Much as I love a cozy dinner table set with candles and the dim light of winter, there is nothing like gathering with friends on a warm night enjoying the bounty of summer as the sun sets late into the evening. For inspiration in the coming months, I’ve gathered up my tried and true summer recipes that I will be making all season long. I’d love to hear about your favorite summer recipes, too, so feel free to share in the comments section below.
Pair summer’s sweet corn with tender, ripe avocados for an easy salad that gets a kick of flavor from quickly pickled onions and plenty of fresh cilantro. A perfect side dish for summer grilling.
2. Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint and Almonds
Melon season is upon us and this watermelon wedge salad is the perfect mix of salty and sweet. Add it to your menu for picnics, barbecues, and all manner of warm weather festivities. The refreshing crunch and innovative look is sure to have your friends and family asking for more!
3. Strawberry Arugula Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts
This arugula salad with fresh strawberries and crunchy hazelnuts is almost too pretty to eat, but once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop. Flavors combine flawlessly for a refreshing and light summer meal.
4. Warm BLT Potato Salad
Dress up the versatile spud with tasty tomatoes and smokey bacon in this potato salad recipe. It’s an easy side that can be added to a last minute dinner or taken on a midday picnic.
5. Honey Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Watch these red pearls turn into sweet summer candy and then indulge in this honey roasted tomato bruschetta as a treat with the kids or for a ladies’ night appetizer alongside cocktails.
6. Vegetarian No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna
Increase your veggie intake with this spin on a classic dish. It’s the perfect recipe for lasagna lovers, meat abstainers, and folks who don’t do gluten too!
7. Fresh Summer Vegetable Pasta
This bright fresh pasta hits the mark in summer. It’s easy to make and duplicate for parties and lunchtime food prep. Using in-season corn, zucchini, and tomatoes are key to make this pasta as good as it should be.
8. Pesto Portabello Mushroom Burgers
Make the ultimate moist burger for your cookouts and give your vegetarian guests a delicious option, Mushrooms, mozzarella and pesto, oh my!
9. Pizza on the Grill
No need to heat up the whole house with the oven. Take to the grill on your next pizza night and personalize this recipe to include some of your family’s favorite toppings.
10. Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups
Perfect for a school lunch, desk lunch, or summer picnic, feel free to make this salad your own. When you do, snap photo and tag us on FB, IG, Pinterest or Twitter!
11. Cilantro Lime Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken
This perfectly moist chicken is an entree that goes with any side. Marinate for a little while or all day and then spend only 10 minutes in front of the grill for this simple summer main.
12. Grilled Chicken Kebab Wraps
When dramatic presentation is key, go for these grilled chicken wraps. They are loaded with colorful veggies and topped with flavorful kebabs.
13. Beef and Mushroom Blended Burger
Who knew a burger this good could be good for you too. The key? Blending mushrooms into the mix, which adds umami, moisture, and goes totally under the radar as far as flavor goes.
14. Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde
Elevate your favorite steak by whisking together an addictive and easy-to-make herb salsa. Don’t stop there! Toss it with veggies to spread the flavor love.
15. Brown Sugar Roasted Apricots with Creme Fraiche
This makes a very pretty and very easy summer dessert. Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers for breakfast spooned onto yogurt, spread onto toast, or served alongside your favorite hot cereal.
16. Watermelon Lime Ice Pops
Tasty, refreshing, colorful watermelon pops, no artificial colors or flavors required. Each pop has less than a teaspoon of added sugar (in the form of agave) and make a perfect summertime snack or dessert.
17. 100 Calorie Berry Cheese Cakes
Keeping portions small, using low fat dairy and loading up on fresh, seasonal berries is key to keeping this sweet treat low calorie.
18. Berries in a Cloud
This is one of my go-to dishes for dinner parties and gatherings. A combination of Greek yogurt and whipped cream, it’s super easy to make and everyone, from kids to adults, loves it.
19. Blueberry Hand Pies
Grab your kids and get them in the kitchen this summer. These hand pies are the perfect beginner pastry start building those baking skills.
20. One-Ingredient Concord Grape Granita
The beauty of this frozen treat is that it’s made with just one little ingredient: concord grape juice. Inspired by a traditional Italian ice, otherwise known as granita, the tangy grape flavor makes for a tasty snack or sweet.
