Easy Summer

At the start of every summer, I sit down and write a summer bucket list. Some of the items on the list are experiences, like going to an outdoor concert, taking a camping trip, and swimming in a body of water. But so much of it revolves around food: going on an outing for u-pick strawberries, grilling corn on the cob, and baking and freezing loaves of zucchini bread to prepare for winter.

This year, the food portion of my summer bucket list mirrors the contents of Simply Recipes’ Easy Summer. The recipes within, from simple and perfect tomato sandwiches to a quick fresh corn pasta, are hand-picked to help you squeeze every last drop of goodness from the season.

Whether you’re filling your basket at the farmers’ market or the supermarket, you’ll find all the recipes and advice you need to (quickly and deliciously) get dinner on the table so you can get back to basking in those long, hot days and glorious evenings spent in the company of family and friends. It’s summer. Let’s take it easy.

Happy summer!

—Megan Scott, Simply Recipes Senior Recipe Editor

Simply Recipes / Georgia Freedman / Leela Cyd

Summer Is for Snacking

When the days are long and appetites are unpredictable, a table full of snacks can be the most satisfying meal. Cookbook author Georgia Freedman shares how her laid-back, flavor-packed approach in Snacking Dinners makes summer eating more fun and less fussy. Read our rapid-fire Q&A with her here.

A sliced sandwich with layers of tomato and avocado on a blue plate, a hand lightly holding the top — Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne

Tomato Sandwiches To Make On Repeat

Tomato sandwiches are the ultimate summer staple: simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick with the classic or try a fresh new twist, these recipes and tips will help you make the most of peak-season tomatoes.

For starters, make sure you grab a jar of our favorite mayo, learn the best way to store tomatoes, according to a farmer, and read more about how to wash tomatoes to remove dirt and pesticides.

If you've already got your tomato sandwich game down pat, try one of our easy upgrades. You can swirl pesto into the mayonnaise for an herbaceous twist, incorporate miso for more umami, or rip open a packet of ranch seasoning for a crowd-pleasing sando.

Two glasses of lemonade on a table with slices of lemons and a wooden spoon — Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Three Ways To Lemonade

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as sipping on a cold glass of sweet-tart lemonade on a hot summer day. These recipes are easy to mix up and perfect for enjoying all season long. If just the thought of squeezing all those lemons makes you break out in a sweat, grab a jug of our favorite store-bought lemonade instead.

A platter and a plate with zucchini and squash salad sprinkled with nuts and cheese, garnished with basil leaves — Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless

Lightning-Fast Summer Salads

When it’s too hot to cook, a quick salad is the answer. These speedy recipes make it easy to toss together something crisp, colorful, and satisfying with minimal effort. You'll also want to steal this restaurant tip for the crispest, most flavorful salads and take a gander at writer Molly Adams' pickle-inspired upgrade for all your cucumber salads.

Grilled vegetables including bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and asparagus arranged on a cooling rack — Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne

Easy Grilling Favorites

Grilling is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table without heating up the kitchen. From juicy chicken and perfectly-seared steak to charred veggies, these crowd-pleasers come together with little fuss but lots of flavor. Before you fire up the grill, grab our editor-recommended thermometer so you never overcook those chicken breasts again.

A skillet dish topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños, placed alongside small bowls of toppings — Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne

30-Minute Summer Skillets

When the days are long and the evenings lazy, quick skillet meals are the way to go. These recipes come together fast, use just one pan, and are packed with seasonal ingredients.

Glass desserts layered with whipped cream, strawberries, and sliced almonds — Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne

No-Cook Summer Fruit Desserts

Dessert doesn’t have to take a back seat when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. With ripe fruit as the star, these easy no-cook treats come together quickly and taste like pure summer.

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