Quick summer recipes to add to your meal plan
When warmer weather arrives, it brings with it a craving for lighter, fresher meals that are filling but not too heavy on the stomach. Whether you’re dining al fresco, planning a family BBQ, or trying to lose weight, these healthy summer recipes will help you. Try these tasty and quick summer recipes for a fulfilling meal for lunch, tea or if you have guests.
1. Nourishing Summer Recipes for Salads
Try adding summer recipes like these to your weekly meal prep for more variety. Salads in summer are far from dull – they’re a celebration of crisp veg, vibrant fruits, and bold flavours.
Sticky Chicken Salad:
An easy recipe for a chicken salad with a difference, it can be made quickly for one or as many people as you are catering for. Adaptable to be a small or larger meal and carb free it is great for a number of diets. Check out my sticky chicken salad recipe and pop it on the meal plan.
Roast Plum, Sweet Potato & Quinoa Salad:
For a hot and tasty salad that is filling but not too heavy on your tummy, this is a delicious salad recipe that I am sure you will love. If you are not keen on quinoa then swap it for couscous or orzo. This Roast Plum, Sweet potato and Quinoa Salad recipe is better made for immediate eating but if you need to there is nothing wrong with making it in advance just be careful when heating it up that you don’t overdo it.
Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta Salad:
Use wholegrain or lentil pasta for added fibre, and toss with cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and rocket. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper for a refreshing Italian-style dish. If you are unsure and prefer to follow a recipe then my tomato and mozzarella pasta salad recipe is easy to follow and delicious.
Delicious quick summer recipes for salads can be made ahead to save time during busy days.
2. Balanced Mains for Warm Days
These quick summer recipes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Keep your meals light but filling with lean proteins, colourful vegetables, and spices.
Minted Lamb Burgers on the BBQ:
Using my minted lamb burger recipe you will get tasty easy lamb burgers. Serve on wholemeal buns with lettuce, tomato, and a spoonful of natural yoghurt for a lighter take on a summer classic. Check out my other burger recipes for quick summer recipes for vegetarians too!
Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Rice:
Marinate chicken thighs in jerk seasoning and lime juice using my Jerk chicken recipe. Grill or oven-bake until charred and juicy. Serve with Caribbean-style rice, which is fruity and delicious. In our house this is definitely one of our favourite quick summer recipes and we have it lots!
Grilled Salmon with Herbed Yoghurt Sauce:
Perfectly cooked salmon topped with a cooling yoghurt, dill, and lemon dressing. Serve with a green salad or quinoa for a high-protein, omega-3-rich meal. This one really doesn’t need a recipe as you can mix the yoghurt dressing to your tastes, everyone is different!
Stuffed Peppers:
Halved bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, beans and vegetables makes an easy and tasty meal. I have a few stuffed pepper recipes you should try so check out my turkey mince stuffed peppers, quinoa stuffed peppers and my rice stuffed peppers and see what you fancy.
Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagne:
Layer roasted vegetables with lasagne sheets and a light quark cheese sauce to make my delicious Mediterranean vegetable lasagne recipe. Ideal for batch-cooking and packed with nutrients.
3. Grain Bowls & Pasta Dishes
These versatile dishes are great served warm or cold, making them ideal for lunchboxes or picnic spreads.
Vegetable Couscous:
My vegetable couscous recipe is delicious and easy and a perfect meal to batch cook and take to work for lunch. This is also a great quick summer recipe to keep in the fridge and snack on if you get peckish!
Bruschetta Pasta Salad:
Inspired by the classic Italian antipasti, this pasta salad features chopped tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and will make for an easy work lunch or a great side dish for a BBQ. My bruschetta pasta salad recipe is great for kids to make too.
Cauliflower ‘Tabbouleh’:
A low-carb alternative using blitzed cauliflower, mixed with finely chopped cucumber, tomato, parsley, mint, lemon juice and a small amount of olive oil. Crisp, light, and perfect as a side dish or base for grilled proteins.
4. Healthy Snacks & Sweet Treats
Keep things light yet indulgent with snacks and desserts that are naturally sweet and nutrient-dense. Quick summer recipes for snacks and treats will keep you from snacking on unhealthy foods. If you don’t have time to cook, then how about melon or pineapple?
Hummus & Veg Dippers:
Homemade hummus pairs perfectly with sliced cucumber, carrots, and celery – ideal for grazing or pre-dinner nibbles. This is one of my favourite quick summer recipes as it lasts a few days so you can make lots and enjoy it for days!
Chia Pudding with Summer Berries:
Soak chia seeds overnight in almond milk with a splash of vanilla. In the morning, top with a mix of berries, seeds, and a touch of honey for a nutritious breakfast or dessert.
5. Hydrating Homemade Drinks
Stay cool and refreshed with these healthy, sugar-free drinks made with simple, natural ingredients.
Cucumber & Mint Infused Water:
Add sliced cucumber, fresh mint, and lemon wedges to a jug of cold water. Infuse for a few hours for a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.
Iced Green Tea with Ginger & Lemon:
Brew green tea with a few slices of fresh ginger. Cool, then add lemon juice and serve over ice. A great way to rehydrate and support digestion on hot days.
What will you have?
Summer eating should be light, colourful and refreshing. From jerk chicken and BBQ lamb burgers to bright couscous salads and refreshing homemade drinks, these summer-friendly ideas are perfect for keeping cool and energised – whether you’re picnicking, barbecuing, or just enjoying dinner in the garden. Which of these quick summer recipes will you be adding to your meal plan? Let me know in the comments below.
