There’s something magical about summer, the sun stays longer, the produce gets sweeter, and the kitchen becomes a playground for vibrant, light, and joyful meals. This summer recipe journal is packed with fresh ideas that are easy to whip up, delightfully original, and perfect for sunny days and breezy nights.
Watermelon Feta Skewers with Mint & Lime Drizzle
What You Need:
-
Watermelon cubes
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Feta cheese cubes
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Fresh mint leaves
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Skewers
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
1 tsp honey
- Olive Oil
How To:
Skewer watermelon, mint, and feta in alternating layers. Mix lime juice and honey and a splash of olive oil for a quick drizzle. Chill before serving. Sweet, salty, herby, and refreshing!
Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with Basil Oil
What You Need:
-
2 ripe peaches, halved
-
1 ball burrata cheese
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Rocket or spinach
-
Fresh basil
-
Olive oil, salt, pepper
How To:
Grill peach halves until slightly charred. In a blender, mix olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. Plate the greens, top with grilled peaches and burrata, and drizzle with basil oil. Elegant and bursting with flavour.
Tip:
If you're wanting a meatier taste, wrap your peaches in prosciutto!
BLT Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Ranch
What You Need:
-
Romaine or butterhead lettuce leaves
-
Crispy bacon rashers
-
Sliced tomatoes
-
Sliced avocado
-
For ranch: Equal parts Greek yogurt & mashed avocado, garlic powder, dill, lemon juice, salt
How To:
Layer bacon, tomato, and avocado on lettuce. Drizzle with the avocado ranch. Fold like a taco. All the BLT goodness, minus the bread, and still a flavour bomb.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
What You Need:
-
450g slow-cooked pulled pork
-
Your favourite BBQ sauce
-
Slider brioche buns
-
Slaw mix
-
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, pinch of chili flakes
How To:
Mix pork with BBQ sauce and warm it up. Toss slaw mix with vinegar, honey, and chili flakes. Pile onto toasted slider buns. Juicy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy in one bite.
Spicy Street Corn Flatbreads
What You Need:
-
Flatbreads or naan
-
Grilled corn (cut from cob)
-
2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
-
Chili powder, lime juice, feta cheese
-
Fresh coriander
How To:
Spread mayo or yogurt on warm flatbreads. Mix corn with lime juice, chili powder, and cheese, then pile it on. Top with coriander and extra lime zest for zing. Think of it as elote, reimagined.
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa
What You Need:
-
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
-
1 tbsp chipotle in adobo (minced)
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
-
1 ripe mango, diced
-
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
Fresh coriander
How To:
Marinate chicken in chipotle, oil, and seasoning for at least 30 mins. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Top with mango salsa (mango, onion, lime, coriander). Smoky, sweet, and spicy all at once.
Frozen Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas (Mocktail Option Too!)
What You Need:
-
240g frozen pineapple
-
1/2 jalapeño (seeded for less heat)
-
Juice of 2 limes
-
30ml agave or honey
-
60ml tequila or sparkling water
How To:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust for sweetness or spice. Serve in salt or spice rimmed glasses with pineapple wedges. Zesty, spicy, and oh-so-refreshing!
Korean-Style Grilled Beef Lettuce Cups
Ingredients:
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Flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
-
2 tbsp light soy sauce
-
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
-
1 garlic clove, crushed
-
1 tsp soft brown sugar
-
1 tsp gochujang (optional)
-
Butterhead lettuce or baby gem leaves
-
Cooked jasmine rice (optional)
-
Sliced cucumber and spring onions
Instructions:
Marinate the steak for 1–2 hours. Grill or pan-fry on high for 1-2 mins each side. Assemble lettuce cups with steak, rice, cucumber, and spring onions. Serve with sriracha mayo or kimchi if you like it spicy.
No-Churn Coconut Lime Ice Cream
What You Need:
-
1 tin coconut milk
-
125ml cup sweetened condensed milk
-
Zest and juice of 2 limes
-
Pinch of sea salt
How To:
Whisk all ingredients together, pour into a loaf pan, and freeze for 4-6 hours. Serve with toasted coconut flakes or mango slices for a tropical treat.
Summer cooking should be relaxed, colourful, and full of flavour. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or making a quick weeknight dinner, let these recipes bring a little sunshine to your table.
