Summer Recipes to Try This Season

Food
Written By Kelly Miller
summer recipes to try

There’s something about summer that just makes everything taste better—maybe it’s the sunshine, the longer days, or the simple joy of gathering around the table after a day of fun. Whether you're hosting a backyard hangout, planning a cozy dinner at home, or just craving something fresh and flavorful, summer is the perfect time to try new recipes that are light, vibrant, and full of seasonal goodness.

I’m sharing some of my favorite seasonal recipes along with those that I have been bookmarking. These recipes are perfect for warm-weather dining, easy enough to make on a weeknight, and delicious enough to impress friends or family.

Let’s dig in!

1. Chili Lime Fish Tacos

If you're looking for a taco night upgrade, these Easy Chili Lime Fish Tacos from Pinch of Yum are a must-try. The fish is perfectly seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and a squeeze of lime, then pan-fried to flaky perfection. Pile it into warm tortillas with a zesty slaw or creamy sauce, and you’ve got a fresh, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like summer on a plate.

Tip: Pair these tacos with a sparkling limeade or a margarita for the ultimate warm-weather meal.

2. Summer Garden Guacamole

This Summer Garden Guacamole from Half Baked Harvest takes your classic guac to the next level. It’s loaded with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, corn, and jalapeños—basically everything that’s growing in your garden (or that’s in season) right now. It’s colorful, fresh, and totally addictive.

Serve it as an appetizer with chips or use it as a topping for burgers, grilled chicken, or those chili lime tacos above. Trust me—this one’s a keeper.

3. Grilled Veggies All Summer Long

There’s nothing more satisfying than a plate of beautifully charred vegetables straight off the grill. This guide to Grilled Vegetables from Love & Lemons walks you through how to cook everything from zucchini and bell peppers to asparagus and corn.

You can serve these on their own, add them to grain bowls, or layer them into a sandwich with hummus and goat cheese. They’re also a great make-ahead option for quick meals throughout the week.

4. Cedar Plank Salmon with Mango Salsa

One of my go-to summer dinners is grilled salmon, and when you add a fresh mango salsa on top? Game over. This combo of smoky, cedar-infused fish with juicy mango, red onion, and lime is just the best. What’s Gabby Cooking? has a delicious recipe that I think you’ll enjoy.

Tip: Soak your cedar plank in water for at least an hour before grilling to avoid flare-ups and keep the salmon juicy.

5. Angel Food Cake with Three-Berry Compote

No summer menu is complete without a light and fruity dessert. This Angel Food Cake with Three-Berry Compote from Food & Wine is both beautiful and easy to pull together. The cake is fluffy and sweet, while the berry compote adds a tart, juicy punch that screams summer.

Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent twist. It’s perfect for BBQs, birthdays, or simply because it’s summer and cake sounds good.

Cookbooks on My Radar

If you're like me and always on the hunt for new inspiration, here are two cookbooks I’ve been eyeing (and might just treat myself to soon):

Savoring Summer

Whether you're grilling outdoors, throwing together a no-cook meal, or simply enjoying a cold drink while dinner simmers on the stove, summer is all about savoring the moment—and the flavors. I hope these recipes inspire you to try something new, share a meal with friends and family, or find joy in the simple act of cooking something delicious.

I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes of these recipes on Instagram, so follow along @sunnydayswithkelly and let me know what you’re cooking this season!

Pin this post or bookmark it for your next meal plan—because summer tastes better when it’s shared.

Kelly Miller https://www.sunnydayswithkelly.com
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Ease Into Summer: Finding Joy Right Where You Are