When the weather gets warm, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy meal.
Turning on the oven can feel like a HUGE mistake on a hot day.
You need food that’s light, cool, and doesn’t take forever to make.
This is the time for crunchy salads, quick things on the grill, and recipes that are SO simple.
We put together a list of meals that are perfect for those long summer evenings.
There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re feeding your family or just need an easy dinner for yourself.
Get ready to find your new favorite go-to summer dish.
1. Hemp Tofu Burger
Savor the Hemp Tofu Burger, a firm veggie burger that holds together beautifully with every bite.
This delicious vegan burger is incredibly versatile, ready for all your favorite toppings without falling apart.
2. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with fragrant basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and fresh vegetables.
This easy pasta salad is a fantastic, versatile side dish perfect for any potluck or picnic.
3. Stone Fruit Salad with Goat Cheese
This Stone Fruit Salad with Goat Cheese is the ideal summer dish.
Enjoy the sweet medley of peaches, plums, and nectarines perfectly complemented by creamy goat cheese, fresh mint, and crunchy toasted almonds.
A simple honey-lemon dressing brightens this refreshing stone fruit salad even further.
4. Blue Cheese Potato Salad
Elevate your next cookout with this incredible Blue Cheese Potato Salad. Tender potatoes are perfectly tossed with sharp blue cheese and salty bacon, creating a delightful bacon potato salad. This creamy side uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a fresh, lighter twist.
5. Strawberries and Cream Trifles
Strawberries and Cream Trifles are your new favorite dessert. These quick and easy trifles are the perfect solution for any sweet craving. They are especially wonderful for satisfying a late-night sweet tooth.
6. Pesto Tofu Sandwich
The Pesto Tofu Sandwich combines herbaceous pesto and savory tofu for a delicious flavor.
This quick tofu sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.
7. Mango Lassi
Enjoy this refreshing and sweet Mango Lassi, a delicious Indian drink.
It’s completely vegan and comes together easily with just a few ingredients.
This vegan mango lassi is perfect for a quick, delightful treat.
8. Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff
Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff is a light and creamy dessert that’s ready in under ten minutes. Enjoy the delightful blend of fresh berries and classic cheesecake flavor, perfect for a quick treat or a cozy Campfire gathering.
9. Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
Get ready for delicious Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers, perfect for your next game day. These air fryer shrimp skewers are simple to make and a healthy option everyone will love. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy tasty shrimp.
10. Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry Lemonade is your go-to for ultimate summer refreshment. This simple, homemade lemonade brings together the bright taste of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon. It’s the perfect delightful sip to brighten any day.
11. Grilled Corn Salsa
Grilled Corn Salsa is a quick and easy summer recipe perfect for any gathering.
This vibrant grilled corn and tomato salsa combines fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and black beans with a zesty lime dressing.
Enjoy this versatile corn salsa recipe simply with chips, or as a flavorful side or topping for your favorite dishes.
12. Easy Mango Pineapple Salsa
Easy Mango Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant and zesty addition to any meal.
This colorful salsa blends sweet mango with juicy pineapple, creating a refreshing burst of flavor.
13. mediterranean tofu buddha bowl (high protein + vegan)
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Tofu Buddha Bowl. It’s a truly satisfying high protein and vegan meal, perfect for a wholesome plant-based experience. You’ll love this easy-to-make, incredibly delicious tofu recipe.
14. Hasselback Chicken Caprese
Hasselback Chicken Caprese offers a delightful twist on a classic, featuring tender chicken breasts.
Each slice is generously stuffed with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
Finished with fragrant fresh basil and a drizzle of pesto, this chicken caprese is a delicious and easy meal.
15. Orange Fluff Jello Salad
Orange Fluff Jello Salad is an incredibly easy and delicious dessert that comes together quickly. This nostalgic mandarin orange fluff salad recipe offers a unique, tasty combination that is sure to delight.
16. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Bring the vibrant flavors of summer to your table with this amazing Mexican Street Corn Salad.
This light and creamy corn salad, reminiscent of delicious elote or esquites, is perfect for any BBQ or cookout.
It’s incredibly easy to make with either fresh or frozen corn.
