crispy chicken bacon ranch wrap

Is there any feeling quite like the arrival of summer, with its glorious, long days and balmy evenings? The air grows warmer, the nights stay lighter, and that unmistakable, smoky aroma from a neighbour’s barbecue gently wafts across the garden. It’s a season designed for unwinding, for creating memories with family and friends, and, of course, for indulging in some truly wonderful food. However, when the temperatures climb, the last place any of us wants to be is a sweltering kitchen. So, what’s the secret to crafting delicious, memorable meals without the stress? It’s all about embracing the season’s magnificent bounty. We’re here to take you on a culinary adventure, exploring everything from grilled goodness to chilled salads: summer recipes to try now.

This guide is filled with straightforward, flavour-packed recipes that truly celebrate the very best of a British summer. We’ll be firing up the barbecue for some smoky masterpieces and then cooling off with crisp, invigorating salads that are anything but ordinary. Let’s get started!

Embracing the Flavours of Summer

Summer is a season of pure abundance. Our local markets and shops are brimming with a kaleidoscope of fresh, vibrant produce. Picture sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet British strawberries, crunchy lettuces, and verdant courgettes. Now is the perfect moment to allow these simple, high-quality ingredients to take centre stage. We find ourselves naturally moving away from the hearty, comforting stews of winter, instead favouring lighter, brighter dishes that leave us feeling refreshed and energised. This seasonal transition is the very essence of great summer cooking, where the focus is on achieving maximum flavour with minimal fuss.

The Heart of Summer: Sizzling Grilled Goodness

For so many of us, the distinct sizzle and aroma of a barbecue is the quintessential sound of the season. Outdoor cooking ideas are centred around fostering a relaxed, sociable environment where delicious food is prepared and enjoyed in the fresh air. Grilling is a superb method for infusing food with a smoky, charred taste that is simply impossible to achieve indoors. It doesn’t matter if you own a high-tech gas grill or a traditional charcoal one; these recipes are designed to be showstoppers.

Recipe 1: Classic Lemon & Herb Grilled Chicken

In our opinion, this has to be one of the most quintessential summer BBQ recipes. It’s wonderfully straightforward yet packed with zesty, fragrant notes. The key lies in a well-balanced marinade that not only tenderises the chicken but also infuses it with a delightful Mediterranean character. It is a certified crowd-pleaser for any gathering in the garden.

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
• Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a sizeable bowl or a large sealable bag, start by combining the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything together thoroughly to form the marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. If you find the breasts are particularly thick, we suggest butterflying them or gently pounding them to a more even thickness for consistent cooking.
3. Cover your bowl or seal the bag and place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a truly deep flavour, we recommend leaving it for 2-4 hours.
4. Preheat your barbecue to a medium-high temperature. It’s crucial that the grates are clean and lightly oiled to stop the chicken from sticking. For further advice on safe meat handling and cooking, the Food Standards Agency provides some fantastic guidance.
5. Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any surplus to drip away before placing it on the grill.
6. Cook the chicken on the hot grill for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side. The precise cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. It’s ready when the juices run clear upon piercing and it has reached an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
7. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before you slice it. This simple step is vital for keeping it moist and tender. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve right away.

Cool, Crisp, and Creative: The Best Chilled Salads

When the mercury rises, a cool, crisp salad offers the perfect refreshment. We’re not talking about a lacklustre bowl of greenery, though. Today’s salads are dynamic, full of interesting textures, and more than substantial enough to serve as a main meal. They provide a wonderful canvas for the season’s best produce and present countless creative opportunities. These easy summer salads have been created to be both revitalising and truly satisfying.

From Grilled Goodness to Chilled Salads: A Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Masterpiece

This salad is the very definition of invigorating. The blend of sweet, succulent watermelon with salty, crumbly feta and the cool, aromatic kick of mint creates the taste of summer in every mouthful. It’s remarkably easy to assemble and brings a splash of beautiful colour to any dining table.

