Around this time of year, most people are looking for no cook recipes to beat the heat. When hot weather hits the Pacific Northwest in the summer, it can be challenging to find the motivation to cook. Many people do not have air conditioning, and cooking means slaving over a hot stove. But there are certainly several alternatives! You can easily prepare and eat a week’s worth of food with little or minimal cooking. All it takes is a little innovation, fresh ingredients, and preparation: Think fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and meat or other protein. 

No Cook Recipes

When you’re exhausted from the heat and busyness of everyday life, no cook recipes are life-savers. You don’t always have to use the stove, oven, or even grill when cooking— and when it’s as hot as this summer, you probably want to stay away from any extra heat. You can cool off and still feel satisfied with your meal easily with no cook recipes like these.

Sandwiches With Variety

Get creative with your usual meal! That means trying something new to you, like a bahn mi or pita wrap. Try to mix and match a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads like:

• Tacoma Boy’s own deli Smoked Turkey Breast
• New York Style Pastrami
• Green bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Microgreens or sprouts
• Avocado
• Tillamook Cream Cheese
• Mustard and Co. Ballpark Black Pepper Mustard

Fresh Cut Vegetables and Dip

Veggies and dip is a healthy and light no cook recipe that is easy to customize to your liking— You could try Simply Organic French Onion Dip Mix or Gnarly Garlic Dip with freshly cut cucumber, carrot, celery, and cherry tomatoes. Serve them with potato chips, too, for an extra salty edge.

Salads

Pasta salad is an especially great no cook recipe! But any type of salad, served cold, can be filling and delicious for a summer go-to dish. And while pasta salads do require a small amount of cooking via boiling water, the payoff is worth it! Pasta salad is generally served cold and can be loaded with vegetables, beans, meat, cheese, and more. Try Great Low Carb Bread Company Orzo as the pasta base. Or for a quick and easy option, Tacoma Boys offers a variety of premade and packaged pasta salad. For other salad ideas, try:

• Garden salad (loaded with vegetables)
• Fruit salad
• Taco salad
• Cucumber radish salad (with a creamy dressing)
• Caprese salad (with fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and balsamic vinegar)

Tacoma Boy’s Favorite Summer Recipes

Summer recipes are light, refreshing, and utilize the best seasonal produce. Tacoma Boys boasts a wide selection of local fruit and vegetables to choose from. And why not get creative and use the season as a chance to try different tasty recipes? These no cook summer recipes are just right for the weather. 

Zucchini Noodles

Also known as zoodles, zucchini noodles are spiralized zucchinis: Try tossing the zoodles with Napoleon Basil Pesto or Stonewall Kitchen Sundried Tomato Pesto and serve cold for a refreshing dish that is full of summer flavor.

Stuffed Avocados

These are the ultimate hack to a protein packed summer recipe! You could stuff avocado halves with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Then drizzle it with Delallo Balsamic Glaze for a caprese-style stuffed avocado. Check out this post by Simple Veganista for more inspiration on how to stuff avocados.

Vegetable Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce

Try Tacoma Boy’s recipe for spring rolls with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and an abundance of assorted vegetables wrapped in Blue Dragon Spring Roll Wrappers. Serve them with Thai Fusions Peanut Sauce as a dip. Or, whip up a peanut sauce at home with the ratios in the recipe.

How to Stay Cool

It’s important to understand how to stay cool in the summer and year-round. Other than light and refreshing no cook recipes, there are several ways to make sure you’re staying safe in the summer. Mainly, be sure to keep hydrated! Remember to drink plenty of water when it’s hot out and throughout summer activities. Otherwise, get adventurous and head to the lake or beach: Relaxing and having fun in the water is an easy way to stay cool. Pack a cooler full of hydrating foods and tasty drinks to bring along on your summer adventures.

Opt for partially shaded areas if you head to a park or outdoor event, especially if you’re with young kids or older adults. For more tips on how to stay cool and safe in the summer, check out this guide by the CDC. Then, stop by Tacoma Boys for hydrating drinks and ingredients for summer no cook recipes! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

While it’s fun and exciting to enjoy the summer weather, it’s important to consume hydrating foods along the way. This year’s summer in the Pacific Northwest is already a hot one! So while you’re spending time outdoors, there’s plenty of hydrating foods and things to do to stay cool. Start by planning ahead and always having water with you— grab a reusable water bottle if you don’t have one. The key to staying hydrated is of course drinking lots of water. But it’s also helpful to keep hydrated with snacks and food throughout the day.

Stay Stocked With Hydrating Foods

There are several ways to eat hydrating foods during the summer and everyday. Generally, any fruit is a great hydrating snack! And if you have these foods on hand, you can stay cool and enjoy the summer. In general, fruit is a great go-to hydrating food. Many fruits are mostly water and are cool and refreshing when you take a bite. For a guide on preparing snacks for warm weather activities, check out our blog all about it. And consider these foods to keep you cool this summer:

1. Fruits and vegetables like melons, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and cucumbers. Almost any fruit you choose is likely to be full of water! And smoothies, like Columbia Gorge Organic Juices and Smoothies are an easy way to eat fruit.
2. Classic salads are a hydrating food because they’re full of lettuce and vegetables. They’re also light and refreshing on hot days! Try this Tossed Salad by Spend With Pennies with iceberg lettuce
3. Cottage cheese and yogurt: Munch on a cup of Smith Brothers Farms Cottage Cheese and chopped cucumbers.
4. Cold noodles: Think pasta salad, zucchini noodles, or cool sesame noodles. We like this recipe for Cold Sesame Noodle Salad by Life’s Ambrosia.
5. Some pasta sauces, like marinara sauce, are surprisingly hydrating! Throw together a batch of spaghetti with Victoria Marinara Sauce.

Cooling Down in Hot Weather

While it’s helpful to enjoy hydrating food, you may be looking for other cooling down tips and activities. If you want to get outdoors to enjoy the summer, go prepared! Pack those hydrating foods and snacks in addition to water and other drinks. You could even use a cooler with ice to keep things chilled while you’re at the beach, lake, or picnicking at the park. Cooling down includes using hats, umbrellas, and seeking shade often. Especially keep an eye on small children and older adults in the hot weather and encourage shade and hydration.

If you don’t have air conditioning (like many people here in the Pacific Northwest), there are other ways to stay cool indoors. If there’s a breeze, open those windows! Avoid using the stove or oven and instead opt for chilled foods. And definitely sip on water and tasty drinks.

Don’t Forget These Hydrating Drinks

Throughout the snacking, it’s always good to have a thirst-quenching beverage on hand. While water is an easy choice, it’s fun to mix it up with other hydrating drinks. Tacoma Boys offers a variety of beverages that you can easily grab and keep handy. They’re perfect for summer activities out and about in the sun!

Iced Tea and Kombucha

Try Joyroot Herbal Tea in Lemon Tulsi and Orange Hibiscus. Or make your own iced tea, like this Herbed Arnold Palmer! And kombucha is another version of tea —fermented tea. Búcha Grapefruit Sage Live Kombucha is available at Tacoma Boys in addition to several other varieties of kombucha.

Lemonade

Me & the Bees Lemonade with Mint and Calypso Lemonade are perfect summer drinks to refresh you. Lemonade does contain a good amount of sugar, however, so be sure to drink plenty of water too.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water or seltzer is a simple alternative to water if you’d like a bit more pizazz. Local Seattle Soda Co., Original New York Seltzer, and Poppi sparkling waters are available in the refrigerated section.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Every summer, it’s helpful to go over heat safety tips as a reminder to stay safe. Here in the Pacific Northwest, there’s just a few months of hot sun and warm weather. But it’s important to know heat safety tips as well as the signs of heat stroke. You can read up on the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here. To avoid heat sickness, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Seek air conditioned spaces often.
• Avoid the direct sun.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine which may dehydrate you.
• Go slow if working outside.
• Never leave pets or children unattended in a car.

Whenever you’re ready to grab hydrating foods and drinks to keep you cool, swing by Tacoma Boys! With a selection of fresh fruit, drinks, and specialty foods, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing summer. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Summer camping is an exciting tradition for many. It’s a chance to explore nature and wildlife, to relax, and to spend time with friends or family. Novice and experienced campers alike are bound to set out for trips to national parks and near lakes or rivers during the summer. And why not?! It’s a beautiful time of year to experience nature and sleep outdoors. While some people consider camping as strictly in-tents, RV camping and car camping is common, too. However you decide to go camping this summer, there’s a few things you can do to make it an easy and enjoyable experience.

Summer Camping Activities

While you may have a full itinerary of things to do while summer camping, it can also be a time to simply chill out. If you plan to get out of your campsite and explore, there will certainly be a lot to see and do! But you can make it a memorable camping experience with simple activities relaxing around the campfire. Some camping destinations are fit with several activities and things to do nearby —You might see a place to rent small boats like kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Or if your campground is a bit more basic, you’ll have to get creative with things to do. 

Water Activities 

Chances are you’re camping near a lake or other body of water. There are plenty of fun water sports and activities to participate in when summer camping. Check for those boat rental facilities or bring your own to take out on the water. Or, simply spending the day swimming and laying in the sun can be fun and relaxing —You could even challenge yourself and your friends to a night swim if it’s warm enough!

Activities On Land

Exploring the area around your campground is an easy activity to get started with. Extend it into a nature walk if you want to see different plants and wildlife in the area. Some camping destinations in the Pacific Northwest are near waterfalls: Hiking to a viewpoint or waterfall is a great activity for your camping trip! You can also try outdoor yoga or sports like volleyball and soccer if your group is the athletic type. 

Camping Tips

When it comes down to camping tips, it’s necessary to be prepared. Making a packing and grocery list can help you stay organized as you prepare for your trip. In general, think ahead of time about what you might need, what you want to do, and what you want to eat. For a list of camping tips and essentials, check out REI’s camping checklist here.

• Use the resources available to you: That means solar-powered lights or phone chargers. If you have a hammock, bring it and set it up between two trees on your campsite —Super relaxing! 
• Don’t forget the insect repellent and sunscreen: Check once, twice, and three times to make sure you have these packed. A nasty sunburn or several bug bites can really put a damper on your whole camping experience. While you’re at it, pack a first aid kit, too. 
• Be prepared for any weather: That means packing a raincoat and boots in addition to swimwear and sandals. You never know what might come in handy!
• Bring more water than you think you need: Summer camping also means hot weather conditions in many areas, so staying hydrated is an important part of summer camping. 
• Set up in the shade: Find a shaded spot under large trees or something similar that won’t expose your tent to direct sun throughout the day.

Camping Recipes 

While eating is a given on any camping trip, you can make cooking a fun adventurous experience with camping recipes. Get creative with your meals and try something new. Learning how to cook on a campfire while hanging out with friends or family can be a whole adventure on its own! In general, remember to pack a cooler and utilize your campfire. These camping recipes are just a couple ideas:

Meals

• Grilled hot dogs, burgers, and vegetables: Try Tacoma Boys own Smoked Philly Cheese Bratwurst, Chicago Beef Hot Dogs, and Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burgers. Fresh vegetables like zucchini, corn, and potatoes cook well over the fire, too.
• Shrimp boil foil packets by Damn Delicious are easy to prepare and require little active cooking time.
• One pot pasta means minimal cleanup —And just about everyone loves pasta! 

Snacks

• Nutrition and energy bars are always an easy camping snack. Tacoma Boys recipe for oatmeal protein balls will keep you full between meals during your camping adventure.
• For the trip to the campsite, stock up on snacks like Tacoma Boy’s dried fruit and trail mix.
• Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips with Tacoma Boys Gourmet Salsa and Bean Dip.

Camping With Help From Tacoma Boys 

For more camping recipes inspiration, visit our blog all about quality meals in the great outdoors. Visit Tacoma Boys for all the essentials for your summer camping trip, including premium meat and speciality condiments. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Warm weather is rolling in, meaning it’s just about time to enjoy summer treats! Refreshing and cool, summer treats should be tasty and contrast the hot weather. It’s a time when many families enjoy ice cold lemonade, fruity popsicles, and towering cones of ice cream. Many kids and adults alike look forward to the season as a time to enjoy such fun summer treats: But this also means getting creative when the family is sick of plain old popsicles. If you’re not sure what treats you and your family will enjoy this summer season, consider some of the options Tacoma Boys has to offer — and get inspired to get active in the kitchen and whip up your favorite treats!

