Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh ingredients and light meals, and meal prep can make staying healthy a breeze. Here are 18 refreshing recipes that are easy to whip up and perfect for those warm days. From crisp salads to zesty wraps, you’ll find delicious options to keep you energized and satisfied all summer long.
Contents
- 1. Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
- 2. Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- 3. Tropical Fruit Salad with Mint
- 4. Zesty Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mango
- 5. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- 6. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
- 7. Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
- 8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- 9. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps
- 10. Lentil and Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- 11. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- 12. Chilled Avocado Soup with Cilantro
- 13. Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
- 14. Grilled Peaches with Burrata
- 15. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Veggies
- 16. Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip
- 17. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
- 18. Spicy Corn and Black Bean Salad
1. Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
This cucumber noodle salad is a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes. Tossed in a light sesame dressing, it’s perfect for those hot summer days. Enjoy this dish as a meal prep option or a side at your next gathering!
2. Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This lemon basil pasta is the perfect summer meal! Bright cherry tomatoes and fresh basil make every bite refreshing and delicious. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those warm evenings when you want something light yet satisfying.
3. Tropical Fruit Salad with Mint
This tropical fruit salad is a burst of sunshine in a bowl! Packed with juicy mangoes, sweet pineapples, and fresh mint, it’s super refreshing for hot summer days. Perfect as a side dish or a light dessert, this salad is easy to whip up and sure to impress!
4. Zesty Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mango
This refreshing quinoa salad brings summer vibes right to your table! With creamy avocado and sweet mango, it’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. Toss in some lime juice and fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor!
5. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese salad is a classic summer dish that’s super easy to make. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together for a tasty bite. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added zing that makes this salad a perfect light meal prep option.
6. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
These grilled chicken and vegetable skewers are perfect for summer meals. Packed with colorful veggies and juicy chicken, they’re as tasty as they are easy to prepare. Just marinate, skewer, and grill for a light dish that’s sure to impress!
7. Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
These shrimp and avocado lettuce wraps are a perfect summer meal! They are light, refreshing, and super easy to make. Fill crisp lettuce leaves with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and your favorite veggies for a tasty treat.
8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a simple and tasty choice for summer. It combines fresh ingredients like chickpeas, black beans, and vibrant veggies for a light meal. Perfect for meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge and makes a satisfying lunch or side.
9. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps
These spicy Thai peanut chicken wraps are perfect for summer meal prep. Bursting with fresh flavors, they combine tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty peanut sauce all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Quick to make and easy to enjoy, these wraps are a tasty option for lunch or a light dinner!
10. Lentil and Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This lentil and spinach salad is perfect for hot summer days. Packed with fresh spinach, vibrant tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing choice. Enjoy this light meal that’s not only healthy but super easy to make!
11. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This roasted beet and goat cheese salad is a summer favorite. The beets are sweet and earthy, paired perfectly with creamy goat cheese and crunchy nuts. Toss in some fresh greens, and you’ve got a light meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious!
12. Chilled Avocado Soup with Cilantro
Chilled avocado soup is the perfect dish for hot summer days. It’s creamy, refreshing, and super easy to make. Just blend ripe avocados with cilantro, lime, and a bit of broth for a light meal prep option that’s sure to impress!
13. Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
This chilled cucumber and yogurt soup is a perfect summer dish. It’s light, refreshing, and super easy to make. Just blend cucumbers with yogurt and spices for a cooling treat on hot days!
14. Grilled Peaches with Burrata
Grilled peaches with burrata are a must-try this summer. The sweet, caramelized fruit pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days!
15. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Veggies
Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy a light meal. Packed with quinoa and fresh veggies, they’re both filling and refreshing for summer. These easy-to-make delights are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have tasty lunches ready to go!
16. Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip
These zucchini fritters are perfect for summer meals. They’re light, crispy, and pair wonderfully with a cool yogurt dip. Enjoy them as a snack or a side dish at your next gathering!
17. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This watermelon feta salad is the perfect summer dish. The sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta and fresh mint. It’s light, refreshing, and super easy to make for any summer gathering.
18. Spicy Corn and Black Bean Salad
This spicy corn and black bean salad is a perfect summer dish. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Enjoy it as a side or on its own for a quick meal prep option!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
