Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year—and the unofficial kickoff to slow evenings, spontaneous backyard hangs, and meals that feel like mini celebrations. Whether you’re planning a proper dinner party or just want an excuse to slice a few extra peaches and light the grill, this is your sign to cook something that tastes like sunshine.
We rounded up 25 of our favorite summer-ready recipes that are perfect for the solstice and every sun-drenched day that follows. There’s a juicy peach and tomato panzanella that’s equal parts salad and main course, a grilled Caesar that’s smoky and crisp in all the right ways, and a cacio e pepe corn salad we honestly can’t stop thinking about. If you’re team pasta salad, don’t worry—we’ve got options. And if you’re looking for a low-lift main to serve with all that veg, let us point you to some extra-flavorful chicken thighs, a lemony Greek-inspired platter, or grilled flatbreads you can top with whatever’s in the fridge.
So whether you’re chasing golden hour or just trying to use up all that basil you impulse-bought at the farmers market, let this list be your solstice game plan (and your summer cooking cheat sheet).
1. Peach & Tomato Panzanella
2. Grilled Caesar Salad
3. Cacio e Pepe Corn Panzanella
4. Watermelon, Cucumber, & Feta Salad
5. Zucchini and Pecorino Salad with Truffle Oil
6. Grilled Corn with Basil Butter
7. Grilled Potato and Green Bean Salad
8. Juiciest Tomato-Cantaloupe-Burrata Caprese
9. Leslie’s Peanut Slaw
10. New Potato Salad with Crispy Radishes, Fennel & Celery
11. Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
12. Crispy Chicken Thighs With Kale & Croutons
13. Grilled Corn & Ranch Pizzas
14. Mint & Prosciutto Grilled Shrimp
15. Chicken and Steak Skewers with a Tahini-Yogurt Marinade
16. Skillet-Grilled Fish Tacos With Cilantro-Lime Crema
17. Ginger Soy Marinated Flank Steak
18. Nutty Veggie Burgers
19. Black Garlic-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Charred Scallions
20. Grilled Okra Pasta Salad
21. Lemony chicken and orzo salad
22. Sesame Noodle Salad with Seared Mushroom “Scallops”
23. Summer Farro Salad
24. Pasta With Creamy Cherry Tomato Sauce
25. Easy Summer Pasta
What’s on your summer cooking bucket list?
