Forget complicated: 25 effortless summer recipes to love

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Discover 25 effortless summer recipes to savor the simplicity and taste the season’s best. Forget complicated cooking and enjoy the flavors of summer with ease.

Cucumber slices coated in a red dressing in a white ceramic bowl with a wooden spoon.
Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and Spoon and Yum

Cherry Tomato Confit

Close shot of cherry tomatoes resting in oil.
Cherry Tomato Confit. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Elevate your cherry tomatoes with this mouthwatering easy Cherry Tomato Confit recipe. Transforming these little fruits into soft, sweet, and irresistibly delicious bites, this dish offers a delightful summer treat that can be enjoyed anytime.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Confit

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

A black ceramic bowl filled with a rainbow medley of salad ingredients.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A super simple and easy-to-make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad that is packed with cucumber, olives, onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and an utterly delicious homemade dressing!

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Rujak (Spicy Indonesian Fruit Salad)

A fresh rainbow medley of fruit in a white bowl.
Rujak. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rujak is an Indonesian fruit salad tossed in a homemade spicy dressing. It makes a perfect easy summer salad!

Get the Recipe: Rujak

Mango Salsa

A large ceramic bowl filled with mango salsa.
Mango Salsa. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Mango Salsa is always a hit whether serving as an everyday dish or while entertaining a crowd. With ripe juicy mangos, lime, and a subtle touch of spice, the well-rounded summer flavors complement a large variety of dishes. 

Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean-Style Cucumber Salad
Photo credit: MOON and Spoon and Yum

Embark on a culinary journey with this quick and easy Korean cucumber salad. Bursting with spicy and tangy flavors, this easy and delightful recipe promises a truly delicious dining experience.

Get the Recipe: Korean Cucumber Salad

Stuffed Round Zucchini

Quinoa stuffed round zucchini in a baking dish.
Stuffed Round Zucchini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Round zucchini is a fun heirloom squash variation that’s perfect for stuffing, baking, and enjoying as a healthy and easy side dish come the late summer season.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Round Zucchini

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon-Fried Corn in a black serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with flavor and ready in about 10 minutes, this easy summer side dish is the dinner winner! It pairs perfectly with so many other dishes turning your BBQ meal into a feast!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Tajin Cucumber Boats With Lime Juice

Tajin cucumber boats on a plate next to a slice of lime.
Tajin Cucumber Boats With Lime Juice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Tajin Cucumber Boats With Lime Juice are light, refreshing, full of flavor, and can be made in only 5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tajin Cucumber Boats With Lime Juice

Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Perfectly homemade and super easy Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican ground beef made out of wholesome ingredients will be your go-to keto dinner for every single Taco Tuesday this summer.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is made with sour cream and mayo and is crisp, light, refreshing, and can be made and served in only 30 minutes. It’s a perfect family dinner side dish when you need to quickly get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Loaded Zucchini Boats are a fantastic appetizer for any occasion. Whether it’s a party, game day, or holiday gathering, these flavorful and satisfying snacks hit the spot. Plus, you can have them prepped, baked, and ready to devour in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This grilled chicken with cilantro crema is a perfect summer meal. With juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast, and a creamy, tangy cilantro crema, it’s a delicious and flavorful pairing that’s amazing for weeknights or summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is like a Big Mac in a bowl. It’s an easy and hassle-free dish, with simple ingredients that require only minimal preparation. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient and delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers on a blue plates.
Stuffed Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with classic Bolognese sauce containing ground beef. This recipe gives you a great option for your summer meal prep or grilling evening.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh summer salad featuring spring mix, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and sweet, tangy balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

The Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe enriched with broccoli, bacon, and ranch is a great one-pot meal for the whole family to enjoy. Put together in just a few minutes, and this creamy deliciousness will be your summer family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Pesto Orzo Salad

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with our mouthwatering Pesto Orzo Salad! This easy-to-make dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, from the fragrant basil pesto to the juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy cheese. Grab a fork and savor the taste of summer in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill is packed with sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty flavors. Crunchy cucumbers, tenderly cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette combine to create a delicious beet salad perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This easy recipe is all about the curry! Juicy chicken and caramelized onions are cooked in a spicy curry sauce that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for a cozy summer night in or impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Low Carb Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our easy hearty classic Broccoli Salad with bacon and blueberries is a simple cold salad perfect for your summer days.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce

Zucchini noodles with creamy avocado sauce and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Creamy Avocado Zucchini Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Zucchini noodles with avocado cream sauce make a perfect side dish or light meal for summer. Add some grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

With a hint of lemon and oregano, these Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs are a taste of the Mediterranean! They’re tender, and with all your favorite veggies, they’re pretty much a complete meal. Fire up the BBQ and enjoy a great summer meal tonight!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Need a quick weeknight dinner perfect for a hot summer night? This zesty lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect recipe. Featuring ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy garlic lemon ricotta sauce, it’s comforting yet light at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

Cheesy stuffed heirloom tomatoes with herb garnish.
Roasted Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These easy roasted stuffed heirloom tomatoes are filled with goat cheese, creme fraiche, and thyme mixture and topped with garlic butter breadcrumbs for a wonderful late summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

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