Summer cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with these 17 dishes that you’ll master with ease. They’re so simple, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. Perfect for those lazy warm evenings when you’d rather be outside than stuck by the stove, these meals will have you breezing through mealtime. By the end of the season, you’ll be wondering how you ever got through summer without them.

Turmeric Pickled Tomatoes

Attempting something new in the kitchen can be quite rewarding, especially when you have Turmeric Pickled Tomatoes as a result. These tomatoes are a brilliant companion for grilled meats, adding a tang to your plate. Their golden hue is thanks to the turmeric, which doesn’t just add color but also a subtle warmth. As a bonus, they can upgrade a simple sandwich to something special.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Pickled Tomatoes

Cucumber Raita

When the weather heats up, Cucumber Raita serves as a perfect cooling side. It pairs effortlessly with spicy dishes, soothing your palate with its creamy texture. Fresh cucumbers and a hint of mint give it a refreshing quality. This side dish is quick to prepare and a must-have for any summer feast.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Raita

Japanese Pickled Daikon

Introduce a touch of Japanese cuisine to your table with Japanese Pickled Daikon. It’s a crisp, tangy condiment that’s surprisingly versatile, brightening up rice or noodle dishes. The daikon radish soaks up the flavors over time, so it gets better as it sits in your fridge. It’s a simple way to bring an authentic Japanese accent to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Pickled Daikon

Guacamole

Guacamole is a crowd-pleaser that’s not just for chip dipping. It goes well with burgers, tacos, or even as a standalone healthy snack. Ripe avocados, a squeeze of lime, and a kick from fresh onions and cilantro, this dish is always a hit. It’s a nutritious and effortless way to bring people together.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Dry Fried Green Beans

For a side with a difference, try Dry Fried Green Beans on for size. These beans bring a welcomed crunch to your plate when cooked just right, without being oily. They’re often seasoned with garlic and a dash of salt for a simple yet extremely moreish side. Serve these alongside your main to add a little green to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans

Corn and Tomato Chowder

Nothing says summer like fresh produce simmered together, and Corn and Tomato Chowder is a hearty example of this. With fresh corn off the cob and ripe tomatoes, it’s a soup that celebrates the season. This chowder has a comforting texture and can work as a starter or a light meal. It’s a practical choice when you have an abundance of summer vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Chowder

Triple Berry Hand Pies

Triple Berry Hand Pies are a sweet treat perfect for picnics or a backyard BBQ dessert. They’re packed with the goodness of summer berries and wrapped in a flaky crust. These portable pies make it easy to enjoy a homemade baked good without needing a plate. Nothing beats the convenience of these individual servings when you’re looking to share a sweet.
Get the Recipe: Triple Berry Hand Pies

Air Fryer Corn Elote

Transform a classic street food into a home staple with Air Fryer Corn Elote. The air fryer gives you the charred flavor without any hassle of a grill. With a coat of creamy sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a side that steals the show. This version is as impressive as it is effortless and perfect for any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Elote

Pickled Onions

Brighten up your salads or tacos with homemade Pickled Onions. Their sharpness cuts through richer dishes and can provide an unexpected lift. The pink hue adds a pop of color to your dish that’s visually striking. They’re easy to make in advance and have ready to go for enhancing any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Fried Green Tomato Fritters

Fried Green Tomato Fritters are the ultimate Southern treat to serve up this summer. Crispy on the outside, tangy on the inside, they’re a testament to simple ingredients creating big impact. They work well as an appetizer or a unique addition to a brunch spread. This dish is a conversation starter and a surefire hit at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Fritters

Pickled Daikon and Carrots

Starting off, you can’t go wrong by adding some tang to your meals, and that’s where Pickled Daikon and Carrots come in. They are simple to prep and wait quietly in the fridge to join your next barbecue session or sandwich assembly. These add a crisp, tangy touch that balances out richer foods. Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead, keeping well for your spur-of-the-moment snack needs.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Daikon and Carrots

Elote

Street food classics like Elote bring the essence of summer right onto your plate. Each cob is a combination of sweet, roasted corn and a creamy sauce that’s both simple and crowd-pleasing. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings where you want minimal fuss and lots of happy faces. Bring out the grill, because these corn cobs are ready to be the star of your next sunny get-together.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber Salad is the hidden gem of refreshing sides, ideal for those scorching summer days. It’s packed with crunchy cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, providing a refreshing contrast to any spicy fare. This salad can be casually tossed together in no time and enhances the centerpiece of any meal. It’s the perfect last-minute addition to your dinner that brings a touch of freshness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

If you’re looking for something light but fulfilling, Vietnamese Summer Rolls are the answer. They’re little bundles filled with fresh veggies, shrimp, or tofu, all neatly wrapped in rice paper. Whether it’s an appetizer or a light main, they’re fun to make and even better to eat. These are great for a low-effort meal that impresses with its fresh and clean taste.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

When you want something crunchy without the regret, reach for some Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. The air fryer works its charm, giving you crisp fries without the oil of traditional frying. Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’ve got a hit for when those snack cravings hit. They’re so easy, you’ll find yourself choosing these over potato fries more often than not.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Mexican Corn Salad

For a twist on the traditional, Mexican Corn Salad is a must-try. It combines the sweetness of corn with a punchy dressing and a sprinkle of cheese to pull it all together. Ideal for picnics and potlucks, it’s as easy to make as it is to eat. This salad will quickly find its place among your go-to recipes for stress-free yet impressive sides.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup

Peak summer calls for ripe tomatoes, and what better way to use them than in an Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup? It’s a familiar favorite with a home-made touch that’s comforting and light. A bowl of this soup is the perfect companion on a cooler summer evening. Whip this up, add your favorite bread on the side, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup