The 21 recipes you’ll be glad you saved for the rest of summer

Summer has a way of disappearing before you’ve had a chance to make everything on your list. These recipes are worth keeping close, whether you need an easy dinner, a dish for a gathering or something sweet for a warm evening. They make the most of the season without requiring complicated cooking. Save a few now, and you’ll have plenty of inspiration for the weeks ahead.

Italian Chopped Salad

Crisp vegetables and quick dressing make this Italian chopped salad come together fast. It fits an end-of-summer party because it’s light, cool, and easy to serve without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Citrus Salad

Grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins with honey dijon and feta make a citrus salad that’s ready in minutes. It works well for a party since it keeps things fresh and doesn’t weigh anyone down.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas stand in for tuna in a sandwich or bowl that’s quick and cool. It belongs at a summer party because it’s hearty without needing the stove.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

These tofu spring rolls are cold, crisp, and quick to make. They’re perfect for a summer gathering since they feel fresh while still eating like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale and apples tossed in dressing turn into a salad in minutes. It’s a good fit for the season since it’s simple, crisp, and holds up well on the table.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Hot Turkey Sandwich

Leftover turkey becomes an easy sandwich that feels like comfort food without any cooking. It works at a summer party because it’s filling but still heat-free.
Get the Recipe: Hot Turkey Sandwich

Chopped Italian Sandwich

Stacked meats and cheese make a no-cook sandwich that comes together fast. It’s perfect for end-of-summer gatherings because it feeds people without slowing things down.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Mexican Fruit Cup

Watermelon, mango, and Tajín make a cold snack that’s done in minutes. It fits a party setting since it’s light, refreshing, and easy to grab between conversations.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

This pimento cheese spread takes minutes with no stove or oven. It’s great for a summer party since it feels put-together but keeps prep stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Honeycrisp Salad

Crisp apples and cider vinaigrette make a salad that holds up well. It belongs at a party because it stays fresh and doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Overhead image of sweet and creamy goat cheese salad. — Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Arugula, goat cheese, and cucumber with lemon vinaigrette come together in minutes. It’s a strong fit for summer gatherings since it’s quick, cool, and easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpeas and pickles mix into a sharp spread that needs no stove at all. It works for a summer party because it’s something different that still feels simple.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Summer Gazpacho

An overhead image of two gazpacho dish in a white bowl. — Summer Gazpacho. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gazpacho is cold, fresh, and built from raw summer vegetables. It makes sense for the season since it cools everyone off without cooking.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad is bold, fresh, and done without heat. It belongs at an end-of-summer party because it’s quick to prepare and easy to serve in big bowls.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Veggie Pinwheels

Veggie pinwheels with hummus are ready fast for a cold lunch or snack. They’re perfect for parties since they’re easy to grab and don’t take long to make.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls. — Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Hemp seeds and herbs give this tabbouleh a fresh finish without any cooking. It works well for the season because it’s cold, quick, and keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle. — Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh veggies make this chopped salad come together in minutes. It’s great for a summer party since it’s light, crisp, and feeds a group with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

Taco salad skips the stove but still packs in flavor. It’s a good fit for the season because it’s filling without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach, avocado, and vegetables with citrus dressing make a quick, light salad. It belongs at a summer party because it’s refreshing and doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie chicken and almonds turn into a sandwich fast without cooking. It’s perfect for gatherings since it’s filling, easy, and heat-free.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Prunes, pomegranate, and feta give kale salad extra punch without extra work. It fits an end-of-summer table because it feels special while still being simple.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad