(Family Features) Get out of the kitchen and head outdoors this summer for fresh, delicious meals that call for lighting the grill and relaxing in the warmth of the season. Take some of your favorite courses – like salads, for instance – to the next level by adding grilled ingredients for that perfect bit of char.

This Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad offers all the tastes of the season with spring salad mix, fresh blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese. Topped with homemade lemon honey vinaigrette, it’s a light yet filling meal fit for warm days thanks in part to the superfood that takes it to new heights: sweetpotatoes.

As one of the most versatile vegetables that’s easy to add to a variety of recipes for flavor and nutrition enhancement, sweetpotatoes can be a key ingredient in simple or elevated, sweet or savory dishes alike. Whether they’re cooked on the stove, baked, microwaved, slow-cooked or grilled to a perfect doneness with a crispy char, they can be an ideal addition to better-for-you summer meals.

Plus, they’re a “diabetes superfood” per the American Diabetes Association because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health. When enjoyed with the skin on, one medium sweetpotato contains more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, an important vitamin affecting vision, bone development and immune function. They’re also a good source of fiber and rich in potassium.

Another fun fact: the National Sweetpotato Collaborators officially adopted the one-word spelling in 1989 to avoid confusion with equally unique and distinctive potatoes, which are also grown and marketed in the U.S. Sweetpotato is a noun, not an adjective, meaning “sweet” is not a descriptor but part of the actual nomenclature. This is different than other potatoes using adjectives like white, red or russet to describe an entirely different vegetable.

Find more nutritional information, fun facts and summer recipe ideas at NCSweetpotatoes.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Andrea Mathis (beautifuleatsandthings.com)
Servings: 4

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

• 6          tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4       cup lemon juice
• 2          tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 1/2    tablespoons honey
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 3          medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4          cups spring salad mix
• 1          cup fresh blueberries
• 1/3       cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4       cup blue cheese crumbles
• lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

1. To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.
3. To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles.
4. Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Source: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

(Family Features) Nothing makes family time special quite like a homemade meal, especially one made with locally sourced ingredients that are as fresh and flavorful as they are thoughtfully prepared.

Whether your gatherings with loved ones take place in the family kitchen, on the patio or at a picnic area, this Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad makes for a perfect brunch or appetizer that leans on local ingredients like Michigan asparagus, which takes just about three days to get from the field to your table. Grown by more than 100 family farmers, it can be found in your local store at 1-4 days old, compared to 10-20 days old for imported asparagus.

Local means fresh, which makes for an especially delicious meal, but it also means sustainability. Because the Michigan asparagus season relies on the weather and uses rainwater instead of irrigation, it makes for a sustainable product that’s environmentally friendly.

As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium, it’s also easy to prepare – just don’t overcook it. Look for thicker spears at the store, as they tend to have greater texture and more flavor and tenderness because the fiber is less concentrated.

Visit michiganasparagus.org to find more flavorful recipes to share with your nearest and dearest.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad

Recipe courtesy of Ashley from “Cheesecurd in Paradise” on behalf of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

• 6          bacon slices
• 1          pound fresh Michigan asparagus, ends trimmed
• 1/3       cup olive oil
• 2          tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 4          hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 2/3       cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4       cup sliced green onion

1. In skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan. Set aside.
2. Cut asparagus into four pieces. Add asparagus to same skillet used to cook bacon. Cook until fork tender, about 4 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagus.
3. While asparagus cooks, prepare dressing. Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Chop bacon.
5. Remove asparagus from pan and place on platter. Top with chopped bacon, eggs, tomatoes and green onion. Pour dressing over top.

Source: Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

(Family Features) The fresh flavor of favorite foods pulled hot off the grill makes summer cookouts a treasured pastime for families across the country. This year, you can make new memories at those backyard barbecues by keeping in mind that grilling isn’t only about charred burgers and steaks – delicious, grilled vegetables can be just as enjoyable.

Nutritious and full of antioxidants, sweetpotatoes are a perfect option for summer recipes as they’re easy to grill in a recipe like Sweetpotato Wedge & Purple Cabbage Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. Hearty yet light for a tasty side dish, this salad is effortlessly simple and combines crispy purple cabbage, juicy tomato, velvety feta and poppyseed dressing around sweetpotato wedges as the star of the show.

