If you’re daydreaming about warm summer days on Ocean Isle Beach, then you’re in the right place. If you’re thinking about all those delicious cool summer recipes you love, then this post is the one for you. This week as we enter the heat of the summer, we share our favorite breezy summer recipes featuring local produce and a dash of the Carolina coast.

Strawberry Shortcake

If there is a bad or wrong way to eat a strawberry, we’re not sure what it would be. However, there is a great way to eat fresh local strawberries that are sure to leave you cool and refreshed on a hot summer day. Ok, we realize we are starting off with a dessert, but hey, this is vacation. You’re allowed to do that. This recipe is easy to make and will be loved by everyone. After all, who doesn’t like whipped cream? Make this as a refreshing after dinner dessert. Don’t forget to check out Holden Brothers Farm Market where you can pick your own strawberries.

The Best Summer Fruit Salad

We understand you may not start your day off with strawberry shortcake. However, starting off your day with a bowl of fresh fruit salad is perfect. Loaded with vitamins and fiber, you can’t go wrong with this light breakfast, which is almost purposely made for those warm summer mornings. After all, you’ll need that little boost to enjoy the sites andevents on Ocean Isle Beach.

Chopped Greek Salad

Eating your salad has never tasted better than with this crisp recipe. Made with vibrant lettuce, succulent tomatoes, and mouth-watering feta cheese, this recipe is so good you might even pass up that cheeseburger. Ok, so maybe we took that too far. However, salads are great in the summer when you are looking for a lighter fare. This salad can be a main dish or served as a side dish with your favorite entree, such as grilled shrimp. Remember, if you need tips on grilling seafood don’t forget our previous post: How to Grill the Best Seafood On Your Ocean Isle Beach Vacation.

Shrimp Foil Packs

Here on the North Carolina coast we’re serious about a few things; basketball, BBQ, and, of course, our local fresh shrimp. Shrimp is not only great for you, it is easy to prepare. These foil packs are fun for the kids to help make. Loaded with fresh potatoes, corn, and a little sausage, you’re sure to find a family favorite with this dish. Buying shrimp is easy here on Ocean Isle Beach. With loads of local seafood vendors, no matter where you choose to stay on the island, you’re never far from the freshest catch of the day.

Waldorf Chicken Salad

You can have a sandwich during your Ocean Isle Beach vacation but it won’t be as good as this delicious Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe. The secret is the dab of greek yogurt and the raisins. This salad can be served on bread, a croissant, or alone on fresh leafy greens. Either way you can’t go wrong. Make this for lunch and you’ll hit the beach refreshed and recharged.

Grilled Mahi Mahi With Avocado-Chile Salsa

Mahi Mahi, also called Dorado, or Dolphin Fish, is as well suited for swimming as it is for the grill. It is loaded with flavor and well suited to marinades this fish makes for a tasty taco. Add a little healthy avocado salsa and you have a winning combination.


Buy The Freshest Fish

Need help buying the freshest fish possible? Is it your first time grilling or adventuring into the world of cooking seafood? Take a look at the video on the right and see what the world-famous chef, Gordon Ramsay, has to say about shopping for fresh seafood like a pro.


We’d love to hear about your favorite summer recipe. Leave a comment below with the details. Need that one last ingredient to complete your Ocean Isle Beach vacation planning? If you still haven’t booked your summer beach vacation, give us a call today at (800) 722-9222 or click the button below to book your Ocean Isle Beach vacation today!

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