21 Summer Meals That Require Almost Zero Effort

When it’s hot and you're low on energy, summer meals that require almost zero effort are exactly what you need. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen when the sun’s out and the days are long. These recipes are all about keeping it easy, quick, and low-stress—without giving up what you actually want to eat. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a group, this is the kind of stuff you’ll come back to again and again.

An overhead image of two gazpacho dish in a white bowl.

Summer Gazpacho. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker green bean casserole takes 10 minutes of prep and does the rest on its own. It’s a good set-it-and-forget-it option for packed summer days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With six fresh ingredients, this Caprese salad is quick to throw together. It’s a smart way to lean into seasonal eating when you don’t want to cook much.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

No Mayo Coleslaw

Asian summer slaw with peanut dressing skips mayo and keeps its crunch. It holds up well in the heat, making it great for cookouts or weekday lunches.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Green bean casserole with cream cheese works with fresh or canned beans. It’s a comfort side that fits busy summer nights without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Trenette al Pesto

Trenette al pesto uses basil, potatoes, and green beans in a fast, filling way. It’s pasta that still works on hot days without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish. — Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash and zucchini casserole is cheesy, hearty, and bakes in 30 minutes. It’s simple to prep and fits right in with weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Slow Cooker Cabbage

Slow cooker cabbage softens with garlic and almost no prep. It’s the kind of hands-off side that matches a relaxed summer pace.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage

Summer Gazpacho

Summer gazpacho uses fresh ingredients and doesn’t need cooking. It’s a no-brainer when it’s hot out and you want something light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus needs just five ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to add something fresh without slowing down your day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Ethiopian Cabbage

Ethiopian cabbage stew uses one pot, pantry staples, and bold flavor. It’s an easy way to try something different without adding time to your day.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Smothered garlic green beans use only four ingredients and bold flavor. They’re quick, low-fuss, and match the energy of laid-back summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This cheesy green bean casserole bakes in 30 minutes and has a crispy top. It’s an easy comfort side that slides into summer meals without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tortellini pasta salad takes 20 minutes and uses under 10 ingredients. It’s great when you want a quick, filling side with no extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mango avocado salad with lemon vinaigrette takes just 15 minutes. It’s a go-to when you want something crisp and fast for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl. — Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot cabbage soup comes together simply and packs in flavor. It’s a light, low-effort choice that works well for warm-weather weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Two glass jars of cherry tomatoes and garlic confit on a white surface. — Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cherry tomato confit locks in tomato flavor with hardly any prep. It’s an easy make-ahead option that brings summer to anything you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork. — Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stir-fried green beans with coconut and Indian spices take about 30 minutes. They’re a bold, quick side that fits right in with low-effort summer cooking.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Arepas Con Queso

Arepas con queso come together on the grill in about 30 minutes with butter and mozzarella. They’re great when you want that cookout feel with very little prep.
Get the Recipe: Arepas Con Queso

Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach and avocado salad with tomatoes and radishes is topped with lemon vinaigrette. It’s a fresh way to round out your cookout with barely any prep.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled wings with buffalo sauce get a charred finish and come together fast. They’re a strong choice when your cookout needs something with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks are easy to prep and look great on the plate. They’re a simple way to make your spread feel a little more pulled together.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks