Memorial Day: Paleo Style

Summer is just about here and that means warmer temperatures, longer days, and food designed to be eaten outside, preferably after a swim and before chasing fireflys (or watching fireworks)!

Memorial Day is sort of the official start of summer, so I thought you might need some reminders about paleo recipes that are so tasty and so much fun, no one will even notice that they’re not eating the usual grain/gluten/sugar-infused snacks.

I put together two menus, plus desserts and a massive list of potluck-ready salads and desserts to share with your near and dear. (I’m not sure what Dave and I are actually doing on Monday, but I am confident the ćevapčići from the Balkan menu will be happening.)

Happy (almost) summer! Now grab a picnic basket and go!

Menu 1: Burgers With a Twist

Summer cookouts don’t get much more traditional — and delicious — than juicy burgers with a fresh salad on the side. But why not break tradition with unusual toppings and balls instead of burgers? (BALLS!)

Jalapeño-Bacon Burger Balls: Make ’em on the grill!

Elvis Burger

SB&J Burger

Sweet & Salty Broccoli Salad

Menu 2: Balkan Grill

Think of these little sausages as burgers rolled into a new shape, and take your tastebuds to Croatia. A little spicy, very meaty, and easy to make, ćevapčići — with an irresistible pepper sauce — will take your cookout to a whole new level of awesome.

Ćevapčići

Ajvar

Herb “Rice” Salad

Potluck-Worthy Salads

If someone else is firin’ up the grill and you’ve been assigned to “Sides” duty, I’ve got you covered with these flavorful salads that are easy to double (or triple) and taste great alongside any kind of meat or fish. Recruit a partner to help with chopping, and you’ll be ready for fun time in no time.

Classic (Paleo) Potato Salad

Turkish Chopped Salad

Moroccan Orange Salad

Muffaletta Salad

Belly Dance Beet Salad

Tricolore Salad

Citrusy Carrot & Radish Salad

Desserts

Get-togethers are just a little sweeter when there’s fruit and nuts (edible ones and/or kooky relatives) involved. These treats are not-too-sweet and should leave your sugar demon undisturbed while still allowing you to indulge in a bite of something luscious.

Peach-Almond Crisp