Whatever the season, there are times when only comfort food will do – but it doesn’t have to mean stews and heavy winter desserts. We’ve rounded up our top 20 summertime dishes that are full of flavour, packed with seasonal ingredients and seriously comforting, too.
These recipes are fuss-free, perfect for relaxed summer dining when you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.
Find more seasonal dinner inspiration in our collection of summer comfort food recipes, plus our round-up of summer takeaway recipes, summer slow cooker recipes and summer traybake ideas.
Hosting a summer party? Check out our range of summer party food ideas and summer dessert recipes.
Fancy a fun twist on tacos? Try this vibrant beef casserole for dinner, using jarred salsa and taco seasoning. It’s ready on the table in just 30 minutes.
These colourful fish tacos will be on the table in just 20 minutes. We’ve packed in lots of flavour with citrus and heat, as well as plenty of veg. It’s an easy way to get your family eating more fish and one portion counts as three of their 5-a-day.
Looking for a speedy dinner which ticks all the comfort boxes? Have a go at packing classic pizza flavours into a salad, then using as a topping for flatbreads. Easy to make and ready in 25 minutes, they’re full of big flavours and textures.
Tuck into up a meat-free feast on the weekend with sweet potato fries, halloumi, tzatziki, salad and warm flatbreads. Set up everything on a serving board for people to help themselves.
Shake up your dinner rotation for summer with these zesty, sweet and spicy fishcakes. Serve with sticky rice or noodles, chopped carrot, cucumber, mango and satay sauce for a good hit of flavour. The fishcakes can be frozen, so they’re perfect for busy days.
Looking for a simple fish supper? Swap the takeaway for this easy all-in-one option for two. You can use fish fingers or goujons instead of the scampi, if you like.
For a seriously indulgent, super-comforting dessert, it’s hard to beat an ice cream sandwich. Bake peanut butter cookies and blitz frozen bananas with cream and vanilla to make this impressive speedy dessert, then get stuck in. Kids will think they’ve hit the jackpot.
Bite into these light seafood burgers flavoured with fragrant lemongrass and chilli, plus quick pickled cucumber for added tang. Best enjoyed al fresco – a great pescatarian option for when you’re hosting a barbecue.
These fully loaded nachos are the ultimate comfort food – ideal for sharing with the family during a movie night or a sunny afternoon in the garden. Top crispy tortilla chips with smoked streaky bacon, spring onions, jalapenos and an oozy cheese sauce.
These brilliant burgers are piled high with juicy chicken, halloumi, roasted red peppers and your choice of hummus, tzatziki or soured cream and chive dip. The best bit? They’re on the table in just 15 minutes.
These ribs are seriously sticky, smothered in a sweet, spicy sauce and slow-roasted before being finished on the barbecue. Serve with a homemade soured cream and chive dip to cut through the glaze.
Few dishes scream summer more than barbecued pulled pork. This classic American pork shoulder dish is slow cooked and shredded, before being piled into soft brioche buns. Add your choice of toppings – coleslaw and pickles will go down a treat – and finish with lashings of smoky BBQ sauce.
Craving a curry? This vegan dish is sure to please. Fresh tomatoes and coconut milk simmer down into a satisfying, spiced sauce while chickpeas make it extra filling. Take it to the next level with a side of homemade naan and mango chutney.
This incredible dessert is the epitome of summer decadence. The creamy cheesecake with a crumbly biscuit base is piled high with mini meringues, in-season strawberries and a scattering of edible flowers. Definitely one to Instagram!
These homemade sausage rolls may look impressive, but they’re actually a doddle to make. Caramelised onion chutney and mustard adds a touch of heat and tang to the pork sausage filling. They’re perfect finger food to enjoy al fresco in the garden or pack up as part of a picnic spread.
Use up a glut of summer vegetables in this classic Italian rice dish. We’ve added a touch of mascarpone for an extra creamy texture, and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese – go for parmesan or a vegetarian alternative.
Chicken casserole has to be one of the most comforting meals there is, and we’ve created this summer-inspired one-pot to showcase ripe plum tomatoes in a herby, garlicky sauce. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to mop up the juices.
Let late summer vegetables shine in this aubergine, pepper and courgette bake. This ratatouille-inspired dish is layered with a rich cheese sauce to create a luxurious vegetarian dinner. Serve alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy baked potatoes or crusty garlic bread.
Cooking for two? Look no further than this hearty bean stew using in-season fennel and ripe cherry tomatoes. We’ve added pan-fried pancetta for extra flavour, but it’s just as delicious without if you’re after a vegetarian alternative.
Make the most of sunny days and fire up the barbecue to make these Middle Eastern-style meatball kebabs. Harissa, mint, coriander and ras el hanout pack in plenty of spice to the lamb mince mixture, ready to be wrapped up in flatbreads with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
More inspiration
Summer comfort food recipe collection
Vegan comfort food recipes
Healthy comfort food recipes
Healthy vegetarian comfort food recipes
8 summer slow cooker recipes
Top 20 summer baking ideas
What are your favourite summer comfort food recipes? Let us know below…