99 Summer Recipes for Everything We're Craving Right Now
![A LowCountry seafood boil of shrimp corn sausages and potatoes scattered on a newspapercovered table.](https://assets.epicurious.com/photos/59541920d52ca90dc28200e4/16:9/w_320%2Cc_limit/Low-Country-Shrimp-Boil-15062017.jpg)
As the weather warms up, we find ourselves craving simple summer recipes, the kind of dishes that spotlight this season's fresh produce without asking us to spend half the day over a hot stove. You too? You're in the right place.
Here we've rounded up some of our favorite refreshing drinks, crisp veggie sides, smoky grilled entrees, an appetizer or two, easy salad recipes, and everything else you'll want to eat on hot summer days.
Don't forget that the best summer meals end with a frozen dessert. If you have time to go all out, plan ahead and prep a homemade treat for your next relaxed gathering. Perhaps the frozen mini s'mores pies or these oatmeal ice cream sandwiches? Or just grab some ice cream from the grocery store and call it good.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton1/99
Hot Water Peach Cobbler
Hot water is the hero of this approach to making cobbler. The unique method results in a layer of delicate, crackly crust served over juicy summer fruit. It's great with peaches, plums, or whatever summer produce looks best at your farmers market.
- Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou2/99
Spicy and Creamy Slaw
This super-flexible, all-purpose salad might just be the perfect summer side dish. Pair it with one of these grilling recipes or these delicious fish tacos for a simple, tasty weeknight dinner.
- Photo and Food Styling by Anna Stockwell3/99
Grilled Coconut Shrimp With Shishito Peppers
Shrimp take on the flavors of a marinade in mere moments and they cook even quicker—making these grilled coconut shrimp an effortlessly delicious summer recipe. This is one of those dinner recipes that's better eaten with your hands, discarding shells and pepper stems as you go. Garnish with fresh basil and more coconut.
- Photo and Food Styling by Joseph De Leo4/99
Grilled Pizza
This recipe suggests a bunch of toppings then sets you loose: It's a true mix-and-match situation, and you can choose among lemony chard, burst cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, rosemary agrodolce, and more. Or go your own way entirely: This grilled pizza dough would be the perfect canvas, for instance, for the classic sauce + mozzarella + basil combo.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton5/99
Thai Muslim–Style Grilled Chicken
In this recipe, Epi contributor Leela Punyaratabandhu teaches us how to use either a grill or conventional oven to mimic a tandoor-like oven. Use this two-stage cooking method to make a juicy, fragrant grilled chicken at your next BBQ. And don't miss the tangy-spicy pineapple sauce that's served on the side. It's like storebought sweet chile sauce, but way better.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo6/99
Aguas Frescas (Mexican Fruit Coolers)
Aguas frescas, says cookbook author Gonzalo Goût, are “the perfect drink for when you want something light and refreshing, but plain water or iced tea seems too light, and a fruit juice or smoothie seems too dense.” In other words, the perfect drink for warm weather. Here's how to make them with watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, mangos—or any combination of the above, or any other fruit of your choosing.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo7/99
Pork Chops and Padrón Chiles en Escabèche
Escabèche translates to marinade, which is exactly what you’re making here: a bright, tangy marinade full of pickled vegetables that also makes an ideal sauce for juicy, thick-cut pork chops. If you can't find Padrón peppers, you can use shishitos or sliced cubanelles.
- Photo and Styling by Joseph De Leo8/99
Plátanos Horneados con Crema y Queso (Baked Banana With Crema and Cheese)
Put these on the grill while you eat dinner, and they'll be ready when it's time for dessert.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton9/99
Ratatouille
This simple ratatouille recipe combines summer vegetables into an easy, flavorful stew that can be served as an appetizer, main, or side dish.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Liza Jernow10/99
Iced Chai
The secret to really flavorful iced chai is grinding the spices a little finer to intensify their flavor extraction, and simmering the spices and tea in milk to fully hydrate them. Once sweetened just a bit, you'll chill the mix by pouring the hot chai concentrate over just the right amount of ice, which dissolves to contribute the proper ratio of water to the drink.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/99
Double Ripple Ice Cream Cake
This cake is a tie-dyed composition of textures and flavors that starts with a tahini-enriched blondie base and continues with vanilla ice cream layered with seedy maple syrup and bands of cooked plums.
- Photo & Food Styling by Kendra Vaculin12/99
Pork Meatballs and Cucumber Salad
The trick to keeping this salad crisp? Salt, drain, and squeeze excess liquid from the cucumbers before dressing them. Add a swoosh of yogurt and juicy oven-baked meatballs to make it a flavorful, filling meal.
- Photo by Alex Lau13/99
Butterflied Chicken With Herbs and Cracked Olives
The success of chicken recipes is often in the details: a spatchcocked bird for crisper skin and even cooking, and a simple, lemony salad of torn olives and herbs for textual contrast. Add a pasta salad, and your easy summer dinner is ready.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo14/99
Ginger and Tamarind Refresher
You'll need to remove the seeds from the tamarind pulp for this tasty summer drink, which is a bit of a hassle, but we promise it's worth it. If you can't find tamarind pulp at your market, don't use concentrate. The taste just isn't the same! Hold off until you can track down the real deal and try this jalapeño citrus refresher in the meantime.
- Photo by Jerrelle Guy15/99
Strawberry Balsamic Shortcakes
Strawberry shortcake is a classic summer dessert, but this version—from the endlessly creative baker/blogger Jerrelle Guy—adds a couple of tasty twists: The rich, warm flavors of the biscuits, made with olive oil and whole wheat flour, go wonderfully with the zippy balsamic glaze and macerated strawberries. Whipped cream is, of course, de rigueur.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton16/99
Charred-Peach Panzanella With Pickled Pepper Vinaigrette
Peaches and summer tomatoes might not sound filling, but hear us out. Crisp some bacon, char the peaches (and some bread) in the rendered fat, toss the tomatoes in a garlicky, spicy brine, and you’ve got dinner.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton17/99
Tahini-Walnut Magic Shell
This crunchy magic shell topping combines tahini and white chocolate for a savory twist on the classic ice cream topping. The best part is it's a snap to make at home.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson18/99
Classic Seafood Boil With Lemon-Butter
A low country boil is, without question, one of our favorite summer dinner ideas. You'll need to get out your favorite seafood seasoning and your biggest pot.
- Photo & Food Styling by Kendra Vaculin19/99
Grilling Cheese With Sweet Peppers and Black Lentils
This tasty salad is basically a vehicle for eating melty cheese, and it's one of our go-to summertime meals. Use a dense, grillable cheese (think Halloumi, paneer, or bread cheese), sear it to that perfect crispy texture, and combine with lentils. Top it all off with fresh basil for a bright, herby finish.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson20/99
3-Ingredient Pesto-Grilled Chicken with Peaches
In this easy dinner, store-bought pesto works as both a simple marinade for the chicken and a finishing sauce. Grilling peaches caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a smoky flavor, turning them into a delicious side. Of course, you could make your own pesto if you've got backyard basil going wild.
- Photo by Laura Murray21/99
Ultimate Caprese Salad
Real talk: This is a dish to make when the tomatoes are peaking—at the farmers market, you should be able to smell them before you see them.
- Photo & Food Styling by Tara O'Brady22/99
Stone Fruit Custard Tart
This luscious sunset of tart from Epi contributor Tara O’Brady has an easy press-in pistachio crust and a few pounds of peaches, plums, or apricots coddled in a supple layer of custard.
- Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell23/99
Summer Corn, Tomato, and Salmon Salad With Za’atar Dressing
Make the most of summer corn and ripe tomatoes with this refreshing, time-saving dinner. The salmon is poached in the same thyme- and garlic-infused water that the corn is boiled in.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks24/99
Tomato Tart With Chickpea Crumble
A combination of pistachios and chickpeas adds filling protein and rich flavor to this update on the classic tomato tart. Pair it with this corn salad or a classic arugula salad, and you'll be all set with a light summer meal.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Monica Pierini25/99
10-Minute Shrimp With Green Beans and Creamy Lemon-Dill Dip
We call this one a picnic dinner since everything can be eaten with your hands. It's easy to pack up and take to the park if you want, but it also works great on the family table. The dip is also great with any summer vegetables you've got hanging out in the fridge.
- Photo by Emma Fishman26/99
Cold-Brew Iced Tea
Cold-brewed tea has fresh, clear flavors, no sun required. (To be honest, we like it better than cold-brewed coffee.)
- Photo by Alex Lau27/99
Blackberry-Tahini Yogurt Cake
This simple, nutty, berry-studded cake recipe is so easy to throw together if you have tahini on hand in your pantry. Keep it in your back pocket for a last-minute summer vacation dessert.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce28/99
Red Cabbage Slaw With Cilantro and Citrus
Flavored with citrus, maple syrup, and cilantro, this slaw makes an excellent topper for tacos or huaraches.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell29/99
15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta
Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes burst open in warm olive oil, creating a luxuriously silky tomato sauce that comes together in minutes.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell30/99
Ayran
We love a summer drink that's more savory than sweet. This frothy, salted Turkish yogurt drink is endlessly refreshing.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks31/99
3-Ingredient Creamy Coconut-Lime Ice Pops
These refreshing pops blend two kinds of coconut for an extra rich, creamy flavor, and lime zest lends a lovely floral note.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks32/99
Frozen Mini S'mores Pies
These campfire-inspired treats combine rich chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows in a whole new way.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich33/99
Raspberry Jam with Bitters
If you're not going to eat raspberries fresh out of hand by the fistful, making jam is the next best thing. A healthy shot of cocktail bitters at the end does wonders to bring out the berry flavor.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Aneta Florczyk, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou34/99
Grilled Pork Shoulder Steaks With Herb Salad
Depending on your schedule, you can toss these pork steaks in their marinade—a flavorful blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic and shallots—an hour before grilling or up to 12 hours ahead of time. When you're doing the grilling, don't go for perfect char marks: You want to flip these often, so the fat renders easily without overcooking the meat.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton35/99
Tacos de Gobernador (Shrimp, Poblano, and Cheese Tacos)
There are many variations of Gobernadores, but they typically include shrimp, mild chiles, and cheese. Here, chef David Castro Hussong adds bacon, which gives the dish a surf-and-turf feeling.
- Photo by Alex Lau36/99
Oatmeal Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Use one flavor (like pistachio) for this ice cream cookie sandwiches recipe, or mix it up: Each pint will yield enough ice cream for three sandwiches.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton37/99
3-Ingredient Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Make this street-food favorite at home with flavor-packed chipotle mayonnaise and crumbly Cotija cheese.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone38/99
3-Ingredient Buffalo Grilled Chicken Wings
A simple Buffalo-style hot sauce delivers a big punch of flavor to these fantastic grilled wings. Brush a little sauce on the wings at the end of grilling for caramelized flavor, then toss them in more sauce before serving for full spicy saturation.
- Photo by Tara Fisher39/99
Brownie Ice-Cream Sandwich
The no-churn cookies-and-cream ice cream that fills these ice cream sandwiches is a genius recipe all on its own.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson40/99
Triple-Cherries Jubilee
The title here refers to the sweet cherries, dried cherries, and cherry juice—enhanced by vanilla bean and orange peel—that provide such terrific flavor.
- Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Judy Mancini41/99
Summer Squash and Basil Pasta
Simmered in olive oil with plenty of garlic, yellow summer squash and zucchini practically melt into a buttery sauce. Toss the vegetables with pasta and plenty of Parmesan, and dinner’s done in minutes.
- Photo by Ed Anderson42/99
Raspberry-Lemon Icebox Cake
Layer cream-whipped cream cheese, graham crackers, and fresh berries into a make ahead dessert that everyone will love.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell43/99
Grilled Shrimp, Zucchini, and Tomatoes With Feta
This summery, Greek-inspired dinner comes together in a snap with the help of a grill basket.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell44/99
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Leeks and Potatoes
Everything for this simple, Spanish-inspired dish gets tossed in the same lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika marinade, then cooked in a grill basket for an easier, faster way to grill dinner.
- Photo by Peden + Munk45/99
Chicken Spiedie Skewers with Italian Dressing
A creamy Italian vinaigrette acts as both the marinade and the dressing for this super-easy grilled chicken and tomato number.
- Photo by Alex Lau46/99
Chocolate Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
These cookies are meant to be eaten frozen so you might be surprised by the amount of salt. Don't be! Chilling dulls flavors and the extra salt will give them the boost they need.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson47/99
3-Ingredient Grilled Watermelon, Feta, and Tomato Salad
Grilling the watermelon adds a savory depth to the fruit, giving this refreshing summer salad much more flavor than you'd imagine from this simple combination.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone48/99
3-Ingredient Garlic-Herb Grilled Chicken Wings
Garlic, rosemary, thyme, and/or oregano team up for a marinade that's easy to make and super-delicious on these quick grilled wings.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova49/99
Peach-Bourbon Jam
Preserve summer with this simple jam full of fresh peach flavor with hints of vanilla and bourbon.
- 50/99
One-Hour Apricot and Almond Galette
A luxurious almond cream makes this one-hour summer stone fruit dessert taste like an all-day labor of love.
- Photo by Alex Lau51/99
Miss Ollie's Jerk Chicken
Make this recipe from chef Sarah Kirnon once, and we're pretty sure it'll become your go-to grilled chicken dish all summer long.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell52/99
Grand Aioli
This classic French dish is summer dining at its finest: no utensils required, and it pairs very well with chilled rosé. Of course, you can serve your aioli with any vegetables or seafood you like—consider this a good starting point.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks53/99
Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
Don't want to share your key lime pie? With these mini versions, you don't have to!
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott54/99
Smoked Chicken Wings
Any store-bought barbecue sauce will work for this smoked chicken wings recipe.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks55/99
Toasted Coconut Cold-Brew Iced Coffee
This refreshing drink gets infused with rich coconut flavor in two ways: a nutty, toasted coconut syrup and a creamy coconut milk floater.
- Photo by Alan Benson56/99
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Feta Dressing
If you can find a rainbow of different tomatoes for this salad, all the better. The simple feta dressing keeps well for up to two weeks in a jar in the refrigerator. Dress the salad just before serving.
- Photo by Linda Xiao, Food Styling by Sue Li57/99
BA's Best Strawberry Shortcake
When strawberries are perfect, it's time to make this quintessential dessert. Don't let berry season pass you by.
- Photo by Alex Lau58/99
Grilled Scallops with Creamed Corn
Scallops and corn are better together, and this fragrant dry rub of thyme, oregano, coriander, fennel, chipotle chile powder, and lime zest makes them even more delicious.
- Photo by Peden + Munk59/99
Chile-Lime Clams with Tomatoes and Grilled Bread
Don't waste time indoors! Throw a cast-iron pan right on the grill to make this saucy clam and chickpea dish.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi60/99
Fresh Corn Quiche
Freshly cut corn kernels and a quick blender egg custard are all that goes into a store-bought pie shell for this unbelievably easy and delicious summer brunch all-star.
- Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova61/99
Fettuccine With Shredded Zucchini, Fresh Ricotta, and Lemon Zest
This simple pasta delivers big on bright summer flavor, and gives you a good excuse to work through some of that zucchini surplus.
- Photo by Kamil Bialous62/99
Halibut with Spicy Sausage, Tomatoes, and Rosemary
Give flaky halibut the foil-packet treatment with burst cherry tomatoes and spicy, paprika-loaded sausages.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton63/99
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
These brightly hued pops pack a double dose of berry flavor from their creamy centers and buttery crumb coatings.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone64/99
Boozy Piña Colada Ice Cream
Store-bought coconut ice cream gets a sunny, boozy kick from a pineapple and rum swirl in this easy ice cream inspired by our favorite beach-side cocktail.
- Photo by Alex Lau65/99
Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad
This savory fruit salad is spiced up with Fresno chiles, cardamom, and coriander. You may end up licking the plate.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell66/99
Strawberry Shortcake With Thyme and Whipped Cream
This impressive, summery, thyme-scented layer cake is easier to pull off than it looks.
- Photo by John Kernick67/99
Lemon Buttermilk Ice
Serve this icy granita-like dessert as an accompaniment to any fruity pie, or all on its own as a refreshingly tart, light summer dessert.
- Photo by Gentl & Hyers68/99
Best-of-Both-Worlds Lobster Roll
A toasted bun and steamed lobster—tossed first in melted butter and then in a mayonnaise-based dressing—makes for a sandwich that no one will argue with.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova69/99
Frosé (Frozen Rosé) Ice Pops
Celebrate sunny days and rosé season with one of these fruity, boozy ice pops.
- Photo by Gentl & Hyers70/99
Grilled Cheese With Peak Tomatoes
There's nothing wrong with a plain and simple tomato sandwich, but this grilled cheese really might be the ultimate option.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton71/99
Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cones With Peanuts
Drumroll please! This homemade Drumstick-inspired treat is as good from the first bite of creamy chocolate-covered ice cream to the last nibble of decadent chocolate-coated cone.
- Photo by Alex Lau72/99
The Crunchiest Vegetable Salad
A bowl of ice water stops the blanched vegetables from cooking and ensures they stay tender-crisp. The salt in the ice water seasons the veggies and chills them even further.
- Photo by Alex Lau73/99
Peach Parfait With Salted Graham Cracker Crumble
A habit-forming graham cracker crumble takes peaches and cream to another dimension.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone74/99
Mixed Berry Pie Bars
A bright berry filling and a buttery flaky crust make this hand-held pie totally irresistible. Serve after a meal of turkey burgers or shrimp skewers on the grill, and everyone will be happy.
- Photo by Alex Lau75/99
Savory Shaved Cantaloupe Salad
When shopping for this salad at the market, pick heavy, aromatic cantaloupes with stem ends that yield slightly when pressed.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo76/99
Frozen Gin and Tonic
Okay, maybe you've had a gin and tonic. But have you had a frozen one? It's an entirely different, and entirely refreshing experience.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry77/99
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce
This meltingly tender pork shoulder is the ultimate make-ahead main. Serve with a salad of bitter greens.
