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    Home » Dairy Free

    40+ Fresh & Easy Summer Recipes

    Published: Jul 18, 2019 · Modified: Apr 6, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 2 Comments

    350 shares

    Do you enjoy fresh and easy summer recipes that are quick to make and beat the heat? Check out this collection of easy breezy summer recipes that are tasty and healthy. Perfect for lunch, dinner, and entertaining, this collection also includes a few recipes from my favorite food bloggers that are seriously delicious.

    photo collage of summer recipes

    In addition to the classic homemade burgers and restaurant favorite lettuce wraps, this hand-picked collection of light recipes includes many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For instance, check out some of the unique salads that you will want to eat every day and every weekend all summer!

    From Indian, Mexican to Honduran recipes you will find many fusion recipes that will make meal planning a breeze.

    Without further ado, here is my list of the best summer recipes!

    40+ Fresh and Light Summer Recipes

    1

    Spicy Mango Salad

    A flavor bursting, healthy mango salad with refreshing cucumbers and red onions, drizzled with sweet and spicy dressing and topeed with crunchy roasted peanuts. Best of all it is ready in 20 minutes!

    2

    Kakdi Koshimbir | Indian Cucumber Salad

    Flavor-packed Kakdi Koshimbir is my favorite Indian salad! Super simple to make, this hydrating cucumber salad has an earthy, rustic tempering of cumin seeds in ghee and is perfectly spiced with green chilies. Topped with roasted ground peanuts and cilantro, this salad is ready in under 10 minutes and is so fun to eat!

    3

    Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

    This is THE BEST homemade arugula salad. It has subtle--notes of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy everything I want in a dish and I could literally eat it every day. 

    4

    EASY Fiesta Quinoa Salad

    Our favorite Vegan Fiesta Quinoa Salad that is refreshing, delicious and EASY! Made using sweet and tangy mangoes, creamy avocado’s and crunchy peppers with simple olive oil and fresh lime dressing, this healthy salad is packed with bright, vibrant flavors that will keep everyone asking for more.

    5

    Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

    Juicy fresh corn, coated with just the right amount of spice and citrus to bring out its natural sweetness, is the ultimate summer side. 15 minutes in the Air Fryer yields perfectly cooked, roasty-toasty corn on the cob without turning on the grill or heating up the whole kitchen. Once you try this recipe inspired by Indian Street Corn, you will be hooked!

    6

    Sprouted Mung Bean Salad

    Simple, bright, delicious! Here is my favorite sprouted mung bean salad that I love to make all year long. Loaded with fresh veggies and dressed up in red chili powder, salt, and tangy lime juice, this healthy recipe has a magical combination of flavors and textures. I enjoy it as a light lunch and I love that this versatile salad can be easily adapted to the ingredients you have on hand.

    7

    Flavor Bomb Cabbage Salad with Indian Tadka

    A crunchy colorful cabbage salad that is healthy, tasty, and super easy to make. This Indian salad has an earthy tempering of mustard seeds and turmeric over finely chopped cabbage and a mix of crisp veggies finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

    8

    Tik Tok Green Goddess Salad - Spicy, Creamy, Delish!

    With an easy and delicious spicy avocado-cilantro dressing I switched up the super-trending Green Goddess Salad by Baked by Melissa to use ingredients we always have on hand and flavors we absolutely love. Adding that kick of spice my family craves, we can’t get enough of this vibrant, fresh, healthy, and vividly green salad!! The crunchy veggies and creamy avocado dressing are a brilliant match for salty, crispy tortilla chips!! Simply heaven!

    9

    Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles – PF Chang’s Copycat

    Photo Credit: healthyslowcooking.com

    Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles! It’s kind of a PF Chang’s Copycat only with spiralized cucumber instead of cut into chunks. To me, that makes it seem more like a real meal and more filling.

    10

    Instant Pot Beet Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese and Walnuts

    Photo Credit: www.paintthekitchenred.com

    This beautiful and tasty Arugula Salad with Instant Pot beets, goat cheese and candied walnuts has a delightful balsamic vinaigrette dressing and is perfect as a side salad or as a standalone lunch salad.

    11

    Mexican Street Corn Salad | Simply Happy Foodie

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappyfoodie.com

    Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious vegetable side dish recipe made from grilled corn. This corn salad is a my version of Esquites with black beans and a few other add-ins. The dressing is creamy and a little smoky, with just the right amount of zing from the lime juice. A wonderful potluck side dish. Serve warm or cold.

    12

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

    Air Fried Brussels Sprouts have a tender bite and savory crispy edges that are just plain addicting. The tangy-sweet balsamic glaze and juicy pops of sour-sweet pomegranate seeds are all that’s needed to make this dish memorable. This is the simplest, fastest(under 30 minutes), and healthiest way to get those charred edges that restaurants do so well.

    13

    Melon Salad with Lemon, Ginger Dressing

    Fresh Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Honeydew salad make a pretty pastel rainbow with pops of vibrant green fresh mint—an eye-catching presentation. Melon’s unique floral and ambrosial sweetness is elevated by the zesty Lemon-Ginger-Honey dressing making a humble fruit salad into an unforgettable dish. This seasonal salad is a welcome treat at any event.

    14

    Instant Pot Corn Poblano Chowder

    Corn Poblano Chowder is an earthy, peppery corn chowder cooked with summer's seasonal bounty of sweet corn, tomatoes, poblano peppers, spicy jalapeno, potatoes, and fresh parsley. A satisfying, gluten-free vegan recipe without any cream or cheese and is so effortless in the Instant Pot.

    15

    Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Bisque

    Creamy Tomato Bisque is a cozy and comforting soup made with fresh tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with cream. Serve with crunchy croutons or with a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a perfect vegetarian meal that is ready in under 30 minutes!

    16

    Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

    Indian style spicy tofu lettuce wraps made with warm spices and served with cooling cucumber raita and tangy pickle. Best of all, you can put together this yummy meal in less than 30 minutes.

    17

    Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Spicy Tandoori Chicken served on crispy lettuce and drizzled with cooling cucumber raita and crunchy red onions makes a delightful and healthy option for summer dinner.

    18

    Sweet & Tangy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Served over butter lettuce, these light, and bright Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are loaded with tender chicken, cooked in a sweet and sour sauce along with fresh ginger, garlic, celery, and carrots. A gluten-free and dairy-free meal starting from freezer to dinner table that is cooked in under 45 minutes using the Instant Pot Pressure cooker.

    19

    P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Instant Pot & Stove Top)

    Photo Credit: cookingwithkarli.com

    P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful low-carb dinner. The ground chicken, water chestnuts, green onions covered in the homemade sauce that consists of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Adults and kids alike always devour this easy meal.

    20

    Bombay Sandwich

    Bombay sandwich is a deliciously wholesome sandwich with generous amounts of lip-smacking fresh cilantro-mint chutney and thinly sliced veggies layered between slices of soft bread. This Indian vegetarian sandwich is loaded with the goodness of fresh veggies, making for an immensely gratifying bite.

    21

    Tandoori Chicken

    Here is my modern and EASY recipe for tandoori chicken using the Air Fryer. These spicy chicken legs are perfectly juicy with a nice crisp char on the outside sealing in all of that flavor. The best part is they can also be cooked on an outdoor grill in the summer months.

    22

    Spicy Masala Chicken Burgers

    Spicy Indian Style Masala Chicken Burgers with garam masala, ginger, garlic and cilantro are flavor packed and easy enough to make for weekday quick meal or hosting parties.

    23

    Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers

    Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a really good burger! Sinking your teeth into a sweet toasty brioche bun, fresh crisp toppings, tangy sauce, and a hearty patty is a pure and simple pleasure. These vegetarian sweet potato black bean burgers are savory, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying!

    24

    Spicy Salmon Burgers

    When I get the craving for a really good burger, these homemade Spicy Salmon Burgers hit the spot every time. They are the perfect combination of comfort food that still feels light and fresh and won’t weigh you down. The pure satisfaction of a crisp juicy patty with fresh toppings, and spicy sauce on a soft toasty bun is too good to be missed!

    25

    Turkey Burgers

    Photo Credit: www.indiansimmer.com

    Healthy turkey burger patty with a touch of Indian Spice! Served with cooling cumin and mint yogurt sauce with a punch from cloves. LOVE how just a little bit of cloves just fill your mouth here. Try the recipe and let me know what you think!

    26

    Veggie Burger  {Black Bean Burger}

    Photo Credit: spicecravings.com

    How about a delicious veggie bean burger with a golden brown bean-patty sandwiched between butter-toasted buns, smothered in sweet and spicy Sriracha-mayo sauce!

    27

    Tandoori Chicken Sliders

    Photo Credit: spicecravings.com

    Tandoori Chicken Sliders are mini-burgers made with marinated & grilled chicken, buttery-soft slider buns and dressed with a tart & spicy cilantro-chutney spread.

    28

    Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

    An authentic Mexican recipe with spicy, smoky chicken cooked in onions, tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Served on warm tacos or tostadas, topped with crunchy purple cabbage, radishes or red onions, creamy avocado and crumbly cheese makes a perfect meal.

    29

    Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

    I guarantee you're going to love these turmeric roasted cauliflower tacos. Every bite leaves you wanting more. The tender roasted cauliflower is so flavorful and delicious topped with cilantro, cabbage slaw, avocado, and your choice of chipotle mayo or cilantro jalapeño mayo. Served on slightly charred, warm smokey tortillas it's perfection!

    30

    Blackened Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

    Bite into these Blackened Fish Tacos served over perfectly charred tortillas, topped with creamy avocado cilantro sauce and fresh pineapple salsa with an explosion of flavors. Check out this easy recipe to make homemade healthy, no-fry blackened fish tacos in under 40 mins!

    31

    Lentil Tacos Recipe in the Instant Pot

    Photo Credit: jenuinehome.com

    This Lentil Tacos recipe made in the Instant Pot will not only surprise you how amazingly delicious it tastes but you will also love how quick and easy you can make this cheap meatless meal!

    32

    Chopped Asian Salad with  Light Peanut Dressing 

    Photo Credit: simplyvegetarian777.com

    Chopped Asian Salad with Light Peanut Dressing is an easy salad recipe that is delicious, healthy and filling. It is better than the Cafe Salads. The Peanut Dressing is homemade and is lighter than the store bought Salad Dressing. This salad makes a perfect lunch or a light meal to share with family and friends. The best part is that the salad is vegan as well as gluten-free.

    33

    Kala Chana Chaat {Black Chickpea Salad}

    Photo Credit: pipingpotcurry.com

    Kala Chana Chaat, is a nutrition packed Black Chickpea Salad made with black chickpeas, crunchy onions, tomatoes, avocado and spices. This refreshing salad has fresh and tangy flavors, and can be enjoyed as a great protein rich breakfast or snack. Vegan & gluten free.

    34

    Asian Quinoa Salad 

    Photo Credit: simplyvegetarian777.com

    This Instant Pot Asian Quinoa Salad is a yummy vegan quinoa recipe. Asian Quinoa salad is a refreshing & crunchy salad. It includes Super Easy Peanut Dressing Recipe.

    35

    Taco Salad in a  Baked Tortilla Bowl

    Photo Credit: herbivorecucina.blogspot.com

    A perfect dish for dinner; this baked tortilla bowl is filled with some yummy ingredients! Super easy to customize and delicious; this recipe is definitely a winner.

    36

    The BEST Salmon (Fish) Cakes

    Photo Credit: www.drkarenslee.com

    Gluten Free, Paleo and Low Carb these Salmon Cakes are healthy and delicious. You don’t need any dressing or condiment as every flavor you’d want, is in the delicious cake. You can make little patties and if you can have bread, serve them as sliders or make them bigger and serve them as entreé.

    37

    Homemade Hummus

    Photo Credit: www.onehappyhousewife.com

    Hummus is a delicious Middle Eastern spread made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans). The word “hummus” means chickpeas in Arabic. If you haven’t tried hummus yet, you are missing out!

    38

    Instant Pot Low Country Shrimp Boil

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappyfoodie.com

    Instant Pot Low Country Shrimp Boil is a fun and super easy meal to make! Potatoes, sausage, corn and shrimp cooked together with seafood seasoning and Cajun spices. Pressure cooker low country shrimp boil is ready in a little over an hour total! Dump it on the table and dig in!

    39

    Instant Pot Thai Grilled Chicken is so flavorful!

    Photo Credit: www.paintthekitchenred.com

    Instant Pot Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) is a pressure cooker adaptation of the popular Thai street food. The recipe uses chicken thighs, which are meaty and perfect for cooking in the Instant Pot, because they stay moist. Finishing on the grill and glazing with Thai sweet chili sauce gives the chicken a spicy-sweet barbecue flavor that’s irresistible!

    40

    Instant Pot Ratatouille - classic French vegetarian dish

    Photo Credit: www.paintthekitchenred.com

    This Instant Pot Ratatouille recipe is a delicious satisfying vegetarian dish made with summer’s bounty of zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, tomato and fresh herbs.

    41

    Fresh Summer Instant Pot Vegetable Dinner – Pot in Pot Method

    Photo Credit: plantbasedinstantpot.com

    There’s nothing better than fresh veggies straight from the garden to make a summer meal magical. This Instant Pot Vegetable Dinner uses a pot in pot method so you can cook a few at the same time and get different flavors.

    42

    Air Fried Paleo Coconut Shrimp

    Photo Credit: www.drkarenslee.com

    Air fried Paleo Coconut Shrimp from the air fryer is not only crispy but so flavorful with the briny shrimp flavor. No more squishing through oil before getting the real shrimp flavor! It’s so much better than deep frying!

    43

    Instant Pot Caprese Chicken

    Photo Credit: tidbits-marci.com

    Tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and flavorful pesto make this Instant Pot Caprese Chicken the best chicken breast to ever hit my plate. Hasselback slicing is a simple way to elevate it to gourmet status

    44

    Instant Pot Frozen Chicken + Strawberry BBQ Chicken Salad

    Photo Credit: triedtestedandtrue.com

    Instant Pot Frozen Chicken is a game changer. There’s no thawing, defrosting, or boiling necessary! Just stick some frozen chicken in the Instant Pot, and it’s ready in about 25 minutes!

    Check out our GO-TO thirst-quenching summer drinks:

    • Watermelon Juice
    • Ginger Lemonade
    • Aam Panha {Refreshing Mango Drink}
    • Rose Falooda
    • Mango Lassi

    Did you know you can use your Instant Pot for baking? Check out these hands-free recipes that will not heat your entire kitchen:

    • Summer Berry Cake
    • Zucchini Bread
    • Vegan Banana Bread
    • Boxed Cakes
    • Summer Berry Bread Pudding

    Here are some more recipe collections you will enjoy:

    • 30+ Indian Vegetarian Recipes Using Instant Pot
    • 20 Instant Pot Lentil and Bean Recipes
    • 8 Easy Biryani Recipes
    • 26 Best Indian Chicken Recipes

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you!

    Did you try these recipes? I would love to know which one is your favorite. Do share these recipes with your family and friends.

    Please share your food photo with the hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Happy Cooking.

    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Karen Lee says

      July 18, 2019 at 5:38 pm

      These recipes look GORGEOUS! Can't wait to try them! Thanks for including mine!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 18, 2019 at 6:05 pm

        Thank you Karen!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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