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Best Summer Recipes | Summer Salads and more

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This post is about easy, healthy, and best summer recipes, including salads, pasta, backyard BBQ and grilling recipes, and seafood for a simple summer dinner.

Summer cookout, memorial day weekend, 4th of July party, or summer potlucks and picnics, these light and classic, easy-on-the-go meal recipes will be your family's new favorite.

Picture of simple and best summer recipes that includes salads, grilled chicken, pasta, salsa and more.

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What food to eat in the summer?

To beat the heat and have a refreshing and cooling effect on your body, fruits, and vegetables with high water content are the best when consumed in summer.

Here is a quick list of summer drinks, fruits, and vegetables to add to your daily meal. You can eat them raw, make juices, salads, salsa, and more!

Summer drinks: Tender coconut water is the best option if it is readily available at your place. Make drinks with seasonal fruits or infused water from cucumber or lemon.
Summer vegetables: zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green beans, eggplant.
Summer fruits: watermelon, mangoes, berries, pineapple, peaches, grapes, kiwi, plums, apricots, oranges (mandarines).

I have covered everything if you are wondering what food to eat for a hot summer day or night. Light, refreshing, and easy recipes with seasonal ingredients will always be the best.

Now for desserts and drinks, I have created a separate list of summer desserts and drinks that includes patriotic treats, frozen desserts, no-bake desserts, unique and healthy desserts, drinks, and more.

Best Summer Salads

Summer salads are refreshing and nutritious, a quick and simple way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer fruits and vegetables.

We have cucumber salad, rainbow quinoa salad, avocado salad, fruit salad with tropical fruits, matchstick apple salad, mexican peach salsa and, quick mango salsa, greek feta salad to try this season.

Best & Easy, Healthy & SImple, Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad, German Cucumber Salad, Gurkensalat, Yogurt or sour cream salad dressing, side dishes for lunch and dinner #salad #saladrecipes #saladdressing #healthysalad #summersalad #bbqrecipes #Potluck #Picnic

Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

Dill Cucumber Salad or German Cucumber Salad is one of my favorite, classic, best, and easy to make creamy salad recipe prepared using fresh cucumber, dill, onions, and a 4-ingredient creamy salad dressing in less than 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Guacamole, Avocado Dip, How to make the best easy guacamole recipe #guacamole #dip #avocado

Guacamole or Avocado Salad

Guacamole is simple and easy to make, fresh and flavorful, chunky and creamy dip or spread prepared using very basic ingredients in less than 5 minutes. This dip can be served with chips, fajitas, tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or even bread toast.
Check out this recipe.
healthy quinoa salad, weight loss quinoa salad, vegetarian, vegan. gluten-free, diabetic-friendly

Simple Quinoa Salad

Healthy Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, easy to make, delicious recipe perfect for any season. My favorite rainbow salad! This salad can be prepared in less than 30 mins.
Quinoa salad is good for weight loss, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free
Check out this recipe.
best mango salsa in a white bowl served with tortilla chips.

Mango Salsa

Make this easy, refreshing, irresistibly delicious mango salsa recipe in less than 10 minutes. Bursting with flavors from fresh and sweet, juicy mangoes, zesty lime, and colorful ingredients makes this one of the best accompaniments for any meal.
Check out this recipe.
best crunchy thai salad on a serving plate with spicy cashew dressing.

Thai Crunch Salad

Crunchy Thai Salad with Spicy Cashew Dressing is one of the best, most simple, healthy, and easy-to-make salad recipes packed with flavor, crunch, and color that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. 
Check out this recipe.
simple and best tropical fruit salad in a serving bowl.

Tropical Fruit Salad

This simple tropical fruit salad recipe is the best salad I have ever tried. Thanks to the magical coconut dressing, every bite in this summer salad is so flavorful. It is sweet, spicy, and sour. All in one, perfect for any occasion.
Check out this recipe.
How to make the best apple salad recipe for dinner #vegetarian #glutenfree

Easy Apple Salad

The Apple Salad recipe shared below is simple yet so delicious and a total crowd pleaser where apples and cheese are cut into the shape of fries or matchsticks and then tossed in oil. My kids love this salad! The apple salad has a unique sweet and savory combination with crunchiness from apples that make people go for second and third servings.
Check out this recipe.
Best and Easy Greek Salad, horiatiki salad, Summer salad recipes, mediterranean salad, quinoa or couscous salad, vegan and vegetarian side dishes for lunch and dinner, 4th of july recipes, keto, weight loss, diet food recipes, panera salad #salad #summer #summerveggies #summervegetables #healthyfood, #rainbowsalad

Greek Salad

This Greek Salad is one of the best and easy, refreshing, and cooling salad recipes you will try this summer. This is one of my favorite summer side dishes. You can put this together in under 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Arugula salad with white beans in lemony dressing served in a white plate.

Arugula Salad

Looking for a delicious and nutritious salad that's easy on the budget? Look no further than this White Bean Salad with Arugula. Packed with protein, fiber, and a punch of peppery flavor from the arugula, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a lighter main course. Plus, it comes together in just 5 minutes and is only 200 calories per serving!
Check out this recipe.
Spicy and easy fresh peach salsa in a serving glass bowl!

Peach Salsa (Easy and Spicy)

This fresh peach salsa is the best and easy-to-make homemade appetizer recipe that is sweet and spicy and can be prepared in less than 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe.

Summer Pasta

Orzo pasta salad is quick and easy to make, also holds its shape, and can be served hot, warm, or cold. These pasta salads are suitable for summer potlucks and picnics.

Two of my favorites include one pot quick lemon orzo pasta, orzo pasta salad with fresh tomatoes and basil, pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto.

quick and easy orzo pasta on serving plate with tomatoes and basil.

Orzo with Tomatoes and Basil

Are you looking for a quick and easy vegetarian and vegan meal recipe packed full of fresh flavors? Then try our delicious and best orzo recipe with tomatoes and basil that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
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Orzo with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable and flavorful, satisfying recipe that comes together quickly in about 20 minutes. The combination of orzo with rich pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese makes it a perfect family vegetarian or vegan meal!
Check out this recipe.
Best and easy lemon orzo pasta salad in a black bowl garnished with fresh basil.

Easy Lemon Orzo

Lemon Orzo is a simple, easy-to-make, delicious, and flavorful one-pot pasta recipe that can be prepared for a quick meal in less than 20 minutes. The best part about this lemon orzo pasta is that you can serve it hot or cold.
Check out this recipe.

Corn Recipes

Grilled corn on the cob served Mexican street style way is our favorite. You can also check easy BBQ grilled corn. Corn can also be added in your salads and salsa.

delicious mexican style corn on the cob served with a drizzle of spicy mayo, along with a sprinkle of cojita cheese and finely chopped cilantro.

Corn the Cob

Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote) is an easy to make, flavorful street snack with the most delicious topping ever. This is the best and classic way to serve corn on the cob!
Check out this recipe.

Chicken Recipes

Chicken recipes are sure to satisfy taste buds for any meal. During summer, we prefer easy recipes so that we can spend less time in the kitchen. Some favorite summer chicken recipes include grilled chicken and juicy BBQ chicken, chicken wraps, quick keto lemon garlic chicken, and chicken satay Thai style.

