The recipes we're cooking this summer
British summertime is finally here, bringing with it an incredible variety of vibrant fruit and vegetables to our gardens, fields, allotments and hedgerows (but not necessarily constant sunshine sadly).
The stars of summer – tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and sweetcorn– promise to liven up our plates, while a bevy of British berries (including raspberries, blackberries and, of course, strawberries) signal the long-awaited return of Wimbledon to our screens. Anyone for cream?
When the sun is shining, the last thing we want to be doing is spending hours in the kitchen, which is why we’ve compiled our favourite recipes for summer salads, picnic spreads, and pasta dishes made for sharing al fresco. Now, time to find our barbecue tongs…
If you're seeking more recipe inspiration to share with friends and family this summer, be sure to check out what's in season (and what we're cooking) in June, July and August.
Courgette Feta Tart
Serve hot or cold, this tart makes the most of in-season courgettes. Paired with a tangy feta filling. Delicious!
Recipe: Courgette Feta Tart
Asparagus, Prawn & Rocket Pappardelle
Combining seasonal asparagus, prawns, peppery rocket and lemon zest, this simple pasta recipe is one to repeat all summer long.
Recipe: Prawn, asparagus and rocket pappardelle
Aubergine & Halloumi Salad
This Middle Eastern-inspired bulgur wheat salad is packed with grilled aubergine, halloumi and topped with fresh herbs and a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for enjoying al fresco.
Recipe: Halloumi and aubergine Salad
Blackcurrant Ripple Honey Semifreddo
Similar to ice cream, semifreddo translates to 'half frozen' in Italian. This blackcurrant and honey ripple version is so simple yet impressive and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Recipe: Blackcurrant ripple honey semifreddo
Broad Bean, Griddled Asparagus and Tahini
This vibrant summer side dish contains in-season broad beans and asparagus. Be sure to make a double batch of the garlic tahini sauce, it's that addictive!
Recipe: Griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini
Cauliflower Roasted with Spices
This whole roasted cauliflower is a total showstopper. Spicy hummus nestled in between the florets guarantees layers of flavour in every mouthful.
Recipe: Spiced whole-roasted cauliflower
Seaside Traybake
Make the most of samphire season with this seaside traybake that pairs the salty veg with new potatoes, white fish and potted shrimps. A seafood lovers dream – especially when paired with a cold glass of English sparkling wine.
Recipe: Seaside traybake
Eton Mess Lollies
These Eton mess flavoured ice lollies are a refreshing treat on a hot summer's day. Strawberry ice cream is dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed meringue.
Recipe: Eton mess lollies
Strawberry and Almond Galette
Hosting a summer lunch? This strawberry and almond galette makes a delicious warm weather dessert. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream, clotted cream or ice cream.
Recipe: Strawberry and almond galette
Courgette and Pistachio Loaf Cake
Light and fluffy, this courgette loaf cake is crammed full of pistachios and topped with a lemon cream cheese icing. Delicious and oh-so summery!
Recipe: Courgette and pistachio loaf cake
Courgette and Aubergine BBQ Salad
Make the most of seasonal summer veggies with this courgette and aubergine salad salad, which also features lentils, preserved lemon, a minty yoghurt dressing and a harissa marinade that brings bags of flavour.
Recipe: Courgette and aubergine BBQ salad
Spicy Thai beef salad
In this fresh summer salad, rare beef is flavoured with a Thai dressing and paired with a peanut, mint and mango salad. Thai basil has an intensely aromatic flavour, but can be substituted for coriander if you can't get your hands on it.
Recipe: Spicy Thai beef salad
Chicken piccata escalope with fennel and pea salad
A seasonal salad packed with fennel, peas and butterhead lettuce helps to cut through the richness of this chicken dish. A winning warm weather dinner recipe.
Recipe: Chicken piccata escalope with fennel and pea salad
Roasted tomato and burrata salad
This salad is the first recipe we're making when tomatoes are in season. Creamy burrata and fragrant basil pair wonderfully with their natural sweetness.
Recipe: Roasted tomato and burrata salad
Coconut and raspberry layered jelly
Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this delicious, dairy-free layered dessert. A seriously impressive summer centrepiece for lunch parties and family barbecues.
Recipe: Coconut and raspberry layered jelly
Baked Greek salad
We’ve turned classic Greek salad on its head here. Pan-fried Saganaki cheese adds wonderful texture and moreish flavour but if you can’t get hold of it, use halloumi instead.
Recipe: Baked Greek salad
Griddled nectarine and feta salad
Pairing sweet grilled nectarines and tangy Greek feta on a bed of peppery rocket, this salad is exactly what we're craving on a hot summer day.
Recipe: Griddled nectarine and feta salad
Quinoa and chimichurri steak salad
This herb-laden chimichurri dressing takes a simple steak salad to new heights. Use the juiciest tomatoes you can find and cook the rump steak on the BBQ if the weather is on your side.
Recipe: Quinoa and chimichurri steak salad
Strawberry and limoncello cheesecake pots
Packed with limoncello zing and fresh strawberry sweetness, these summery pots are quick to prepare and make an effortless yet impressive dinner party dessert this summer.
Recipe: Strawberry and limoncello cheesecake pots
Smoky corn, bacon and avocado salad
This salad celebrates the soft, buttery flavour of British sweetcorn, which is in season throughout the summer months. Paired with bacon, avocado and tangy quick-pickled onions, it's a recipe to have on repeat all season.
Recipe: Smoky corn, bacon and avocado salad
Greek lamb gyros
These pitta breads are topped with marinated harissa lamb, pickled onions and an array of crunchy salad toppings. Who needs Greece when you've got this recipe up your sleeve?
Recipe: Greek lamb gyros
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