These 30 Sauces Will Carry You Through Summer

Sauces are the kind of thing that can completely change a meal, and these ones are built to pull their weight all summer long. They’re bold, easy to make, and made for real-life eating—whether that means a quick dinner, something for the grill, or just trying to make leftovers feel less boring. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just great flavor that actually makes food more fun to eat.

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

Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

A close up view of cranberry sauce in white bowl, with a spoon and oranges in the background. — Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made with five ingredients, this canned cranberry sauce is quick to prepare. Its sweet-tart flavor cuts through heavier foods, making it a strong match for the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

Basil Cream Sauce

With a smooth texture and fresh herbs, this basil cream sauce is ready in 15 minutes. It works well with pasta because its creamy consistency pairs naturally with the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Basil Cream Sauce

Garlic Butter Sauce

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

This garlic butter sauce takes just 7 minutes to make and works well with pasta, pizza, or vegetables. Its rich garlic flavor brings a smooth depth that complements a range of meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Sauce

Sauce Algérienne

Algerian sauce is creamy with a subtle spice and comes from North African cooking. Its body and mild heat help this sauce carry a meal’s flavor further.
Get the Recipe: Sauce Algérienne

Basil Aioli

Basil aioli includes garlic and lemon and comes together with a creamy finish. Its fresh edge balances heavier components and pairs well with the sauce’s flavor.
Get the Recipe: Basil Aioli

Lemon Ginger Coconut Milk Sauce

Lemon ginger coconut milk sauce has a smooth texture and light citrus tang. It adds brightness while still letting the sauce carry the core flavors of the dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ginger Coconut Milk Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce works well with tacos, burritos, and bowls thanks to its creamy consistency. It complements the sauce by softening bold flavors without taking over.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Creamy Burrito Sauce

Creamy burrito sauce balances tanginess and a mild kick. Its texture and flavor make it a practical fit for meals that benefit from both smoothness and a bit of heat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrito Sauce

Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

This Italian garlic marinara uses fresh ingredients and avoids the heaviness of jarred versions. It brings clarity and strength that match the sauce in tomato-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

Mojo Rojo

Mojo rojo from the Canary Islands brings strong spice and boldness. It adds sharpness that stands up to this type of sauce in heartier foods.
Get the Recipe: Mojo Rojo

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 peppers, habaneros, and tomatoes, and is balanced by quick parboiling. It brings heat and depth, making it a strong match for this type of sauce.
Get the Recipe: West African Pepper Sauce

Easy Romesco Sauce

This almond butter Romesco sauce is smooth and easy to make. It adds depth with nutty notes that complement the sauce across vegetables or proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Romesco Sauce

Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

This vegan Alfredo sauce uses pantry staples and has a creamy finish. It works well with pasta and vegetables by adding a soft texture that carries the sauce smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Golden Sunflower Seed Sauce

Sunflower seed sauce includes turmeric, garlic, and cilantro, and comes together fast. Its fresh taste and simple prep make it a useful pairing with vegetable-based dishes.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sunflower Seed Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A close up photo of fresh cranberry sauce placed in a white bowl with spoon, oranges and fresh cranberries in the background. — Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This second cranberry sauce uses fresh or frozen fruit and has a stronger fruit profile. Its vibrant taste balances the richness of the sauce in dense meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Pizza aioli uses garlic to form a smooth, creamy sauce that works with simple snacks or pizza. It adds texture and boldness in a way that supports the sauce.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Easy Homemade Raita

An overhead view of homemade raita served in a brown bowl. — Easy Homemade Raita. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Raita, a yogurt-based sauce from India, is simple to put together and cools bold spices. Its fresh character pairs well with the sauce to lighten heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Raita

Homemade Taco Sauce

Taco sauce combines tanginess and spice in a quick recipe. It rounds out meals while helping the sauce add more complexity.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Taco Sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is built on quick prep and bold contrast. Its balance of sweet and tangy flavors supports the sauce by adding an extra layer to simple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Spicy Sriracha Aioli Sauce

Sriracha aioli is fast to make and adds bold flavor with very little prep. Its heat and creamy base enhance the sauce in dishes that benefit from a sharper edge.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sriracha Aioli Sauce

Cilantro Lime Sauce

This cilantro lime sauce takes only 5 minutes to prepare and works across salads and tacos. Its crisp flavor lifts the dish while keeping the sauce balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Sauce

Hogao

Hogao, a tomato and onion sauce from Colombia, deepens flavor without overtaking the dish. Its balanced taste works well alongside the sauce in traditional meals.
Get the Recipe: Hogao

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.

Roasted peppers and cashews create a creamy base for this vegan poblano sauce in under 30 minutes. It brings a layered richness that complements this sauce’s flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Poblano Sauce

Mojo Verde

Mojo verde uses herbs and acidity to brighten up meals. It works well with the sauce by adding contrast that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Mojo Verde

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Creamy peanut sauce comes together quickly and suits dipping, drizzling, or dressing. Its grounded flavor pairs effectively with this sauce across different meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Kale Pesto Sauce

Vegan kale pesto is ready in under 5 minutes and fits across many meals. Its herby taste supports the sauce with a quick, fresh touch.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli skips raw eggs and comes together quickly, delivering a smooth garlic-forward taste. It adds both flavor and texture that align well with the sauce’s purpose.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garlic Parmesan sauce is easy to make with common ingredients and has a strong cheesy profile. It complements pasta or sandwiches with the kind of depth this sauce supports.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Close up of cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries. — Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberry sauce made from dried cranberries is quick to put together and commonly used during holidays. Its tart-sweet flavor cuts through meats and brings balance to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is a chilled sauce made from cucumber and yogurt, often used in Greek and Turkish meals. It cools the dish and works in contrast with the sauce's richness.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce