12 fresh summer recipes to savor now: enjoy the long, sunlit season before life returns to normal
From hearty salads to cold dishes, light appetizers, and practical dinner ideas, the secret is to cook with simple ingredients, plenty of flavor, and minimal fuss. Tomatoes, cucumbers, mangoes, shrimp, cold pasta, couscous, lemon, and fresh herbs are perfect allies for these days.
These suggestions are designed for those who want to eat well before getting back into their routine, without spending hours in the kitchen and without losing the lighthearted spirit of summer.
Cold appetizers to start off without turning on the oven
A good late-summer appetizer should be quick, beautiful, and refreshing. It’s also an excellent way to make the most of ripe tomatoes, strawberries, aromatic herbs, and ingredients that are at the peak of the season.
When temperatures rise, the gazpacho quickly becomes a must-have. But this time, we’re giving it a seasonal twist with an ingredient (which, admittedly, you wouldn’t necessarily expect in a cold soup): strawberries ! Paired with tomatoes, they add a...
Hearty salads for light lunches
They’re ideal for quick lunches, cold packed lunches, or effortless dinners. The trick is to combine different textures: something crunchy, something creamy, something fresh, and a touch of acidity to balance it all out.
Fresh, colorful and full of sunshine, this mango shrimp salad is perfect for a light summer meal. The slightly spicy shrimp, cooked in a skillet or air fryer, pair beautifully with sweet mango, creamy avocado and a bright touch of lime. Quick,...
In the mood for a fresh, colorful salad that’s sure to lift your spirits? This pearl couscous salad with seafood has everything it takes to become a must-have for sunny meals! We love its slightly firm texture, its mild and balanced flavors, and...
Fancy a complete salad that's a little different from the classics? This version ticks all the boxes! Between the crunch of the cucumber, the creaminess of the avocado and the crisp, spicy chickpeas, every bite is full of texture and flavor. The...
Cold pasta and ready-to-serve dishes
To keep the dish light, try using cherry tomatoes, lemon, fresh herbs, cream cheese, grilled vegetables, or nuts. The result is a simple, fresh recipe with a vacation vibe.
We love stuffed conchiglioni in every variation, from the classic ricotta and spinach version to the fresher one with ricotta, zucchini and lemon . This time, they’re served cold, colorful and no-bake. These cold stuffed conchiglioni with...
See the rice? Now imagine it... in pasta form! Orzo pasta is perfect for complete salads that are both light and satisfying. Here, they are combined with melting salmon , tender zucchini and a handful of arugula for a touch of freshness. Lemon...
Farro salad with roasted vegetables is a fresh, colorful dish that's perfect for the warmer months. Made with zucchini , eggplant and roasted cherry tomatoes , it combines the sweetness of baked vegetables with a creamy dressing of Greek yogurt,...
Fruit-based ideas to extend the flavor of summer
In addition to being refreshing, fruit creates a contrast with cheese, herbs, nuts, and savory ingredients. It’s a simple way to transform an ordinary recipe into a lighter, more modern dish that’s perfect for hot days.
Fancy an ultra-fresh, original sandwich? This watermelon , feta and arugula sandwich replaces bread with juicy slices of watermelon, for a 100% summer version :) It's the viral recipe that's taking social networks by storm, and it's easy to see...
Today we present a delicious, refreshing and sophisticated recipe, ideal to impress your guests. This is a juicy and flavorful vegetarian carpaccio that fuses the sweetness of watermelon with the creaminess and salty touch of feta cheese ....
Ichigo sando , the famous Japanese fruit sandwich, is one of the most iconic treats in Japanese pastries . Made with ultra-soft white bread , light whipped cream and fresh strawberries , it combines simplicity, elegance and irresistible flavor....
Quick dinners to help you get back into your routine
The idea is to choose dishes that don’t require a lot of prep work but are still flavorful. Air fryer recipes, simple chicken dishes, lemon-infused sides, and one-pan meals help make the transition from summer back to your routine stress-free.
Frango à brás is a delicious Portuguese recipe inspired by the famous bacalhau à brás , but made with leftover shredded chicken . Simple, comforting and full of flavor, it’s a great way to avoid food waste while turning cooked chicken into a...
Rice is a classic , but with a touch of lemon , it becomes much fresher and more fragrant. This simple recipe delicately flavors the grains with lemon zest and juice, while parsley adds a bright, aromatic note. Light and easy to prepare, this...
How to plan meals for the last week of August
Cook pasta, rice, couscous, or potatoes and store them in the refrigerator. That way, all you have to do is add vegetables, protein, and sauce when it’s time to serve.
Keep fruit pre-cut:
Watermelon, mango, and strawberries make it easy to put together salads, desserts, and quick snacks.
Go for simple dressings:
Olive oil, lemon, yogurt, mustard, fresh herbs, and spices can enhance many dishes without overcomplicating them.
Avoid heavy recipes:
The goal is to end August with light, easy-to-digest meals that are full of freshness.
Frequently asked questions about fresh late-summer recipes
Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon, mangoes, lemons, fresh herbs, shrimp, chicken, short pasta, and couscous are excellent choices for light, quick meals.
Can I prepare these recipes in advance?
Yes. Pasta salads, couscous, cold terrines, and some appetizers can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Ideally, add sauces, leafy greens, and crunchy ingredients just before serving.
How can I make a salad more filling?
Add a source of protein, such as eggs, chicken, tuna, shrimp, cheese, or chickpeas. Then add vegetables, fruit, herbs, and a simple dressing to balance flavor and freshness.
Are these recipes also good for back-to-school meals?
Yes. Many of these ideas can be adapted for lunchboxes, snacks, and quick dinners in September—especially the hearty salads, cold pasta dishes, and chicken dishes.
Mirella Mendonça
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