As the temperatures climb higher and higher, our desire to cook often plummets in the opposite direction. Thankfully, the best summer food isn’t complicated. If you don’t feel like stepping foot in the kitchen, these recipes practically make themselves. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite seasonal dishes for when you’re at your laziest. These side dishes, cocktails, desserts, and appetizers are absolutely delicious and require little hands-on time to prepare. Whip up a Ranch Water and enjoy it with some Picnic Dip, and you’ll be eating and drinking well without any effort.
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Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Not in the mood to fire up the grill? Cook up some ears of sweet corn the easy way by roasting them in the oven. Simply slather on some flavored butter, wrap the ears in foil, and let the oven do the work.
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Make the most of peach season without breaking a sweat. This six-ingredient, fruit-filled cobbler comes together right in the baking dish so you’ll have less clean up time.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
No fancy ingredients or skills are needed to make this refreshing drink, just vodka, lemon juice, and soda water. The recipe makes one cocktail but it is easy to scale up in a pitcher for a crowd.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This summertime staple is not only delicious, it’s a dream for the cook because the guests do all the work of peeling the shrimp shells. Make things even easier on yourself by serving the seafood with a bottled cocktail sauce.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Summer side dishes don’t get much easier than this one. Made with a few pantry staples, cucumbers, and sweet Vidalia onion, it’s perfect as-is, or can be used as a building block for other salads.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee Montiel
This creamy dip has the flavors of jalapeño poppers without the stuffing and frying. Stir the main ingredients up in a bowl, top with garnishes, and serve with your favorite dippers for an easy appetizer.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
You don’t even have to cook the corn in this summery side dish. All you have to do is whisk together a simple dressing, then toss in all of the ingredients. It’s so easy you’ll be making it on repeat all season long.
Our most popular cocktail recipe is also our easiest and most refreshing. The combination of Topo Chico, tequila, and lime goes down almost too easy on a sweltering day.
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: LYDIA PURSELL; FOOD STYLING: TONI BROGAN
A Caprese salad is pretty simple to begin with, but we made it even easier with mini mozzarella balls, which don’t even need to be sliced. Multicolored cherry tomatoes make this dish beautiful, but you can use any type of tomato you prefer.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The only dessert easier than this one is one that you buy at the store. Four ingredients come together in the baking dish to make a bubbling, berry dump cake that’s perfect for summer potlucks and cookouts.
