18 sizzling summer food ideas

The gloriously lazy days of summer are always a highlight of the year, and we can’t wait to spend them eating and drinking outdoors with friends and family. Make the most of the warmer months with our simple summer food ideas – from alfresco breakfasts to fruity frozen sundowners, these fuss-free ideas will make this summer one long, unforgettable feast.

1. Let the sunshine in

1. Let the sunshine in

The understated star of summer recipes, lemons are sunshine for the senses. Char them on the barbecue (or in a griddle pan) and you’ll create caramelised juices that will add magic to salads and fish.

2. Roll with it

When you want to spend the whole evening in the garden, you need fuss-free but reliably fun summer food ideas. Hot dogs are the answer. There’s no shame in keeping it classic with white rolls and ketchup, but if you want to glam up your sausage try some kimchi, jalapeño relish or katsu sauce.

3. Jazz up your ice cream

Make sure that first scoop is the cutest by stocking up not just on ice cream, but waffle cones, sauces, chocolate flakes and – of course – sprinkles. Even grown-up flavours deserve the sort of toppings that make kids’ parties so memorable.

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4. Rosé-tinted glasses

4. Rosé-tinted glasses

Keep at least one bottle of rosé – or booze-free alternative – in the fridge at all times, ready for when the mercury rises. La Vieille Ferme Rosé is a crowd-pleaser; it even went viral last year and became known as the ‘chicken wine’, thanks to its cute label.

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5. Don’t forget the puds

Bake a batch of brownies or blondies for an indulgent treat. They’re the ideal vehicle for seasonal (or frozen) berries and delicious at any temperature, a combination that makes them a go-to in the impromptu pud category.

See & shop brownie recipe ideas

6. Chill your fruit loot

Frozen berries are a godsend when it comes to spur of the moment desserts – all they need are a cloud of cream and/or a generous drizzle of chocolate and they’re suddenly luxurious – but they’re also your shortcut to the perfect frozen margarita, queen of summer cocktails.

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7. Smash your burgers

7. Smash your burgers

To make sure every one of your homemade burger patties is perfectly crisp on the edges but still seriously juicy, smash it. Sandwich each ball of mince between two slices of greaseproof paper and squash with a press or heavy pan until it's about 5mm thick. Cook in a very hot pan with cheese slices at the ready.

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8. Burn your greens

Keep char-friendly vegetables in the fridge at all times. Grilled aubergine, courgettes, peppers and salad onions are as effective as a barbecue side dish as they are in warm sandwiches and salads or whizzed into dips.

See & shop vegetarian barbecue recipes

9. Heart of stone

As well as adding fruity flavours to salads and condiments, seasonal stone fruits can be halved, stoned and piled into a tray with a little sugar, then roasted in the oven or even on your barbecue coals – just serve in their juices with your favourite vanilla ice cream.

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10. Roll out the pizza

Keep pizza dough in your freezer and anything from a speedy weeknight dinner to a last-minute picnic is swiftly sorted. A pizza party is the obvious route, but the dough can also be used for grilled flatbreads, empanadas and even spiced sticky buns.

11. Go for the big freeze

When it comes to ice cubes, bigger is often better; they’re slower to melt, and stop your drink becoming watery, preserving that perfect gin-to-tonic ratio to the last sip.

12. Take your coffee hot or cold

Don’t forget that your reusable cup is just as good at keeping coffee-desserts cold as it is for hot drinks. Affogato for the road, anyone?

13. Discover the secret to a sensational scoop

At first glance, tinned dairy isn’t the most summery of staples. But condensed milk is the secret to brilliant homemade ice cream that doesn’t require special kit – just beat with whipping cream and the flavours of your choice.

See & shop our quick no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe

14. Rustle up DIY dips

Aioli’s garlicky, citrussy joy lifts everything into summer mode, but it can also shapeshift into a quick béarnaise (add tarragon), a smoky chipotle sauce (stir in chipotle paste) or – with the help of wholegrain mustard – become the dressing for a superb potato salad.

15. Embrace flaky pastries

Waitrose Frozen Butter Croissants are the chameleon of the freezer drawer. They’re always ready for brunch in the garden, day-trip train treats and golden hour ice-cream sandwiches. And they’re always baked fresh to order.

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16. Upgrade the float

The sorbet float is a dream compromise when you want something sweet and refreshing, but it’s not quite an ice cream moment. Pour a glassful of a cold, fizzy soft drink and top with a soft scoop of sorbet. Elderflower pressé and lemon sorbet is a refreshing starting point.

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17. Up the heat

Spices can’t help but conjure balmy, trip-of-a-lifetime-type destinations – but don’t just reach for your favourite curry blend. This year it’s all about ‘swicy’, aka spicy and sweet together. Try a hot honey dip with fried chicken, or drizzle Sauce Shop Honey Sriracha over your next rice bowl.

18. Bulk up your salads

Yes, it’s salad season. No, that doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry. Keep things substantial by involving cheese, nuts, raw vegetables and fruit (as well as the obligatory leaves) and you’ll be sated until teatime.

See & shop all salad recipes