What makes each summer special? For me, long days at the pool, movie nights at the park, and all the summer meals with fresh fruits and veggies. But as the summer heat continues to warm us up, I know that I’m not the only mama who can’t stand cooking for more than a few minutes over a hot stove. With prices for gas—and pretty much everything under the sun—going up, I can’t justify ordering take-out more than once a week.
That’s why, more often than not, I find myself frantically Googling ‘summer meals’ that I won’t go into heat stroke cooking and the family will enjoy. Like most Google searches, it tends to take time to find my goldilocks recipe—the one that’s just right. Luckily for our readers, we did the grunt work for you. We searched high and low for all of the best summer meals, from apps to desserts, and gathered them into one place for you right here.
Whether you’re feeding a family on-the-go or making a quick lunch for yourself while your kids are at camp, here are 30 of our favorite summer recipes for appetizers, mains dishes, and more!
Appetizers & Sides
1. Tomato Bruschetta
Grab fresh tomatoes from your garden or the local farmer’s market for an elevated appetizer or quick summer snack.
Source: Garnish With Lemon
2. Sesame Garlic Ramen
Spice up your ramen with this easy recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Bonus: it’s so easy to make that your kids can help you whip it up!
Source: The Salty Marshmallow
3. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make the perfect protein-packed appetizer on crazy hot days.
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
4. Baba Ganoush
While I typically don’t like cooking for more than 20 or so minutes at a time on hot days, this lemon eggplant dip is worth the extra effort. The lemon tahini flavor tastes tangy and delicious by the spoonful, on chips, or on some warm pita bread.
Source: Chef Lindsey Farr
5. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Salads are a go-to in summer because they are tasty and filling. This Black-Eyed pea salad hits all the check marks for flavor but is also protein-packed to keep you energized.
Source: Family Food on the Table
6. Garlic Roasted Artichokes
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these easy artichokes for an appetizer or side. Try pairing with a meat and cheese platter for a delicious and filling appetizer.
Source: Drizzle and Dip
7. Roasted Corn Vegan Soup
I know that some people may balk at the idea of soup in warm weather, but this recipe is just so creamy and light—and includes summer-favorite roasted corn—that I had to include it. Plus, soups are such an easy way to sneak veggies into kid’s meals.
Source: Cotter Crunch
8. Korean Cucumber Salad
There’s no better time of year to take advantage of cucumbers. I love this recipe because it has everything you could ever want: crunch, sweetness, and just a little spicy kick.
Source: The Movement Menu
9. Fresh Corn Tomato Salad
Nothing screams “summer” to me quite like sweet corn—except maybe when it’s paired with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Source: Basil & Bubbly
10. Grilled Zucchini
When you’ve already got the grill fired up, add this great side dish to your dinner menu. We love that it’s as easy as it is flavorful.
Source: I Heart Naptime
Main Dishes
11. Panko-Crusted Chicken and Lemon Cream Sauce
Pair this crispy chicken with a tall glass of iced lemonade for the perfect summer dinner to dazzle guests—or your tiny humans.
Source: Oh Sweet Basil
12. Paleo Tuna Salad
Whether you’re looking for something a little healthier or just light and tasty, this tuna salad is a go-to in my house. You can pack it for a day at the beach or a picnic in your yard, and your children will gobble it all down.
Source: The Movement Menu
13. Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
Another recipe for fresh summer tomatoes, make this sandwich with the traditional bacon and lettuce, or enjoy it without!
Source: Grandbaby Cakes
14. BLT Pasta
While BLT sandwiches are an easy meal, this BLT pasta tastes just as amazing cold as it does hot.
Source: Eat the Gains
15. Beef Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful dish that will quickly become one of your go-to summer recipes. You can pair it with rice and fresh-picked vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Source: Cooking Classy
16. Whole Red Snapper
This whole grilled snapper can be made in just 25 minutes in the oven as you prep a salad for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Source: Precious Core
17. Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Stir Fry
This stir fry has the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and comes together in just 20 minutes!
Source: Chef Lindsey Farr
18. Chimichurri Flank Steak
Steak is a classic for fast dinners, but this chimichurri sauce takes this meal to the next level by adding flavor to every bite.
Source: 40 Aprons
19. Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Grilling makes dinners a thousand times easier when you are running around during the summer. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, and pair it with vegetables from your garden and some quick microwavable rice.
Source: Hello Spoonful
20. Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Slow cooker meals are great for the summer because they’re notoriously hands-off. Make these yummy chicken tacos for a delicious meal filled with the flavors of chipotle and honey.
Source: With Salt & Wit
Desserts
21. No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Cake
This chocolate mousse may only require a handful of ingredients, but don’t let it fool you, it tastes very decadent.
Source: Plated Cravings
22. Chocolate Crunch Bars
If you are looking for a dessert that doesn’t require plates to clean up, these chocolate crunch bars are a delicious option. Your kids can help you make them in the morning and then enjoy them after a long day at camp.
Source: Detox Insta
23. Banana Pudding
Pudding is an easy option on any day of the year, but I love this pudding because it’s not overly sweet and you can add a cookie for a satisfying crunch.
Source: Girl Versus Dough
24. No-Bake Cheesecake
This no-bake cheesecake can be paired with a handful of flavors—like fresh summer fruits—making it completely customizable for picky kids.
Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
25. Lemon Crumb Bars
Creamy and tangy, lemon crumb bars are a crowd pleaser and taste refreshing on a summer day.
Source: Sugar Spun Run
26. Homemade Whipped Cream
My father used to make homemade whipped cream for my birthday when I was little, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Try pairing this delicious treat with fresh fruit for a simple, easy, and delicious summer dessert.
Source: Celebrating Sweets
27. Black Raspberry Ice Cream
This summer dessert is just the treat you need to cool you down on very humid days. While there is a bit of prep, this creamy (but dairy-free!) ice cream makes it worth it.
Source: Simply Quinoa
28. Oatmeal Bites
Oatmeal Bites are a very easy afternoon snack or dessert that your children will love—and you’ll love them too because they’re a healthier treat.
Source: The Worktop
29. Mango Yogurt Popsicles
Summertime would be incomplete without popsicles. I love that this recipe uses clean ingredients like fresh mango and Greek yogurt.
Source: A Classic Twist
30. No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
While pie is usually a pillar of the winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, who’s to say we can’t enjoy it in the summer? We love that this flavorful recipe doesn’t require any baking.
Source: Grandbaby Cakes
