Summer recipes are all about keeping it easy, fresh, and fun. With the sun shining and the days longer, who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen? These great recipes are perfect for summer, making the most of fresh ingredients and quick prep times. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a picnic, or just need a fast dinner after a busy day, these recipes will have you covered.
![A glass of mango lassi topped with saffron strands, with diced mangoes and another glass of lassi in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-85-1024x576.jpeg)
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
![Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-30-1024x576.jpeg)
Ready in 30 minutes, this vegan spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms makes a cool and refreshing summer meal. Perfect for when you need a quick and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Roasted Vegetable Salad
![An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-43-1024x576.jpeg)
Enjoy a roasted vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette, perfect served hot or cold and ready quickly for easy summer meals. This versatile salad works well for school lunches or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad
Mango Lassi
![A glass of mango lassi topped with saffron strands, with diced mangoes and another glass of lassi in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-85-1024x576.jpeg)
This mango-yogurt drink is an Indian staple for hot summers, light and refreshing, perfect for cooling down. It’s a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a simple, refreshing beverage.
Get the Recipe: Mango Lassi
Daikon Salad
![Overhead image of daikon salad served in a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-42-1024x576.jpeg)
Daikon and carrot salad with a sweet and sour dressing is ready in under 10 minutes, great for a quick, chilled summer lunch or side dish. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a delightful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Daikon Salad
Mango Avocado Salad
![An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-52-1024x576.jpeg)
Simple and quick, this mango avocado salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for summertime cookouts, ready in just 15 minutes. The bright flavors and creamy avocado make it a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
No Mayo Coleslaw
![Close up of no mayo coleslaw.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-50-1024x576.jpeg)
This Asian summer slaw with a creamy peanut dressing is a refreshing potluck side that pairs well with most main dishes. Its crunchy texture and nutty flavor bring a fresh twist to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Spinach Avocado Salad
![An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-55-1024x576.jpeg)
Light and refreshing, this spinach and avocado summer salad with cherry tomatoes, radishes, cotija cheese, and a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for summer cookouts. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad
![A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-48-1024x576.jpeg)
This quick and easy tortellini pasta salad, made with fewer than 10 ingredients, is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect summertime side. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Heirloom Caprese Salad
![An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-54-1024x576.jpeg)
Using six simple, fresh ingredients, this authentic Caprese salad bursts with flavor, perfect for using garden tomatoes in a summer salad. The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
![A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/berry-salad-l.jpg)
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this berry salad, combining blueberries and strawberries with a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
Avocado Tomato Salad
![Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Avocado-tomato-salad-in-a-wooden-bowl.jpg)
This avocado tomato salad is a fresh mix of veggies tossed with romaine and a zesty dressing, embodying summer on a fork. The crisp greens and ripe tomatoes make it a refreshing choice for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
![Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DB1A7645.jpg)
Grilled scallops with a sauce of lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio make an elegant dish for a sophisticated summer feast. The light and refreshing flavors perfectly complement the tender scallops.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Seafood Pasta Salad
![Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/seafood-pasta-salad-l.jpg)
This refreshing seafood pasta salad combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy dressing, perfect for summer meals. It’s a satisfying and easy dish to prepare, ideal for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
![Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Grilled-Shrimp-Grain-Bowl-1.jpg)
Packed with fresh summer flavors and topped with a homemade herb citrus vinaigrette, this grilled shrimp grain bowl is a summer meal you’ll love. The combination of grains, veggies, and shrimp makes it a wholesome and tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Watermelon and Feta Salad
![Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/watermelon-salad-la-hero-2-scaled-1.jpg)
Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a refreshing summer side dish, quick and easy to make with only five ingredients. The sweet watermelon and salty feta create a delightful contrast of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
![burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/burrata-salad-with-balsamic-glaze-SM.jpg)
This Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze features spring mix, basil, cherry tomatoes, burrata, olive oil, and balsamic reduction, perfect for a summer salad. The creamy burrata and tangy balsamic make it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
![Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pickled-Beet-Cucumber-Salad.jpg)
Cool down with the Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Tangy pickled beets, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing make it a great summer salad. Its bright colors and bold flavors are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
![Penne pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and parsley on white plate next to a pan filled with pasta.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/65.jpg)
Penne al Salmone, a salmon pasta without cream, highlights burst cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with thyme, perfect for summer. The light sauce and fresh ingredients make it a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
![Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Broccoli-Salad-29.jpg)
Our hearty classic Broccoli Salad with bacon and blueberries is a simple cold salad, perfect for summer days and potluck parties. The combination of sweet blueberries and savory bacon makes it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon