15 Lazy Summer Recipes That Actually Taste Delicious

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.

lazy summer recipes

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

Get the recipe via Food52

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

Get our recipe here

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

Get the recipe via The Kitchn

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

Get the recipe via Kitchn

With five ingredients, this Mediterranean-inspired bowl is meatless, yet high in protein and totally satisfying.

 

Chicken Salad Mini Lettuce Cups

Get our recipe here

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

Get our recipe here

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

Get the recipe via Kitchn

No chopping AND no cooking? Count this lazy chef in.

Loved this post?
Subscribe to the Sunday Stories newsletter!

Get our weekly email with all new Glitter Guide articles delivered to your inbox. 

Invalid email address

Author: Samantha Welker

Samantha Welker is the business manager at Glitter Guide. She has an Master's in Corporate Finance & Sustainability from Harvard Business School but prefers working in the creative industry. She also hosts a weekly business podcast for creative women called Pretty Okay Podcast. She loves spending time with her husband and her son, Rocky, in sunny San Diego. Follow along on Instagram