When it’s blazing hot outside, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy meal weighing them down. That’s where these super cool summer meals come in. They’re the kind you’d reach for on a hot day, something to keep you going without making you wish for a nap right after. Think about the refreshing feeling of a cold drink on a sunny day; that’s the vibe these meals bring to the table.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
Dig into some Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes during the summer, right when the sun decides to show off. These are the kind that screams backyard get-togethers without you needing to sweat it out over a hot grill. They practically cook themselves!
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Had a long day and can’t face a complicated evening in the kitchen? Toss some cucumber with feta and there you have it. Cucumber Salad with Feta has no drama, and no sweat because this is one of those straightforward dishes that promises a refreshing crunch and a pleasing tanginess.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
When the summer heat cranks up and you’re looking for something to match the vibe, give this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp a shot. It’s a dish that will have you smacking your lips. It has the perfect combo of sweet and savory that can turn any patio dinner into a mini-vacation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Pizza Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t like the sound of pizza flavors in a pasta salad that’s a bit quirky? Pizza Pasta Salad is a potluck star that doesn’t ask for much more than mixing and chilling. It has all the crowd-pleasing ingredients that somehow make the dish disappear faster than you can say leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Here’s the deal with sheet pan meals: you throw everything on one pan and what comes out is a beautifully cooked meal. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken smells like you’ve been cooking all day, even though it’s pretty low effort. It’s a hack you need for a laid-back summer meal that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Next time you find yourself with a bit of leftover steak, throw it into a tortilla with some cheese. Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s comfort food. It’s a minimal-effort makeover that ends up decadent without actually being a big deal to put together.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
If you love the idea of a sandwich but can’t deal with the effort of making individual pieces for everyone, this Cuban Sandwich Casserole version is a game changer. It layers all those delicious ingredients and then bakes it until it’s all melty and flavorful. It’s a great twist on a classic!
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Chinese Chicken Salad
Bite into a light but filling Chinese Chicken Salad when the thought of heating up the kitchen is a no-go. It involves some chopping for a result that’s packed with pleasant textures and flavors. It will give you that satisfying crunch and savory-sweet combo that’s a hit even with kids.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
For breakfast or a quick snack, stick to Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries to save the day. It’s ridiculously easy, yet surprisingly satisfying with its mix of creamy, sweet, and slight tartness. As a bonus, you’ll feel quite the health nut without any of the fuss involved in typical healthy recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Grilling with some Mediterranean flavors is one of those quick and easy summer moves that feels effortlessly high-end. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is best when you want something light and flavorful that doesn’t chain you to the kitchen for hours. It pairs so well with just about any side dish you can think of.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
California Eggs Benedict
This twist on the classic Eggs Benedict is where you replace the ham with greens and creamy ingredients. California Eggs Benedict is a modern-style dish that is just right for a summer brunch. It’s like taking the spirit of a sunny beach morning and serving it on a plate.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Sometimes, you just need some down-home comfort without actually going home. That’s where this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins comes in. It mimics that stick-to-your-ribs feel but with a process that’s more on assembling than actual cooking. Great for lazy days!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Searching for a taste of that classic diner fare but don’t want to be drenched in sweat from cooking? Diner Style Salisbury Steak is here for you. It’s reliably delicious without requiring you to stay for long hours in the kitchen. You just need to form patties and let them simmer in gravy. This will make summer unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak