Summer has officially arrived, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing menu that’s as cool as it is delicious? In this article, we’ll be diving into 18 mouth-watering July recipes that are perfect for hot summer days. From light and zesty salads to sweet treats and savory dishes, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes.
To kick things off, let’s start with some classic summer flavors. Our first recipe is the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad – a simple yet elegant combination of juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh mint leaves that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad Recipe
This sweet and savory salad combines the warm flavors of grilled peaches with the creamy texture of burrata cheese, all on a bed of crisp arugula. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, crumble burrata cheese into a bowl and set aside.
5. In a large bowl, combine arugula and grilled peach slices.
6. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Top with crumbled burrata cheese and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves (if using).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Watermelon Feta Mint Skewers
Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and refreshing appetizer, these sweet and savory skewers combine the flavors of watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 small seedless watermelon, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Alternate placing watermelon, feta, and mint on each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with a little water and season with salt.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the watermelon is slightly caramelized and the cheese is lightly browned.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Cold Cucumber Avocado Soup
Beat the heat with this light and creamy soup that combines the sweetness of cucumbers and avocados. This refreshing recipe is perfect for a hot summer day or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cucumbers, avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh dill leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (not including chilling time)
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your seafood game with these zesty lemon garlic shrimp skewers, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or appetizer. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy lemons, and pungent garlic will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Berry Chia Seed Pudding
This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather, packed with nutritious chia seeds and mixed berries. With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a quick and easy treat to enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and almond milk. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the mixed berries, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Stir until the berries are evenly distributed.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh berries if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Let the chia seeds do their magic in the refrigerator.
Corn and Tomato Summer Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (prep time: 3-4 minutes)
Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this Asian-inspired dish, featuring grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a tangy teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and salt.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Serve grilled chicken with pineapple and spoon some of the teriyaki glaze over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of strawberries, the brightness of lemon, and the subtle flavor of basil for a unique and delightful summer treat. Perfect for warm days and outdoor gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth.
2. Add the basil leaves to the strawberry puree and blend until well combined.
3. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
4. Add the strawberry-basil mixture to the pitcher and stir until combined.
5. Add water to the pitcher and stir gently.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply prepare and chill the mixture before serving.
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your snack game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe, featuring creamy avocado halves filled with a colorful caprese mixture of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and chopped basil.
3. Spoon the caprese mixture into the avocado halves.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to serve up a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack with these mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork sliders. Slow-cooked pork shoulder is tenderized in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, then piled high onto soft buns for an unbeatable flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 8 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in any remaining juices from the slow cooker.
4. Split hamburger buns in half and toast until lightly browned.
5. Assemble sliders by spooning shredded pork onto toasted buns.
6. Serve immediately, topped with coleslaw or pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker), 30 minutes (assembly)
Mango Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a tropical twist on the classic smoothie bowl! This refreshing treat combines sweet mango, creamy coconut, and crunchy granola for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granola
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango, pineapple, and coconut. Blend until smooth.
2. Add Greek yogurt, honey, and salt. Blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with granola and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Grilled Veggie Tacos with Lime Crema
A flavorful and vibrant vegetarian taco recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. This dish combines the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables with the brightness of lime crema, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 small eggplant, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by placing grilled vegetables onto warmed tortillas.
6. Top with lime crema (see below) and desired toppings.
Lime Crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Blueberry Peach Cobbler
Sweet and tangy blueberries and juicy peaches come together in a warm, crumbly cobbler that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together blueberries and peach.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and beaten egg to dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter over fruit mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
Cold Brew Iced Coffee Popsicles
Elevate your coffee game with these unique Cold Brew Iced Coffee Popsicles, perfect for hot summer days. By infusing cold brew coffee into a sweet and tangy popsicle mixture, you’ll be treating yourself to a delightful pick-me-up in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong cold brew coffee
– 1 cup mixed berry juice (such as raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 10-12 popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold brew coffee, mixed berry juice, and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add the water to the mixture and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, remove from the freezer and run under cold water to loosen.
Cooking Time: At least 4 hours or overnight
Enjoy your refreshing Cold Brew Iced Coffee Popsicles on a hot summer day!
Garlic Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe that combines succulent lobster tails with the richness of garlic butter and a hint of smokiness from the grill.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lobster tails (about 1 pound total)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
3. Season lobster tails with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the lobster tails with the garlic butter mixture on both sides.
5. Grill lobster tails for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho
A refreshing twist on the classic Spanish soup, this Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
– 1 cup diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, watermelon, red bell pepper, cucumber, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve cold, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Grilled Halloumi with Honey Drizzle
Savory halloumi cheese gets a sweet twist when grilled and drizzled with honey. This simple recipe makes for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the halloumi with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the cheese for 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly charred and crispy.
4. While the cheese is grilling, mix together honey and lemon juice in a small bowl.
5. Once the cheese is cooked, remove from grill and drizzle with the honey mixture.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
This refreshing pasta salad combines the bright flavors of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella for a perfect summer side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow tie pasta
– 1/4 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Stir in the basil pesto until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes pasta cooking time)
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing recipes! From light and fruity to savory and satisfying, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad or Watermelon Feta Mint Skewers for a sweet treat. For a cool and creamy option, go for Cold Cucumber Avocado Soup or Berry Chia Seed Pudding. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers or Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken. Whatever your taste, these 18 refreshing July recipes are sure to hit the spot!
