Summer is the perfect time to lean into food that’s fresh, bold, and just plain fun to eat. These are the kinds of recipes that hit the spot without trying too hard—big on flavor, easy to pull together, and made for hanging out. Whether you're cooking for a group or just feeding yourself, these are the ones you'll keep coming back to. Nothing fancy, just food that actually tastes great.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A quick pimento cheese sandwich comes together in about 5 minutes using just a spread and bread. It’s a fitting option for hot days when you want something cool and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Mango Avocado Salad
This mango and avocado salad comes together in 15 minutes with a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s chilled and quick to prepare, which makes it a good pick for hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Summer Gazpacho
Gazpacho made from blended fresh vegetables works well as a chilled soup. It’s a smart solution during heatwaves when hot meals can feel too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Zucchini Soup
This zucchini soup uses a few simple ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. Served cold, it’s a convenient choice for summer lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Soup
Raw Carrot Salad
A carrot salad made with raw ingredients and a lemon-forward vinaigrette is ready in just 10 minutes. It works well as a cold side dish when temperatures are high.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche combines seafood, citrus, and vegetables in a fresh dish. It’s a light and cold option that works well during hotter weather.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Cucumber Gazpacho
Creamy cucumber gazpacho gets its texture from avocado and cashews, finished with lime and herbs. It’s best served cold and works well on hot days.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Gazpacho
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
These picnic sandwiches are layered with meats, cheeses, and condiments inside crusty bread. They’re made ahead and served cold, making them a useful pick for outdoor meals in hot weather.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT pasta salad takes the classic sandwich ingredients and turns them into a cold side. It’s an easy go-to when the weather calls for something cool and fast to assemble.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad
This tortellini pasta salad has fewer than 10 ingredients and is ready in 20 minutes. Its chilled components make it easy to serve during warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Cold Avocado Soup
This cold avocado soup falls between a soup and a dip in texture. It’s especially useful on hot days thanks to its no-cook method and cool temperature.
Get the Recipe: Cold Avocado Soup
Marinated Olives with Feta
Marinated olives and feta with herbs come together quickly for a chilled snack or appetizer. It’s a fitting choice when lighter food feels better in summer heat.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Olives with Feta
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Shrimp and cucumber combine in this cold appetizer that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s an efficient option when cooking in the heat isn’t appealing.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Chilled Mango Melon Soup with Pickled Cucumber
Mango and melon are pureed into a cold soup and paired with prosciutto and pickled cucumber skewers. It’s a cooling option for afternoons when the temperature is high.
Get the Recipe: Chilled Mango Melon Soup with Pickled Cucumber
Cold Haddock in Carrot Lemon Sauce
Haddock with a lemony carrot-onion sauce is a one-pot dish that’s light and fresh. Served cold or at room temperature, it suits warm-weather meals without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Cold Haddock in Carrot Lemon Sauce
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad pairs romaine, chicken, Parmesan, and dressing in a cold dish. It works well for summer lunches or dinners when something hearty but cool is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers are assembled with vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. Their cold, bite-sized format makes them practical for summer gatherings or low-effort meals.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Corn in a Cup
Sweet corn is mixed with mayo, cheese, and Tajín in this 15-minute recipe. Served cold, it’s quick and refreshing when you need something simple during warm days.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup
Cold Bulgarian Soup
Bulgarian cold soup made with kefir, cucumber, dill, walnuts, and feta is served chilled. Its creamy, tangy flavor works well on days when the heat calls for something refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup
Easy Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad with vegetables, mayo, and pasta is made for gatherings. It holds up well when served cold and makes sense for summer meals, especially outside.
Get the Recipe: Easy Macaroni Salad
Cold Strawberry Soup
Chilled strawberry soup flavored with orange and mint can work as an appetizer or light dessert. It’s easy to serve cold when something fresh and not too sweet fits the moment.
Get the Recipe: Cold Strawberry Soup
Gluten Free Pear and Brie Quiche
Pear and brie quiche with leeks and thyme can be served cold or at room temperature. It fits well at summer gatherings where cooler dishes are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pear and Brie Quiche
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli salad comes together fast with crunchy textures and a light dressing. It’s best chilled, which helps keep things easy and cool when it’s hot out.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Ramen noodle salad combines crunchy vegetables with a tangy dressing. Its chilled nature makes it a smart option when you want something lighter in hot weather.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
This layered dish of potato, eggplant, and spiced beef topped with béchamel can be served at room temperature. It’s a practical way to have something hearty without reheating in summer.
Get the Recipe: Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
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