Taste the sunshine: 17 summer recipes to brighten the season

Photo of author

| Published:

From refreshing salads to sizzling grilled dishes, this collection of 17 summer recipes showcases the best flavors of the season, ensuring that your summer gatherings and everyday meals are filled with deliciousness and sunshine.

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This refreshing summer salad showcases a delightful combination of ingredients including spring mix, aromatic basil leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, flavorful olive oil, and a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Carne Asada

Carne asada on a blue plate surrounded by cilantro, halved oranges, limes, and beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Look no further for the ultimate marinade for summer grilling. Bursting with authentic Mexican flavors, this smoky, citrusy, and savory blend is perfect for enhancing everything from carne asada burritos to creating a carne asada plate that rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant!
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the flavors of summer with this delightful caprese salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. It’s a perfect salad for the warm months that is sure to please your taste buds!
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Avocado Toast

Avocado tartine on a blue plate.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your regular avocado toast with this easy avocado tartine recipe. Toasted bread topped with rich cream cheese, creamy avocado, everything bagel seasoning, and a splash of tart fresh lime juice creates a fancy open-faced sandwich that adds excitement to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and summer squash on a navy blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy a light and flavorful summer side dish with this air fryer zucchini and squash recipe. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, these vegetables achieve a delicious browning when cooked in the air fryer. It’s a simple and perfect recipe for the summer season!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Cilantro Lime Crema

Cilantro lime crema in a dish surrounded by limes, cilantro, and garlic.
Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat your taste buds to the zesty and creamy goodness of cilantro lime crema. This tangy condiment pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. You can also use it as a flavorful dollop on salads or as a dip for quesadillas.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Crema

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whip up these easy air fryer turkey burgers for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. These juicy and moist turkey patties are perfectly seasoned and served on a crispy toasted bun with all your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Elote Bowl

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

If you’re a fan of elote, the Mexican street corn coated in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices, then you’ll love this elote bowl. It delivers all the delicious flavors without the mess!
Get the Recipe: Elote Bowl

BLT with Chicken

Closeup side view shot of a BLT with chicken.
BLT with Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the taste of summer with this BLT featuring tender chicken, marinated tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and crunchy bacon. Served on toasted bread, this sandwich is perfect for picnics, cookouts, or simply enjoying at home on a sunny day!
Get the Recipe: BLT with Chicken

Creamy Salsa Dressing

Creamy salsa dressing in a glass jar.
Creamy Salsa Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Add a tangy and creamy twist to your salads or Mexican dishes with this delightful salsa dressing! It’s a delicious condiment that complements a variety of flavors and adds an extra layer of zest to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing

Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in a perfect summer meal with grilled chicken topped with cilantro crema1 The juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast pairs wonderfully with the creamy and tangy cilantro crema. It’s a delightful combination that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grinder Sandwich

Overhead shot of a grinder sandwich on a marble serving plate.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring the flavors of Italy to your gatherings or family meals with this recipe for an Italian Grinder Sandwich. Packed with savory deli meats, creamy provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and a bright vinaigrette, all served on a crusty Italian loaf.
Get the Recipe: Grinder Sandwich

Garden Fresh Salsa

Garden fresh salsa in a white bowl with a tortilla chip.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the freshness of summer with this delicious garden salsa recipe. Made with ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and a splash of lime juice, it’s the perfect dip for chips or topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Capture the essence of summer with marinated heirloom tomatoes. These garden-fresh tomatoes soak up a vibrant marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano, resulting in a beautiful salad or sandwich topping that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Honey lime jalapeno vinaigrette on a wooden cutting board surrounded by cilantro and limes.
Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with this honey jalapeño lime vinaigrette. Featuring cilantro, lime juice, and honey, this dressing adds a zesty and tangy kick to salads, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Celebrate bold flavors with this pesto orzo salad recipe! The combination of basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and peppery arugula creates a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful salad that’s perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Penne with Salmon and Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Penne al salmone on a white plate with a copper fork.
Penne al Salmone. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in a light and summery pasta dish with Penne al Salmone. This recipe skips the cream and instead highlights the sweetness and savoriness of burst cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with thyme, perfectly complementing the salmon and pasta.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.