A Selection of Summer Treats

At Tacoma Boys, a selection of tasty summer treats means there’s something for everyone on a cool day. Think ice cream, popsicles, iced tea, fresh fruit, and much more. Keep cool this season with summer treats, like these favorites available at Tacoma Boys:

• Ice cream bars and popsicles: So Delicious Dairy Free Dipped Ice Cream Bars, Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops, Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company Ice Cream Bars, and more.
• Ice cream sandwiches: Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches and Tofutti Dairy Free Cuties.
• Scoopable ice cream: Acme Valley Ice Cream, Snow Monkey Dairy Free Dessert, Umpqua Ice Cream, and more.
• Cool drinks: Paunchy Elephant Lemonade, Pressed Juicery Cold Pressed Juice, and more.
• Fresh fruit: Nature’s own refreshing summer treats come by way of seasonal fruit like melons, berries, stone fruit, and apples.

Refreshing Snacks for Summer Days

On hot summer days, sometimes tasty refreshing snacks are just what you need to keep cool and satisfied. Depending on what you’re up to for the day, you may opt for quick and easy or on-the-go snacks. There are so many different refreshing snacks for different activities! If you’re enjoying the warm weather in your own backyard, this is a good time to enjoy frozen goods that don’t travel well. This means ice cream sandwiches, sorbet and sherbet, popsicles, or whatever else needs to be stored in the freezer.

When you’re on the go, veer away from those frozen refreshing snacks: Rather, pack a sturdy water bottle (like a Hydroflask) with plenty of ice and lots of water. If you have a cooler, stock it full of cut fruit, cool drinks, and snacks like yogurt. These snacks can be enjoyed anywhere without too much mess or risk of melting. If you’re aiming to get out of the house, try a summer picnic! You can make your best refreshing snacks and summer recipes ahead of time. Then simply pack it up in a basket with other seasonal essentials and head to your favorite park or beach. For more tips on how to enjoy a spectacular picnic, check out our blog all about it.

Summer Recipes for Everyone

Tasty summer recipes generally avoid the hot oven and stove or opt for an outdoor grill instead. This is a good time to use summer seasonal produce, too: You can make several summer recipes for everyone by using fresh ingredients in a refreshing way. Frozen items and fruit may come to mind. Freshly made salads are a good option too! And there’s always time to enjoy sweet treats like cool cheesecake or moist cupcakes.

• Homemade Popsicles by Jessica Gavin: These are quick and easy to make and packed full of nutritious fruit! For a simple prep, use Remlinger Farms Frozen Fruit like peaches, raspberries, strawberries, or granny smith apples.
• Fruit salad: You don’t need a measured recipe for this one! Simply chop up your favorite summer fruit and toss it together in a bowl. Some may add honey or lemon juice as a ‘dressing’ for this salad, but it’s not necessary.
• Any other salad: Think pasta salad, Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad, chef’s salad, or maybe a caesar. Salads are a great option for hot days because they usually don’t require much heat to prepare. They’re notably crunchy and refreshing!
• Homemade lemonade: Lemonade can easily be made at home. Rather than using granulated cane sugar, try this recipe for a refined sugar free lemonade with honey.
• Baked goods: Find Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecake, Divine Pie, and Better Bites Lil’ Mo Mini Cupcakes in the frozen section at Tacoma Boys. Prepare them as directed for a sweet treat with no prep.

Summer Treats at Tacoma Boys

Grab prepared treats or ingredients for your own summer recipes on your next trip to Tacoma Boys. An array of fresh produce along with specialty food items means wholesome complete meals and snacks in one quick stop. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Summer and long road trips go together like ice cream and waffle cones. And here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have everything you need to fuel your road trip this summer!

Maybe it’s that windows-down, warm-breeze-in-your-hair feeling, or the way the late evening sunshine makes it feel like you could explore to the end of the world and back before bed. Whatever it is, these warm summer months have us bit bad by the travel bug–especially travel via the open road! And what’s the number one supply necessary for a great summer road trip? Fuel, of course. For your car sure, but let’s face it…it’s the road snacks that are going to make or break the ride. Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have just the thing. Whatever you like to keep in the center console–sweet, salty, crunchy, or fruity–we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up for our top contenders to be your ride or die snacks for your road trip this summer.

Our Favorite Snacks to Fuel Your Road Trip

Cruisin’ Candy

Candy is essential on any summer road trip. It can act as a quick pick-me-up when you’ve come a long way, but you still have miles to go. Or it can be a reward for the miles well traveled. Either way, it’s a great way to make the trip just a little bit sweeter. And when it comes to candy, we have it all (seriously, come see our candy aisle. It’s extensive), but we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. The best part? They’re all crafted locally!

Gig Harbor Candy Company Tiger Butter

If you haven’t tried Gig Harbor Candy Company’s Tiger Butter…run, don’t walk. A delectable mixture of vanilla, milk chocolate, and peanut butter, this candy is a melt-in-your-mouth treat you don’t want to miss. 

Cobb’s Naturally Naughty Peanut Butter Cups

A husband and wife team in Olympia, WA founded Cobb’s in 2013 out of their passion for delicious treats even someone with allergies can enjoy. Their peanut butter cup is dairy and gluten free and sourced responsibly, so you can fuel your road trip guilt free!

Tacoma Boys’ Dried Fruit 

Ok, not exactly candy. But for long hours in the car, maybe natural sugars are a better bet. From our bulk section check out dried kiwi slices, apricots, banana slices, papaya chunks, zante currants, raisins (regular and golden), coconut chips and more!

Savor It

While sugary treats are loads of fun, your savory sides will give you the balance you need to keep on trucking! These bite-sized salty snacks are the best for keeping the car clean and one hand on the wheel. 

Tacoma Boys’ Trail Mix

While you’re in our bulk section, take a look at our variety of trail mixes! With flavors like Simply Chocolate, Simply Kettle Sweet’n’Spicy, Tropical Paradise, and more, you’re sure to find a trail mix to your taste! We also have mixed nuts, cacao covered almonds, sliced, raw, and whole almonds–everything you need to mix and match your own trail mix just how you like it!

Beecher’s Flagship Cheese Crackers

If you’ve been to Pike’s Place Market, you’ve likely seen–and hopefully sampled–Beecher’s handmade cheese. Straight from the Seattle cheese maker you love,  Beecher’s Flagship Cheese Crackers will not disappoint. They melt Beecher’s Flagship cheese right into the cracker for a delicious crunch without hydrogenated oils. 

Hero Jerky Meat & Cheese Trail Mix 

Grab a pack of Hero Jerky Meat and Cheese Trail Mix for the perfect amount of protein to fuel your road trip! These packs have beef jerky, meat sticks, and colby jack cheese. All your favorites in one ideally portioned packet!

Car Cookies

There’s something exorbitant and extra fun about indulging in a car cookie. Great for in between rest stops and filling your belly, here are some of our favorite low-crumble cookies. 

Magic Flavors Vanilla Crescent Cookies

Magic Flavors is a local small business that specializes in bringing international flavors to the Pacific Northwest. Their take on Vanillekipferl (or German vanilla crescent cookies) are light and nutty and they melt in your mouth–perfect for car snacking! 

No Bake Cookies 

These no bake cookies from the No-Bake Cookie Co. are a delicious blast from the past! No-Bake Cookie Co is woman owned, and their cookies (all gluten free) are hand crafted in Bend, OR. Try them in Coconut Macadamia, Peanut Butter, or Chocolate!

PNW Cookies

PNW Cookie Company makes gluten free, soy free and vegan cookies right here in the PNW! Choose from Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Molasses, Oatmeal & Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Snickerdoodle and feel great about supporting local business while fueling your road trip!

Tacoma Boys: The Best Travel Buddy!

Wherever you go–whether it’s thirty minutes to Sunnyside Beach, or three days across the country–take Tacoma Boys with you! We’d be honored to fuel your road trip any way we can, so stop by today, say hi, and grab some car snacks before you hit the open road!