
Our favourite summer recipes
Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPLast updated by Victoria RawLast updated 30 Jun 2025
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From big barbecue hits to light weeknight dinners, we've handpicked our favourite summer recipes to keep you and your tummy smiling through hot sunny days and warm summer evenings - or whatever weather summertime throws our way.
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Summer food you crave
You may find that the summer heat has you craving more lightweight and refreshing meals, such as summer salads, but this doesn't mean that summer food can't be packed with flavour. These summer recipes range from the sweet and spicy to the sharp and zingy, with meat-eater, vegan, and vegetarian meal options.
Why do we crave light meals in summer?
There are several theories for our reduced appetites in summertime:
Sunlight is believed to affect our hunger levels - when there is less light in winter, our bodies naturally crave more hearty, dense food which can be stored as fat. It's thought that this is because our bodies interpret lack of light as a sign that food supply may be limited.
Our bodies work harder in winter - cold temperatures require our bodies to use up more energy, which in turn can require us to crave more high-energy foods.
Summer heat means we need to stay cooler - digesting food generates heat, and so suppressed cravings may be one way that our bodies control this workload. Eating less can also promote drinking more water which we need to stay hydrated.
Of course, summer food classics such as fish and chips, hearty barbecues, and ice creams have their fair share of fat, salt, and sugar content. It's a good idea to enjoy these treats in moderation and to keep these healthy and light summer recipes up your sleeve.
Epic summer salad
Epic summer salad

Vegetarian
This quick and easy crunchy salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like black beans, avocado, mango, tomato, and feta. This salad makes a great side dish to summer weeknight dinners, picnics, and barbecues. Tomatoes, avocados and mangoes supply loads of vitamins including vitamin A, B6, C, E and K, while black beans are high protein and high fibre. Feta adds a delicious twist while providing calcium and healthy essential fats.
BBQ jackfruit buns
BBQ Jackfruit "pulled pork"

Vegan
Who says vegan barbecue food is boring? Jackfruits, onions, and vegan barbecue sauce can be used to create a plant-based alternative to the classic pulled pork burger that's just as tangy and tasty. As well as being great at mimicking pork, jackfruit contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. This indulgent summer recipe can be enjoyed occasionally and goes well with potato salad and green salads.
Citrus-roasted salmon
Citrus-roasted salmon

Pescatarian
One of the simplest summer dinner ideas, this salmon recipe is big on flavour and takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. Salmon is a great source of protein and also contains omega-3 fatty acids which support a healthy heart. Feel free to pair with your favourite summer salad recipe or vegetable stir fry for a light and vitamin-packed dinner.
Ricotta stuffed mini peppers
Baby stuffed peppers with lemon and oregano ricotta

Vegetarian
This deliciously moreish barbecue side dish is a real crowd pleaser. Roasted pepper skins are sweet, smoky, and high in vitamin C, vitamin B9, and antioxidants. While this creamy cheese-filled summer recipe is certainly indulgent, ricotta is a low-fat cheese. Feel free to substitute for goat's cheese, another good source of protein and healthy fats. This is a great side for all your barbecue favourites, from grilled chicken to burgers.
Raw lemon and pistachio cheesecake
Raw lemon and pistachio cheesecake

Vegan
Equally zingy and creamy, this vegan cheesecake makes a refreshing and mouth-watering summer dessert. Like all desserts, this cheesecake should be an occasional treat, but it does have some added health benefits. It's free from refined sugar, and most of the fat content comes from the almonds, cashews and pistachios, which are packed full of healthy fats and other nutrients. Lemons and dates are the real flavour heroes of this dish while supplying vitamin C, fibre, iron, and calcium.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 30 Jun 2028
30 Jun 2025 | Latest version
3 Aug 2022 | Originally published
Authored by:
Amberley Davis

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