Our go-to summer recipes for al fresco eating
Summer is when hosting season really arrives and our best summer recipes come into their own. Long, sun-drenched evenings in the garden with friends, afternoon family barbecues and waterside picnics are all perfect occasions to create something delicious to share with loved ones.
Some of our favourite summer recipes include a whole barbecued sea bass with tangy tomatillo sauce for the ultimate centrepiece, a creamy labneh and confit tomato dip for casual get-togethers or a dinner party starter, and a summery Thai chicken salad that feels made for lunch with friends.
So, whether you're looking for summery dinner party recipes to impress, simple summer salads for hot days, or barbecue recipes for the ultimate grilling spread, our selection of summer recipes will have you sorted for the season.
Best summer recipes
Giant couscous and pomegranate salad with orange dressing
This bejewelled salad is the perfect example of an easy hosting hack – the dressing comes together in just 20 seconds in a jam jar, and using jarred roasted peppers cuts back on oven time.
Paneer tikka
Switch out sausages for veggie-friendly marinated paneer tikka on your barbecue this summer. The chargrilled chunks of cheese are delicious dunked in yogurt and mango chutney.
Barbecue sea bass with tomatillo sauce
There's one sure-fire way to impress your dinner guests this summer, and that's with a whole barbecued sea bass. Served with a tangy, zesty tomatillo sauce, it's a brilliant barbecue main that works well with heaps of rice or corn tortillas.
Whipped feta with glazed leeks
Creamy whipped feta has to be one of our favourite summer starter recipes. Our version is topped with sticky glazed leeks and pistachios, and makes a gorgeous platter as part of an al fresco dinner party, or even a simple starter with bread for mopping.
Thai chicken salad
Some days call for a feel good salad that oozes fresh and vibrancy, and this recipe packed with crunchy leaves, a tangy dressing and shredded coconut chicken is just that. Make it for lunch for friends or pack away for deliciousness throughout the week.
Sweet potato falafels
Falafels are surprisingly easy to make, and work brilliantly alongside other salads, dips and sides to make a summery dinner spread. We've used sweet potato in ours to make them extra vibrant and veg-packed.
Lemon drizzle margaritas
Take margaritas to the next level by adding flavours inspired by one of our all-time favourite bakes, the lemon drizzle cake. Our lemon drizzle margaritas are easy to batch make too, making them the ideal welcome drink for your next summer soirée.
Moroccan spiced lamb chops with raita and speedy pickled tomatoes
Ready in under an hour, our spiced Moroccan-inspired lamb chops are the most delicious dinner party main. Seared until golden and served with speedy pickled tomatoes and a creamy raita, we're huge fans of this flavourful dish.
Aguachile
If you're looking for a low-maintenance summer starter recipe, you're going to love our aguachile recipe. It involves zero cooking, and has a super fresh flavour that's just as tasty enjoyed on its own as it is with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping.
Labneh with confit tomatoes and garlic
If you're hosting a crowd, substantial dips like our creamy labneh with confit tomatoes and garlic are your best friend. They can be topped with olives and roasted veggies, smeared over your favourite platter and served with toasted bread for a super easy starter.
Lamb kofta
Juicy lamb koftas drizzled in nutty tahini dressing are hard to beat. Paired with homemade flatbreads, hummus, pickles and slaw, and you've got yourself the ultimate summer spread.
Roast potato salad
While we love a steamed new potato salad, there's something about this crispy roast potato salad recipe that has us coming back to it time and time again. The salsa verde-style dressing pairs beautifully with barbecued meats, and the fresh rocket adds a much-needed pop of colour.
Peach iced tea
Peach iced tea is a summer must-have in our books. We cold brew our peaches for the best flavour, and keep a jug in the fridge for the most delicious hot-day treat.
Persian-inspired spatchcock chicken
Spatchcock chicken is one of our favourite ways to cook chicken for a crowd. It takes far less time in the oven than a traditional roast, and smothering it in yogurt, spices and saffron makes this chicken extra delicious. Serve with labneh and couscous for a beautiful summer spread.
Three-cheese custard dip with pesto drizzle
This rich and luxurious dip is sure to get any summer gathering off to a good start. We've combined Parmesan, comté and mozzarella in this cheesy dip, and topped with a drizzle of herby pesto. Serve with crunchy crudités and pickles.
Jerk chicken
The key to the tastiest jerk chicken is all in the marinade. By nailing that marinade, you're guaranteed that sweet, smokey, spicy flavour we love in classic jerk chicken. Marinating overnight is also key, so make sure to plan ahead for this one.
Spaghetti alle vongole
There are many reasons to love spaghetti alle vongole. It's fast, fresh and the perfect accompaniment to a glass of bone-dry rosé. It's speediness makes it a brilliant last-minute summer dinner option, or even a fancy midweek meal to make the most of sun-drenched evenings.
Crispy chilli and ginger mackerel niçoise
In our fresh take on the Niçoise salad, we've replaced tuna with mackerel and switched out the classic mustard dressing with a crispy chilli and ginger oil that's delicious with the crunchy lettuce and fudge-y eggs.
Crispy tofu banh mi with soy glazed mushrooms
This Vietnamese street food classic is full of aromatic flavours and crunchy textures. If you're serving this as a dinner for friends, try a 'build your own' station on an outside table, filling small bowls with herbs, pickles and sriracha sauce.
Cheat's burrata with cherries and basil oil
Did you know you can make burrata at home? Our cheat's method uses two supermarket staples and looks and tastes like the real deal. Served with seasonal fresh cherries and vibrant basil oil, it's the perfect summer starter.
French toast flatbreads with grilled peaches
Looking for a new summer brunch idea? Our French toast flatbreads with sticky grilled peaches, Greek yoghurt, pistachios and thyme are just the thing to make the most of much-waited-for peach season.
Courgette, broad bean and lemon pasta
When courgettes are in season, you can't beat our beautifully simple courgette pasta recipe. We've used broad beans and lemon alongside courgettes for extra veggies and zest.
Jamaican pepper prawns
Our spicy, juicy prawns ready in just 20 minutes are the best starter for al fresco dinner party season. Seasoned with lime, paprika and plenty of chilli and garlic, they're delicious on their own, but even better served with crispy plantain chips.
Feta and pomegranate couscous
A simple couscous salad is a summer table essential in our books. This bright and zesty herb-laden feta and pomegranate couscous salad works perfectly alongside grilled meats (especially our Persian-inspired spatchcock chicken) and veggies.
Doenjang tofu and crispy quinoa salad
If you're a fan of super savoury miso pasta, then doenjang should be on your radar. This Korean soy bean paste is the star of the show in our crispy tofu and quinoa salad, and it makes for a gorgeous vegetarian lunch for friends, or just for yourself on a sunny afternoon.
Lobster, rosé and chilli pappardelle
This elegant pasta dish is simply the best way to use up any less-than-fresh rosé wine. Treat yourself to fresh lobster and a herby, sweet tomato sauce to top silky pappardelle sheets in this luxurious-feeling pasta recipe.
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