Florida’s vibrant coastal culture is packed with awe-inspiring views and mouth-watering foods that both natives and tourists can’t get enough of. With a landscape full of lanais, manicured lawns and a gorgeous subtropical climate, it’s an undisputed paradise for families and individuals of all ages. The seafood selection is endless, from shrimp, crab, clams, even gator tails, to the more “Floribbean” fare like Cuban sandwiches and jerk chicken. These classics show up in modernized, remixed forms across menus and restaurants everywhere, but they take on their best flavor when prepared at home on the grill with fantastic side dishes. Try these family-friendly recipes made for backyard get-togethers under the sun that are sure to shine at the table.
Florida may be one of the biggest tourism capitals in the United States, but it’s equally famous for its succulent orange and citrus exports. A citrus salad pays homage to Florida’s sweet reputation and brings a bunch of other key players to the mix. Pink and yellow grapefruits, Cara Cara oranges and freshly squeezed orange juice come together for a big taste of sunshine – and that’s just the beginning. Pure Flavor® Luna Sweets Cocktail Tomatoes are the pièce de résistance among its fruity companions, adding its own signature sweetness but also an exciting pop of tartness that makes your taste buds dance. Pure Flavor® Long English Cucumbers bring a little color contrast and all the refreshment, adding more crunch and a perfectly subtle taste that harmonizes all the pieces of this citrus symphony. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar to make it shine, and top with parsley for a final touch. If Florida had a taste, this is it. Check out the full recipe and enjoy by itself for a refreshing lunch or as a sidekick to a main dish fresh off the grill.
Shrimp is one of the most beloved seafood appetizers that always disappears the fastest at family gatherings. Those meaty pink prawns circling around a dish with that famous cocktail sauce at its center – a classic sign of a good time. Why not take that tradition and put it between two sesame buns for a new take on family favorites? Shrimp burgers made with Pure Flavor® Red Sweet Bell Peppers are refreshing, filling, and so delicious that they’ll instantly become a tradition as time-honoured as the shrimp ring. Pure Flavor® Red Sweet Bell Peppers are blended with shrimp for a sweet and rich complement to the ocean-fresh flavor, giving the mixture a beautiful coral color that brings you right to the coast. Once the mixture is balled into separate portions, they get covered in panko breadcrumbs and then flattened for hearty, crunchy burger patties. And what’s any burger without tasty toppings? Pure Flavor® Mini Cucumbers sliced lengthwise take your burger to the gourmet level and give your first bite supreme freshness, which goes hand-in-hand with the light and sweet meat of the burger. Finally, Pure Flavor® Red Beefsteak Tomato slices provide savory juiciness for a natural, tangy addition that harkens back to the tomato ingredients in your favorite cocktail sauce. This is the coastal dish made for the grill and made for your seafood-loving family. Check out the full recipe and serve it with the Florida Citrus Salad for an unforgettable feast of flavors.
It’s always a good idea to have some variety to suit everyone’s appetite. Check out other recipes designed for grilling perfection, like Georgia Gold Chicken with premium grilled Pure Flavor® Juno Bites Red Grape Tomatoes, and Beef Skewers made with Pure Flavor® Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers and Baby Graffiti Eggplants, or visit our recipe page to see all the ways you can #flavorUP your family dinners!
Pure Flavor® vegetables make a fantastic addition to any meal, but they also make an easy nutritious snack for both you and your kids. Pack in school lunches in reusable bento boxes or take to the office for a litter-less, environmentally friendly bite that you can always feel good about. Stay tuned to our Blog and Facebook page for more healthy tips so you and your family can always #LiveDeliciously!
