This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
These summer food ideas are packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Explore everything from salads and sliders to nachos and tacos.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these summer recipes have you covered.
The list includes both sweet and savory options. Feel free to tweak the recipes and use the ingredients you have on hand.
Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
This hearty bowl is made with shrimp, carrots, avocado, cucumbers, Kewpie mayo, and other tasty ingredients.
Go ahead and meal prep your shrimp to make this recipe even easier to put together.
Get The Recipe: Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Dairy Free Lemon Bars
Time to explore more dairy-free and gluten-free summer desserts.
These lemon bars are perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. Dust them with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Get The Recipe: Dairy Free Lemon Bars
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These corn ribs are perfect for summer BBQs!
Like accordion potatoes, you can pair them with sour cream, mayo, vegan ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Craving something cheesy and hearty? Try these sliders and pair them with baked sweet potato fries!
They’re perfect for laid-back hangouts or casual dinners.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
This is exactly what summer dinners should look like.
This recipe features the refreshing combo of pineapple and chicken, alongside sushi rice and a mayo-sriracha dressing.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Hot Girl Summer Salad
This crunchy salad is more than a TikTok trend.
It’s tangy and bold with a little heat, thanks to cucumbers, green bell peppers, pepperoncini peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This delicious dip is perfect for game days and summer get-togethers.
It’s rich and tangy, something you’ll love to pair with sliced baguette rounds, carrot sticks, and soft pretzels.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Make these smokies ahead of time and then share them with everyone.
You can store them in the fridge for up to three days, then just reheat them in the oven for around 15 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Summer is the perfect excuse to try something different in the kitchen.
Why not make your own version of Chipotle’s crowd favorite at home? It’s ready in 20 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Crispy Accordion Potatoes
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these accordion potatoes.
Make this either in the oven or air fryer. Main ingredients include potatoes, butter, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Big Mac Tacos
Bring summer fun to your dinner table. These tacos are made with ground beef, mayo, yellow mustard, cheese slices, and seasonings.
As always, you can choose any of your favorite cheeses.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Seafood lovers, this recipe is for you. Just make sure to prepare it on the day of your party, since it’s best served immediately.
If there are leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to one day only.
Get The Recipe: Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
No Boil Mashed Potatoes
These vegan mashed potatoes are made with potatoes, vegan butter, thyme, and unsweetened almond milk.
They’re already so delicious on their own, but if you want some extra flavor, you can stir in dairy-free sour cream and plant-based bacon.
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Wondering what to do with extra strawberries?
This vegan shortcake keeps all the charm and flavor even without any dairy. It also includes almond milk and cane sugar.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Sushi Spring Rolls
If you’re looking for something healthier, look no further than these spring rolls.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make them, including sweet potatoes, asparagus, and spinach.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Spring Rolls
Veggie Kabobs
Grilled veggie kabobs are a must for any summer cookout, and this version is something you can make even as a newbie cook.
If you want a heartier meal, you can pair them with quinoa or grilled meat.
Get The Recipe: Veggie Kabobs
Cherry Pie Bars
Tired of strawberry and blueberry treats? Go for these sweet, buttery cherry pie bars instead.
Slice them into squares and then serve with vanilla ice cream!
Get The Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars
Potato Salad with Dill Pickles
There are tons of potato salad recipes you can make this summer. Try this one first!
It’s zesty and herby, the perfect side for burgers and sandwiches.
Get The Recipe: Potato Salad with Dill Pickles
BLT Rollups
Make a big batch of these rollups and watch them disappear fast on the table.
Go ahead and customize the filling if you want. Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use Swiss or provolone.
Get The Recipe: BLT Rollups
Chili Lime Quinoa Salad
This salad features irresistible smoky and tangy flavors.
It makes an excellent plant-based summer lunch. Garnish it with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Get The Recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad
Fajita Nachos
Your friends will love these nachos!
This recipe includes all your favorites, from chicken breasts and bell peppers to shredded cheese and onions.
Get The Recipe: Fajita Nachos
Smoked Brisket (Traeger Pellet Grill Recipe)
Sometimes, all you need is a new recipe to fall back in love with cooking.
This brisket is an easy, flavorful, and elegant choice, made with BBQ rub, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and stone-ground mustard.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Brisket (Traeger Pellet Grill Recipe)
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Sweet Potato Salad
This potato salad is a future family favorite. Why not make it a little sweeter with honey or dried cherries?
And make sure not to skip the dressing made with mayo, salsa, and fresh lime juice.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Salad
Oven Shrimp Skewers
Make mouthwatering summer seafood dishes in just 20 minutes.
This one results in a bold and zesty dish, with cayenne pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.
Get The Recipe: Oven Shrimp Skewers
Beet Watermelon Salad
Watermelon is best enjoyed on its own or in a salad alongside other wholesome ingredients.
Try this recipe! It will steal the show at any BBQ with beets, chopped watermelon, and feta.
Get The Recipe: Beet Watermelon Salad
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Summer cooking doesn’t have to mean grilling all day.
You can also go for something simpler if that’s what you’re comfortable with as a beginner cook. Try salads and grilled meats. You can explore sandwiches and no-bake desserts!
25 Summer Family Dinner Ideas That Keep It Cool and Simple
Whether you’re in a hurry or want a relaxing dinner at home, these summer family dinner ideas have you covered. Fish, chicken, beef, casseroles and more are just a few of the dishes you’ll find here.
Read it here: 25 Summer Family Dinner Ideas That Keep It Cool and Simple
25 Fun Summer Desserts That Turn Every Bite Into a Mini Staycation
Beat the heat with these fun summer desserts everyone will love. From cookies and cupcakes to pies and popsicles, each one is easy to make and full of flavor.
Read it here: 25 Fun Summer Desserts That Turn Every Bite Into a Mini Staycation
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more no-fuss summer food ideas? These recipes are all beginner-friendly and delicious:
- 25 Summer Brunch Ideas to Impress Without Breaking a Sweat
- 25 Summer Drink Recipes to Chill, Sip & Repeat
- 25 Summer Party Food Recipes That Disappear First
- 25 Summer Appetizers for Parties That’ll Be Gone Before the Grill Heats Up
- 25 Summer Dessert Ideas That Might Just Break Your Diet (and You Won’t Care)