Summer is an ideal season for cooking, especially when you need to prepare meals quickly. After a day in the sun, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This summer, I’m focusing on easy recipes that utilize seasonal ingredients, take less than an hour, can serve a crowd, and cater to various dietary needs.
As we officially embrace summer (though it’s been warm for weeks), I've gathered a collection of simple recipes that will help you whip up delightful dinners anytime. Let’s dive into these 20 easy summer recipes that you’ll want to recreate all season long. What are your favorite quick summer meals?
Featured image by Kate LeSueur.
Pesto Pasta Primavera
Why It’s Great: Camille loves this vibrant summer pasta that satisfies her carb cravings while packing in a variety of veggies, customizable based on what you have on hand. Plus, it's a one-pan dish for quick cleanup, allowing you more time to enjoy those long summer nights.
Key Ingredient: Fresh sugar snap peas bring a delightful sweetness to the dish.
Green Goddess Bowls
Why It’s Great: The highlight here is the Green Goddess dressing, made by blending ingredients in a food processor. This dressing elevates any dish it touches, making it ten times tastier. It’s a fantastic way to use the best summer produce while allowing for personal customization.
Key Ingredient: Crunchy roasted chickpeas add the perfect texture.
BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa
Why It’s Great: Nothing shouts summer like BBQ! These chicken skewers are ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for your next gathering. The avocado corn and feta salsa lends a deliciously summery twist that will keep you craving more.
Key Ingredient: If you don’t have skewers, grill the chicken directly and enjoy it however you like—there are no rules in summer cooking.
Watermelon Tomato Caprese Salad
Why It’s Great: This watermelon salad is an absolute summer favorite. It's refreshing, sweet, and crunchy—everything summer embodies. Plus, it’s the perfect backdrop for listening to Harry Styles’ "Watermelon Sugar" while you cook.
Key Ingredient: Utilize that leftover watermelon waiting in your fridge.
Sesame Soba Noodles
Why It’s Great: These sesame soba noodles creatively incorporate summer veggies into a delightful dinner. The unique flavors are irresistible, and the addition of avocado, snap peas, edamame, watermelon radishes, and mint is simply mouthwatering.
Key Ingredient: The sugar snap peas add a refreshing crunch.
Avocado Turkey Burgers
Why It’s Great: Even if you’re not a turkey burger fan, this recipe may change your mind. They’re ready in just 20 minutes, and the addition of mayo in the mixture keeps the patties juicy.
Key Ingredient: A touch of mayo is the secret to keeping these burgers moist.
Summer Pasta Salad
Why It’s Great: Created by our wellness expert, this dish embodies summer in a bowl. It showcases seasonal produce and can easily feed a crowd when doubled. Though it’s a side, I could enjoy it as a main dish any day.
Key Ingredient: Load it up with fresh farmer’s market finds.
Easy Greek-Inspired Rotisserie Chicken Bowls
Why It’s Great: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, and this Greek bowl is one of my top choices. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor, making it a fantastic summer dish.
Key Ingredient: Creamy tzatziki takes this bowl to the next level.
Spinach and Ricotta Pizza
Why It’s Great: We take pizza seriously here! This spinach and ricotta version is light and satisfying, perfectly embodying summer flavors.
Key Ingredient: The garlicky olive oil is simply divine.
Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Why It’s Great: These skewers might say “antipasto,” but they make a great light entrée when paired with a salad. Their grab-and-go nature makes them perfect for casual summer dinners, showcasing bold summer flavors.
Key Ingredient: The Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is perfect for dipping.
Chimichurri Fish Tacos
Why It’s Great: These flavorful fish tacos evoke beach vibes with every bite. They’re popular at pool parties and barbecues, and grilling them outdoors is a breeze. Just add chips, salsa, and some cold margaritas for a complete meal.
Key Ingredient: Pickled red onions add a zesty kick.
30-Minute Chicken Caprese
Why It’s Great: Using store-bought ingredients can be a great shortcut for quick summer meals. This 30-Minute Chicken Caprese is a prime example, beautifully plated and sure to impress guests.
Key Ingredient: Balsamic glaze is a must-have for flavor.
Fig & Burrata Salad
Why It’s Great: Camille describes this fig and burrata salad as a simple yet impressive dish. It’s fresh, crispy, and the ideal choice for a poolside lunch or a laid-back dinner.
Key Ingredient: Candied nuts add a delightful crunch.
Grilled Pizza with Figs, Balsamic Onions, and Gorgonzola
Why It’s Great: Try this recipe with homemade pizza dough for a unique twist. It’s a refreshing take on pizza, perfect for warm weather.
Key Ingredient: Fresh figs, balsamic onions, and arugula create crave-worthy bites.
Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry with Spring Vegetables
Why It’s Great: This dish is simple and addictive. You can easily swap tofu for chicken or any seasonal veggies, making it a versatile option.
Key Ingredient: The tahini stir-fry sauce, featuring ginger, lime, and chili garlic sauce, is delicious.
Simple Citrus Salad
Why It’s Great: This salad is simply fantastic. It features vibrant citrus, tangy onion slices, and salty Marcona almonds, all drizzled with olive oil for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a dish I could enjoy daily.
Key Ingredient: Buttery Marcona almonds bring an irresistible crunch.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Why It’s Great: With just five ingredients, this recipe is a must-try. The fajita meat is the best I’ve had, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare on a sheet pan. Dinner made simple.
Key Ingredient: Don’t hold back on the lime juice—let the citrus shine!
Salmon Roll Sushi Bowl
Why It’s Great: This one-bowl dinner is a winner! Packed with protein and Asian-inspired flavors, it’s a refreshing option for lunch or dinner that delivers all the sushi vibes at home.
Key Ingredient: Nori adds a delightful crunch and texture.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why It’s Great: Easy summer pasta dishes are a real treat. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy rich flavors. This Green Goddess Pasta Salad combines seasonal herbs and fresh veggies, making it your next favorite meal.
Key Ingredient: Creamy avocado pieces take this salad to the next level.
Lemony Sheet Pan Chicken with Artichokes and Spring Veggies
Why It’s Great: I can’t get enough of sheet pan meals. This one combines lemony chicken with artichokes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Key Ingredient: Garnishes like fresh basil, parsley, and lemon slices add the finishing touches.
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