Keep it Cool
Late summer is when tinned fish gets to show off. When it’s too hot to cook and the produce is at its peak, King Oscar tins make the meal. Settle in for a long lunch, patio supper or park blanket hang with one of these low and no-cook recipes for every occasion. You, and your kitchen, have never been cooler.
For a long and leisurely lunch
Salads are always welcome for the midday meal. For an easy, restaurant-worthy feel, spread your platter with a creamy spread or dip before piling on the salad. This Salmon & Corn Salad with Avocado Yogurt is perfect for right now when corn is at its sweetest. Serve with pita for swiping every last bite. Willing to brave the heat? Halloumi just needs a quick sear in a pan or on the grill before adding to this refreshing Watermelon & Halloumi Salad with Brisling Sardines and mint pesto.
For a porch dinner
If you only think of pasta salad as a side dish, you’re missing out. With high-protein sardines, it’s filling enough to make it the main. Boil your pasta early in the day when it’s coolest, and add any vegetables that look good. This time of year, we have a constant supply of sweet cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, but use what you have. Save prep time and add the flavorful oil from the tin to the dressing, like this Lemon Sardine Fusilli & Fennel Pasta Salad. In the mood for mackerel, and maybe something Mediterranean? Try this Royal Mackerel Pasta Salad with olives, walnuts and plenty of parsley.
The answer to “what can I bring?”
It’s the season of backyard gatherings, park picnics and impromptu parties. What brings people together? A good dip. Better yet, a dip that doubles as dinner, like this Jalapeño Mackerel Layer Dip with tomatoes and smashed avocado. Feeling like something light and herby? Mix up a batch of this Creamy Sardine Dip with capers, fresh thyme and your choice of cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta (whatever you’ve got). Pro tip: fill a large bowl with ice and nestle your serving bowl on top to keep it cool.
