With record-breaking temperatures in the Bay Area, it’s about time I enjoy my first BBQ of the summer. I’m quite certain that when my uncle hosts a family BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, drum sticks and ribs are top of mind for him and most of the men in the family. At least that’s one thing I will be able to check off of my shopping list. But I’m not one to forget about those scrumptious sides and inspiring ways for everyone to get a dose of their daily greens. In the spirit of summer, I say we go beyond green and throw in a splash of red, orange, yellow and even purple!

Needless to say, the vegetable aisle at Trader Joe’s is quite colorful. I found myself rifling through bags of rainbow colored carrots; luscious green asparagus; hearty yellow squash; zesty zucchini; and red, yellow and blue potatoes. Of course, fresh rosemary and thyme were still within an arm’s reach, so I included that in my cart as well. The best part was laying out the garden fresh vegetables on my counter top and admiring the smell and taste of summer within my own home.

I sliced the carrots, diced the potatoes and piled one vegetable on top of another making sure each color is vibrant and visible at every angle. Then I drizzled it with extra virgin olive oil and topped it with a sprig of rosemary and thyme. With a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a handful of garlic cloves, it was ready to go into the 400 degree oven. Within minutes, the flavors began to pop and really come together. I guess that’s why they call it “the sweet taste of summer”!