Summer is a time for warmth, sunshine, and of course, delicious food. As the days grow longer and the weather heats up, our cravings shift towards lighter, fresher flavors that capture the essence of the season. But with so many tempting options, it can be hard to know where to begin.
To help you navigate the world of summer cuisine, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most popular summer foods, based on a combination of popularity, seasonality, and versatility. These dishes are guaranteed to bring the sunshine to your table, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or simply enjoying a leisurely meal on a warm summer evening.
1. Watermelon: The quintessential summer fruit, watermelon is synonymous with hot days and refreshing hydration. Its juicy, sweet flesh is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you enjoy it sliced, cubed, or blended into a smoothie, watermelon is a perfect way to cool down and beat the heat.
2. Backyard Burgers: Nothing screams summer quite like the sizzle of a burger on the grill. Whether you prefer classic beef patties, juicy turkey burgers, or flavorful veggie burgers, there’s a burger out there for everyone. Top them with your favorite toppings, from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to tangy pickles and creamy cheese, and enjoy the quintessential summer meal.
3. Corn on the Cob: This summertime staple is a true crowd-pleaser. Freshly harvested corn on the cob, boiled to perfection and slathered in butter, is a simple yet satisfying treat. You can also grill corn for a smoky flavor, or add it to salads, salsas, and other summer dishes for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
4. Salads: Salads are a refreshing and healthy option for hot summer days. With endless possibilities for ingredients, you can customize your salad to your liking. Toss together fresh greens, colorful vegetables, lean protein, and a flavorful dressing for a light and satisfying meal.
5. Tropical Fruits: Mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, papayas, guavas, star fruit, and kiwi – these vibrant fruits are a taste of the tropics and a perfect summer treat. Enjoy them fresh, chopped into a fruit salad, or blended into a refreshing smoothie.
6. Berries: When it comes to low-carb, healthy summer fruits, berries reign supreme. From juicy blueberries and raspberries to sweet strawberries and tart blackberries, these versatile fruits can be enjoyed on their own, added to yogurt or cereal, or baked into delicious summer desserts.
7. Cheese: Summer is the perfect time to indulge in a cheese plate or charcuterie board. Pair your favorite cheeses with fresh fruit, cured meats, nuts, and crackers for a simple yet elegant summer meal.
8. Ranch Dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing is a staple at summer gatherings. It’s the perfect accompaniment to burgers, vegetables, and even grilled fruit.
9. Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor to everything from burgers and salads to mango slices. It’s the ultimate summer indulgence.
10. Ice Cream: No summer is complete without a scoop (or two) of ice cream. From classic vanilla to decadent chocolate fudge, there’s a flavor for every taste bud. Enjoy it in a cone, a sundae, or even blended into a milkshake for the ultimate summer treat.
These are just a few of the many delicious foods that make summer so special. So fire up the grill, grab a picnic basket, and get ready to savor the flavors of the season. Bon appétit!
Corn (specifically, on the cob)
Sweet corn was a summertime staple on the same plane as skipping school and slapping your brother across the face with a pool noodle when I was growing up in New Jersey. However, in all honesty, corn seems appropriate for the summer, especially when it’s still on the cob. It’s a little messy, but can you even imagine someone breaking into a whole ear of corn in the winter? Honestly, its kind of goofy. And to truly get the most out of it, you have to put in a little bit more effort. Its kind of an egregious thing to eat, really. To be honest, this kind of thing is only remotely appropriate in the summer.
The clambake, the first of two seafood items on this list, is more than just a dish; it’s an activity centered around food. It brings the people together. And there’s nothing like a group of people lingering over a steaming plate of crustaceans to scream warm weather camaraderie. For the terribly ignorant, a clam bake is a New England-specific custom that involves steaming different seafood over seaweed, such as lobster, crab, mussels, clams, and pretty much anything with a shell and no face. You place all this in a pot. Then, you rejoice. Its a concentrated dose of summer in one belt-busting sitting.
See more of our collection of the best 10 summer salad recipes, which includes an improved egg salad and a peach twist on panzanella.
See our selection of meringue recipes for more ideas, which includes a gorgeous brown sugar pavlova with fruit.
Celebrate the arrival of summer with this epic no-cook salad. It’s a home cook’ favorite, with over 100 five-star ratings and counting. It’s just a straightforward assembly of mango, feta, and heritage tomatoes with a zesty dressing of mint, lime, and basil.
Packed full of raspberries and blackberries, this juicy loaf cake fulfills all the requirements for a simple summertime baking. You can even modify it to incorporate any fruit you happen to have on hand, like blueberries, peaches, or apricots. Additionally, it can be frozen ahead of time and only needs 15 minutes of preparation.
Explore the best summer recipes from BBC Good Foods that highlight in-season produce like tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes.
12 Most Hydrating Foods for Summer Season
FAQ
What is your favorite food in summer?
What is the most popular summer food?
The queen mother of all summertime foods, the humble hot dog easily tops the list of most iconic summer foods. Beloved by both children and adults alike, the easy-to-make, simple-to-eat food is a mainstay of any cookout from May through September.
What food has the highest amount of calories?
Fat-rich foods such as oils (for example: corn oil, olive oil, coconut oil) and butters (milk butter, nut butters) have the highest amount of calories per gram.
What to eat in summer?
A frosty glass with this juicy fruit is perfect for summer entertaining. Here’s a refreshing summer side dish: creamy cucumber salad with sour cream! The silky sauce with dill and shallots brings an irresistible flavor. This easy zucchini bread recipe will become a family favorite: it’s moistened by Greek yogurt and so fast to whip up.
What is the best summer produce?
The recipes below highlight the best summer produce, including: Vegetables like tomatoes, corn, zucchini, summer squash, green beans, eggplant, and cucumber Fruits like watermelon, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries Looking for something specific?