Best Summer Recipes to Elevate Your Summer in Vancouver
- Cora Courtais
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
And Why Vancouver Foodies Love Les Petits Chefs!
Summer is the perfect season to explore fresh, colorful, and creative recipes. At Les Petits Chefs, our mission is to bring healthy, local, and delicious food experiences to adults and professionals in Vancouver who appreciate real food, great taste, and sustainability. In this blog, we’ll share five best summer recipes and exciting summer food trends that are fun to try at home and explain why Les Petits Chefs is becoming the go-to culinary experience for Vancouver's health-conscious and food-loving adults.
Best Summer Recipes: 1. Tomato Flights – The Most Colorful Appetizer of the Season
What is a Tomato Flight?
Inspired by wine or craft beer flights, the tomato flight is a vibrant presentation of different heirloom or cherry tomato varieties, each paired with a unique topping: goat cheese, balsamic glaze, basil, or flaky sea salt.
Why You’ll Love It
Tomato flights are simple to prepare, aesthetically stunning, and showcase the best of seasonal BC produce.
A Les Petits Chefs Twist
We sometimes feature tomato flights in our cooking classes and private workshops. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly easy to make.
Learn more about the tomato flight trend from Better Homes & Gardens
2. Ranch Water – The Viral Summer Drink
What Is Ranch Water?
Originally a Texan cocktail made with tequila, lime, and sparkling water, this drink has now gone viral on TikTok. The best part? It can easily be adapted into a mocktail for those avoiding alcohol.
Mocktail Recipe
Fresh lime juice
Sparkling water
A splash of orange juice or cucumber syrup
Garnish with mint and lime wedges
A Refreshing Option
This drink is perfect for warm evenings, patio dinners, or post-work cooldowns.
Note: Les Petits Chefs does not offer drink preparation in their services, but we love inspiring our community with refreshing ideas to pair with their meals!
3. The Onion Boil – TikTok’s Unexpected Star
The Trend
A Cajun-style roast of whole sweet onions with butter and spices. Wrapped in foil and baked, it becomes a rich and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or plant-based mains.
Easy to Try at Home
Slice whole onions, add butter and seasoning (paprika, garlic, parsley), wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes.
In Our Cooking Kits
You’ll find this dish (and variations) featured in our seasonal meal prep boxes and Sunday supper workshops.
Explore more about the onion boil trend via Food & Wine
4. Fruit and Veggie Salads – Light, Sweet, and Savory
Why They Work
These salads strike the perfect balance between flavor and freshness. Combining watermelon and feta, or mango and grilled corn creates dishes that are light yet satisfying.
Quick Summer Salad Recipe
Watermelon, cucumber, and feta
Fresh basil or mint
Olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzle
These recipes are part of our private catering menus and are a hit at garden parties and workplace luncheons.
5. Healthy Smoothie Bowls – Summer in a Spoon
Refreshing and Nourishing
Smoothie bowls have taken over social feeds for a reason—they’re gorgeous, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
Our Favorite Base:
Frozen mango
Coconut milk
A touch of lime zest
Toppings: chia seeds, fresh berries, shredded coconut
While Les Petits Chefs does not specialize in smoothie prep, we encourage our clients to complement their meals with healthy snacks like these :).
Why Vancouver Adults Choose Les Petits Chefs
Local and Seasonal First
We prioritize locally sourced ingredients from BC farmers and seasonal produce. Our experiences are built around what’s fresh and flavorful right now.
Tailored Offerings
Cocktail reception, team-building workshops
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or learning a new skill, we make healthy cooking accessible and enjoyable.
Real Food, Real Results
Cooking real food helps reduce stress, improve gut health, and support sustainable living. We help Vancouver adults rediscover the joy of eating well.
The Benefits of Eating Healthy & Local
Health Advantages
Fewer processed ingredients
More vitamins and fiber
Better digestion and energy levels
Environmental Impact
Lower carbon footprint
Support for local farmers
Less food waste
Lifestyle Benefits
Cooking at home and eating local builds connection to your food, your community, and your well-being.
What Our Clients Say
“Les Petits Chefs transformed the way I eat. Their classes are fun, the food is incredible, and I finally feel confident in the kitchen.” — Julien R., Vancouver professional and foodie
Final Word: Let This Summer Be Delicious
Whether you're enjoying a colorful tomato flight or roasting a buttery onion, this summer is a chance to reconnect with healthy, local ingredients in the most delicious way. Contact us if you want to enjoy a dinner at home
About the AuthorLes Petits Chefs is a Vancouver-based culinary experience company specializing in hands-on, healthy, and local food education. From meal kits to private classes, our mission is to help adults cook real food with real joy.
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