It is officially summer and there is no better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill! I am collaborating with Hebrew National this summer to show you how to bring creative spins on classic dishes and bring a little summer fun to your table.
As the first official day of summer arrived, I invited a few friends over to enjoy a casual summer evening in my lovely area of Philly. As I live in the Manayunk section of the city, city living here takes on a different meaning. Manayunk has more of a small town vibe than big city living and my complex is nestled in a corner of the city that is surrounded by hills and woods. Enjoying the views from my balcony of the lush woods behind the complex, the tall trees muffle the sounds of the busy city. We were able to enjoy some cocktails and conversation while I got my grill game on.
I thought a light and casual bite might be perfect with some perfectly grilled Hebrew National All-Beef Franks. To go with the hot dogs, I whipped up a lightened up pasta salad. Ever get those premade pasta salads at the grocery store that are just drenched in mayo? I tend to stay away from those and prefer to make my own. A few ingredients, a bit of chopping and chill time and you have a pasta salad that tastes ten times better than something that you can get premade. Added bonus – you get to customize the dressing to your tastes.
I wanted to lighten up the dressing for my pasta salad with some Greek yogurt and a bit of spicy mustard in lieu of the classic mayo packed dressing. This Lightened Up Pasta Salad was the perfect side to go with the hot dogs – creamy, packed with fresh crunchy veggies and a bit of tang from the yogurt and lemon. A touch of smoked paprika added a bit of a smoky flavor, which complemented the grilled char on the hot dogs.
Of course, the star of this evening’s cookout was the Hebrew National All-Beef Franks. They are always in my pantry and I personally think they have the best flavor. I have used them for years and my guests always love them. They are a classic for a reason.
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