Ingredients

• 1/2 small watermelon, deseeded and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 200g block of feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
• A large handful of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. In a wide, shallow serving bowl, gently toss together the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves. If you have opted to include the red onion, this is the time to add it.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk the lime juice and olive oil together to make a light, simple dressing.
3. Right before you are ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad. Toss it ever so gently to combine all the ingredients. Serving it immediately is key to keeping the watermelon crisp and the mint beautifully fragrant.
4. If you fancy another take on a refreshing salad, why not explore this Viral Cucumber Salad Recipe? It’s another brilliant option for staying cool.

Perfect Sides and Refreshing Sips

A summer feast isn’t truly complete without its essential accompaniments: delectable sides and cooling drinks. These effortless additions can transform your main course from merely great to absolutely unforgettable. A little bit of forethought here can go a long way towards creating a wonderfully rounded and gratifying meal.

Simple Summer Sides

To complement your grilled mains and vibrant salads, a few easy side dishes are all you need to complete the meal. We are partial to simple options that are packed with flavour but don’t demand a lot of preparation. Think of sweetcorn, fresh from the grill and dripping with butter and a dash of chilli, or a classic, creamy potato salad enhanced with a fresh dill and chive dressing. For an exciting alternative that maintains a lovely summery vibe, The Ultimate Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe So Easy serves as a fantastic and unexpected treat for any spread.

Cooling Summer Drinks

It’s so important to stay hydrated during the warmer months, and we can think of no better way than with some delicious, refreshing summer drinks. A large jug of homemade iced tea infused with lemon and mint is always a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, for a timeless treat, you could prepare a batch of sparkling raspberry lemonade. All you need to do is muddle a punnet of fresh raspberries with the juice of two lemons and a touch of sugar, then top it all up with sparkling water and serve over a generous amount of ice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I stop my chicken from sticking to the grill?

There are three vital steps to prevent this. Firstly, your grill must be exceptionally clean, as leftover food particles are the main culprit for sticking. Secondly, ensure the grill is fully preheated before any food touches it. Lastly, just before adding the chicken, lightly grease the grates with an oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable or rapeseed oil.

What are the best vegetables for grilling?

A huge variety of vegetables are absolutely wonderful on the grill! Courgettes, bell peppers, red onions, aubergines, and asparagus are all classic choices that become beautifully tender and smoky. Corn on the cob is another firm favourite. When it comes to smaller vegetables like cherry tomatoes, we find using skewers is the best way to stop them from falling through the grates.

How do I keep my salad fresh for a picnic?

The trick is to pack your dressing in a separate container. Prepare all your solid salad ingredients and store them in an airtight box. Keep your dressing in a small, well-sealed jar. Only pour it over and toss everything together just before you are about to serve. This is the best way to prevent the leaves from going limp.

Can I prepare these recipes in advance?

Of course! The chicken can be left to marinate overnight; in fact, this will only enhance its flavour. The vegetables for your salads can be chopped a few hours beforehand and kept chilled in the fridge. As we’ve mentioned, just remember to keep dressings separate until you’re ready to eat to ensure maximum freshness.

What are some good healthy summer meals?

Summer is an ideal time for eating well! Lean proteins such as grilled chicken or fish, served alongside a large, colourful salad filled with fresh vegetables, seeds, and a light vinaigrette, create a perfectly balanced and nutritious meal. A simple swap, like choosing yoghurt- or oil-based dressings over those with a mayonnaise base, is another easy trick for keeping meals light and wholesome.

Our Final Thoughts on Summer Cooking

At its heart, summer cooking is a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and the pure pleasure of sharing delicious food with the people we care about. From the smoky flavour of a perfectly cooked barbecue to the refreshing crunch of a vibrant salad, these are the tastes that truly define the season. We have demonstrated just how simple it can be to create wonderful meals suited to any sunny day, whether that’s a relaxed family dinner in the garden or a larger get-together with friends.

Now, it’s over to you to get out there and make the most of this glorious season. Light up that grill, chop those fresh vegetables, and begin making some new summer memories around the dinner table.

What are your own go-to recipes for the summer? Please share your favourites and any of your own tips in the comments section below! We would be delighted to hear from you. We hope you’ll give these recipes a try and let us know how you get on.