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When summer hits, I find myself craving meals that are light, bright, and full of seasonal produce. These recipes have been on repeat in my kitchen because they’re simple to throw together, packed with flavor, and just feel right on a warm day.
From crisp salads to easy grilled dishes and fruit-packed desserts, these are the fresh summer recipes I truly can’t stop making.
1. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Juicy watermelon cubes paired with salty feta, fresh mint, and a squeeze of lime juice. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and tangy, and it takes just minutes to make.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the watermelon ahead of time so the whole salad is extra refreshing when served.
Get the Watermelon Feta Mint Salad recipe
2. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, then grilled until juicy with just the right amount of char. It’s simple, versatile, and great sliced over salads or tucked into wraps.
Olivia’s Tip
Pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Get the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe
3. Tomato Basil Caprese Salad
Slices of ripe tomato layered with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s summer on a plate, and it’s always a hit.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Get the Tomato Basil Caprese Salad recipe
4. Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
Quick-cooked shrimp paired with creamy avocado, shredded veggies, and a splash of lime juice, all tucked in crisp lettuce leaves. Light, cool, and full of flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.
Get the Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps recipe
5. Peach and Burrata Salad
Juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh arugula drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s sweet, savory, and feels fancy with barely any effort.
Olivia’s Tip
Lightly grill or char the peaches to bring out their sweetness even more.
Get the Peach and Burrata Salad recipe
6. Grilled Veggie Platter with Hummus
Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender. Serve with hummus for dipping—it’s easy, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Olivia’s Tip
Make extra veggies—they’re great the next day in wraps or bowls.
Get the Grilled Veggie Platter with Hummus recipe
7. Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
Sweet corn cut off the cob and mixed with juicy tomatoes, red onion, basil, and a simple vinaigrette. Bright, crisp, and no cooking required.
Olivia’s Tip
Use raw corn for a juicy, crunchy texture—it’s surprisingly sweet and fresh.
Get the Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad recipe
8. Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)
Grated cucumber mixed into creamy yogurt with garlic, lemon, and dill. Cool, tangy, and perfect with grilled meats or pita chips.
Olivia’s Tip
Squeeze the cucumber dry before mixing so the dip stays thick and creamy.
Get the Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki) recipe
9. Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Marinated chicken skewered and grilled, served with lemon wedges and a side of pita. A Greek-inspired summer favorite that’s big on flavor but light on effort.
Olivia’s Tip
Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
Get the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers recipe
10. Mango Black Bean Salsa
A sweet and savory mix of diced mango, black beans, red onion, and cilantro with lime juice. Scoop it up with chips or spoon over grilled fish or chicken.
Olivia’s Tip
Make it a few hours ahead—the flavors meld and it tastes even better.
Get the Mango Black Bean Salsa recipe
11. Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Honey
Pineapple slices grilled until caramelized, then drizzled with honey and a squeeze of lime. Warm, sweet, and so easy.
Olivia’s Tip
Sprinkle with a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon for a fun twist.
Get the Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Honey recipe
12. Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
Pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, and a light vinaigrette. It’s bright, crisp, and great for picnics or meal prep.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill before serving so the pasta soaks up the dressing and stays flavorful.
Get the Summer Veggie Pasta Salad recipe
13. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Spiralized zucchini tossed with fresh basil pesto. Light, fast, and packed with summer flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the zoodles dry before tossing with pesto to keep them from getting watery.
Get the Zucchini Noodles with Pesto recipe
14. Berry Chia Pudding
Chia seeds soaked in almond milk and layered with fresh summer berries. Naturally sweet, creamy, and great for breakfast or dessert.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it chill at least 4 hours for the best thick, pudding-like texture.
Get the Berry Chia Pudding recipe
15. Grilled Fish Tacos with Slaw
Flaky fish fillets grilled and tucked into tortillas with a crunchy cabbage slaw and a drizzle of lime crema. Fresh, bright, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Olivia’s Tip
Warm the tortillas before serving—they’ll hold up better and taste fresher.
Get the Grilled Fish Tacos with Slaw recipe
16. Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Skewers
Chunks of sweet cantaloupe wrapped in salty prosciutto and skewered for easy snacking. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a fresh basil leaf to each skewer for extra color and flavor.
Get the Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Skewers recipe
17. Cold Soba Noodle Salad
Chilled soba noodles tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds. Cool, light, and so satisfying.
Olivia’s Tip
Rinse the noodles well after cooking to keep them from sticking together.
Get the Cold Soba Noodle Salad recipe
18. Frozen Banana Bites with Dark Chocolate
Banana slices dipped in melted dark chocolate and frozen for a sweet, cool treat. Just the right size for a little bite of something sweet.
Olivia’s Tip
Sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut before freezing for added texture and flavor.
