When it’s hot out and no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen, these summer recipes are exactly what you need. They come together fast, use simple ingredients, and let you stay cool while still making something great. This is the kind of cooking that feels easy because it is easy. If you’ve got a few basics and a little time, you’re already halfway there.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes come together fast with basic pantry items. It's the kind of meal that proves easy food can still hit the mark in summer.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Summer Gazpacho
Gazpacho keeps the kitchen cool and the prep short, using raw ingredients. It’s a great pick when the goal is staying out of the heat.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower tacos pull together with spice and little else. This is a simple dinner that gets the most out of peak produce with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Beets, citrus, and goat cheese turn into a grounded but bright salad. It’s a solid choice for switching things up without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Tomato confit only needs a hot oven and some patience. It’s an easy way to stretch out peak tomatoes with barely any hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Mexican Corn Salad
This Mexican corn salad comes together fast and keeps the flavors big. It works well when fresh corn is in season and the grill’s not needed.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob
Microwaving corn cuts cleanup and gets straight to the point. It’s a great trick when you’re short on time but still want it fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
A quick bake with just three ingredients turns extra broccoli into something better. It proves summer meals don’t have to be complicated to count.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Classic American Potato Salad
This potato salad holds up well overnight and uses just a few ingredients. It’s a reliable make-ahead option for easy summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad
With fewer than 10 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, this pasta salad is all about speed. It’s a smart one to keep around for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango and avocado pair up fast with a simple vinaigrette. This one’s light, fresh, and perfect when it’s too hot to cook.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Corn in a Cup
Fresh corn gets mixed with mayo, cheese, and spice in minutes. It’s an easy way to keep vegetables interesting without a big plan.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Charred corn and a quick dressing get this side on the table fast. It works well when the grill’s already going and you need something extra.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Spinach Avocado Salad
Avocado, spinach, and cotija make a filling but light salad. It’s a go-to when you need something that looks good and takes no effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
No Mayo Coleslaw
Crunchy veggies and peanut dressing come together in this fast slaw. It’s an easy pick for when you want something fresh all season long.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Stir-fried green beans with coconut finish in about 30 minutes. This one keeps things interesting without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Tomato Miso Jam
Roasted tomatoes and miso build flavor while you do something else. It’s a smart way to make fresh produce work without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus only needs five ingredients and a few minutes on the grill. It’s a simple move when you want something that pulls together fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Tomato and mozzarella salad skips the stove entirely and still tastes great. This no-cook combo is built for peak-season tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
Japanese cucumber salad has crunch, coolness, and comes together quick. It’s a strong pick when the heat calls for something clean and simple.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque brings summer ingredients into a smoother, cozier form. It’s an easy choice when you want to ease into cooler nights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad
Bay scallops, granola, and kale make use of late-season flavors in no time. This one works well when you're ready for something different but fast.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad
Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Shrimp, watermelon, and crisp veggies land hard with sesame-lime dressing. It’s a bold dish that pulls together quickly and eats like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
This air fryer green bean casserole cooks fast and stays crisp. It's a reliable choice when you want something quick that actually gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Pasta with scallops and butter sauce adds something new to the dinner routine. It’s a quick upgrade when you need a change but not a project.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad
Steak, strawberries, and goat cheese bring color and flavor without a lot of effort. It’s an easy way to build a dinner that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
This zucchini casserole takes minimal prep and bakes up without trouble. It’s one to reach for when you want baked comfort that still fits the season.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Grilled scallops come together fast and finish with lemon, mint, and wine. They’re a smart move when summer dinners need something quick but strong.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Creamy zucchini pasta walks the line between light and rich with hardly any prep. It’s a great fallback when you want comfort that cooks fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Leave a Reply