You’re going to want to bookmark these summer favorites because they’re the kind of recipes you’ll come back to all season. They’re easy, full of flavor, and perfect for everything from last-minute weeknight dinners to laid-back weekends. Nothing complicated, nothing fussy—just great ideas that work when it’s hot out and you don’t want to overthink what’s for dinner.
Summer Gazpacho
Cold gazpacho is quick to prep and a smart move when the heat kicks in. It’s one of those summer picks that keeps showing up for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Cherry tomato confit takes almost no effort and packs big flavor with help from the oven. It’s one of those summer recipes you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus needs just five ingredients and works for any cookout. It’s too easy and too good not to make part of your summer regulars.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
No Mayo Coleslaw
This slaw comes together fast with a creamy peanut dressing and a solid crunch. It’s a great option for rounding out any summer meal without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Tomato Miso Jam
Slow-roasted tomatoes with miso bring deep flavor and keep well in the fridge. They’re a smart way to stretch summer produce across more meals.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam
Spinach Avocado Salad
Avocado, spinach, radish, and cotija come together in a salad that’s light but not plain. It’s an easy pick to keep in the rotation while summer’s here.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Classic American Potato Salad
This potato salad has a creamy base and gets better after a night in the fridge. It’s a strong choice for prepping ahead before any summer get-together.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad
This tortellini pasta salad takes 20 minutes and fewer than 10 ingredients. It’s one of those summer dishes you’ll be glad to have ready.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Roasted beets, goat cheese, citrus, and arugula bring both balance and boldness. It’s a smart add when your usual summer sides need a refresh.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango, avocado, and a quick vinaigrette come together fast and work well on hot days. This one makes sense if your summer salads need a boost.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Caprese salad keeps it simple with six ingredients and no cooking. It’s the kind of thing that belongs on every table while tomatoes are at their best.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken takes just 15 minutes and works with whatever cut you’ve got. It’s one of those weeknight recipes you’ll keep repeating all summer.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad
Shrimp, feta, cucumber, and herbs tossed with orzo make a quick and fresh lunch. It’s a solid move for summer meal prep when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Lemon garlic scallops cook in one pan and take just a few minutes. They’re a great go-to when you want something quick but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Radicchio and endive with honey mustard dressing add bite and crunch to the mix. It’s one of those salads that bridges spring and summer without effort.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
Japanese cucumber salad is cool, crisp, and takes barely any time to prep. It’s a solid go-to when the weather’s hot and you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
Best Lemon Pasta
Lemon pasta takes 15 minutes and brings big flavor with almost no work. It’s the kind of weeknight win that just makes sense in summer.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Thai Yellow Curry
Thai yellow curry comes together quickly and is packed with vegetables. It’s a solid pick when you want something hearty without turning up the heat.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry
Avocado Tuna Salad
Avocado tuna salad is fast, filling, and works great for lunch. It’s one of those no-frills recipes you’ll come back to more than once.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Shrimp, watermelon, crisp veggies, and a sesame lime dressing make this one stand out. It’s a great pick when you want something light but not plain.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Butter sauce and seared scallops turn simple pasta into a bold dinner. This is one of those summer meals that feels big without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Creamy zucchini pasta hits that middle ground of rich but light. It’s one to keep around when you want something fast that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew
Summer beef stew uses a slow cooker, so you don’t need the oven. It’s a smart move when you want something hearty but the day’s too hot to cook much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew
Parsley Pesto Salmon
Parsley pesto salmon comes together fast with roasted garlic and herbs. It’s one of those quick meals that keeps dinner simple but strong.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled chicken with cilantro crema is easy to make and hits right on a warm evening. It’s a good fix when your usual chicken routine feels tired.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque brings fresh flavor with just enough richness to carry into fall. It’s a great pick for that in-between-season stretch.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Summer Slow Cooker Frittata
This slow cooker frittata uses summer vegetables and takes barely any hands-on time. It’s an easy win whether you’re making breakfast or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Summer Slow Cooker Frittata
Honeycrisp Salad
Spiced cider vinaigrette and apples keep this salad cool and crisp. It’s built for outdoor meals and holds up well once it’s dressed.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
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