20 Quick Summer Recipes

Let’s face it, when it’s hot who really wants to spend hours in the kitchen cooking? Not us, that’s for sure.  So we’re all about quick and easy recipes that are light and summer fresh. That’s why we’ve put together this recipe edit of 20 quick summer recipes to take the stress out of what to cook when all you want to be doing is spending more time outside enjoying that glorious sunshine!

Dips & Drinks

Pine Orange Slushie

There are so many additives found in slushies and slurpees… We’re talking flavours, artificial colours, preservatives and more. This is a super quick slushie recipe with only 4 ingredients, but packed full of flavour from natural sources such as fruit.

Creamy Roast Capsicum Dip

This dip is perfect for all your summer entertaining needs.  It makes a lot, is super yummy and you could spice it up by adding some chilli into the mix if you wanted to. Oh, and it makes the perfect spread addition to any additive-free sandwich.

Roasted Carrot Dip

This is a lighter style creamy dip due to the substitution of yoghurt instead of cream cheese.  Coupled together with a hint of spice, this really is a moreish dip you’ll want to make over and over.

Cheese Ball Dip

We love this recipe because it is so simple, yet it will fancy up any gathering you’re catering for and make it look like you’ve gone to way more effort than you actually have!

Breakfast

Açaí Bowl

Having had plenty of these from local cafe’s, we knew we had to come up with our own recipe and we think we have mastered it with this.  The perfect breakkie on those warm summer mornings.

Toasted Muesli

Have you ever checked the amount of additives and sugar in store bought cereals and muesli’s?  They are jam packed! This recipe is refined sugar free and uses real ingredients you’re likely to already have in your additive-free cupboard.

Salads

Thai Beef Salad

This is a must have whenever we go out for dinner. But why not have it at home when it is so easy to make?! You could also turn this into a simple vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat.

Pumpkin and Halloumi Salad

This is super easy to make, and you can make up a batch in advance, then enjoy for lunch for the next few days. Perfect for the busy person who just wants to grab lunch on the run.

Citrus Chicken Salad

Whilst the ingredients in this salad may sound a little strange, we encourage you to give it a go because they all totally work together. The textures are divine and with a citrus and zesty tang, it’s got everything a good summer salad should have.

Caesar Salad

This is one of our favourite salad recipes, it is delish served plain to accompany the main dish, or for a lunch or dinner.  You can boost it up by adding some shredded chicken and it will take it to a whole new level.

Mains

Tandoori Lamb Kebabs

Kebabs can be so versatile. You could have these for lunch, dinner or a snack, take them to an outing or just at home for no occasion other than they are amazing! They can be totally adapted to include whatever meat or veg your fussy eaters may want.

Lemon Pepper Fish Tacos

Taco Tuesday anyone? Who doesn’t love tacos?! Tacos in some form are always on high rotation in our house, and this variation is light, fresh and perfect for an easy summer dinner.

San Choy Bau

If you’re after a nice healthy meal that can be cooked in minutes then this San Choy Bau is just for you.  It’s a great meal to make for a dinner party as it’s cheap and you can make the mince and salad ingredients ahead of time.

Lemon and Garlic Roasted Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks are full of flavour and super easy to make. Serve with a simple salad for a mouth-watering midweek meal.

Seafood Pizza

With a pesto base sauce for this pizza, it’s a little different and out of the ordinary, but it is oh-so-yummy!

Zucchini Fritters

This is a great way to get some good veg into you and your family.  Accompany them with a side salad and your fave additive-free sauce and you’re good to go. They are even perfect for lunches and taste delicious cold.

Sweet Treats

Easy Lemon Slice

This Lemon Slice is very easy and super tasty! There are only a few simple steps to create it and it will freeze really well (iced and all) – do it, you will love it! It’s great for school lunches being nut free, but it’s perfect to take for a morning tea, playgroup or just with a nice cuppa relaxing with a good book!

Coconut Cake

We LOVE cake and this coconut cake we believe is one of the best. It’s perfect with a cuppa for afternoon tea, it freezes well and is great for school lunches.

Peaches and Cream Ice-Cream

Homemade ice-cream is such a great way to control how much sugar,  colours and flavours are consumed so when you find a good easy home-made one, stick with it.  We love this version, because it’s a little twist on a classic flavour combo.

Strawberry Whip Dairy-Free Ice-Cream

This is dairy-free, sugar-free but certainly not taste free! It only contains 3 ingredients and is packed full of real strawberries. There ain’t no artificial colours or flavours in this real ingredients ice-cream.

If you give these recipes a try, let us know. Leave a comment below or take a pic and tag us in it over on Facebook or Instagram. We love to see all your cooking posts.

Enjoy!

Much love,
Jo and Tracey x