I’m a bit of a lazy cook. Not that I don’t enjoy cooking, because I do. But I think it’s just ingrained in my personality to be effective and smart with my time. Especially during summer when you’re spending long days outside or chasing after little humans on the beach, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Intensive meals mean lots of steps and even more cleanup, which to me is the antithesis of what a summer meal should be. So while these 15 recipes may be “lazy” in regards to simplicity, they’re still delicious and crowd-pleasers.
Seafood Salad with Herb Dressing
Get the recipe via Gourmet Traveller
This seafood-lover’s recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and is packed full of herbaceous goodness.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers Cheese Board
This is one of my favorite quick and easy summer recipes to throw together. It’s an elevated summer take on your typical cheese board and everyone in my house loves it.
Black Bean Tostadas with Summer Veggies
Get the recipe via How Sweet Eats
If you buy your tostada shells instead of making them from regular tortillas, this meal can be on the table in about 5-10 minutes flat.
Vegan Spiralized Summer Spring Rolls
The best part of these easy-to-make spring rolls is they’re loaded with healthy veggies and require zero heat.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Get the recipe via Good Housekeeping
Make this decadent salmon recipe in the oven or on the grill, whichever your preference.
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Avocados just make everything better, including pasta.
Chicken, Brie and Nectarine Flatbread
Get the recipe via Better Homes & Gardens
Use a precooked roasted chicken to whip up this flatbread in under 30 minutes.
Mediterranean Hummus Bowl
With five ingredients, this Mediterranean-inspired bowl is meatless, yet high in protein and totally satisfying.
Chicken Salad Mini Lettuce Cups
Again, it’s pre-cook rotisserie chicken to the rescue for this easy summer recipe that comes together in under 10 minutes.
Mediterranean Salmon and Artichoke Skewers
Get the recipe via Sunkissed Kitchen
Skewers are such a great summer go-to. You can pack on all your favorite veggies and proteins and have dinner on the table in under 30.
Greek Cauliflower Rice Pilaf Bowls
Get the recipe via Lexi’s Clean Living
Personally, I like the Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower rice, but if you’re not as lazy as I am, you can make your own like this recipe calls for. Either way, cauliflower rice, grape leaves and salty feta make for a delicious summer combo.
Summer Chopped Chicken Salad with Spiralized Cucumbers and Salsa Verde
This bowl is loaded with summer goodness and can easily be pulled together with whatever is in your fridge.
Lime and Chili Skirt Steak Fajitas
Get the recipe via Gourmet Traveller
Pair this zesty skirt steak with a savory tomato salad for the ultimate summer meal.
Summer Charcuterie Snack Board
Get the recipe via What’s Gaby Cooking
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a massive grazing board!
No-Chop Cold Veggie Noodle Bowls with Soy Lime Vinaigrette
No chopping AND no cooking? Count this lazy chef in.
