These 15 Summer Sauces Make Everything Taste Better

These summer sauces can turn any dish from plain to great with just a simple spoonful. They bring fresh, bold flavors that make your meals more exciting without extra work. Whether you’re grilling, tossing a salad, or just want something quick to brighten up dinner, these sauces make everything taste better all season long.

A close-up image of a spoon dipped into cilantro lime sauce inside a white bowl.

Cilantro Lime Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Basil Cream Sauce

The basil cream sauce mixes fresh and creamy flavors and is ready in 15 minutes. It’s a solid match for pasta and other easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Basil Cream Sauce

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 creamy poblano sauce takes under 30 minutes and features roasted poblano peppers with cashews. It’s a good way to add flavor while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Poblano 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 uses bell and habanero peppers with tomatoes and onions, cooked just right. It’s flexible enough for pasta or as a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: West African Pepper Sauce

Kale Pesto Sauce

The quick vegan kale pesto is dairy-free and made in less than 5 minutes at home. It’s a fresh, fast sauce to brighten your summer plates.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Basil Pesto

This traditional pesto alla Genovese uses six ingredients and comes together quickly. It works well as a sauce, dip, or spread for easy summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Garlic Butter Sauce

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

The garlic butter sauce is ready in 7 minutes and adds a rich, garlicky touch to pasta, pizza, or veggies. It’s a fast way to lift your meals without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Sauce

Cilantro Lime Sauce

This bright cilantro lime sauce comes together in 5 minutes and fits many meals like salads and tacos. It’s a fresh choice that makes summer dishes taste better.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime 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.

This marinara sauce cooks fast, focusing on tomato and garlic for strong flavor. It’s a smart pick when fresh herbs need to be used right away.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce

Honey Teriyaki Sauce

Honey teriyaki sauce is quick and packed with sweet-savory flavor. It’s a great way to bring herbs into dinner with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Sauce

Healthy Tartar Sauce

This tartar sauce is quick to make and pairs well with seafood or sandwiches. It’s an easy way to boost flavor while keeping prep time low.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tartar Sauce

BBQ Sauce

The BBQ sauce mixes up fast and works on meats or sides. It’s perfect for strong flavor when you want to use herbs without extra time.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Tiger Sauce

Tiger sauce is bold and ready fast, bringing a sweet heat to any dish. It’s a smart method to add fresh herbs into quick meals with punch.
Get the Recipe: Tiger 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 creamy and bright, made quickly with a splash of lime. It’s a good choice for busy nights when you want fresh flavor without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Spicy Dipping Sauce

This spicy dipping sauce takes just minutes and goes well with meats, veggies, or snacks. It’s a quick fix to add flavor and clear out extra herbs.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dipping Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce is done in 10 minutes and fits everything from veggies to eggs. It’s an easy way to turn fresh herbs into something bold and fast.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce