Halloumi and Watermelon Salad on a White Plate

71 summer recipes

Janine Ratcliffe

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Make the most of the summer months with a barbecue, picnic or al fresco dinner and cool down with a refreshing cocktail or iced dessert

Looking for summer recipe ideas? Take advantage of the summer heat with an alfresco feast, with everything from barbecues to picnics and camping. Looking to dig into a fruity summer cake? See our summer dinner ideas below for plenty of inspiration.

We've got plenty more ideas for summer salads, summer pasta recipes, healthy summer recipes, summer desserts and Midsummer party ideas. Meanwhile, sip on one of our summer cocktails or summer coffee serves.

Best summer dinner ideas

Jump to section:

Picnic and BBQ ideas
Summer dinners
Summer dessert ideas
Summer cocktail and drinks

Picnic and BBQ ideas

BBQ chicken and sausages

Fiery, piquant and less sweet than other varieties, Carolina BBQ sauce complements caramelised, smoky meat perfectly. For more ideas, see our best barbecue recipes, with everything from burgers to ribs and more.

Double crisp frittata

The potato chip tortilla, famously championed by Ferran Adrià, has transcended into a viral sensation across Instagram and TikTok. This culinary marvel is refreshingly straightforward: eggs are delicately whisked and melded with potato crisps, Spanish ham, pimentos- and a hint of thyme. Slowly cooked to just the right degree on a hob, it has inspired myriad variations. Enter Gurdeep Loyal's rendition, drawing from Adrià’s legacy but boldly reimagined with thick-cut crinkle crisps and a spirited twist of Chinese chilli oil, injecting a tantalising kick.

A double crisp frittata on a serving plate with one slice taken out of it

Crisp feta parcels with sesame and hot honey drizzle

Feta is lovely when cooked, breaking down into creamy softness. Here it’s wrapped in filo and fried to give a gorgeously crunchy contrast.

Triangles of crispy feta on a blue serving plate

Yakitori with citrusy hot honey

These charred yakitori skewers are drizzled with a honey marinade for natural sweetness, complemented by yuzu kosho and red chilli for a Japanese-inspired kick.

Picnic loaf bánh mì

Char siu-style pork, classic pickles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy avocado star in this super-sized version of the traditional Vietnamese sandwich, perfect for a picnic.

Turkish gözleme

Traditionally cooked on a round sac griddle, these stuffed flatbreads are a beloved Turkish snack. Equally delicious warm or cold, making them the perfect picnic treat.

Halloumi skewers with chipotle and lime

Chipotle, smoked paprika, brown sugar and lime zest make a sweet, sticky marinade to coat halloumi for a stunning vegetarian barbecue dish.

Halloumi skewers with chipotle and lime on a serving plate with lettuce on the side

BBQ lamb platter with olive and almond pesto

Make the most of sunny days with barbecued lamb cutlets, served alfresco and topped with a homemade olive and almond pesto for a fresh, vibrant flavour.

Beef empanadas

These filled pastry treats are easier to make than you might think, and they make perfect snacks for parties and picnics. Filled with beef, tomato, smoked paprika and fiery cayenne, they pack a flavour punch, too.

Mini pork pies

It's not a summer without an outdoor feast. These mini pork and chorizo picnic pies have got a hidden quail's egg in the middle and make a great snack. Chorizo-style sausages have the same soft texture as regular sausages but with added paprika and garlic. See our easy picnic food ideas for more inspiration.

Vegan tempeh and pineapple kebabs

For a killer BBQ feast without the meat, try these umeboshi kebabs with juicy pineapple and marinated tempeh. See more plant-based dishes with our vegan summer recipes.

Sardinillas con guacamole en tostada (Guacamole on toast with silver sardines)

Top toasted baguette slices with smooth guacamole, silver sardines and plenty of olive oil for a true taste of the Basque Country.

Muffaletta

Muffaletta is packed with cured meats and a great olive salad. If you’re going on a picnic or just fancy making a seriously good sandwich, this stacked southern US super-sandwich from The Lockhart in London is for you.

BBQ pork belly

Slow cook your pork belly slices for fall-apart meat, soft, melting fat and lots of flavour. Finish off on the BBQ for a smoky flavour and caramelised edges.

Sliced of BBQ pork belly on a wooden chopping board

Watermelon and halloumi salad

Summer is the perfect time for a light and refreshing salad. Juicy, refreshing watermelon pairs brilliantly with warm, salty halloumi and fresh mint for this zingy summer recipe. Tuck into more summer salads with our recipe collection.

Asparagus quiche with capers

Quiche is picnic-perfect – easy to pack, and just as tasty cold as it is warm—this asparagus version pairs nutty brown butter pastry with gruyère and punchy capers for a seriously moreish bite.

Vegetarian kebabs

Try these aubergine kebabs with charred onion salsa for an easy BBQ option – simple to put together, quick to cook and easily scaled up or down depending on how many you’re feeding. Discover more meat-free ideas, see our easy summer vegetarian recipes including veggie curries, fresh salads and simple skewers.

Corn on the cob

This recipe for spiced corn on the cob is based on a grilled Mexican street snack but gets a bump of flavour from punchy Korean gochujang sauce. If you can’t find it, use any garlicky chilli sauce. Serve this with burgers, ribs and more as part of a summer dinner, plus see more easy barbecue side dishes.

Roasted red pepper and cannellini bean dip

This dip is inspired by Muhammara, a Middle Eastern blend of roasted red peppers and walnuts. Our version uses cannellini beans for creaminess and has a smoky almond and pepper topping for some crunch. It's a great one to whip up for big gatherings.

A big bowl of red pepper dip

Chicken picnic pies

Take your picnic up a notch with these pretty, portable pies, filled with chicken and broad beans in a cream sauce and topped with flaky filo.

Classic cheeseburger

It’s a fast-food classic but not all cheeseburgers are created equal. Following these simple tips will result in the patty and bun of which dreams are made. For more ideas, see our best burger recipes.

Provençal bread dipping oil

This French-inspired dipping oil is perfect for casual summer snacking, paired with a good baguette or crusty loaf. Dried figs bring a subtle sweetness that balances the brininess of the olives and capers, and raspberry vinegar cuts through the richness of the oil

Someone dipping bread into homemade oil

Pitta

With just a handful of storecupboard ingredients you can achieve superior fluffy pitta breads that make shop-bought versions pale by comparison.

Pitta breads on a cloth next to hummus

Watermelon, lime and feta checkerboard salad

Arrange pieces of marinated watermelon and salty feta in a checkerboard pattern for a stylish, delicious and refreshing entertaining dish for summer.

A colourful watermelon and feta appetiser on a sharing plate

BBQ prawns with roasted gooseberry salsa

Believe it or not, prawns and gooseberries are made for each other. Try them together in this simple BBQ recipe.

Vegan sausage rolls

Our homemade sausage rolls, encased in a flaky puff pastry and topped with crunchy poppy seeds, swap pork for meaty mushrooms to make it 100% vegan. They’re ideal for a summer picnic or lunch spent outdoors.

Malaysian spiced burgers with tomato-tamarind sambal

This Malay-influenced burger features a spiced chicken patty, dressed with a punchy sambal made from chillies, garlic, ketchup and tamarind

Loaded burgers with veggies on the side

Sweet-sour griddled aubergines

This aubergine salad is light enough to serve as you soak up the last of the summer rays but it’s also a great party platter to serve alongside meze if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial. Char the aubergines over the BBQ or in a griddle pan, and dress in an agrodolce (sweet/sour) dressing.

Sweet-sour griddled aubergines with candied walnuts, sumac and red onion

Summer dinner ideas

Courgette rotolo with lemon herb ricotta stuffing

Impress your guests with this vibrant summer dish, ideal for entertaining and serving up to six people. Delicate strips of courgette are rolled with a tangy citrus ricotta and feta filling, then baked atop a fragrant bed of basil and tomato sauce. A stunning vegetarian main that will delight both meat-lovers and plant-based diners alike.

A plate of courgette rotolo with salad leaves on the side

Chargrilled bang bang chicken noodle salad

A fresh, vibrant, hearty salad of slippery noodles with crunchy, zingy veg and a rich ginger peanut sauce.

A large, colourful bang bang chicken noodle salad set at the centre of a table

Stuffed marrow

Stuff summery courgette with a tomato and beef mince mixture for a filling meal that’s made for alfresco dining.

A marrow cut in half lengthways and stuffed with mince and topped with cheese on a blue plate

Buffalo chicken burger & creamy slaw

Nothing says summer like these buffalo-style chicken burgers, generously filled with a gorgeous mixture of buttery spiced chicken, crunchy slaw and sweet pickled cucumbers.

A fully loaded burger with a glass of beer in the background

Smoky souvlaki platter with tzatziki potato salad

The addition of smoked sea salt gives these skewers a little taste of the flames, even if you’re not barbecuing.

Souvlaki skewers on a blue plate, next to a bowl of tzatziki potato salad

Herby-harissa shawarma with shallot raita

The smoky heat of harissa combined with the freshness of mixed herbs gives Gurdeep’s shawarma a flavour that's both punchy and delicate. Top generously with sharp, cooling shallot raita for the ultimate modern twist.

Summer greens and Boursin filo rotolo

An easy yet impressive filo rotolo that's loaded with summer greens and creamy Boursin Garlic & Herbs soft cheese, then finished with a sprinkle of za'atar.

Mediterranean chicken traybake

This simple chicken traybake recipe is sprinkled with olives, feta, oregano and baby plum tomatoes. It captures the fresh flavours of summer with seasonal veg. See more ways to prepare chicken, from skewers to wraps and more, with our easy summer chicken recipes.

Broad bean, mint and chilli pasta

Chopped mint pairs perfectly with broad beans – this pasta dish combines them both with lemon, chilli and cream for a quick and easy summer meal.

A bowl of pasta with broad beans and sliced chilli on a white linen tablecloth

Sloppy Joe buns

When it's too hot to cook, simply throw some ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work. Make this tender chipotle pulled pork, then stuff into brioche buns with avocado and pickled jalapeños. A great, fuss-free recipe for a get-together. For more ideas, see our summer slow cooker recipes.

Birria tacos

Gather round your friends and family for a summer taco night! Birria tacos hail from the Jalisco region of Mexico. You can recreate this street food favourite by braising beef in a rich charred tomato sauce, flavouring with three types of chilli, pulling the meat then stuffing into tortillas. Dip into the smoky cooking juices and consider it taco night done right.

Check out more taco recipes, including plant-based versions like our vegan tacos.

Birria-tacos

Summer butter bean salad

The flavours in this lively salad only get better over time, so it’s a great one to prep ahead. Even better, it only takes 15 minutes to assemble.

Chilled cucumber, dill and yogurt soup

This creamy chilled cucumber soup is simple to make and ready in just 20 minutes. The fragrant aromatic dill works perfectly with the subtle tasting cucumbers, a perfect summertime starter. See our best summer soup recipes for more vibrant flavours.

Baked halibut with fennel, lemon and walnut pangrattato

A mild, sweet-flavoured flat fish with firm flesh, halibut is particularly well suited to roasting, ideal for easy summer entertaining or an elevated speedy midweek meal.

Baked halibut with fennel, lemon and walnut pangrattato on a baking dish with wedges of lemon

Halloumi and Greek salad wraps

Salty halloumi makes a satisfying vegetarian wrap filling. Serve with a fresh and bright salad for a quick, nutritious

Halloumi Wraps With Greek Salad

Chicken, wild rice and carrot salad

Looking for a simple, no-cook summer dinner option? Lime pickle adds a sour, salty, fragrant note to this dressing, which becomes more than the sum of its parts. This recipe makes a generous serving, but it keeps in the fridge for two days.

A white plate filled with chicken, rice, ribbons of carrot and red onion slices

Tomato manchego tart

Make the most of juicy seasonal tomatoes at their ripest in this beautiful sunshine tart. Here, the tomatoes are salted before being baked in the tart, as the process draws water and concentrates their flavour. The result is a savoury tart with an intense umami effect.

A tomato tart on a round plate with a grey wood background

Courgette, parma ham and lemon ricotta lasagne

This summery twist on lasagne is packed with courgette, zesty ricotta and folds of delicate parma ham – a light but flavour-packed take on the classic.

A white ceramic oven dish filled with baked lasagne on a wooden board and a green surface

Grilled sardines with tomato salad

Serve grilled sardines with a vibrant side salad of sweet heirloom tomatoes, crushed almonds and sherry vinegar. Perfect for a simple but satisfying dinner on warm summer nights.

A white oval platter topped with slices of tomato and topped with grilled sardines

Summer dessert ideas

Eton mess traybake

Celebrate fresh seasonal fruit with our easy summer cake recipes from classic victoria sponge to tangy cheesecakes. Combine two classic desserts in this simple yet classic sponge cake, topped with lots of summer berries for extra sweetness and zing.

Amaretto roasted peaches

Make the most of warmer evenings with a simple, hands-off dessert perfect for gatherings and barbecues. After minimal prep, your oven does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy a summer cocktail while you’re rewarded with syrupy peaches and ice cream.

Honey and lime ice cream

Put that jar of set honey to good use in this aromatic ice cream recipe, made with just four ingredients (and no need for an ice cream machine).

Strawberries and cream hand pies

Pack up a taste of summer for a picnic with custard and strawberry-filled hand pies.

Roasted banana caramel swirl ice cream

Check out our impressive ice cream recipe with roasted bananas and homemade caramel sauce swirled through. Black bananas are best for this recipe as they’re extra ripe and sweet. Make your own homemade frozen treats with our best ice cream recipes.

Roasted Banana Ice Cream with Caramel

Strawberries and cream cheesecake

Combine two classic summer desserts in this no-bake cheesecake topped with a sweet strawberry sauce, ideal for alfresco entertaining. Try more rich puddings with our easy summer dessert recipes.

Frozen chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake

Check out this frozen Nutella cheesecake with classic bourbon biscuits and crunchy roasted hazelnuts. This indulgent dessert is easy to make and perfect for a summertime dinner party with friends.

Gooseberry tart

This gooseberry tart recipe makes the most of crisp, tart berries, pairing their flavour perfectly with soft creamy custard.

Two slices cut out of a large gooseberry tart

Summer pudding

Nothing says 'summer' like this quintessential British pud which celebrates seasonal berries. Enjoy cut into thick wedges, with plenty of whipped cream on the side. Also try our cherry labneh summer pudding for a twist on the classic.

A whole summer pudding with one slice taken out of it

Blackberry sorbet

This recipe is made without cooking the blackberries, to keep their vibrant colour and flavour intact – the result is a zingy, tart sorbet that will really refresh your palate this summer.

Raspberry trifle

This impressive trifle, with sherry-soaked scones, juicy raspberries and silky clotted cream custard, couldn't be simpler to put together. A perfect, sunshiny dessert for a crowd. Discover more of our terrific trifle recipes.

Raspberry clotted cream and scone trifle

Street-side kulfi

This Pakistani dessert combines cardamom, sweetened condensed milk, ricotta and saffron – roll in ground pistachios for an extra flourish.

Summer cocktails and drinks

Frozen strawberry lemonade

Transform frozen strawberries, lemon juice and sugar into a refreshing summer drink, perfect for sipping in the sunshine. With just five simple ingredients, it’s sure to become your new go-to.

Mezcal sunset cocktail

This modern twist on a retro tequila sunrise is made with smoky mezcal for a refreshing, grown-up sundowner.

Screwdriver cocktail

This is one of the easiest cocktails you can make – for best results, ensure you use freshly squeezed orange juice and serve the drink ice-cold.

Paloma cocktail

The margarita's softer, breezier cousin – this tequila-based cocktail makes a great sip for the summer months, starring refreshing grapefruit. For more ideas, from piña coladas to mojitos, see our easy summer cocktails.

Frozen strawberry daiquiri

Showcase seasonal strawberries in this popular summer party drink. Combine them with rum, lime juice and ice, then blitz it all together to make a quick and refreshing frozen daiquiri cocktail.

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

Rebujito

The rebujito, popular in Andalucia, is just the ticket: a highball cocktail where dry fino sherry is mixed with lemonade for a tall, thirst-quenching drink.

Iced tea cocktail

Make a homemade iced tea with assam leaves for some cooling refreshment. If you prefer yours boozier, spike it with bourbon whiskey.

Two tall glasses of iced tea cocktail garnished with lemon wedges and a sprig of mint

Watermelon juice

Get a real taste of the sun in this lively watermelon drink, packed with plenty of vibrant summer flavours.

Jug cocktails

Hosting a summer get-together? Get ready for the weekend with these boozy batch cocktails, from mezcal and kombucha cooler to spicy margaritas, raspberry frosé, and Jamaican rum punch.

Easy Jug Cocktail Recipes

Sangria

Channel sunny holiday vibes from your garden with this classic Spanish tipple, made in 10 minutes with red wine, brandy, lemonade and plenty of juicy seasonal fruits. For more entertaining ideas, see our best summer punch recipes.

Mojito

Whisk yourself away to the Caribbean with our easy mojito recipe. Mix up this cocktail for a party using lime, fresh mint, white rum, sugar, Angostura bitters and soda water. Skipping the booze? Try our alcohol-free mojito mocktail, instead.

Three glasses of mojito, filled with ice, limes and garnished with mint leaves

Bubble tea

Looking for a summer drinks project? Recreate a highstreet cafe favourite and whip up a batch of this more-ish Taiwanese bubble tea, complete with chewy tapioca pearls.

Glasses of bubble tea, one with a straw in it

Authors

Janine Ratcliffe in a short sleeved long dress sitting on a chair beneath palm trees on a balcony

Janine RatcliffeFood director

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