Summer meals are what make meal prep actually worth doing. When it's hot out and you're short on time, having something fresh, easy, and seriously great ready to go is a total game changer. These recipes are quick to throw together, hold up well in the fridge, and taste just as good on day three as they do on day one. Whether you're heading to the beach or just trying to keep your kitchen cool, this is the kind of food you'll keep coming back to all season.
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango and avocado are tossed with a lemon vinaigrette in this 15-minute salad. The combination of fresh fruit and simple prep makes it a solid option when a cool, quick meal works best.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Mexican Fruit Cup
Watermelon and mango are topped with Tajín for a quick fruit cup full of bold flavor. Its hydrating qualities and quick assembly are especially useful when the weather gets hot.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup
Pesto Flatbread
Naan flatbread topped with cherry tomatoes, ricotta, and pesto bakes in about 20 minutes. Its quick cook time and fresh ingredients make sense for summer meals that don’t require a long stretch in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread
Fried Avocado Tacos
Avocado fries, refried beans, and a creamy poblano sauce are tucked into corn tortillas, bringing crisp texture and bold contrast. This combination works well for summer meals when something fresh yet filling is needed without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Tofu and crunchy vegetables are served in lettuce leaves with a simple sauce, no stove needed. The crisp texture and no-cook format make it practical when keeping the kitchen cool is a priority on summer days.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Nigerian Fried Rice
Long grain rice, crisp vegetables, and bold seasoning come together in 15 minutes for a quick meal. Its fast prep and light texture make it a good fit when summer calls for something fast and not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
Tacos filled with seasoned sweet potatoes, black beans, and lime crema bring bold color and flavor. The balance of textures and ease of assembly make them especially useful for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Honey mustard pork chops made in the air fryer are done in around 30 minutes. Their simple prep and short cook time make them workable on summer nights when standing at the stove isn't ideal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Pea and Mint Soup
Frozen peas, lime, and fresh mint blend into a pea and mint soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Its cooling ingredients and bright flavor profile make sense for lighter meals during warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup
Samosa Chaat
Layers of samosas, chickpea curry, chutneys, and yogurt build a vibrant dish. The variety of flavors and temperatures helps it stand out during summer when something bold but not too heavy is welcome.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat
Tomato Burrata Salad
Tomatoes, fresh herbs, and burrata come together in a salad best served with toasted bread. The seasonal ingredients and colorful layout make it work well for outdoor summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad
No Mayo Coleslaw
Crisp vegetables tossed in peanut dressing form this no-mayo slaw. The fresh texture and clean ingredients are especially helpful on hot days when heavy sides don’t make sense.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Vegetarian Bolognese
A tomato-based vegetarian bolognese is built with a hearty vegetable texture and bright flavor. It still works for summer meals thanks to its colorful ingredients and balanced richness.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Bolognese
Naan Pizza
Naan pizzas with toppings like Margherita, Veggie, and Mediterranean are done in about 30 minutes. Their easy prep and bold colors make them fit right into casual summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza
Shredded Tofu Tacos
Shredded tofu tacos topped with fresh vegetables and spice come together in under 30 minutes. Their crisp texture and fast prep make them especially practical in summer.
Get the Recipe: Shredded Tofu Tacos
Sheet Pan Bibimbap
One-pan bibimbap brings tofu, vegetables, and seasoning together in about 35 minutes. The mix of textures and vivid colors works well when summer meals need to be complete but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap
Sautéed Beet Greens
Beet greens quickly cooked with everything bagel seasoning create a bright and textured side. The speed and simplicity make this dish a good fit for lighter meals during warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens
Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao tofu made with bell peppers, peanuts, and sauce is ready in about 30 minutes. The quick cooking time and vibrant ingredients are well-suited for warmer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu
Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley
A medley of seasoned vegetables is roasted until tender and flavorful. Its rich colors and ease of preparation make it easy to include in a summer meal alongside lighter mains.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley
Peach Panzanella Salad
Peaches, tomatoes, burrata, corn, and crispy bread are tossed into a panzanella salad. The seasonal ingredients and bold textures make it a natural pick for a summer table.
Get the Recipe: Peach Panzanella Salad
Eggplant Casserole
Roasted eggplant is layered with herbs and cheese into a straightforward casserole. The simple assembly and vibrant vegetables work well in summer when paired with lighter mains.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
Grated beets and walnuts are formed into a vegetarian roast with a deep color and hearty structure. While often served in cooler seasons, its earthy flavor and fresh components still work during summer when something more robust is needed.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
Pineapple Fried Rice
Sweet pineapple, savory tofu, and crisp rice cook in one pan for an easy dinner. Its bold colors and quick cleanup make it especially useful on summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice
Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles
Eggplant noodles tossed with tomato basil sauce and parmesan make for a lighter meal. The short cooking time and fresh elements make it a smart option when the heat’s up.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Watermelon, cucumber, and feta combine in a refreshing salad with clean, crisp layers. The cooling ingredients and light prep make it an easy addition during hot weather.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad
A quick salad made with charred corn, herbs, and dressing brings lots of texture. The fresh produce and golden tones are well matched to the season when vegetables are at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta mixed with vegetables and dressing creates a simple cold dish with a hint of char. This pasta salad fits easily into summer spreads thanks to its make-ahead convenience and fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad
Salsa Verde Chicken
Salsa verde chicken comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Its tangy green sauce and fast cooking method make it a good option for warm nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde Chicken
Leave a Reply