With nearly 70% of the nation’s sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina, the state is the largest producer in the country of the year-round veggie ideal for grilling on those hot summer days. As a versatile superfood, their rich nutritional value and ease of use in a variety of dishes make them an ideal ingredient in recipes ranging from breakfasts and salads to protein bowls, tacos and more.

In addition to cooking on a classic grill, sweetpotatoes can also be prepared using a griddle. Until Sept. 30, you can enter the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission’s Blazin’ Blackstone Giveaway to win one of 14 prize packages including the grand prize: a 28-inch XL Culinary Pro with Rangetop Bundle. Join fellow “griddlers” by sharing a photo of your favorite sweetpotato recipe and encouraging friends, family and online followers to do the same.

Learn how to enter the giveaway and find more information at ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweetpotato Wedge & Purple Cabbage Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission
Servings: 4

• 2          North Carolina sweetpotatoes
• 1/2       head purple cabbage
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 6          tablespoons poppyseed dressing, divided
• 1          tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2          cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 3          tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

1. Preheat grill to 400 F.
2. Scrub and wash sweetpotatoes. Cut each into six wedges. (If sweetpotatoes are long, consider cutting wedges in half.) Parboil sweetpotatoes 5 minutes, drain and cool 5 minutes.
3. Shred cabbage into thin slices.
4. Toss sweetpotatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Place sweetpotato wedges on grill perpendicular to grates over direct heat; grill about 3 minutes on each side, or until tender-crisp with grill marks on each side. Remove from grill and set aside.
6. In zip-top bag or large bowl, toss cabbage with 4 tablespoons poppyseed dressing until coated. Add parsley and tomatoes; toss.
7. To serve, place sweetpotato wedges on bed of dressed cabbage and drizzle with remaining poppyseed dressing then sprinkle with cheese.
8. Serve warm or cold.

Source: North Carolina SweetPotato Commission

(Family Features) Summer is the perfect time to bring out the grill and enjoy creating a flavorful meal when entertaining your family and friends. While some choose to whip up classic recipes, you can heat things up by taking advantage of all the seasonal ingredients and popular culinary trends, such as opting for authentic, Asian-inspired recipes.

With many Americans opting to eat more ethnic foods, it’s evident that global flavors continue to be on the rise. While Asian flavors are not new, they continue to pique consumers’ curiosity. Incorporating on-trend, plant-based products and ingredients that bring out Asian flavors aid in creating bright and balanced dishes for all your eating occasions both indoors and in the backyard this summer.

Consider these tips to ensure your summer gatherings are ones to remember.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Ingredients
Summer provides a variety of fresh flavors to incorporate into meals, whether you’re stirring up a classic family recipe or something new. Seasonal tastes like tomatoes, peaches, corn, blueberries, avocados and other sun-ripened fruits and vegetables can help showcase the variety of the summer harvest.

Opt for Simple, Flavorful Swaps
From sides to salads and sandwiches, many summer dishes are served with creamy condiments. However, simple, accessible swaps can provide the same robust flavors using fewer, cleaner ingredients. One time-tested example is rice vinegar, which can be an alternative to mayonnaise and creamy dressings. To help elevate the flavors of your summertime dishes with minimal calories, consider an option like the NAKANO lineup of eight delicious rice vinegars, which are made with real rice and the finest ingredients, creating a clean flavor that is smoother and mellow compared to other vinegars. Featuring easy-to-read labels with no more than seven ingredients, it has no added preservatives, no artificial flavors and no high-fructose corn syrup or MSG. These rice vinegars are available in eight delicious varieties, including the new Toasted Sesame Rice Vinegar.

Serve Up On-Trend Asian Dishes
Asian flavors and ingredients continue to be increasingly popular due to delicious flavor profiles combined with vibrant colors and presentation on the plate. When warmer weather calls for lighter meals, go for an option that blends popular culinary trends and adventurous tastes like those typically found in Asian cooking to wow your crowd. Even the most inexperienced of cooks can whip up this Asian Buddha Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing, featuring tofu, nourishing veggies and a sweet-yet-tangy dressing – a combination to leave your guests eager for your next get-together.

For more recipe inspiration and tips for creating fresh summer flavors, visit NAKANOFlavors.com.

Asian Buddha Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Tofu Marinade:

• 2          tablespoons NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar or NAKANO Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar
• 1/4       cup tamari (Japanese soy sauce)
• 1          tablespoon sesame oil
• 2          teaspoons chili paste
• 2          garlic cloves, diced
• 2          blocks extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• nonstick cooking spray
• wooden skewers, soaked in water

Buddha Bowl:

• 2          cups fresh, shredded carrot
• 2          cups broccoli, cooked and cut into small florets
• 3          cups brown rice, cooked
• 2          teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

Lemon-Tahini Dressing:

• 1          tablespoon NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar or NAKANO Organic Natural Rice Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 3          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          tablespoon tamari (Japanese soy sauce)
• 1          tablespoon maple syrup
• 1          garlic clove, grated
• 1          teaspoon grated ginger
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice

1. To make Tofu Marinade: In small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, chili paste and diced garlic. Add tofu to bowl and place in refrigerator 10-20 minutes to allow tofu to marinate.
2. Before lighting grill, spray with nonstick cooking spray then heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove tofu from marinade and thread on skewers. Grill each skewer 10 minutes, turning midway, or to desired doneness.
3. To make Buddha Bowl: In six bowls, evenly combine carrots, broccoli, baked tofu, brown rice and sesame seeds.
4. To make Lemon-Tahini Dressing: In medium bowl, whisk rice vinegar, tahini, sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, ginger and lemon juice until combined. Top each bowl with dressing, as desired.

Substitutions: Tofu can be substituted with 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken or top sirloin steak.

Source: NAKANO

Refreshing, dairy-infused dishes for warm days

(Family Features) Keep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients make each of these refreshing dishes perfect solutions for toasty days.

Featuring ingredients across the food groups, these dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More are ideal for well-rounded meals filled with nutritious flavor. Zesty mustard, spicy Sriracha and rich buttermilk lend a marinated flavor upgrade to traditional grilled chicken, while homemade pesto, fresh corn and ham create a perfect harmony for a cheesy grilled pizza. Or make a salad the star of your dinner table with a simply seasoned sirloin steak, plenty of veggies and a tart twist on a creamy dressing made with yogurt and milk.

Find more refreshing meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 1/2    cups buttermilk
• 1          tablespoon mustard powder
• 1          tablespoon Sriracha
• 2          teaspoons minced garlic
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 4          chicken drumsticks, bone in, skin on
• 4          chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
• vegetable oil, for grill
• 1/4       cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1         lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

1. In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mustard powder, Sriracha, garlic and paprika.
2. Place chicken in large zip-top bag; pour buttermilk mixture over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
3. Heat outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess; discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grates. Transfer chicken to grill and cook, turning occasionally, 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F.
4. Transfer chicken to serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Grilled Steak Salad with Chive Yogurt Dressing

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of Comfortably Domestic on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Dressing:

• 1          cup plain yogurt
• 3          tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (3 small limes)
• 2          tablespoons milk
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1          clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper

Steak:

• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon granulated garlic
• 20        ounces boneless petite sirloin steak

Salad:

• 3          cups baby spinach
• 3          cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts
• 1/2       cup sweet red pepper rings
• 1/2       cup sweet yellow pepper rings
• 1          cup avocado chunks
• 1/4       cup thinly shaved red onion

1. To make dressing: In blender, combine yogurt, lime juice, milk, chives, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend on low until smooth consistency forms and chives are completely incorporated. Transfer dressing to jar with tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until serving.
2. Heat grill to medium.
3. To prepare steak: Combine kosher salt, black pepper and granulated garlic to create rub. Sprinkle half of seasoning mix over one side of steak, pressing it into meat. Repeat with remaining seasoning on opposite side of steak.
4. Grill steak over direct medium heat to desired level of doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium pink center. Remove steak from grill and let rest 7-10 minutes on cutting board.
5. To make salad: Toss spinach and romaine on large platter. Scatter red and yellow peppers, avocado and onion over greens. Slice grilled sirloin thinly against grain. Arrange meat slices along center of salad.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad just prior to serving.

Grilled Pizza with Arugula Pesto, Corn and Ham

Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Arugula Pesto:

• 2          cups fresh arugula, tightly packed
• 1          clove garlic
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• pinch red pepper flakes, (optional)
• 1/3       cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Grilled Pizza:

• 2          tablespoons flour, divided
• 1          pound pizza crust dough (at room temperature if using refrigerated dough)
• vegetable oil, for grill
• 1/2       cup Arugula Pesto
• 1/2       cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2     cup diced deli ham
• 1/2-3/4             cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 cob)
• 1/4     cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4     cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat grill to medium heat (350-400° F).
2. To make Arugula Pesto: In food processor, combine arugula, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes and Parmesan. Pulse until combined then, with food processor on, drizzle in olive oil until pesto forms, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. To make Grilled Pizza: Flour pizza dough lightly and stretch or roll to about 1/2-inch thickness (14-16-inch diameter).
4. Sprinkle remaining flour on large rimless baking sheet, pizza peel or pizza stone. Transfer dough to baking surface.
5. Clean grill grate and grease with oil-soaked paper towel and tongs. Slide dough off baking surface onto grill. Cover and cook until dough is bubbling on top and golden brown on bottom, 2-3 minutes.
6. Carefully flip dough over using peel or tongs. Remove crust from grill to add toppings. Spread Arugula Pesto over dough. Top with ricotta, ham, corn kernels, onion and Parmesan. Return pizza to grill, cover and cook until toppings are heated through and bottom of crust is crispy, 5-7 minutes.
7. Remove from grill, slice and serve.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) Good things come in pairs, and flavor is no exception. Professional chefs know the secret to combining sweet, hot, tangy, salty, bitter and sour for crave-worthy dishes, and now everyday cooks are discovering this concept as well. The right combinations can turn basic main dish meals into tasty adventures. With a greater variety of ingredients and influences at our fingertips — in restaurants, grocery stores and on TV cooking shows — experimenting with flavor pairings has never been easier or more exciting.

The palate-pleasing combination of salty and sweet goes upscale with crystallized ginger and salted pistachio. While it is an ideal pairing for desserts, the dynamic duo is equally delicious in main dish recipes, such as Ginger-Pistachio Crusted Chicken With Tangerine Sauce.

Watch out when wasabi and maple — the ultimate in sweet heat — team up. Accented by ginger and garlic, Maple Wasabi Glazed Salmon features an exciting twist on teriyaki. This combination is also great for enhancing the flavor of stir-fries, ribs and chicken.

Though their appearance is tiny, when mustard and fennel seeds join forces, the result is a mighty punch of flavor and texture. For a light, delicious main dish salad, try Fennel and Mustard Seed Crusted Shrimp With Apricot Dressing. Toasting the seeds adds depth to their flavor.

For additional recipes, visit www.mccormick.com.

Toasting spices is fast and easy:

1. Place dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Once pan is hot, pour in desired amount of seeds.
3. Using a spatula, stir seeds in pan until they become fragrant, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Fennel and Mustard Crusted Shrimp With Apricot Dressing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

• 1 tablespoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Mustard Seed
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Fennel Seed
• 1 teaspoon hot water
• 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground Turmeric
• 1 pound extra large shrimp (16 to 20 count), peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cups field greens

1. Heat a small skillet on medium heat. Add mustard and fennel seeds; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Immediately pour out of hot pan to avoid over-toasting. Finely crush seeds using a small food processor, a clean coffee grinder, a rolling pin or a mortar and pestle. Pour into small bowl. Stir in hot water and turmeric. Let stand 5 minutes. Coat shrimp evenly with seed mixture.
2. Mix apricot preserves, lime juice, soy sauce and sea salt in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add shrimp; cook 3 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink, turning once. Divide greens among 4 serving plates. Top with shrimp. Serve with apricot dressing.

Maple Wasabi Glazed Salmon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

• 2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Collection Wasabi Powder
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground Ginger
• 2 pounds salmon fillets

1. Mix wasabi with water in small bowl until well blended. Add remaining ingredients, except salmon; stir until well mixed. Place salmon in 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Spoon wasabi mixture evenly over salmon.
2. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork, basting occasionally with wasabi mixture.

Ginger-Pistachio Crusted Chicken With Tangerine Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

• 3/4 cup shelled salted pistachio nuts
• 1/4 cup McCormick Gourmet Collection Crystallized Ginger
• 1/3 cup tangerine or orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

1. Place pistachios and crystallized ginger in food processor; process until mixture is chopped. Stir tangerine juice, honey and soy sauce in small bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Set aside.
2. Place chicken in foil-lined shallow baking pan; brush chicken with egg white. Coat evenly with ginger-pistachio mixture.
3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Slice chicken and serve with tangerine sauce.

Source: McCormick