Summer is the time for alfresco eating, smoky barbecues and sunshine-soaked picnics. And so much seasonal produce is at its very best right now – ripe tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, new potatoes, peas, berries and more… the choice of delicious, flavour-packed dishes is off the scale.
In fact, when you have these summer recipes up your sleeve, there’s always something to celebrate, come rain or shine. So get the drinks chilling, and tuck into our sunshine-filled summer recipes.
SUNNY SALADS
Got people coming round for lunch? This easy dish will hit the spot. With tomatoey couscous, garlicky roasted courgettes and salty feta, this salad is perfect alfresco fare. And what’s more, it’s just as delicious served hot or cold.
For big summer flavour, have a go at this Italian bread and tomato salad recipe. It’s at its best when the tomatoes are in season and really ripe for maximum juicy flavour.
A pretty, posh twist on a classic potato salad recipe. The light, lemony yoghurt dressing makes this dish perfect for outdoor dining. Just add sunshine.
For a true taste of the holidays, you can’t beat this iconic Greek dish. The key is to use super-fresh ingredients to guarantee bold flavours. Perfect with some bread to mop up all those gorgeous juices.
Make the most of seasonal veggies in this vibrant salad. Packed with fresh flavours, this elegant little number pairs beautifully with barbecued meat, goat’s cheese or feta.
MORE: Explore our vibrant salads
BARBECUE WINNERS
Fire up the barbecue and get the kids to help cook these super-simple burgers. With melty cheese, tangy gherkins and crunchy veg – you can’t go wrong.
Vegetarian barbecues are a thing of joy; and these Greek-inspired skewers are so satisfying. Packed with flavour, colour and attitude, these handheld beauties do not disappoint.
Tender meat, homemade BBQ sauce and the tastiest potato salad, this rib dish is a real treat. Grab yourself a handful of whisky wood chips to create an amazing smoky flavour.
Minimal ingredients but maximum flavour, these principle kebabs are one of Jamie’s ultimate summer recipes, and are equally fantastic cooked on barbecue or in the oven.
Go all out with Nathan Outlaw’s sensational seafood burger. We’re talking patties made from crabmeat, prawns and cod, topped with an incredible homemade wasabi mayo.
You can’t beat a classic burger recipe, and this one totally delivers on the flavour-front. Homemade patties topped with chopped salad and tangy gherkins. Guaranteed to leave you all shook up.
Stuffed with salsa verde and wrapped in salty prosciutto, these tender chicken skewers are truly something special.
Inspired by the flavours of Mexico, these veggie burgers are barbecue gold. Topped with fresh tomato salsa, creamy avo and fresh rocket, you won’t even miss the meat.
MORE: Check out our smokin’ good barbecue recipes
ALFRESCO FARE
Make the most of seasonal produce in this beautiful vegetarian pasta recipe. Packed with delicate summer veg and tossed through homemade pesto – it’s a total joy.
For a speedy summer supper for one, you need this pasta in your life. Smoked salmon and cottage cheese are brightened up with zingy lemon, making it perfect in the sunshine.
4 EASY WAYS WITH JERSEY ROYALS
These beautiful little potatoes are a proper highlight of the food calendar. They make an epic potato salad, barbecue side, or summery accompaniment for roasts or grilled fish.
Fresh, creamy burrata is hard to beat. Pair it with seasonal ripe tomatoes in the warmer months for an incredible alfresco starter. It’s one of the freshest summer recipes you can whip up, and sure to become a favourite.
Make the most of courgette flowers when they’re in season – they’re the most incredible vehicle for flavour. Stuffed with peas and soft ricotta, these flowers really are something to shout about.
ASPARAGUS CARBONARA
Jamie’s seasonal twist on a classic pasta dish is so delicious and easy to put together. Perfectly cooked pasta, pancetta and silky egg are beautiful; but it’s the vibrant in-season asparagus that’s the star of the show.
SWEET THINGS
An easy ice cream recipe for the summer? Yes please! Made with just three ingredients and in the freezer in five minutes, there’s no excuse not to make it! Jamie’s gone for mint choc-chip here; but swap in your favourite chocolate bar to put your own twist on it.
Transform super-simple smoothies into cooling ice lollies. Feel free to experiment with different flavours and frozen fruit – make it your own!
Bound to quench your thirst on a sunny day, this store-cupboard cocktail is delicious, quick, and will really kick off the weekend in style.
One for the grown-ups: these super-fun ice lollies are sure to hit the spot on a hot day. Feel free to replace the rum with coconut water, if you prefer.
Channelling the iconic Pimm’s No.1 cup but without the booze, this fruity little number is a real treat and one of the most iconic summer recipes. Refreshing, citrussy and flavour-packed – it’s a delight.
Tangy, sweet and tart, this summer cordial recipe is a real celebration of summer. Feel free to swap in blueberries, blackberries or even redcurrants, if you fancy.
Only 6 ingredients, but so impressive-looking, this strawberry dessert just screams summer.
With homemade meringue, sweet raspberries, fresh mint and tart lemon curd, this dessert will be a showstopper at any summer party – it’s outrageously good and looks so impressive.
Think strawberries, cream and Pimm’s, finished with a mint-spiked sugar – it doesn’t get more British summer than that! And it’s a brilliant one to make ahead, then bring out for an impressive finish to your feast.
MORE: Get inspired by our refreshing fro-yo recipes
After more sunshine inspiration? Check out our wider collection of beautiful summer recipes
