With the rain finally giving way to a brief British summer, now is the perfect time to savour the vibrant late-summer produce and extend that summery feeling for as long as possible. Enjoy the season's bounty of bright, juicy fruits and vegetables – think tomatoes, nectarines, marrows, and more. It’s an ideal moment for indulging in fresh, flavourful summer salad recipes, easy no-cook recipes to keep cool, and plenty of barbecue and picnic options.

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Explore our summer cocktail and summer drink recipes, perfect for toasting in the warm weather.

Check out our August recipes for additional late summer inspiration. Our handy seasonal calendar provides a year-round guide to seasonal eating.

1. Chard, lemon & cheese pie

A Chard, lemon, and cheese pie on a plate, with a slice taken out, highlighting the savoury filling inside.

If you’re looking for a showstopping vegetarian main dish perfect for feeding a crowd, our chard, lemon, and cheese pie is just the dish. The slight bitterness of the chard beautifully balances the creamy ricotta and tangy feta, while the buttery, crisp filo pastry perfectly contrasts the soft, rich filling.

Discover more sweet and savoury vegetarian pie recipes.

2. Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin

Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin

For a stunning main course, our beetroot & red onion tarte tatin makes the perfect vegan centrepiece that everyone will love. Despite its striking presentation – the vibrant red of the beetroot contrasting beautifully with a fresh green salad – it's surprisingly simple to prepare. With the help of shop-bought pastry, you can have this impressive dish ready in just 10 minutes.

Check out more savoury tart recipes, perfect for showcasing seasonal produce.

3. Salmon with beetroot, feta & lime salsa

A plate of salmon next to beetroot topped with feta and lime wedges

Whip up this delicious salmon dish with just four ingredients – perfect for a quick and easy midweek meal. Served with a flavourful feta and beetroot salsa, it’s a simple yet satisfying option for busy evenings.

Check out more salmon recipes to make the most of this omega-rich fish.

4. Cheesy chard gratin

Baking dish filled with chard in a cheesy saucce

Add double cream, mustard, and parmesan cheese to transform flavoursome chard into something super-indulgent. Pair with your favourite bread, such as a crusty loaf or ciabatta, to mop up all the gruyere sauce.

Check out more of our gratin recipes for comfort food at its best.

5. Wild salmon with radish & orange slaw

A plate featuring wild salmon accompanied by radish and orange slaw, with a fork resting beside it.

If you’re looking for a healthy dinner option, salmon is a great option. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Read more about the health benefits of salmon in our helpful guide. Coat your salmon with paprika, cinnamon, and orange zest and serve it on a bed of seasonal potatoes, radishes, red peppers, and oranges.

6. Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche

Tomato quiche topped with basil leaves

Is there anything more summery than a quiche? This Italian-inspired version, filled with roasted tomatoes, basil, and parmesan, brings a taste of the sunny Italian countryside to your garden. This dish is a great, easy dinner option. Serve it warm with a vibrant salad such as our chopped green salad with herby chilli dressing.

7. Runner bean & prawn paella

A pan filled with runner bean and prawn paella showcasing rice, shrimp, and colourful vegetables.

Make the most of seasonal runner beans in this vibrant runner bean & prawn paella. This low-fat dinner comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A splash of dry white wine adds just the right touch of acidity to balance the rich flavours of the paella. Sip the rest while you cook, or explore our top picks for summer white wines for more pairing ideas.

8. Tomato, pepper & bean one pot

Bowl of tomato, pepper and bean stew topped with almonds

Prepare a batch of this hearty stew over the weekend, then chill or freeze it in portions for quick and easy midweek lunches. This healthy, high-protein vegan dish is low in calories, fat, salt, and saturates. Use the stew as a versatile base and mix things up throughout the week with one of our six delicious topping ideas so you never get bored of your meals.

Make a simple summer one-pot recipe and save yourself some effort in the kitchen.

9. Braised pork with plums

Pot of cooked pork with plums and spring onion

Enhance braised pork's mild, slightly fatty richness with the sweet-tart flavour of plums. The natural sugars in the plums elevate the savoury notes of the pork while their subtle acidity balances out the dish. Serve with your choice of carbs—noodles or rice work nicely to round out this satisfying meal.

Discover more pork recipes, from curries and stir-fries to pies and burgers.

10. Pomegranate chicken with almond couscous

A bowl of pomegranate chicken served with almond couscous, garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds for added flavour.

Jazz up chicken breasts in this fruity, sweetly spiced sauce with pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds and tagine paste. It’s a healthy, high-protein dinner option that can be ready in only 20 minutes.

Discover more filling, fast and cheap cous cous recipes.

11. Charred courgette, lemon & goat’s cheese galette

Charred courgette, lemon & goat’s cheese galette

Bake this galette for a vegetable main course that’s sure to impress. The rye flour in the pastry imparts a delightful nutty flavour, which complements the creamy mascarpone and tangy goat’s cheese topping. A sprinkle of lemon zest elevates the lightness of the courgette and spring onion, adding a fresh, vibrant finish.

Discover more top-rated courgette recipes.

12. Mexican-style stuffed peppers

A pepper stuffed with rice and topped with cheese and guacamole

These Mexican-style stuffed peppers make a fantastic family meal that’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare. You can create a delicious dish without breaking the bank with just six ingredients – likely already in your cupboard. If your family prefers a milder flavour, substitute the chilli cheese with mild cheddar or another of your choice.

Discover more flavour-packed stuffed pepper recipes.

13. Charred sweetcorn, red pepper & bulgur wheat pilaf

Pot of charred sweetcorn, red pepper & bulgur wheat pilaf

This healthy charred sweetcorn, red pepper, and bulgur wheat pilaf is a high-fibre, low-calorie, low-fat dinner option. With four generous servings, it’s perfect for meal prep – save the leftovers for easy packed lunches. Top your pilaf with grilled chicken, crumbled feta, or blackened salmon to keep things exciting.

14. Gnocchi with parsley, butter & samphire

Gnocchi with parsley, butter & samphire

If you're aiming to impress dinner guests, consider making gnocchi from scratch. During the summer months, forage for peak-season samphire and combine it with parsley and butter to create a rich, decadent sauce. Your guests will be equally impressed by your dish's exceptional flavours and cost-effective nature, demonstrating that you don't need to spend a fortune to make a delicious dinner.

Discover more samphire recipes.

15. Pappardelle with sorrel butter & pine nuts

Plate of pappardelle topped with sorrel, pine nuts and parmesan shavings

This seasonal sorrel and pappardelle pasta dish is simple and uses just a handful of ingredients. It's ready in 20 minutes and makes a fresh veggie main. The sweet nuttiness of the pine nuts complements the tangy taste of the sorrel, creating a well-balanced dish.

Discover more pappardelle recipes, from hearty ragu to light zesty sauces.

16. Cacio e pepe with runner beans

Bowl of cacio e pepe with runner beans

Give your cacio e pepe a summer twist by incorporating fresh runner beans. The silky cheese and pepper sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp bite of the runner beans. This quick and easy dish is ideal for a summer date night, ready in under 30 minutes.

Check out these runner bean recipes for inspiration on using up a glut of this summer veg.

17. Beef with mangetout & cashews

Bowl of beef with mangetout and cashews next to a bowl of rice and a bowl of cashew nuts

If the kids are craving a takeaway but you want to save some money, try this Chinese beef with mangetout and cashews instead. The sweet and sticky sauce, made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar and honey, brings a deliciously authentic flavour. Ready in just 15 minutes and paired with jasmine rice or noodles, this meal is a quick and satisfying alternative that will keep the whole family happy.

Recreate more of your favourite Chinese takeaway classics with our Chinese fakeaway recipes.

18. Smoked mackerel kedgeree with soft-boiled eggs

Smoked mackerel kedgeree with soft-boiled eggs

A quintessential comfort food, this smoked mackerel kedgeree takes just 10 minutes to prep. It is versatile and delicious and can be enjoyed hot or cold as the main dish or as part of a bigger spread.

Discover more kedgeree recipes perfect for a comforting brunch or dinner.

19. Aubergine parmigiana lasagne

A baking dish of aubergine parmigiana lasagne next to two glasses and a bowl of parmesan

Combine two Italian favourites – parmigiana and lasagne – in this delectable veggie bake. Perfect for summer gatherings, it serves up to six and highlights seasonal aubergines. If you’re not hosting a crowd, make it for the family and freeze leftovers for up to three months, ensuring you have a delicious, ready-made meal on hand.

Discover more lasagne recipes, from classics to fun twists.

20. Spanish stuffed marrow

Half a stuffed marrow next to the other half cut into chunks

If you’re looking for a flavour-packed dinner, this Spanish stuffed marrow gets its bold flavours from paprika, chorizo, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Serve it alone or as part of a Spanish-themed feast with other dishes such as patatas bravas and arroz con gambas y calamar.

21. Roasted aubergine & tomato curry

Roasted aubergine & tomato curry

Roasted tomatoes and aubergine lend a delightful sweetness to this summer curry, while coconut milk adds a creamy richness that might make you forget it's completely vegan.

Upgrade your summer menu with our top 10 summer curries.

22. Tandoori trout

Trout covered in spice rub on top of new potatoes and peas

If you want to boost your vitamin D intake, consider incorporating more oily fish like trout into your diet. For a flavourful twist, coat the fish with a spicy dry rub of cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. This vibrant seasoning pairs perfectly with a refreshing chutney like our homemade mango chutney.

23. Grilled sea trout, prosciutto, samphire & lentils

Sea trout on a bed of samphire and lentils next to a lemon wedge

Grilled sea trout perfectly matches seasonal samphire and lightly seasoned lemony lentils. This fresh and flavourful main course is simple and quick, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s an excellent gluten-free option for a date night, ensuring a delicious meal for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

Discover more trout recipes and make trout your fish of the day.

24. Minty griddled chicken & peach salad

Plate of salad with avocado, griddled chicken and peaches

This colourful salad supplies lean protein and nutrients, including vitamins C and E. It's also low-calorie and provides all five of your five-a-day. The addition of juicy peaches enhances the flavour and contrasts perfectly with the grilled chicken.

Try one of our chicken salad recipes for a fuss-free dinner.

25. Teriyaki steak with pak choi & noodles

Teriyaki steak with pak choi & noodles

With just eight ingredients and three easy steps, this low-calorie Asian-inspired dinner is perfect for summer when you want to avoid spending too much time in a hot kitchen. Lean beef, noodles, and pak choi come together in a simple and satisfying meal for two, ready in under 30 minutes.

Discover more speedy midweek meals with our noodle recipes.

26. Baked tomato, mozzarella & basil risotto

Pot of baked tomato, mozzarella and basil risotto with a portion taken out

Picture all the best aspects of arancini – a crispy golden exterior and gooey, cheesy rice—transformed into a comforting risotto with this baked tomato, mozzarella, and basil dish.

Stir a comforting yet light dinner full of seasonal flavours with our summer risotto recipes.

27. Peppered mackerel fishcakes

Peppered mackerel fishcakes

Don’t let your leftover mashed potatoes go to waste, transform them into delicious summery mackerel fishcakes. The bold flavours of spring onions and horseradish perfectly complement the mackerel’s rich, smoky taste. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice to enhance the mackerel’s flavour and add a bright, zesty touch.

Discover more fish cake recipes for a light dinner option.

28. Roast new potatoes & radishes

Roast new potatoes & radishes

Celebrate summer with this sharing salad of baby potatoes, radishes, toasted pumpkin seeds, spring onions, yogurt dressing and a scattering of chilli flakes. It makes a great barbecue side dish for meats, such as our spiced grilled lamb skewers or BBQ mackerel.

29. Greek-style roast lamb & new potatoes with tomato olive sauce

Greek style roast lamb new potatoes with tomato olive sauce

Elevate your Sunday roast with this Greek-inspired leg of lamb, roasted with garlic and herbs and accompanied by new potatoes. The dish is finished with a rich black olive tomato sauce, adding a flavourful twist to your classic roast.

Discover more Greek-style recipes, including fresh cucumber salads, feta cheese and tender lamb.

30. Artichoke & aubergine rice

Artichoke & aubergine rice

Not only is this vegan aubergine and artichoke rice delicious, but it's also low in fat and calories and budget-friendly. Prepare a big batch to enjoy cold the next day, or pack it for a satisfying work lunch.

Find more vegan rice recipes, perfect for a filling and easy dinner option.

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