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 meals for hot summer days include vibrant salads, barbecue favorites, and no-cook wraps. They’re all great for quick lunches or relaxing dinners outdoors.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Summer is indeed the best time to explore new recipes!
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for meals you can enjoy on busy weeknights, this list can help you get started.
They’re loaded with flavor and come together without much hassle.
Chilis Shrimp Taco
These shrimp tacos are so light and flavorful!
You only need 16 minutes to make them, using shrimp, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, paprika, and Cotija cheese.
Get The Recipe: Chilis Shrimp Taco
Hot Girl Summer Salad
This salad is so incredibly satisfying, especially on a hot summer afternoon.
Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Pair it with a refreshing mint lemonade once you’re ready to enjoy.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Try these accordion potatoes at your next cookout! They pair well with anything off the grill.
They’re brimming with garlicky, buttery, and herby flavors.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
In search of something you can enjoy on a busy summer weeknight?
Check out this sushi bowl. It has shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado.
Get The Recipe: Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Here comes a restaurant-worthy summer dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
This hearty bowl features tons of delicious toppings, from cucumbers and pineapple chunks to carrots and pickled red onions.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Parmesan Potatoes
If you’re craving something savory and cheesy, these potatoes are a great choice.
You can also customize the recipe and use your favorite seasonings. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces.
Get The Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
You don’t need to be an expert cook to make this delicious ceviche!
Top it with thin lime slices and serve with a chilled glass of white wine. It’s ready in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sliders are a fantastic choice for summer parties and even for get-togethers all year round.
This version is impossible to resist! It comes with bacon, turkey deli meat, and ranch dressing.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sushi Wrap
This sushi wrap is ideal for on-the-go summer lunches!
And yes, it still delivers all the classic sushi flavors and is so easy to carry, especially for beach trips.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Wrap
Sushi Spring Rolls
These rolls are made with sweet potatoes, asparagus, spinach, avocados, and quinoa.
They’re light yet surprisingly satisfying. You can also try them with other fillings like mango or whatever else you’re craving.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Spring Rolls
Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos
Summer isn’t all berries and mangoes. Try these jackfruit tacos.
Serve them on taco night alongside mango salsa, guacamole, and corn salad.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Tomato Sandwich
There’s something special about biting into a perfectly ripe tomato sandwich on a hot summer afternoon.
This version comes together in 10 minutes, with cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli sprouts.
Get The Recipe: Tomato Sandwich
Vegan Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Avocado
These lettuce wraps will become your next summer go-to recipe.
They’re flavorful, easy to make, and healthy! Making them can take more than an hour, but they’re totally worth your time.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Avocado
Cilantro Chicken Chopped Salad
Chicken and cilantro are a fun combo you won’t want to miss this summer.
Try this filling salad. It features tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado, and plain Greek yogurt.
Get The Recipe: Cilantro Chicken Chopped Salad
Watermelon Gazpacho
This gazpacho blends watermelon with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, and cilantro.
It’s bright, cooling, and makes a beautiful starter or snack! Don’t forget to garnish it with fresh herbs.
Get The Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho
Smokey Sweet Grilled Chicken Legs
This grilled chicken recipe is bound to be a summer cookout favorite.
It has a mouthwatering sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder.
Get The Recipe: Smokey Sweet Grilled Chicken Legs
Greek Grilled Octopus with Lemon Sauce
Tired of all the salmon and chicken summer dishes? It’s time to try grilled octopus!
This bold option comes with a delicious olive oil and lemon sauce.
Get The Recipe: Greek Grilled Octopus with Lemon Sauce
Chicken Caprese Salad
There are tons of salads you can try this summer, and this one is definitely one of the best!
It brings together chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic glaze.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Caprese Salad
Salmon Stir Fry
Seafood lovers, you have to try this recipe.
You only need salmon, a few veggies, and some seasonings. Serve it with white rice or noodles!
Get The Recipe: Salmon Stir Fry
Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers
These 30-minute skewers are all about flavor and aroma.
Main ingredients include shrimp, pineapple, brown sugar, rum, and basil leaves. Pair them with coconut rice for a heartier meal.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers
Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs
This isn’t your usual picnic potato salad.
It features delicate, herbaceous flavors, something you’ll love pairing with grilled sausages or chicken.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Grilled Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Excited to use blueberries in your favorite savory summer meals?
This grilled chicken recipe features a fun sauce made with fresh blueberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This is your chance to make a tasty Mediterranean pasta salad at home.
It’s incredibly delicious, even without dairy or meat. You’ll love its arugula-balsamic dressing.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Cucumber Sandwiches
Have fun making the most refreshing sandwiches. This option is great for summer afternoon tea parties!
They’re made with cucumbers, cream cheese, mayo, chives, and a bit of salt.
Get The Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches
Gluten Free Orzo Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
Make this gluten-free salad a part of your summer menu.
It’s savory, herby, and lemony. Even your grandma will love it! Enjoy it for lunch or dinner alongside grilled lamb.
Get The Recipe: Gluten Free Orzo Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
These recipes will undoubtedly brighten up your summer days.
Experiment with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, and sweet corn, and combine them with proteins like rotisserie chicken or canned beans.
Also, get creative with the presentation and play around with colors!
25 Summer Party Snacks That Deserve an Invite to Every Bash
Planning a backyard hangout? These summer party snacks include simple options like hummus, chips, sandwiches, sliders, and bacon-wrapped treats.
Read it here: 25 Summer Party Snacks That Deserve an Invite to Every Bash
25 Summer Dinner Ideas to Make Weeknights Easier
Make your weeknights easier with these summer dinner ideas. The simple meals are easy to make and will leave everyone satisfied and happy.
Read it here: 25 Summer Dinner Ideas to Make Weeknights Easier
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 easy recipes? These options are all simple, flavorful, and made for summer: