The grill is obviously our favorite way to cook up a storm in the summer without heating up the house, but your blender is another under-utilized appliance that can help you prep party-friendly dishes without forcing you to blast your air conditioner. Seriously, blenders are useful for so much more than just smoothies. Try one of these delicious dishes and you’ll see just what we mean.
Watermelon Mai Tais
Makes 50 ounces Ingredients:
4 2/3 cups cubed watermelon2 oranges peeled, halved2/3 cup chilled pineapple juice1/4 cup triple sec1 teaspoon grenadineExtra ice cubes and watermelon for serving
Directions:
Peach, Passionfruit and Raspberry Yogurt Pops
Makes 10 Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt1 14.5 ounce can peach slices in natural juice, drained2 tablespoons passionfruit pulp1 1/3 cups fresh or thawed frozen raspberries1 tablespoon sugar
Directions:
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Makes 4 cups Ingredients
2 red bell peppers2 tablespoons olive oil2 cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed2 cloves garlic1 lemon, juiced2 tablespoons water1/4 cup tahini1 teaspoon ground cuminKosher salt and freshly ground black pepperToasted cumin seeds and pita bread, for serving
Directions
Orange Dijon Vinaigrette
Makes 1 ½ cups Ingredients
1 orange zest1 small shallot1 clove garlic2 tablespoons white wine vinegar2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 tablespoon honey1/2 cup olive oilKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients with a fork or whisk before drizzling over salads or using as a marinade. To store, transfer the dressing to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Salsa Verde
Makes 1 ¾ cups Ingredients
3 cups roughly chopped Italian parsley leaves10 anchovy fillets, drained2 tablespoons capers, drained2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice2/3 cup olive oil
Directions If you’re in search of an excellent blender for making everything from green smoothies to cocktails, hummus, salsa, and more, check out Breville’s Super Q. It’s super powerful and noticeably quieter than most other models on the market, plus it’s compatible with the brand’s genius new Vac Q pressure pump attachment.