- Photo by Eva Kolenko78/99
Glazed Blueberry-Blackberry Turnovers
When berries are in season, there's no better dessert than these adorable glazed triangles.
- Photo by Anders Overgaard79/99
Frozen Peaches With Strawberries and Mint
Poached frozen peaches eat like fruit-shaped sorbet and look like a three-dimensional sunset.
- Photo by Christopher Testani80/99
Grilled Brined Vegetables
As long as you don’t mess with the ratio of vinegar, sugar, and salt, you can experiment with other spices, like fennel and coriander seeds, in this brine.
- Photo by Eva Kolenko81/99
Blueberry and Corn Crisp
If you love corn muffins and blueberry jam, you’ll love this seasonal dessert.
- Photo by Alex Lau82/99
Corn Salad with Hazelnuts, Pecorino, and Mint
Grilled corn, fresh mint, toasty hazelnuts, and salty pecorino: it may sound like an odd combination, but it may just be the most delicious thing at your next backyard barbecue.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone.83/99
Brown-Butter Crab Roll
Lobster rolls may get all the glory, but crab rolls are way easier to pull off at home—and, dare we say it, maybe even more delicious.
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Frozen Iced Coffee With Coffee Jelly
This sweet and refreshing drink features layers of chocolatey coffee slushie, vanilla whipped cream, and coffee jelly.
- Photo by Peden & Munk85/99
Grilled Clam Toasts With Lemon and Green Olives
Italian-food purists might balk at the combination of clams and Parm, but we swear it’s delicious.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle86/99
Almond-Apricot Food Processor Cake
This wonderfully moist almond cake easily goes gluten-free if desired. The cake comes together quickly in the food processor, with some apricots puréed and some folded into the batter, which infuses the whole cake with apricot flavor.
- Photo by Mike McColl87/99
Hickory-Smoked Baby Back Ribs
If you like your ribs extra saucy, remove them from the grill when they’re ready, baste them one last time with the barbecue sauce, then throw them back on the grill to make them nice and sticky.
- Photo by Beatriz Da Costa88/99
Sweet Pickle Potato Salad
The secret to this version of potato salad is sweet pickle relish—not diced cucumbers, dill pickles, or cornichons.
- Photo by Linda Xiao89/99
Pineapple-Hibiscus Cocktail
We love the sour and tangy flavor of hibiscus, not to mention its amazing color.
- Photo by Jesse David Green90/99
Strawberry-Pistachio Crumble Pie
A pistachio-oat crumble, perfumed with fragrant, floral cardamom adds interest to this juicy fruit pie.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell91/99
Chilled Coconut Corn Soup
This creamy vegan soup is exactly what you want on a late summer day.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks92/99
Frozen Pineapple Mojito
Pineapple cups make a fun presentation for this frosty summer cocktail, but if you're short on time, just use regular cocktail glasses instead.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton93/99
Black-Eyed Pea Burgers With Creamy Barbecue Sauce and Chowchow
These creamy black-eyed pea patties are flavored with mushroom, miso, tamari, and Scotch bonnet chiles. They’re finished off with a sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce and a spoonful of chowchow.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton94/99
Ice Cream Tacos With Chocolate and Peanuts
The original Choco Taco may have a cult following, but we think this homemade version has it beat.
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Plum Clafoutis
The joy of this simple summer recipe is that it is even better at room temperature, so you can make it in advance with ease. Think of it as a thick fruit pancake cooked effortlessly in the oven while you do other things.
- Photo & Food Styling by Kendra Vaculin96/99
Frozen Avocado Cake
Adding sweetened condensed milk to the crust gives this cake a candy-like texture that reminds me of a Twix bar. That same sweetness accentuates the buttery quality of ripe avocados. Chill it thoroughly, then let the cake sit at room temperature for a bit before you slice it. It’s extremely refreshing on a hot day.
- Photo by Faith Mason97/99
Speedy Summer Gazpacho
The formula for this cooling summer soup couldn’t be simpler: blended cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet red peppers, plus garlic, herbs, and fresh citrus.
- Photo by Beatriz Da Costa98/99
Grilled Watermelon Salad With Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons
Grilling watermelon caramelizes the sweetness of the fruit, and the char gives just a hint of smoky flavor.
- Photo by Ed Anderson99/99
Cucumber Cilantro Margarita
You've probably found all the summer recipes you need in this gallery, but what about the drinks? This is a refreshing, summery spin on a margarita, with a touch of savory flavor that's great with tacos.
Kendra Vaculin
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