This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Meijer. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cookouts.

Pool parties.

Impromptu gatherings on decks and around firepits.

SUMMER!

Whether we’re entertaining at our house, bringing a dish to a summer potluck or simply making an easy and delicious dinner to enjoy at home, I’m obsessed with these two summer recipes.

Made with locally grown produce straight from Meijer, they’re both crisp, refreshing and seem to celebrate all of the best parts of summer. (Like not having to turn on the oven!)

I love Shopping at Meijer

Growing up in Michigan, Meijer always felt like home. As a kid, it was where we did our grocery shopping, got our haircuts and bought new school clothes. (It’s possible I even went on a few dates to Meijer.)

Now that I’m a mom myself, Meijer is where I go for all the same reasons. This summer, I’m especially loving the fresh, locally grown produce from farmers right near my hometown.

My kids and I like to play a fun game in the produce section. We try to find the most unique fruit or vegetable possible and see if we can figure out what it is.

Did you know that Meijer has tons of unique items in the produce department?

Our latest find has become a new family favorite – Cotton Candy Grapes. Did you know that there are grapes that taste exactly like cotton candy? It’s the truth, and they’re amazing.

So when Meijer asked me to share two recipes incorporating some of our favorite local produce and a fun find from the produce department, I knew that this was right up our alley.

The next two recipes are going to become your go-to’s this summer. They’re both perfect for taking as an appetizer to a party, or for enjoying as a side for a meal at home.

Or – to be honest – sometimes this is just what we eat for dinner because it’s delicious and so easy and SUMMER.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad on a Stick

I’m such a huge fan of stick salads.

First, it’s easy to eat a salad while standing up at a party when you don’t need a fork – or even a plate for that matter.

Second, my kids are not huge fans of salad. But when it’s served on a stick? They devour their salads.

Do we need any more reasons than that?

This salad combines locally grown tomatoes that are full of flavor with crisp and refreshing cucumbers and crunchy lettuce that is just days out of the ground.

When skewered on a stick and drizzled with balsamic glaze, you are in for a special summertime treat.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad on a Stick

This recipe is so easy it barely needs directions. First, you’ll cut your cucumber into chunks (not cucumber slices like you’re probably used to doing).

Then, you’ll do the same to the tomato. You want chunks, not slices.

Finally, you’ll wash your lettuce and break it into pieces. (I find it’s easier to cut it with a knife.)

Then, simply skewer your produce in any pattern you like. I usually start with a cucumber, add on a tomato and lettuce and then repeat the pattern until the skewer is full.

Just be sure to leave space at the bottom for a handle.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze, and you’re ready to live your best life – as long as your best life includes eating crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes on a stick.

FYI – I usually make two skewers per person. Everyone says they’ll only eat one, but then I find them sneaking back for more. Trust me and make at least two per person.

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Cotton Candy Grape Slaw Over Jumbo Croutons

I have so many deep feelings for this dish, that things might start to get a little uncomfortable. First of all, if you’ve never tried Cotton Candy Grapes, get yourself over to Meijer immediately and buy them all.

Trust me.

My kids are eating them like candy.

My husband is too.

And it’s possible that I hid a stash for myself in the basement fridge because everyone keeps eating them up.

And they’re just GRAPES! How crazy is that?

Not as crazy as mixing those grapes with red onion and feta to make the most delicious slaw you’ve ever tasted ever.

Seriously.

How to Make Cotton Candy Grape Slaw Over Jumbo Croutons

First, you need to make jumbo croutons.

The recipe is right here.

They are SUPER easy and only take 20 minutes from start to finish. I usually make a batch every week or so to have on hand because everyone loves jumbo croutons!

Once you have your croutons ready to go (or while they’re baking), finely chop a medium red onion. Chop each Cotton Candy Grape into 4 pieces and mix with the red onion. (You want an even mix of grapes and red onion).

From here, you have a couple options.

If you are like me and can’t eat dairy, you can top your crouton with a spoonful of the slaw, add a drizzle of honey and enjoy!

It’s seriously so good.

Or, if you’re able to eat dairy, go ahead and mix 1/4 cup of Feta Cheese into your slaw mixture and add a spoonful of relish to each crouton. (No honey needed if you’re adding in the Feta).

Yum!

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