45+ Recipes To Make this Summer

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Celebrate summer with these light and flavorful recipes. From bright salads to grilling recipes and, of course, fruit-packed desserts this list of some of my personal best summer recipes will keep your family and friends satisfied and refreshed.

Summer is finally here! When the sun comes out, I always reach for my tried-and-true, easy summer recipe ideas that give me more time to take in the summer vibes and less time over a hot stove in the kitchen! From perfectly grilled chicken dinners to fresh and fruity desserts, keep reading for 45+ fantastic summer dishes!

What to Think About When Prepping Your Menu for Summer

• Lots of seasonal produce: If you’ve been holding out on summer produce all winter long – now is their time to shine. I love all the delicious recipes highlighting fresh zucchini, bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. And fruits like watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and cherries bring so much flavor to both sweet and savory recipes.
• Kid-friendly meals: Set yourself up for summertime success by having a good list of your family’s favorite summer recipes. Your school-age kids are home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and endless snacks!) – so be prepared with quick and nutritious meals that will keep hunger at bay.
• Light but satisfying: Just because I prioritize summer fruits and veggies, doesn’t mean I’m left hungry. The best summer recipes strike the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and wholesome nutrients that will keep you feeling full longer and energized without the heavy feeling.
• Simple and convenient: Out with the soups and stews and in with lots of big, fresh salads, hearty sides, and grilled dishes. I’m all about easy summer recipes that are quick to prepare and require minimal cooking time. Because I would much rather spend time lounging at the pool instead of sweating in the kitchen.
• Grilling recipes: Grilling isn’t just for big gatherings and parties, take your cooking outside even on weeknights. Grill up some meats and veggies in the garden. I prefer to use my outdoor grill as much as I can during the summer. If that’s you too, be sure to check out my roundup of grilling recipes.

Tips for Making Cooking in the Summer So Easy!

1. Get your prep done in the morning. Get ahead of the game and keep cool at the same time! Get your chopping and cooking done during the cooler parts of the day.
2. Dust off your small kitchen appliances. Whether it’s your slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, or toaster oven, smaller appliances let you cook food without heating up the whole kitchen. Perfect for summer!
3. Use herbs on everything! This is my trick for getting dishes to pop with flavor and color. Herbs are at their best in the summer months because they are vibrant and rich in flavors and aromas. Mix and match varieties, like basil and parsley, and use them on all kinds of meats and veggies.
4. Scale up condiments. Double batch dips like homemade ranch or cucumber yogurt sauce and keep them on hand for simple snacks like veggie trays or pita chips. Most salad dressings can last for weeks in the fridge (as long as they don’t have perishable ingredients like shallots and garlic), helping you make easy summer recipes quickly.
5. Stay hydrated. Refresh and cool off with homemade lemonade, chia fresca, mint lemonade, or raspberry iced tea. And don’t forget seasonal fruits and veggies that are naturally high in water like watermelon and cucumbers.

Best Summer Recipes

Summertime is here, and I want to help you fuel your body with refreshing and delicious feel-good recipes that will keep you cool even on the hottest of days. There’s something about this time of the year that brings out the natural flavors of fresh, seasonal produce and makes meal prep feel effortless (huge props to my backyard grill!). From light but satisfying dishes to vibrant salads and grilling favorites, these summer recipe ideas will become your favorites that you’ll be coming back to year after year.

Feel Good Foodie Favorite Summer Recipes

• Frozen Yogurt Bark – Simple and quick to make, this frozen treat is one of my top summer recipe ideas. What’s not to love about satisfying and healthy yogurt frozen with seasonal berries? It’s great for a snack, breakfast, or a sweet treat to end the day with.
• Easy Overnight Oats – My all-time favorite summer recipes to start the day with are these overnight oats. They are nutrient-dense, require no heating, totally customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Top with all your summer fruits and berries for an awesome breakfast.
• Grilled Lemon Chicken – Every summer must have a good grilling recipe that’s basic in ingredients but rich in flavor. The lemony marinade, made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano does just that. Add this to your list of best summer recipes today!
• Chicken Shish Tawook – One of the top recipes around here – this chicken skewers dish is a keeper! It’s a popular Lebanese chicken recipe that’s marinated in yogurt, earthy spices, lemon, and garlic.
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers – You won’t regret adding this to your list of easy summer recipes! It’s takes minutes to prepare and super quick to cook. And of course, they are wonderfully juicy and so good!
• Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl – You will love this Chipotle-inspired protein bowl. It’s bursting with summer colors and flavors: juicy tomatoes, zesty red onions, creamy avocados, and savory corn. It’s one of my favorite summer recipes and will become yours too!
• Ground Chicken Burgers – My list of healthy summer recipes isn’t complete without this flavorful meal. It’s made with ground chicken, minced onions, fresh parsley, and so much flavor. It’s a must once the warmer weather hits!
• Olive Oil Cake – With an airy texture and zesty flavor, this simple, moist, and wonderfully light cake will quickly become one of the best summer recipes you’ll make this year. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be as simple or glammed up as you desire.

Healthy Summer Recipes to Snack On

• 2-Ingredient Chia Jello – You will love this refreshing treat made with chia seeds, fruit juice, and an optional sweetener. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and omega 3-fatty acids. Plus, it’s one of those summer recipe ideas that you can make on the weekend to enjoy all week long.
• Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs – Easy summer recipes doesn’t get easier than throwing some eggs into your air fryer to have on hand for healthy snacking. Not only do they come out perfectly cooked but they are so easy to peel.
• Watermelon Fruit Pizza – Nothing is more juicy and sweet in the summer than a ripe watermelon. Top with whipped cream cheese and ricotta and fresh fruits like kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries for a healthy snack or dessert!
• Fruit Leather – Puree fruit in a blender and dry it low and slow in the oven. Easy, simple, and the kids love helping out with this sweet and healthy summer recipe. The best part? You’ll feel good about making a better-for-you version for your family!
• Crudite Platter – Full of crisp and vibrant vegetables (which summer brings in lots!) arranged in a colorful display. Serve with an assortment of tasty dips like homemade ranch, feta dip, or hummus for one of my favorite summer recipe ideas.
• Cucumber Sandwiches – Quick and easy to make with easy to find ingredients, these light sandwiches are refreshing and fancy enough to serve to guests. They can be as an appetizer before a summer meal or a light lunch.
• Zucchini Fritters – Summer is the ideal time to make these when zucchini are bountiful. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are a delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. I love serving them with labneh dip.

Easy Summer Recipes for Breakfast/Brunch

• Smoothie Bowls – You will love this refreshing and nutritious breakfast (or snack idea!) that comes with endless possibilities. They’re a great way to start the day with a burst of energy. Customize your bowl with all your favorite summer fruits and dig in!
• Hummus Toast – 4 Ways – You won’t be shunning bread after you try this delicious toast with hummus. It’s quick and easy to make, packs in protein, and can be topped with tomatoes, avocados, herbs, spices and more.
• Breakfast Tacos – With scrambled eggs, tangy salsa, gooey cheese, and creamy avocado, these simple yet hearty tacos are a great way to start your summer day. Swap salsa with juicy cherry tomatoes and garden cilantro to give them some vibrant seasonal goodness.
• Easy Vegetable Frittata – One of the best summer recipes for breakfast is a good frittata loaded with seasonal veggies. I love this one because it’s a great recipe for make-ahead meals and meal prepping for a crowd.
• Breakfast Coffee Smoothie – No need to crank up the stove – whip this up in your blender for a smooth, creamy, and refreshing drink to start your day. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas that will help keep you fuller longer.
• Cottage Cheese Toast – I love adding a unique twist to our favorites like this toast recipe. It’s a delicious combination of classic toasted bread and cottage cheese – topped 4 different ways, including fresh cucumber and pesto, salmon and dill, and more!
• Ejjeh (Lebanese Omelette) – This is a Lebanese-style omelette made with aromatic herbs and vegetables and whisked eggs. It’s a perfect meal any time but I love adding it to my healthy summer recipes.

Summer Recipe Ideas for Lunch

• Healthy Tuna Salad – Made with protein-rich tuna, creamy Greek yogurt, and crunchy celery and served on top of lettuce or in a sandwich, this light and refreshing lunch is perfect to add to your list of healthy summer recipes.
• Quinoa Avocado Salad – Add some summer veggies to hearty quinoa for a tasty summer salad lunch. It’s one of the best summer recipes because it lasts longer than a green salad and will keep you fuller longer.
• Healthy Egg Salad – Everyone needs a good egg salad in their repertoire of easy summer recipes. This one is light, simple to make, and oh-so-delicious. Make a big batch on the weekend for effortless lunches throughout the week.
• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Wraps – Chicken, broccoli, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla for an easy summer recipe idea that the whole family will love. Better yet, use leftover cooked chicken to make these even quicker.
• Vegetarian Cobb Salad Jars – If you’re looking for on-the-go healthy summer recipes, this cobb salad is your answer. Add all the ingredients to a large jar, shake when ready to serve, and dig in. It’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-good.
• Veggie and Hummus Sandwich – This is such a refreshing, delicious, and perfect lunch on-the-go. It’s great when you’re short on time but still need something satisfying and flavorful. It’s one of those summer recipe ideas that you’ll be coming back to again and again.
• Chicken Caprese Pesto Panini – Easy yet tastes gourmet. This is one of my favorite summer recipes that has the best of both worlds: refreshing tomatoes and basil and comforting sourdough bread – all in one meal.
• Italian Pasta Salad – Simple yet so good, this vegetarian pasta salad is both filling and delicious. It combines fresh summer veggies and mozzarella, with a zesty, tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
• Cucumber Gazpacho – No summer is complete without a refreshing gazpacho on the summer menu. Made with cucumber and blended with creamy, protein-packed Greek yogurt, this summer soup has the right kick of jalapeno, crisp cucumber, and creamy yogurt.

