Summertime is an excellent time to reimagine classic favourites with a fresh, local twist. And what better way to do that than by turning them into Canadian dishes? From burgers on the grill and salmon bowls to bakery-style tartlets, these recipes take familiar summer staples and upgrade them. Think fun flavours, seasonal ingredients, and a whole lot of Canadian pride on every plate. It’s comfort food, cottage-style.
Canadian Caesar Smashed Potato Salad
If the Caesar is one of Canada’s most popular cocktails, then this Canadian Caesar Smashed Potato Salad might just become one of your family’s favourite side dishes. With yogurt dressing, olive brine, lemon juice, and a splash of hot sauce, it brings the punch of a Caesar to your plate. This salad is a true Canadian crowd-pleaser tossed with tender smashed potatoes, veggies, olives, bacon, and chopped eggs.
Cherry and Basil Pesto Flatbread
Nothing says Canadian summer, like juicy local cherries, fresh garden herbs, and delicious seasonal produce. This flatbread starts with warm, baked naan topped with creamy mozzarella, sweet cherries, sliced red onion, and fragrant rosemary. Fresh out of the oven, it’s finished with a zesty arugula salad and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a peppery and salty bite. This Canadian dish is made for patio dinners, weekend get-togethers, or any sunny day craving.
Crispy Rice Bowl with Blackberry-Glazed Salmon
Say hello to a summer bowl that celebrates Canadian flavours! Think sweet maple syrup, local blackberries, and buttery rice. It’s easy to whip up, and you get that blend of crispy, fresh, sweet, and tangy with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to kick back, grab a cold drink, and soak up the sunshine.
The Canadian Maple-Bacon Burger
Get ready to fire up the grill and bring on the Canadiana! This burger is everything summer BBQ dreams are made of, including a juicy pork patty loaded with sharp cheddar, peameal, back, or maple bacon, and maple syrup (because what’s more Canadian than that?) Topped with zesty maple bacon mayo, dill pickles, and a dollop of maple onion jam (all the maple!), it’s a full-on flavour fest between two brioche or Kaiser buns. Show off your patriotic pride with this burger beauty!
Pear Puff Pastry Tartlets
With buttery puff pastry, melty Oka cheese and caramelized pears and finished with a bacon mixture topping and honey drizzle, each bite strikes that magical balance between sweet, savoury, and oh-so-satisfying. These golden, flaky pastries bring peak farmers’ market vibes with a Québécois flair. If you’re setting up a summer brunch spread at the cottage, make sure to add these to your menu du jour.
