15 Refreshing Summer Recipe Ideas
I can’t believe it’s already summer. The temp it increasing and new produce are in season to enjoy. For those not wanting to turn the oven on during the hot summer season, I understand. I feel the same, so to make it easier, here are 15 refreshing summer recipe ideas that are simple to make. From convenient breakfast meals to chilled desserts, these simple recipes will make you want to put them on repeat.
1 High-Protein 7-Layer Bean Dip
This high protein bean dip is a healthier, leaner alternative, using yogurt and ground turkey as part of the filing. It’s the perfect app to take to the next BBQ, or to enjoy as a snack throughout the week.
Get the High-Protein 7-Layer Bean Dip Recipe.
2 Overnight Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffles
These overnight peanut butter and jelly waffles are the most convenient breakfast items to make, especially when school is out. These will be your kids next favorite meal of the day, and best of all, it can be prepper the night before. Simple make the batter, refrigerate overnight, and cook the following morning. No extra work, and it doesn’t require turning on the oven.
3 Hearty Turkey Bolognese
This hearty turkey Bolognese will surprise everyone at the family table. It’s a leaner alternative but still captures the same flavors of a traditional Bolognese using beef. It’s so flavorful and crazy good after it cooks low and slow on the stove.
Get the Hearty Turkey Bolognese Recipe.
4 Southwestern Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are perfect to make on the grill to avoid turning on the stove. Filled with charred peppers and topped with bacon and pepper jack cheese, this lean meal has flavor in every bite.
Get the Southwestern Turkey Burgers recipe.
5 Ingredient Turmeric Chicken
This healthy 5-ingredient turmeric chicken is another great choice to make on the grill, and the seasoning blend is simple to make. It’s a great option for poultry or any protein of your choice, and even provides beneficial qualities.
Get the 5-Ingredient Turmeric Chicken recipe.
6 Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry
This one pot chicken curry marinated in a delicious yogurt mixture and then seared to help create a flavorful, rich sauce is hard to resist. IT requires only a few minutes of prep work and goes amazing with a batch of warm, fluffy rice.
Get the Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.
7 Cuban Mojo Inspired Carnitas
This Cuban Flavored Carnitas is the next meal to add to your family dinner rotation. It’s easy to make and makes enough to feed a large family. You can also freeze leftovers for another weeknight dinner.
Get the Cuban Mojo Inspired Carnitas recipe.
8 One Pot Basil Shrimp Pasta
This Basil Shrimp Pasta creates additional convenience during the summer. Not only is it refreshing and can be eaten either hot or cold, but it’s also made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Get the One Pot Basil Shrimp Pasta recipe.
9 Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta
This Salmon pasta is another great one pot dinner choice. As one of The Dish Next Door’s most popular recipe, I can confirm this is definitely a meal that is loved all around.
Get the Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta recipe.
10 Charred Tomatillo Salad
A salad with homemade vinaigrette that is refreshing and only takes minutes to make. It a beautiful dish to compliment a summer brunch or weeknight dinner.
Get the Charred Tomatillo Salad recipe.
11 Tortellini Pasta Salad
A pasta salad that will become a major craving at the next summer potluck or barbecue! It’s seriously a burst of cheese and flavors in every bite and it’s a side dish that you can’t get enough of.
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
12 Chicken Fajita Soup
For those who crave soup no matter the season, this chicken fajita soup is hearty and packed with flavors. It’s perfect for using fresh corn on the cobb and to eat with fresh ingredients.
Get the Chicken Fajita Soup recipe.
13 Dubai Inspired Pistachio Bon Bons
These little delicacies are a go-to choice for mini treats during the summer without using the stove top. Filled with pistachio butter, honey, and shredded coconut, these Dubai inspired bon bons are easy to prepare, but difficult to eat just one!
14 Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu
This Vietnamese inspired Tiramisu with Jasmine Sea Salt Whipped Cream is seriously the next best dessert to serve this summer. It’s a huge hit and one you will dream after taking one bite. This delicate dessert can be prepper in advance to let the cookies soak longer and doesn’t require eggs or alcohol if serving to children.
Get the Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu recipe.
15 Blueberry Lemon Tres Leches Cake
lueberry cake infused with lemon can be the most refreshing dessert after a hot day in the sun. Although this tres leches cake does require some oven time, it’s definitely worth it in the end.
Whether you are looking for one pot dinners or simple desserts, there is sure to be a quick meal option that will be hit with you and your family. So don’t stress or worry about figuring out a dish for the next meal. Try any of one of these ideas that quickly come together to serve either during the work week or on a day off so you can continue to relax.
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About Nicole
Hey There! I'm Nicole, and I have been making food for as long as I can remember, from a little girl cooking with her grandmother to making new dishes and using her husband as a taste tester.