Simple Dinner Ideas for Summer

• Grilled Pizza – No need to crank up your oven and heat up the kitchen. This grilled pizza gives you that crispy, chewy crust without a pizza oven. Just fire up your grill and add your favorite pizza toppings and it’ll quickly become of the best summer recipe ideas!
• Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa – Whether you’re making these inside or firing up your outdoor grill, one thing is certain – you will not regret adding this to your list of healthy summer recipes. It’s light, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
• Pesto Tomato Flatbread – Delicious and easy summer recipes don’t get simpler than this simple pizza meal. Grab your favorite flatbread, slather on a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, and top with pesto and fresh tomatoes. Perfection on a hot summer day.
• Mediterranean Couscous with Shrimp – Packed with flavor and makes an easy one-pot weeknight meal after a busy summer day. It has bright flavors, is healthy, and will keep you full and satisfied.
• Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Zucchinis are sliced in half lengthwise, making way for a delicious chicken and marinara filling. Top with cheese and bake until perfectly delicious and tender. It’s a complete meal that will become one of the best summer recipes.
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos – My favorite easy summer recipes are those that come together quickly and don’t require turning up the heat in my kitchen. These shrimp tacos feature bright, zesty coleslaw paired with smoky grilled shrimp and are so good!
• Pesto Grilled Salmon – Flakey salmon flavored with bright and zesty pesto sauce that is grilled and served with parmesan pesto pasta – yes, please! This is one of those healthy summer recipes that is also very cozy and comforting.
• Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry – Want an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love? You’ll love this option – it’s made with tender flank steak and homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with broccoli, onion, and sweet red bell pepper. Easy, savory, and oh-so-delicious!
• Grilled Chicken Gyro – You will love this complete meal that is easy and so kid-friendly. A simple marinade seasons and tenderizes the chicken. Then, it’s grilled and tucked into a pita, topped with fresh summer veggies, and tzatziki sauce.

Healthy Summer Recipes for Dessert

• Fruit Pizza – Think of this like a large shared cookie topped with cream cheese frosting and all your favorite fruits. It’s the perfect way to end the day and one of my favorite summer recipes.
• Grilled Fruit Kabobs – If you haven’t tried my bbq fruit skewers, you’re missing out. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruits and brings out their sweet flavor. They will be the perfect dessert to cap off a summer meal.
• Cream Cheese Fruit Dip – Grab all the seasonal fresh fruits and berries and spread them on a platter next to this fruit dip. It will make for a light yet delicious summer dessert that will perfectly satisfy the sweet tooth.
• Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie – Made with only 4 ingredients and has an unbelievably creamy and smooth texture, this ice cream pie will quickly rise to the top of the best summer recipes in your home.
• Lemon Pudding – Make sure you add some bright and fresh pudding to your list of summer recipe ideas. Once you try this delicious version, you will never buy a box of store-bought pudding again.
• Angel Food Cake – Light, airy, pillowy soft, and oh-so-delicious. This angel food cake has just the right amount of sweetness and is perfect with summer berries and a spoonful of whipped cream.
• Strawberry Pie – Make the most of those farm-stand strawberries and make this delicious strawberry pie. Great for a weekend treat, a summer barbecue, or a special occasion with friends and family. It’ll quickly become one of your top favorite summer recipes.
• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars – If you love frozen treats, you must give these a try. They are simple to make, refreshingly delicious, and, most importantly, packed with protein, so you’ll feel good about adding them to your list of healthy summer recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome the hot weather with these scrumptious summer recipes! Easy, delicious, and perfect for entertaining or feeding your family healthy food from sun up to sun down! I hope this collection of the best summer recipes inspired you with new ideas for dishes to try this summer.

Full List of Recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Sides to Serve with Burgers, Easy Picnic Food Ideas, Grilling Recipes, and Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes.

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