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Home » Recipe Collections

17 Sauces That Make Every Summer Meal Taste Fancy

Published: Jun 8, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

There’s something about summer meal sauces that can take even the simplest plate and make it feel a little more put-together. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just getting dinner on the table fast, a great sauce can be the difference between “fine” and “hey, this is actually pretty good.” And let’s be honest—when it’s hot out, no one wants to do more work than they have to. That’s why these are the perfect sauces to keep in your back pocket all season.

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Kale Pesto Sauce

A close-up image of kale pesto sauce in a bowl.
Kale Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan kale pesto takes less than 5 minutes and keeps things simple with no dairy needed. It’s a fast way to make everyday meals feel a bit more dressed up.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Garlic Butter Sauce

An image of garlic butter pasta.
Garlic Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic butter sauce comes together in 7 minutes and works on pasta, pizza, or vegetables. It’s a quick move that makes basic dishes feel more thought-out.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Sauce

West African Pepper Sauce

Close-up image of African pepper sauce in a bowl.
West African Pepper Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

African pepper sauce blends habaneros, bell peppers, and tomatoes into something bold. It’s a sharp choice that brings a boost to anything from grilled meats to grain bowls.
Get the Recipe: West African Pepper Sauce

Basil Cream Sauce

An overhead view of basil cream sauce in a bowl.
Basil Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Basil cream sauce is done in 15 minutes and hits that balance of fresh and rich. It’s a great option for adding something extra to simple summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Basil Cream Sauce

Cilantro Lime Sauce

A close-up image of a spoon dipped into cilantro lime sauce inside a white bowl.
Cilantro Lime Sauce . Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cilantro lime sauce is ready in just 5 minutes and works with tacos, salads, or bowls. It’s an easy way to make fresh meals feel a little more put together.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Sauce

Basil Pesto

A close up image of basil pesto in a bowl.
Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pesto alla Genovese uses six ingredients and comes together fast. It’s a no-stress option for pasta, sandwiches, or spreading over grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Easy Poblano Sauce

A close-up image of poblano sauce in a glass jar placed on a wooden board.
Easy Poblano Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This poblano sauce gets its creaminess from cashews and roasts up in under 30 minutes. It’s a smart go-to when you want something bold without complicating dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Poblano Sauce

BBQ Sauce

A spoon with a jar of BBQ sauce on it.
BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

BBQ sauce comes together quickly and works across meats, grilled sides, or sandwiches. It’s a fast way to bring bigger flavor with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado sauce is smooth, quick, and brightened with lime. It’s a smart pick for weeknights when you want meals to feel fresher without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Tiger Sauce

A picture of homemade tiger sauce in bowl on cutting board.
Tiger Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Tiger sauce is fast and brings sweet heat that works across many dishes. It’s a strong pick for adding herbs and a little kick to a basic summer plate.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Spicy Green Hot Sauce

Green hot sauce on black background.
Spicy Green Hot Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This green hot sauce uses chili peppers and herbs to bring heat and bold flavor. It’s a quick method for adding something sharp to anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Green Hot Sauce

Honey Teriyaki Sauce

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten-Free) in a glass jar with a spoon.
Honey Teriyaki Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey teriyaki sauce mixes up fast and hits that sweet and savory spot. It’s an easy way to add flavor and fresh herbs to weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Sauce

Arrabiata Sauce

Arrabiata Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Arrabiata sauce brings strong flavor and just the right heat without extra steps. It’s a solid choice when you want something quick that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Arrabiata Sauce

Simple Marinara Sauce

Image shows an overhead shot of a blue enameled cast iron pot with freshly made Marinara Sauce.
Simple Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Marinara sauce focuses on tomato and garlic and comes together quickly. It’s a great way to use up herbs and still keep the meal low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce

Healthy Tartar Sauce

A dish of healthy tartar sauce on a plate.
Healthy Tartar Sauce. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Tartar sauce takes just minutes and fits well with seafood or sandwiches. It’s a small move that brings a cleaner finish to simple plates.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tartar Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

A bowl of Bang Bang sauce.
Bang Bang Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bang Bang Sauce is ready in 10 minutes and brings creamy heat to almost anything. It’s a fast way to turn herbs into something bold for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce

Spicy Dipping Sauce

An onion ring being dipped into Spicy Dipping Sauce.
Spicy Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Spicy dipping sauce takes minutes and makes use of fresh herbs and pantry basics. It’s a handy way to punch up snacks or quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dipping Sauce

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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