Summer meals should be simple and delicious, giving you more time to enjoy the sun. These 13 options fit the bill perfectly, offering a variety of flavors without the heaviness. Whether you’re at a picnic or just eating at home, these dishes keep things fresh and breezy. They’re so refreshing you’ll never feel the need to escape to the freezer for relief. Keep things cool, and enjoy these perfect summer bites.
Chicken Tinga
Looking for something with a kick to enjoy when it’s hot out? Chicken Tinga is a robust option that brings heat without making you sweat it out later. Perfect for tacos, it pairs well with a cold drink, helping you cool down while your palate wakes up. Gather around for a meal that’s both casual and thrilling, ideal for those laid-back summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Spice up your summer with Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers, and forget about the heat. These little bites are a crowd-pleaser and a good friend to your glass of icy lemonade. They’re smokey, they’re hearty, and they’re just the right size for snacking while you’re chilling outside. So, crank up the barbecue and get ready for a summer hit that’s big on flavor and fun.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
When you grill up some Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter, you’re in for a bold experience that somehow feels just right on a warm summer night. It’s simple, and meaty, and the homemade butter adds a bite of herb-filled richness that isn’t heavy. Imagine sitting outside as the sun sets, feeling satisfied but ready for a night under the stars. This dish is all about the simple pleasures of summer grilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Cool and light, Easy Salmon Pasta faced is a dish that won’t weigh you down when the sun is beating down. It’s fresh, has a hint of the ocean breeze, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Share it at a picnic or serve it on your back patio; you won’t regret choosing something so effortlessly delicious. Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal that saves you time to just relax and enjoy the longer days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pineapple Salsa
Nothing screams summer quite like a fresh Pineapple Salsa. Its sweet and tangy punch is fantastic with chips or as a topping for grilled meats. The juicy pineapple keeps things light, and the combination of flavors will cool you off as the temperature rises. So, scoop up a chunky bite and chill out, this is what those summer vibes are all about.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Fire up the grill for Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp, and you’ve got a quick, light meal that’s swimming in sunny vibes. It cooks up in no time, so you’re not stuck sweating over a hot stove. Pair it with a salad or some grilled veggies, and you’ve got a refreshing meal that’ll make any evening feel like a vacation. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of seaside serenity to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad offers a twist on a classic that’s as pleasing as a cool breeze. It’s a laid-back side dish that’s perfect for potlucks or a relaxed meal at home. This combo fills you up without feeling heavy, so you can focus on catching up with friends and family. Just dish it up and watch as it becomes a surprising new favorite at your sunny gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Grilled Feta
If you think cheese is too heavy for summer, Grilled Feta will change your mind. It’s a cheese that can truly take the heat and comes off the grill soft and slightly smoky. Serve it with some crusty bread, and watch how a simple concept can be so bold. It’s the perfect starter for an evening spent chatting on the patio or decking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is your ticket to a herby, creamy side dish without the usual heaviness. It’s a green twist on an old favorite, full of flavor and fresh enough to make any plate feel more exciting. Mix it up in a big bowl and take it outside for a perfect picnic companion. You’ll find it’s just right for those lazy, hazy days of summer you wish would never end.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble
Take advantage of summer fruits with Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble for dessert. It’s sweet, tangy, and best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream as the sun sets. No need for heavy pastries when you have a dish that’s packed with natural flavors and a light, crunchy top. It’s the kind of treat that invites you to kick back, relax, and savor the simple joys of summer sweets.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
For a fresh take on summer salads, Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes mixes sweet with savory. The grilled peaches add a smokiness that complements the ripe tomatoes perfectly. It’s a bright, fresh dish that feels just right when eaten outside on a warm day. Share this at a family barbecue or a peaceful solo lunch; either way, it will hit the spot without hitting the snooze button on your day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Ever been to Maggiano’s? Bring a taste of it home with your own version of their Sausage & Peppers. It’s hearty but not heavy, with familiar flavors that stand up to the summer heat. Whip this up for a casual get-together and enjoy a meal that’s uncomplicated, unfussy and unapologetically good. It’s like a quick trip to Italy without the need for a passport or a plane ticket.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Best Rub for Beef
Sometimes, all it takes to make a meal memorable is the right seasoning. The Best Rub for Beef is your secret weapon for anything from steaks to brisket. Slather it on and let the grill do the rest; you’re left with a deeply flavorful crust that’s anything but bland. And the best part? You’re free to mingle, sip your cool drink and bask in the glory as everyone raves about the meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Rub for Beef