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.

Kale Pesto Sauce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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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