don't want to turn on the oven on a sweltering summer evening. Enjoy crisp lettuce with chilled black beans, cheese, cilantro, serrano, tomato and green onion and topped with a dressing of sour cream, guacamole and cumin.

10. Mariscos Frescos with Chilled Shrimp Ceveiche

If you can get your hands on some fresh shrimp this summer, forget about the grill and cook with your refrigerator! This recipe is a cool and refreshing appetizer or snack perfect for when the mercury reaches triple digits.

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