17. Blackened Salmon Wraps with Avocado Slaw
Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with these Blackened Salmon Wraps with Avocado Slaw.
This versatile dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, and can even be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb preferences.
18. Pineapple Fruit Salad
This Pineapple Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for any occasion.
It features a delightful blend of juicy pineapple, berries, and mango.
A sweet Honey Lime dressing with a hint of coconut makes this easy fruit salad truly special.
19. Tuna Pasta Salad
This classic Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish.
Enjoy tender cold pasta, savory tuna, and fresh veggies tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
20. Zucchini pizza with basil and lemon
Zucchini pizza with basil and lemon offers a truly delicious vegan pizza experience.
Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of zucchini, aromatic basil, and bright lemon in every delightful slice.
21. No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Enjoy creamy No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream that’s incredibly simple to whip up right in your kitchen.
This delightful no churn ice cream recipe lets you create a rich, homemade treat without needing an ice cream maker.
22. Chicken Salad with Grapes
Experience a truly delicious Chicken Salad with Grapes.
This delightful chicken salad combines tender chicken and juicy grapes in a slightly sweet, creamy dressing.
It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for any meal.
23. Creamy Lemon Pasta
Creamy Lemon Pasta is a wonderfully easy dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Bright lemon and fresh asparagus perfectly blend in this creamy pasta, featuring a secret ingredient that gives the sauce a delightful pizzazz.
24. Easy Gluten Free Banana Pudding (Magnolia Bakery-Style)
This Easy Gluten Free Banana Pudding (Magnolia Bakery-Style) is a refreshing no-bake dessert.
Enjoy delightful layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and sweet gluten-free vanilla wafers in this simple homemade banana pudding recipe.
25. Raspberry Iced Tea
This refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea is the perfect sip for any time of day.
Enjoy making this simple raspberry iced tea recipe that promises delicious sips with every glass.
26. Mango Kiwi Smoothie with Hemp Hearts
Enjoy the Mango Kiwi Smoothie with Hemp Hearts, a tropical and creamy blend perfect for a refreshing treat.
This delicious smoothie is packed with vitamin C, protein, and healthy fats, providing a nutritious boost to your day.
It’s naturally sweetened only with fruit, making it a delightful and wholesome choice.
27. Summertime Strawberry-Apricot Smoothie
Start your day with the delightful Summertime Strawberry-Apricot Smoothie. This easy strawberry apricot smoothie combines fresh flavors for a truly refreshing treat. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of summer.
28. Hawaiian Chicken
Hawaiian Chicken features tender chicken thighs flavored with a tropical coconut marinade.
They are grilled to perfection, making an easy dinner that’s wonderful for entertaining.
29. Artichoke Lemon Pesto
Artichoke Lemon Pesto offers a delicious new spin on traditional pesto. This unique artichoke pesto brings a tangy, hearty flavor that will truly brighten your meals. Enjoy this vibrant lemon pesto for a fresh and delightful taste.
30. Classic Wedge Salad
Bring the steakhouse experience home with this Classic Wedge Salad.
You’ll love the towering crisp lettuce, creamy blue cheese, and crispy bacon combined with bright, juicy tomatoes in this satisfying wedge salad.
31. Strawberry Delight
Strawberry Delight features a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust topped with rich, creamy cheesecake. This delightful recipe adds a layer of fresh strawberries under shimmering strawberry jello, creating a wonderful strawberry layered dessert. It’s a perfect combination of delicious textures.
32. Frozen Fruit Smoothie
Enjoy a refreshing Frozen Fruit Smoothie, a vibrant and icy blend of apple juice with delicious frozen blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and mango.
This easy fruit smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink that’s just perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
33. Salmon Sous Vide
Salmon Sous Vide delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful salmon fillets every time.
It’s perfectly complemented by a delightful lemon dill sauce made with creamy Greek yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise.
This recipe makes mastering sous vide simple and delicious.
34. Bacon-Wrapped Watermelon Bites
These Bacon-Wrapped Watermelon Bites offer a surprisingly delightful combination. Salty bacon perfectly complements the sweet and juicy watermelon bites for an unforgettable snack.