You’ll want to cook these before summer's gone for good, because these recipes are made for soaking up the last stretch of the season. They’re quick to pull together, big on flavor, and perfect for those moments when you want to make the most of long evenings and easy meals. Think of it as a way to send summer out on a high note, without overthinking what’s on the table.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Pesto Flatbread
This flatbread comes together fast with pesto, ricotta, and tomatoes on crisp naan. It’s an easy pick to make while summer produce is still at its best.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Juicy grilled chicken paired with creamy cilantro sauce makes dinner feel special without much effort. It’s a great way to enjoy the season while evenings are still long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
This chicken is flavorful and simple to prep, working well in burritos, tacos, or on its own. It’s perfect for keeping weeknight meals fresh before the season ends.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango and avocado tossed in a lemon vinaigrette is light and quick to assemble. It’s exactly the kind of side you’ll want to squeeze in while summer is here.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus takes just a few ingredients and minutes on the grill. It’s a fresh seasonal side that fits perfectly while summer cookouts are still happening.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Summer Slow Cooker Frittata
A frittata filled with zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto makes a fresh meal any time of day. It’s a smart choice for late-summer cooking when you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Summer Slow Cooker Frittata
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Grilled chicken coated in hot honey is sweet, spicy, and ready fast. It’s the type of dish that makes weeknight dinners shine before the season wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Spinach Avocado Salad
Spinach, avocado, tomatoes, and radishes with a lemon vinaigrette create a crisp summer salad. It’s a fresh side that deserves a spot on your table while the season lasts.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Greek Chicken Gyros
Shredded chicken gyros with tzatziki bring big flavor with little effort. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that belongs in your rotation before summer winds down.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad
Black beans with cilantro lime dressing make a quick and refreshing side or light meal. It’s perfect for pulling together when you want something fresh during the last days of summer.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad
Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad
Scallops, corn, kale, and cherry dressing come together in a colorful salad. It’s a bright dish that feels right for the shift from summer into fall.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Garlic green beans made with just a few ingredients bring bold flavor in minutes. They’re an easy side that works well while fresh beans are still in season.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Lemon Herb Chicken Patties
Lemon herb chicken patties with parmesan and fresh herbs make dinner feel fresh and quick. They’re a great way to mix up weeknights before the season slips away.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties
Basil Pesto
Classic pesto sauce made with simple ingredients is perfect for spreading, dipping, or tossing with pasta. It’s worth making now to capture the taste of summer herbs.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto
Classic American Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad with eggs is always a BBQ favorite and can be made ahead. It’s a staple side that fits perfectly while summer gatherings are still going strong.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Pineapple Mango Salsa
Pineapple and mango salsa with lime and jalapeño brings a sweet and spicy kick. It’s a fresh topping you’ll want to use on everything before the season ends.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Mango Salsa
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make this Caprese salad a seasonal classic. It’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat while garden tomatoes are at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Slow-roasted cherry tomatoes capture summer flavor with almost no effort. They’re great to keep on hand for adding brightness to meals later in the year.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Summer Gazpacho
Gazpacho made with fresh vegetables is chilled, light, and refreshing. It’s exactly the kind of dish that belongs on your table while summer heat lingers.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes come together in a quick side that’s hearty yet simple. It’s a dish worth making while fresh vegetables are easy to find.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Easy Mango Salsa
Mango salsa comes together with just a handful of chopped ingredients. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for summer meals while produce is still abundant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Green beans stir-fried with coconut and spices make a flavorful side in about 30 minutes. It’s a fresh choice that fits right in before the season fades.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Pesto Tortellini Salad
Tortellini pasta salad comes together fast with simple ingredients. It’s a fresh and easy side that works perfectly for the last weeks of summer.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Black Bean Quinoa Burger
Black bean quinoa patties are quick to prepare and loaded with flavor. They’re a simple way to switch up dinners while the season’s still here.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger
No Mayo Coleslaw
Crunchy summer slaw with creamy peanut dressing is fresh and easy to mix together. It’s a great side to pair with almost any meal before summer wraps up.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew
Summer beef stew made with seasonal vegetables is hearty but not heavy. It’s a smart way to enjoy comfort food while the weather is still warm.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew
Tomato Miso Jam
Tomato miso spread captures fresh garden flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for toast or sandwiches when summer tomatoes are still around.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Roasted beets with goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and citrus vinaigrette create a crisp salad. It’s exactly the kind of fresh dish that belongs on the summer table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Radicchio and endive chicken salad with honey mustard dressing is crisp and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that makes sense now that the weather is bright and summer is in full swing.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
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