Chicken tikka recipe, grilled chicken kebab, tikka masala recipes, #summerbbqrecipe #superbowl #party

Chicken Tikka or Grilled Chicken

Chicken Tikka is a delicious and flavorful, easy-to-make Indian dish, where the chicken is first marinated in an aromatic spice mixture and then grilled on skewers to perfection. I bet this will be one of the best chicken recipes you will try. This tikka can be prepared in the oven, grill or on the stovetop.
Check out this recipe.
best street style homemade kathi rolls, kati roll, frankie roll

Easy Chicken Wraps

Chicken Kathi Rolls are popular Indian street food. The chicken is marinated in aromatic spices and roasted to perfection, then wrapped in chapati or paratha (Indian bread) and topped with green mint chutney, pickled onions, and cucumbers.
Check out this recipe.
healthy weight loss keto friendly lemon butter garlic chicken recipe

Keto Garlic Chicken

Keto garlic chicken is a one-pan, easy-to-make, delicious, finger-licking good chicken recipe prepared using basic ingredients from your kitchen. Garlic Chicken is one of the healthy chicken recipes for your weight loss diet.
Check out this recipe.
Delicious Chicken Satay Skewers served in a white plate along with a garnish of cilantro.

Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay is a spicy, lightly sweet, and tangy mouth-watering appetizer where the chicken is marinated overnight, and the chicken skewers are then grilled to perfection. A great mix of sweetness and spiciness! Grilled chicken sate is one of the best and easiest summer recipes I have tried. Grilled Chicken Satay can be prepared in 30 mins and is under 350 calories per serving.
Check out this recipe.

Shrimp Recipes

For all seafood lovers, add shrimp to salsa, tacos, salad, pasta, or stir-fries to make the summer meal more classic and delicious. We love garlic butter shrimp with avocado flatbread and cheesecake factory-style shrimp scampi pasta.

Best garlic butter shrimp recipe (garlic prawns) in a cast iron pan with lemon wedges.

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy-to-make shrimp recipe with an amazing flavor combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon (lime). This garlic prawn is ready in less than 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Top view of shrimp scampi with spaghetti pasta garnished with finely chopped cilantro.

Classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This garlicky, creamy and buttery, rich and classic shrimp scampi pasta will be a super hit at your dinner table this holiday season. This is a perfect dish for all seafood and pasta lovers.
Check out this recipe.

Squash and Zucchini

Enjoy the fresh flavors of zucchini or summer squash in a season by grilling them with other veggies, tossing them with salads, or making some bread or noodles. We have instant zucchini pancakes, chocolate and zucchini bread (the best way to add vegetables to your diet), squash pasta.

healthy and savory zucchini pancakes served on white marble plate.

Easy Zucchini Pancakes

Zucchini Pancakes is an instant breakfast recipe that is healthy, easy to make, sweet and spicy, and packed with flavors. These are also good for your brunch and after-school snacks and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. So make sure to try out this recipe if you are looking for a new way to add zucchini to your diet.
Check out this recipe.
best chocolate zucchini bread with chocolate chip and one moist bread slice.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Make the best chocolate zucchini bread this summer season. This zucchini chocolate bread is rich, insanely moist, fudgy, and chocolaty, the most delicious chocolate cake you will ever have. You will never know it is made with vegetables. 
Check out this recipe.
Best creamy healthy and vegan roasted butternut squash pasta recipe with mushroom and spinach

Squash Pasta

Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta is a creamy, healthy, delicious and flavorful pasta recipe where the pasta is tossed in freshly made roasted butternut squash sauce. One of my favorite fall and winter pasta recipe! I have also added mushrooms and spinach for additional flavor.
Check out this recipe.

Other Summer Vegetables

Use cheap and fresh seasonal vegetables in your favorite way possible. My family's favorites include fresh summer rolls, grilled eggplant dip, roasted potatoes, eggplant parmesan, roasted cauliflower, stir fried asparagus.

Easy roasted eggplant dip garnished with onions and cilantro.

Roasted or Grilled Eggplant Dip

Roasted Eggplant Dip is a simple, easy-to-make, healthy, and delicious appetizer recipe made using 6 ingredients. This dip (bajji) is loved for its slightly smoky taste and can be enjoyed as a side with steamed rice or flatbread like pita, naan, chapati, roti, or even as a dip with crackers, chips, baguettes, or crostini.
Check out this recipe.
Close up shot of roasted garlic-herb potatoes garnished with fresh dill leaves and served in a baking pan.

Roasted Potatoes (Grilling instructions added)

Garlic roasted potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, super easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.I had some fresh dill leaves. Feel free to add any fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, oregano, rosemary or thyme) or dried herbs and seasoning of your choice.
Check out this recipe.
easy, low carb, and healthy, best cheesy eggplant casserole recipe - vegetarian

Easy Eggplant Casserole (Can be grilled too)

This cheesy and low-carb easy eggplant casserole recipe is one of the best flavorful dishes you can serve as a main or a side.
Check out this recipe.
Best roasted tandoori cauliflower or gobi tikka on a serving plate with yogurt dip.

Easy Roasted Cauliflower (grilling instructions added)

Tandoori Cauliflower or Gobi tikka is a healthy, low-carb, spicy, and delicious Indian appetizer or snack prepared using yogurt and aromatic spices. Best cauliflower recipe you will make!
Check out this recipe.
Sichuan Style Asparagus / Schezwan Style Asparagus

Stir Fried Asparagus

Indulge in the perfect balance of fiery and sweet with this easy Asian Stir-Fried Asparagus recipe. Serve with rice or crispy tofu for a quick and delicious meal that will spice up any dinner. This dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Fresh spring rolls (summer rolls) in a white serving plate with peanut dipping sauce.

Fresh Summer Rolls

These spring rolls or summer rolls are fresh, colorful, and refreshing, and the vegetables are wrapped in rice paper and served with spicy and delicious peanut dipping sauce. No cooking is involved in making these Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and of the best recipe to try this summer.
Check out this recipe.

Classic Meal Ideas

Classic dinner ideas include light and fresh dishes made using seasonal ingredients or summer outdoor grilled recipes.

We have grilled Margherita sandwiches, BBQ jackfruit sliders, grilled cottage cheese or paneer, black bean burgers, whole wheat avocado flatbread that can be served with shrimp or used for chicken wraps, Bianca pasta with fresh seasonal ingredients, fresh mango thai fried rice.

best and easy grilled margherita pizza sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich recipe

Grilled Margherita Sandwich

Grilled Margherita Sandwich or Pizza Sandwich is a fresh, light and flavorful sandwich prepared using delicious white bread and your favorite classic pizza ingredients.
A cheese sandwich that is perfect for picnics, potluck, other holiday brunch, lunch or dinner gatherings - or in other words, a sandwich that is perfect for anytime of the year! I am sure you will not only fall in love with this recipe but make it often in your kitchen!
Check out this recipe.
tandoori paneer tikka skewers served in a plate.

Grilled Panner (Cottage Cheese)

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian starter or appetizer where the paneer cubes and veggies are marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices and then grilled or cooked to perfection. This post is all about quick, easy, and the best recipe to make paneer tikka at home in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Best Black Bean Burger Recipe | Meatless Veggie Burger with Black Beans.

Black Bean Burger

These are the best black bean burgers I have ever tried. The patties are thick and hearty, not mushy, and they come together in under 30 minutes. These burgers are a fantastic vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers.
Check out this recipe.
vegan bbq pulled pork jackfruit burger, jackfruit sliders recipe, easy jackfruit sandwiches

BBQ Jackfruit Burgers

This Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Burger is super simple and easy to make, hearty and tender, smoky and satisfying, perfect summer recipe ready in less than 30 minutes with no actual barbecue required.
This BBQ jackfruit pulled pork recipe is prepared using just 6 ingredients and can be used on burgers, sliders, sandwiches, wraps (gyros, tortillas), or even as a pizza topping. One of the best and perfect vegan meat substitutes.
Check out this recipe.
Feta cheese stuffed mini flatbreads with flavors of fresh basil served in a black plate.

Grilled Stuffed Flatbread

Discover the Best Cheese Stuffed Flatbread with a Tuscan twist! These mini flatbreads are stuffed with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a mixture of olives, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes, making them a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer.
Check out this recipe.
Avocado Flatbread | Indian Avocado paratha (roti, chapati) Simple breakfast, lunch, dinner recipe.

Avocado Flatbread

Avocado Flatbread, also popular as Indian avocado paratha, is a soft and easy-to-make bread recipe with six ingredients in less than 30 minutes. This simple avocado recipe is vegan, with no yeast, and 100 % whole wheat.
Check out this recipe.
Bianca pizza, classic Italian white pizza, pizza without marinara, pesto pizza, ricotta cheese pizza

Bianca Pizza

Bianca Pizza is a classic white pizza which is very simple to make yet so delicious, that is prepared using fresh homemade dough, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, olive oil, roasted garlic, tomatoes, and basil. You will never miss the regular pizza/marinara sauce. If you have risen pizza dough, you can prepare this in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe.
Thai Mango Fried Rice, Vegetable, veg or veggie fried rice, leftover rice recipe, how to cook fried rice on instant pot, Pineapple fried rice, basil fried rice, quick and easy vegetarian, vegan meals, #friedrice #pineapplefriedrice #thaistyle #thaifood #veganmeals #vegetarianmeals #dinnerrecipes

Mango Fried Rice

Thai Mango Fried Rice | Veg Fried Rice is a super easy-to-make, healthy, and delicious rice recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. One of the best recipes to try for a busy day, weeknight dinner, or weekend lunch.
This rice recipe is vegan and gluten-free
Check out this recipe.

Recipe FAQS

What should I eat for dinner on a lazy hot summer day?

Some of the best lazy summer dinner ideas include quick salads with quinoa, broken wheat, or couscous with seasonal vegetables, cold pasta, sandwiches, chicken wraps, or tortillas with salsa. These are also cheap and budget friendly.

What are some on-the-go meals?

Some good on-the-go meals after sporting events or carpool meals include wraps, salad, quesadillas, sandwiches, burritos, and rice bowls.

More Summer Desserts

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picture of easy and best summer dinner recipes that include salad, pasta, sandwich, salsa, grilled chicken and more.

Easy Summer Dinner Ideas

Kushi
This post is about easy, healthy, and best summer recipes, including salads, pasta, backyard BBQ and grilling recipes, and seafood for a simple summer dinner.
Summer cookout, memorial day weekend, 4th of July party, or summer potlucks and picnics, these light and classic, easy-on-the-go meal recipes will be your family's new favorite.
5 from 44 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For Summer Watermelon Salad

  • 4 cups Watermelon, cubed
  • ⅓ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ Onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup Fresh basil leaves or mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Caprese Salad

  • 3 Vine ripe tomatoes, ¼ inch thick slices
  • 8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, ¼ inch thick slices
  • 20 Fresh basil leaves, approx
  • Olive oil, to drizzle
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Watermelon Feta Salad

  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    2 tablespoon Olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • In a bowl, add watermelon, feta cheese, onion, and basil leaves. Drizzle the above mixture and toss until combined, taste, and adjust the seasoning.
    4 cups Watermelon, cubed, ⅓ cup Feta cheese, crumbled, ½ Onion, thinly sliced, ¼ cup Fresh basil leaves or mint leaves, chopped
  • Keep in the fridge for atleast 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy.

Caprese Salad

  • Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter with basil leaves on each slice.
    3 Vine ripe tomatoes, ¼ inch thick slices, 8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, ¼ inch thick slices, 20 Fresh basil leaves, approx
  • Drizzle olive oil, season salt, and pepper. Serve and enjoy.
    Olive oil, to drizzle, Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 8gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1127IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 189mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. Lauren

    5 stars
    This list of summer recipes all look so fresh and delicious! That peach salsa is top of my must-try list, but saving this because so many look so good!

    Reply

  2. Beth

    5 stars
    This is such a great collection! It's an entire summer party menu on one page!

    Reply

  3. rachana

    5 stars
    Such a perfect compilation of meal ideas! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
5 from 44 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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