23 Best Summer Recipes for 2023
Stuck in a recipe rut this summer? Look no further than this list of the 23 best summer recipes for 2023 for all the inspiration you need!Â
From appetizers to entrees, and desserts to beverages, there is something for every palate on this list of the 23 best summer recipes for 2023.
Have a peruse and save some recipes for your next summer get together. Maybe even pick a few out to create the ultimate summer menu for your guests!
I included recipes with all my favorite summer produce – tomatoes, corn, watermelon, peaches and berries – as well as no cook or grilling recipes so you can avoid turning your oven on in the summer heat.
I’ve also included some vegetarian and gluten free recipes, so everyone enjoy the best flavors summer has to offer.
Appetizers
This burrata caprese is a twist on a classic caprese salad, featuring heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, fresh basil and balsamic glaze.
What I love most about this burrata caprese is that it seems fancy but is very simple to make and requires minimal ingredients. Everything comes together quickly, making it the perfect summer appetizer or side dish.
These elote inspired corn fritters contain fresh corn off the cob, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice and zest and fresh cilantro. The batter is packed with flavor, easy to whip up and these fritters make a delicious snack, appetizer or side dish.
The recipe includes both pan frying and air frying instructions as well as a delicious chili lime dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the fritters.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
The months of July and August mark peak peach season in the U.S. Celebrate with this deliciously balanced grilled peach and burrata salad. It’s so easy and requires just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be making it for every BBQ gathering this summer.
This peach and burrata salad features juicy grilled peaches, creamy burrata, salty prosciutto and peppery arugula, and is topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. All the flavors play so well together, it’s impossible to get bored with this salad.
This summery salad is a refreshing combination of sweet and juicy watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, and mint tossed in the classic lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. There is no cooking required and it’s light and hydrating, making it a must-try recipe during this hot and humid season.
Mains
File this cilantro lime grilled chicken recipe under your go-to easy summer grilling recipes. Seriously, anyone can make this delicious chicken that is bursting with fresh and zesty flavors.
This cilantro lime grilled chicken recipe contains 10 ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. The marinade takes just a few minutes to throw together and you only need to marinate the chicken for 20 minutes.
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
These sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers are the easiest summer recipe you’ll want to add to your grilling rotation. They’re also a fantastic recipe to serve on Fourth of July or other summer BBQs, along with your other favorite BBQ foods.
These pineapple shrimp skewers are the perfect balance of sweet and slightly spicy. They incorporate some Asian flavors, but still feel very tropical. I like to have these as an appetizer or an entree with rice and a vegetable.
Copycat Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burger
One of my favorite Trader Joe’s items is their frozen Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers, and this is a homemade copycat version. This version uses many of the same ingredients in the original veggie burgers, including quinoa, black beans vibrant veggies, fresh cilantro and a blend of spices.
Whether you choose to enjoy them on a toasted bun with all your favorite toppings or as a protein-packed addition to a salad, these copycat quinoa cowboy veggie burgers are sure to be a hit among vegans and non-vegans alike.
Make your own delicious Greek chicken souvlaki, perfectly marinated and grilled until tender and juicy. Serve it with warm pita and creamy tzatziki sauce, and it’s like you took a trip to Greece without ever leaving your home.
Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs (Kalbi)
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into super tender and juicy Kalbi ribs. These easy short ribs have mouthwatering flavor with succulent tender meat.
This Korean short rib recipe is a perfect entree recipe for BBQs, family gatherings for easy entertaining, or quiet lazy nights at home when you want something easy to make. Serve it with japchae, braised potatoes, or fluffy Korean steamed eggs and you’ll be in heaven!
Side Dishes
If you love a good Cobb salad then you will love this Cobb pasta salad; a delightful twist on the classic favorite. This loaded and flavorful pasta salad combines all the components you love from a traditional Cobb salad, with the addition of bowtie pasta and a simple yet delicious homemade dressing.
The vibrant colors and textures of this Cobb pasta salad create a visually pleasing side dish, with each bite a burst of summery goodness that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for a leisurely picnic in the park, hosting a backyard BBQ, or contributing to a potluck with friends.
This easy orzo salad celebrates all the delicious flavors summer has to offer. It is loaded with the delicious flavors of sweet corn and tomatoes, salty feta cheese, creamy avocado and it’s all tossed in a complimenting basil pesto.
I love how easy pasta salads are to make and this one is no exception. It can also be made ahead of time, which gives all those beautiful flavors time to meld together, and this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it is perfect for entertaining.
This caprese pasta salad features sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, aromatic basil, a simple homemade dressing and is topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze drizzle. Drooling yet?
I brought this caprese pasta salad to a Fourth of July party and it was a big hit! It paired perfectly with grilled chicken, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and corn on the cob.
Mexican Street Corn (Esquites)
This Mexican street corn recipe, also known as Esquites or Elote in a Cup, is delicious, flavorful and versatile. Whether served as a snack on the go, a side dish at a barbecue, or a topping for tacos, there are many ways to enjoy this recipe.
Esquites evoke the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Mexican culture bringing a real essence of classic Mexican street food. I recommend serving this with tacos, refried beans and chips and salsa.
A herbed potato salad with preserved lemon and mustard dressing is the perfect summer picnic salad. This delicious potato salad has no egg, no mayo and is naturally vegan and gluten-free. A guaranteed potluck hit!
Desserts
Up your s’mores game with these super fudgy s’mores brownies loaded with dark chocolate, gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers. They’re gluten free, easily made dairy free and made with better for you ingredients.
These mixed berry crumble bars are the perfect summer dessert. They consist of a soft oat cookie base, sweet and tart berry filling and crumbly topping.
These berry crumble bars are gluten free and vegan, but you wouldn’t even know it. They make a great breakfast, snack or dessert, and are delicious on their own or heated up and topped with some Greek yogurt or ice cream.
These healthy key lime pie bars are made with a sweet, cinnamon-y graham cracker crust, and a filling of tart lime juice and zest and creamy coconut milk. They are easy to make, require minimal baking and are the perfect balance between tart and sweet, making them oh so refreshing on a hot summer day.
Unlike traditional key lime pie, these bars are gluten free, dairy free and made with healthier for you ingredients. They can be enjoyed chilled, for a consistency like traditional key lime pie, or frozen, for an extra refreshing treat.
Brown Butter Strawberry Peach PieÂ
This brown butter strawberry peach pie checks all the boxes. It includes my two favorite summertime fruits – strawberries and peaches – and brown butter just makes everything better.
You are sure to impress guests with this pie, between the nutty brown butter crust, perfectly sweetened filling and eye catching lattice top. Round everything out with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, and you will be the most popular person at the pot luck.
Looking for an easy and delicious summer treat? Cool off with these homemade chocolate banana popsicles. They’re creamy, chocolaty, easy to make and refreshing on a hot day.
You can enjoy them as is, dunk them in melted chocolate or top them with fun toppings such as chopped nuts or sprinkles!
Beverages
This white peach frosé is a sweet and delicious frozen cocktail that is easy to make and only requires four ingredients – white peaches, rosé, peach schnapps and honey. It is best enjoyed in the summer months, when peaches are in peak season and at their sweetest and juiciest.
This is a batch cocktail recipe, which means this recipe makes enough for a group. Serve at a party, poolside or during happy hour for an extra special treat.
This blackberry sage margarita is a delicious and unique cocktail option for summer. It is refreshing, fruity, not too sweet and has a subtle earthy herb flavor from the sage.
I love this cocktail because it is extremely easy to make at home and requires just 6 ingredients. The recipe is for a single drink, but can easily be doubled, tripled or even quadrupled to make for a crowd.
Sit back and relax in the summertime sunshine with this strawberry spritz cocktail. Similar to an Aperol Spritz, but instead of Aperol and orange, it features citrusy Lillet and strawberry pureé, as well as prosecco and seltzer.
Light, fruity, refreshing and a breeze to make. The result is a beverage that is not only visually stunning but also utterly irresistible.
Watermelon Water (Agua Fresca)
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic summertime beverage, this watermelon water is perfect! It’s super delicious, refreshing and visually stunning.
This agua fresca is made with sweet watermelon juice, tangy lime juice and a touch of sugar. It can be served and enjoyed as a mocktail or served alongside a few liquor options so guests can create their own cocktails!
If you end up making any of these recipes this summer, please let me know what you thought by rating and reviewing in the comments below. I’d love to see pictures of your creations and connect on Instagram as well!
