21 Quick Summer Recipes That Leave More Time to Lounge

Summer is all about enjoying the sunshine and taking it easy, which is why I've put together 21 quick summer recipes that let you do just that. These recipes are designed to be simple and fast, so you can whip up something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for lazy afternoons or spontaneous gatherings, these dishes will keep you cool and satisfied, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the season.

A close-up of a pineapple banana smoothie in a glass with a straw, surrounded by a white napkin with pineapple and banana in the background. — Pineapple Banana Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Pineapple banana smoothie is a refreshing and quick choice for those hot summer days when you want a cool, fruity treat. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for busy afternoons. This smoothie is a great way to enjoy tropical flavors without spending much time in the kitchen. Its easy preparation makes it ideal for lounging around while still enjoying a delicious drink.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

A glass of strawberry smoothie garnished with a whole strawberry, surrounded by fresh strawberries and spinach leaves. — Strawberry Spinach Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Strawberry spinach smoothie combines fresh fruit and greens for a light and nutritious option. This smoothie is quick to make and perfect for a summer snack that doesn’t weigh you down. It offers a refreshing taste and easy prep, letting you spend more time relaxing. Enjoy a healthy treat that fits seamlessly into your easygoing summer routine.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables. — Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp macaroni salad is a convenient and tasty meal that comes together quickly. With its mix of shrimp and macaroni, it offers a satisfying, chilled dish ideal for hot summer days. Its easy preparation means you can whip it up in no time, leaving you more time to relax. This salad is perfect for enjoying a hearty, cool meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

No churn vanilla ice cream is an easy way to enjoy a classic dessert without needing an ice cream maker. This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal time, making it perfect for summer indulgence. With its creamy texture and straightforward ingredients, it’s a great choice for a quick, homemade treat. Enjoy a classic ice cream with ease and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

A red drink in a mason jar with blackberries on top, beside a small bowl of blackberries and a striped cloth on a white surface. — Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Iced sweet blackberry tea is a refreshing and easy beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. With its simple preparation and cool, fruity flavor, it’s ideal for relaxing and unwinding. This tea offers a satisfying, sweet taste with minimal effort, making it a great choice for staying refreshed while lounging around. Enjoy a delightful drink that’s quick to make and perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

Red White and Blue Salad

A bowl of creamy fruit salad with fresh strawberries and blueberries. A gold spoon and a small bowl of blueberries are on the side, along with a red and white checkered napkin. — Red White and Blue Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red white and blue salad is a vibrant and easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for summer events. Its fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it an excellent choice for a quick, festive meal. This salad provides a colorful and tasty option with minimal effort, ideal for enjoying during the lazy days of summer. It’s a great way to add a festive touch to your easy summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

Frozen Yogurt with Berries

A close-up of a yogurt cup topped with blueberries and strawberry slices in a white silicone mold, placed on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background. — Frozen Yogurt with Berries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frozen yogurt with berries is a refreshing and simple dessert that’s ideal for summer. It’s easy to make and perfect for enjoying a cool, fruity treat without much fuss. The combination of yogurt and berries offers a light, satisfying option that fits well into a laid-back summer routine. Enjoy a homemade dessert that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a flavorful and easy-to-make option that’s great for summer gatherings. Its simple ingredients and quick prep time make it a convenient choice for a satisfying snack or appetizer. This dip delivers bold flavors without requiring a lot of effort, making it perfect for casual get-togethers. Enjoy a tasty dish that fits seamlessly into your relaxed summer plans.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

A glass of bright red beverage with ice, a lime wedge, cherries, and a straw, accompanied by a bowl of cherries and a pitcher in the background. — Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sonic copycat cherry limeade is a refreshing and easy drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. With its simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s an ideal choice for a cool, fruity beverage without the need to leave the house. This drink offers a delightful cherry-lime flavor that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the summer weather. Enjoy a delicious, homemade version of a classic summer drink.
Get the Recipe: Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Two glasses of green smoothie with a lemon half and avocado in the background. — Avocado Spinach Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Avocado spinach smoothie provides a light and nutritious option that’s easy to prepare. This smoothie combines fresh ingredients into a quick, refreshing drink that fits well into a busy summer day. Its simple prep and creamy texture make it a great choice for a healthy, satisfying snack. Enjoy a nutritious smoothie that’s perfect for those easygoing summer moments.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a versatile and easy dish that’s perfect for summer. Its combination of seafood and pasta offers a hearty meal with minimal prep time, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner. This salad provides a refreshing and flavorful option without a lot of fuss, perfect for enjoying during the warmer months. It’s a great choice for a homemade meal that’s easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and simple drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. With its bright, fruity flavor and easy preparation, it’s ideal for staying cool while lounging around. This lemonade offers a delightful twist on a classic drink without requiring much effort. Enjoy a homemade beverage that’s both easy to make and wonderfully refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese. — Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry salad with blueberry dressing offers a fresh and simple option for a summer meal. The combination of mixed berries and a tangy dressing makes it a refreshing and easy-to-make dish. Its minimal prep time and vibrant flavors make it a great choice for enjoying during the warmer months. Enjoy a light, flavorful salad that’s perfect for lounging and relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano

A glass of iced coffee with a straw, next to a coffee press and a beige napkin, on a light background. — Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Starbucks copycat iced americano is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic coffee drink at home. With its simple recipe and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for staying cool and caffeinated during the summer. This iced Americano offers a rich coffee flavor without the need to visit a café. Enjoy a homemade version of your favorite coffee drink with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano

Turkey Roll Ups

Turkey roll ups are a simple and quick option for a light, easy meal. Their straightforward preparation and satisfying flavor make them ideal for a no-fuss lunch or snack. These roll ups are perfect for when you want a tasty treat without spending much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a convenient, homemade option that fits seamlessly into your summer routine.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A plate of broccoli salad with bits of bacon, served on a white oval dish alongside a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon is a hearty and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of crispy bacon and fresh broccoli offers a satisfying, flavorful option with minimal prep time. This salad provides a great balance of taste and convenience, making it ideal for casual meals. Enjoy a classic salad with a simple recipe and delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

A whipped cream-topped milkshake with a striped straw, accompanied by cinnamon sticks on a wooden surface. — Starbuck’s Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Starbucks vanilla bean frappuccino is an easy way to enjoy a popular café drink at home. Its smooth, creamy texture and straightforward recipe make it perfect for a cool, refreshing treat. This homemade version allows you to enjoy a classic frappuccino without the need for a café visit. Enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for summer relaxation.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans with cherry tomato halves and crumbled feta, served with a fork on a white tablecloth. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad offers a fresh and easy option for a summer side dish. Its simple ingredients and quick prep make it ideal for a light, satisfying meal. This salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes for a refreshing dish that complements any summer meal. Enjoy a homemade salad that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken skewers kabobs in air fryer are a quick and tasty option for a summer meal. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, providing juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. These kabobs are perfect for a fast dinner or a casual gathering. Enjoy a homemade meal that’s both easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli slaw salad is an easy and refreshing option for a summer side. The combination of crisp broccoli slaw with a light dressing makes it a great choice for a quick, satisfying dish. Its simple preparation and vibrant flavors make it ideal for relaxed summer dining. Enjoy a cool, crunchy salad that fits well into your easygoing summer routine.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thigh on a white plate with green beans and a side of barbecue sauce, garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden table. — Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grilled bbq boneless chicken thighs offer a flavorful and straightforward option for summer grilling. The BBQ sauce and grilling process make this recipe easy and quick, perfect for a satisfying meal. With minimal prep time, these chicken thighs are ideal for enjoying a delicious barbecue without a lot of fuss. Enjoy a homemade, flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer relaxation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs