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25 Summer Recipes So Simple, You Won’t Believe It

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By Lisa MarcAurele

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25 Summer Recipes So Simple, You Won’t Believe It

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy quick and easy recipes that don’t keep you stuck in the kitchen. I’ve gathered some of my favorite summer dishes that are so simple, you’ll be amazed at how little effort they take. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick meal, these recipes are sure to become your go-to favorites this season.

Close-up of a spoonful of shrimp salad with diced potatoes and garnished with fresh parsley, with more salad visible in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Coconut Shake

Two coconut milkshakes topped with whipped cream, served in tall glasses with colorful straws, on a wooden table.
Coconut Shake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This refreshing coconut shake is a perfect choice for a simple summer treat. It’s quick to make and offers a tropical twist to your drink options. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Enjoy the creamy, rich flavor of coconut in every sip. A great way to add some island vibes to your summer.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shake

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This green bean tomato salad is a great choice for an easy summer side dish. Combining fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes, it’s light and refreshing. Ideal for a quick lunch or a picnic. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare. Perfect for adding some fresh vegetables to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs are perfect for a simple summer barbecue. They’re easy to cook and packed with flavor. Great for a quick dinner on a warm evening. Enjoy the smoky, savory taste without much effort. Perfect for a delicious, hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Vanilla bean Frappuccino drinks on a wood cutting board.
Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This copycat Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is a fantastic choice for a simple summer drink. It’s easy to make at home and saves you a trip to the coffee shop. Perfect for a cool, sweet treat on a hot day. Enjoy the creamy vanilla flavor you love. A great way to enjoy a favorite beverage without leaving your house.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Cool Whip.
Marshmallow Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This marshmallow fruit salad is a fun and easy summer dessert. It combines fresh fruit with fluffy marshmallows for a light, sweet treat. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors. A great way to add some fun to your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Pineapple Banana Smoothie

A close-up of a pineapple banana smoothie in a glass with a straw, surrounded by a white napkin with pineapple and banana in the background.
Pineapple Banana Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pineapple banana smoothie is a refreshing and simple summer drink. It’s quick to make and perfect for a hot day. Combining sweet pineapple and creamy banana, it’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Perfect for adding some tropical flavor to your summer.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer pasta chips are a great choice for a simple summer snack. They’re easy to make and offer a fun twist on traditional chips. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. You’ll love the crispy texture and savory flavor. A great way to enjoy a unique snack without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Two tall glasses of avocado spinach smoothie.
Avocado Spinach Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This avocado spinach smoothie is a refreshing and simple summer drink. It’s quick to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients. Perfect for a nutritious start to your day. Enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavor. A great way to stay cool and healthy this summer.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli slaw salad is a great choice for an easy summer side dish. Combining crunchy broccoli with a tangy dressing, it’s light and refreshing. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. You’ll appreciate how quick it is to prepare. Perfect for adding some fresh vegetables to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This berry salad with blueberry dressing is a perfect choice for a simple summer treat. It’s easy to make and full of fresh, juicy berries. Perfect for a light lunch or dessert. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors. A great way to enjoy the best of summer fruits.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

A glass mason jar filled with a red berry drink and topped with blackberries, accompanied by a small bowl of blackberries and a striped napkin on a white surface.
Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This iced sweet blackberry tea is a refreshing and simple summer drink. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hot day. Combining sweet blackberries with a hint of tea, it’s a great way to stay cool. Enjoy the fresh, fruity flavor. Perfect for a refreshing treat any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This easy radish salad is a great choice for a simple summer side dish. It’s quick to prepare and full of fresh, crunchy radishes. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Enjoy the crisp texture and peppery flavor. A great way to add some fresh vegetables to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of no-churn vanilla ice cream in a glass jar, with a waffle cone and a wooden spoon in the background on a white tablecloth.
No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This no churn vanilla ice cream is a perfect choice for a simple summer dessert. It’s easy to make and requires no special equipment. Perfect for a quick and creamy treat on a hot day. Enjoy the classic vanilla flavor. A great way to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Lemonade

A refreshing glass of strawberry lemonade on a wooden coaster, surrounded by fresh strawberries and lemons, on a light-textured surface.
Strawberry Lemonade. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and simple summer drink. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hot day. Combining sweet strawberries with tangy lemon, it’s a great way to stay cool. Enjoy the bright, fruity flavor. Perfect for a refreshing treat any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Red White and Blue Salad

A bowl of creamy berry salad topped with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries. A gold spoon is placed beside the bowl, and there is a small dish of blueberries in the background.
Red White and Blue Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This red, white, and blue salad is a great choice for a patriotic summer dish. It’s easy to make and full of fresh, colorful ingredients. Perfect for Fourth of July picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the mix of sweet and savory flavors. A great way to celebrate with a fresh and healthy dish.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Bowl of potato salad garnished with fresh herbs and bacon on a white background.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This red skin potato salad is a perfect choice for a simple summer side dish. It’s easy to make and full of creamy, flavorful potatoes. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the classic taste without much effort. A great way to enjoy a traditional summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Frozen Yogurt with Berries

A frozen yogurt cup with blueberries and a strawberry slice on top, placed on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible in the background.
Frozen Yogurt with Berries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This frozen yogurt with berries is a refreshing and simple summer dessert. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hot day. Combining creamy yogurt with fresh berries, it’s a great way to stay cool. Enjoy the light, fruity flavor. Perfect for a healthy and refreshing treat.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp macaroni salad is a great choice for a simple summer meal. It’s easy to make and full of fresh shrimp and pasta. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors. A great way to enjoy a classic summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These grilled shrimp skewers are a perfect choice for a simple summer barbecue. They’re easy to prepare and full of smoky, savory flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy the fresh, grilled taste. A great way to enjoy a summer favorite without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli salad with bacon is a great choice for a simple summer side dish. It’s quick to prepare and full of crunchy broccoli and savory bacon. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the mix of fresh and smoky flavors. A great way to add some variety to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

Cherry limeade in tall glass with lime wedge garnish.
Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This copycat Sonic Cherry Limeade is a perfect choice for a refreshing summer drink. It’s easy to make at home and full of sweet cherry and tangy lime flavors. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Enjoy the fun, fruity taste. A great way to enjoy a favorite drink without leaving your house.
Get the Recipe: Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken skewers cooked in the air fryer are a great choice for a simple summer meal. They’re easy to prepare and full of smoky, savory flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Enjoy the fresh, grilled taste without firing up the grill. A great way to enjoy a summer favorite with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Seafood Pasta Salad

Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This seafood pasta salad is a perfect choice for a simple summer meal. It’s easy to make and full of fresh seafood and pasta. Perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the light, savory flavors. A great way to enjoy a refreshing summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Turkey Roll Ups

A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These turkey roll-ups are a great choice for a simple summer snack. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a quick bite. Combining fresh turkey with your favorite fillings, they’re a great way to stay light. Enjoy the convenient and tasty roll-ups. Perfect for picnics or on-the-go snacks.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Three grilled shrimp atop cucumber slices garnished with herbs on a white plate with a red checkered napkin partially in view.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These shrimp cucumber bites are a perfect choice for a simple summer appetizer. They’re easy to prepare and full of fresh, savory flavor. Perfect for a light and refreshing snack. Enjoy the combination of shrimp and crisp cucumber. A great way to start your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

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