97 Summer Recipes So Easy, a Kid Could Cook Them (and Probably Will!)
Image credit: Dinner at the Zoo
Discover 97 quick and easy summer recipes for busy families and picky eaters. From no-cook lunches to simple dinners and delicious desserts, we’ve got you covered!
Summer is here, and the kitchen is getting a break! Who wants to spend hours cooking when the sun is shining and the pool is calling?
Not me and definitely not you!
That’s why I’ve rounded up 97 quick and easy summer recipes that are perfect for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone who loves delicious food without the fuss.
These recipes are so simple, even kids can help out in the kitchen. Get ready for a summer filled with fun, flavor, and no-stress cooking!
The Best Quickest Summer Recipes
Below are the recipes that will probably save your summer, and you 😁.
1
5-Minute Sunshine Sauce
Learn how to make the 5-Minute Sunshine Sauce, a quick and delicious sauce featuring tahini, citrus juices, garlic, and spices. It is perfect for adding a burst of sunshine to any dish.
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2
BLT Panzanella
This bread salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and crusty bread in a tangy vinaigrette.
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3
10-Minute Veggie Fried Rice
This quick and easy fried rice recipe combines cooked rice with fresh vegetables and savory seasonings.
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4
Berry Green Smoothie
This smoothie combines mixed berries, spinach, banana, yogurt, and milk for a nutritious and delicious drink.
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5
15-Minute Shrimp Scampi
Quick and delicious shrimp scampi tossed in a garlic butter sauce, served over tender linguine.
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6
Bistro Salad
This French-inspired salad features fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette.
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7
Avocado Tomatillo Dip
A delicious green dip with a smooth and creamy texture, blending the richness of avocado with the bright tanginess of tomatillos.
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8
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potato Fries
This healthy and satisfying meal features a creamy avocado Caesar salad paired with crispy sweet potato fries.
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9
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema
This recipe features crispy baked cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce, served in tortillas with creamy avocado crema.
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10
5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes
The 5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish made with ripe tomatoes marinated in a blend of garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. It is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
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11
Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites
These bites are a quick and easy way to impress your taste buds and guests. Perfect for parties or a delightful snack at any time.
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12
Banh Mi Bowls
This Vietnamese-inspired dish features marinated chicken or tofu, pickled veggies, cucumbers, jalapeños, and a spicy mayo drizzle over rice.
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13
Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls
This dish combines rice noodles with a creamy coconut curry sauce, colorful veggies, and your choice of protein for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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14
Avocado Veggie Panini
A delicious vegetarian panini filled with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado spread, and melted cheese.
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15
Avocado Cucumber Grapefruit Salad
This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and tangy grapefruit for a delicious meal.
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16
Asian Chicken Salad With Sesame Chili Vinaigrette
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17
Asian Chicken Salad
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18
Arugula Salad With Grapes And Black Pepper Vinaigrette
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19
5-Minute Vegan Yogurt
The 5-Minute Vegan Yogurt is a quick and easy recipe for creamy, dairy-free yogurt made with just two ingredients – perfect for breakfast, snacks, and desserts.
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20
5-Minute Vegan Kale Pesto
Learn how to make the 5-Minute Vegan Kale Pesto. It is a quick and delicious pesto featuring nutrient-packed kale, garlic, and olive oil – perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more.
21
5-Minute Magic Green Sauce
The 5-Minute Magic Green Sauce is a quick and versatile sauce bursting with fresh herbs, creamy avocado, tangy lime juice, and aromatic spices. It is perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading on your favorite dishes.
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22
5-Minute Honey Yogurt Quinoa Parfait
The 5-Minute Honey Yogurt Quinoa Parfait is a quick and nutritious parfait featuring creamy Greek yogurt, wholesome quinoa, sweet honey, and vibrant fruits. Perfect for a satisfying and wholesome breakfast, snack, or dessert.
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23
5-Minute Honey Mustard Sauce
A quick and delicious sauce made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and aromatic spices. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on your favorite dishes.
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24
5-Minute Homemade Peanut Butter
A quick and easy recipe for creamy homemade peanut butter made with just one ingredient – roasted peanuts. Perfect for adding natural sweetness and flavor to your snacks and meals.
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25
5-Minute Green Curry Salad
The 5-Minute Green Curry Salad is a quick and vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy green curry dressing. It is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that's bursting with exotic flavors.
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26
20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne
The delicious penne pasta is coated in a creamy lemon pesto sauce, and garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
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27
20-Minute Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Here is the full instructions for the 20-Minute Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe. It is a quick and nutritious chicken Parmesan made with baked chicken breasts, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
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28
30-Minute Healthy Broccoli Cheese Rice
A quick and easy dish featuring tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice. Feast your eyes on the 30-Minute Healthy Broccoli Cheese Rice recipe.
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29
5-Ingredient Tomato Soup
The 5-Ingredient Tomato Soup is a simple and satisfying soup made with just five basic ingredients: ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and olive oil. Perfect for warming up on chilly days or enjoying as a light lunch.
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30
5-Ingredient Spicy Pork
The 5-Ingredient Spicy Pork is a simple and delicious dish made with thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy blend of soy sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Perfect for adding a kick to your dinner routine.
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31
5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad
The 5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad is a quick and delicious salad featuring spicy chickpeas, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing.
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32
30-Minute Squash Coconut Curry
A quick and delicious curry featuring tender squash simmered in creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices, ready in just 30 minutes.
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33
30-Minute Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili
This is the 20-Minute Ancho Chicken Tacos, a quick and delicious tacos filled with seasoned ancho chicken, served with your choice of toppings in warm tortillas.
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34
30-Minute Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes
You get the Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes when you deliciously caramelize sweet potatoes roasted to perfection with a savory sesame marinade. This is a delicious side dish or snack in you can prepare in just 30 minutes.
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35
30-Minute Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki
Here you will learn how to make Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki in 30 minutes. It is a quick and delicious chicken teriyaki dish infused with the tropical taste of mango and the nuttiness of sesame seeds.
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36
30-Minute Meal Prep Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
These sheet pan chicken tinga bowls are a quick and easy meal prep option that's bursting with bold Mexican flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches, they're sure to become a family favorite.
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37
30-Minute Meal Prep Roasted Vegetable Bowls With Green Tahini
These roasted vegetable bowls with green tahini sauce are a quick and easy meal prep option that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and nutrients, they're sure to become a favorite in your household.
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38
20-Minute Ancho Chicken Tacos
This is the 20-Minute Ancho Chicken Tacos, a quick and delicious tacos filled with seasoned ancho chicken, served with your choice of toppings in warm tortillas.
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39
15-Minute Spicy Shrimp With Pesto Noodles
Quick and delicious spicy shrimp served over pesto-coated linguine, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, that is the story of the 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp with Pesto Noodles.
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40
30-Minute Vegetarian Meatballs
Delicious vegetarian meatballs made with hearty lentils, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices, ready in just 30 minutes.
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41
15-Minute Meal Prep Sesame Noodle Bowls
Quick and delicious sesame noodle bowls packed with veggies and tossed in a delicious sauce. It can be prepared in 15 minutes.
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42
15-Minute Meal Prep Creole Chicken and Sausage
Embark on a flavor-packed journey with thisthis quick and easy 15-minute meal prep Creole Chicken and Sausage—a symphony of bold spices, succulent chicken, and savory sausage.
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43
15-Minute Meal Prep Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentils
Experience a burst of freshness with this quick and easy 15-minute meal prep cilantro lime chicken paired with wholesome lentils.
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44
10-Minute Peanut Butter Fudge
Creamy peanut butter goodness in a bite-sized square.
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45
5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Asparagus
The 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Asparagus is a simple and delicious dish made with just five ingredients: chicken breasts, asparagus, lemons, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
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46
5-Ingredient Coconut Curry
The 5-Ingredient Coconut Curry is a creamy and aromatic coconut curry made with just five simple ingredients: coconut milk, curry paste, mixed vegetables, protein, and cooking oil. It is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
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47
48
5-Ingredient Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
5-Ingredient Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is a creamy and comforting soup made with just five simple ingredients: cauliflower, vegetable broth, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and garlic. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on chilly days.
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49
4-Ingredient Creamy Vodka Steak Pasta
The 4-Ingredient Creamy Vodka Steak Pasta is a delicious pasta dish featuring tender steak, creamy vodka sauce, and al dente fettuccine pasta. It is ready in just 30 minutes with only four ingredients.
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50
15-Minute Meal Prep Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu
Get ready for a whirlwind of flavors with this speedy cauliflower fried rice and crispy tofu. This detailed guide ensures you nail every step for a delicious meal.Get ready for a whirlwind of flavors with this speedy cauliflower fried rice and crispy tofu. This detailed guide ensures you nail every step for a delicious meal.
Check out this recipe
51
15-Minute Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches
The 15-Minute Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiche is a quick and hearty breakfast that's perfect for meal prepping. Packed with protein and flavor, these sandwiches are a morning game-changer.
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52
15-minute cauliflower fried rice
The 15-Minute Cauliflower Fried Rice is a healthier twist on fried rice using cauliflower as the star. Quick, easy, and bursting with veggie goodness.
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53
10-Minute White Bean Artichoke Basil Toasts
The 10-minute white bean artichoke basil toasts are a delicious fusion of creamy white beans, tangy artichokes, and aromatic basil. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
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I know I know, I promised you 97. The list is is not complete yet. I will add more to the list as soon as possible. So bookmark this page so you can always come back to it.
Tips for Summer Cooking Success
Here are a few tips to make your summer cooking even easier and more enjoyable:
- Prep ahead: Chop veggies, marinate meats, and make sauces in advance so dinner comes together in a flash.
- Cook outside: Take advantage of the warm weather and cook outdoors on the grill or a portable burner.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate your meals. Stick to simple recipes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Get the kids involved: Let the little ones help out in the kitchen. They can wash veggies, measure ingredients, and even stir the pot.
- Have fun: Cooking should be enjoyable, especially in the summer. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the delicious food you create!
Summer Recipe Ideas for Every Occasion
| Occasion | Recipe Ideas |
| Picnic: | Sandwiches, salads, fruit salad, veggie sticks and dip, chips and salsa |
| Beach day: | Wraps, fruit skewers, trail mix, granola bars, water bottles |
| Pool party: | Burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, corn on the cob, watermelon slices |
| Backyard barbecue: | Ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad |
| Camping trip: | Foil packet meals, hot dogs roasted over the fire, s’mores |
With these 97 quick and easy summer recipes, you’ll have no trouble finding something delicious to cook up for every occasion. So get out there and enjoy the sunshine!
