1. Beetroot hummus party platter
Keep your guests’ hunger at bay with our tasty selection of nibbles. This one-platter-serves-all beetroot hummus requires no cooking and can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Serve a big dollop of hummus as the centerpiece, along with chickpeas, toppings and dipping accompaniments of your choice. We’ve opted for a moreish medley of crunchy summer veg, toasted bread fingers, mini mozzarella balls, prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks and olives.
Find more delicious hummus recipes and sharing food.
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2. Salmon & asparagus one-pot gratin
Make the most of in season asparagus in early British summertime with a delicious creamy salmon and asparagus one-pot, finished with a layer of crunchy golden breadcrumbs. A fail-safe family dish, this gratin looks impressive yet takes just 25 minutes to cook, with 10 minutes of prep required.
Find more tasty salmon fillet recipes as well as our summer one-pot recipes.
3. Summer squash risotto
Recreate this summer squash risotto for a good-looking vegetarian centrepiece which serves up to six. Summer squash such as crookneck or patty work well, or you can use courgettes, too. When you’re ready to serve, spoon into bowls and garnish with roasted squash, thyme and more parmesan.
This risotto would go well with our green beans with lemon & parmesan.
Find more crowd-pleasing vegetarian risotto recipes.
4. Chicken shish kebabs
These barbecued kebabs are great for summer parties as they’re big on flavour, but the spice is toned down, making them perfect for kids. Offer smoky chilli sauce on the side for those who like a bit of heat and serve with easy homemade flatbreads.
Enhance the flavours by serving alongside our cabbage & chilli slaw and garlic sauce.
Discover more mouthwatering kebab recipes.
5. Epic summer salad
Capture the colours of summer with our stunning sharing salad, which makes a light and refreshing centerpiece or side at a garden party. From juicy heritage tomatoes, crunchy cucumber and tangy mango slices to melty avocadoes and crumbly feta, this veggie ensemble is a feast of flavours and textures. All the ingredients can be mixed together in just 10 minute, then drizzled in a zingy herb dressing. Our summer allotment salad and egg & parsley salad also make impressive sharing dishes and use a host of gorgeous seasonal ingredients.
6. Cauliflower wings & zesty lentil salad
This zesty, spicy cauliflower salad is ideal for a summer party, as it takes only 5 mins to prep. Toss cauliflower florets in hot sauce and serve with lentils and salad leaves for a healthy, flavourful, nutrient-packed dinner.
Check out our summer salad recipes for more inspiration.
7. One-pan seafood roast
Give your Sunday roast a marine makeover with a mixture of charred seafood, smoky chorizo, roast hasselback potatoes and sweetcorn. This sumptuous seafood supper is cooked in just one pan, which saves on the washing-up. We’ve used a selection of large prawns, mussels and squid for maximum flavour, but you can add your own favourites and include white fish fillets if you like. Most supermarkets sell high-quality seafood in the freezer aisle, which you can quickly defrost before cooking. Serve with bread on the side for mopping up the gorgeous buttery juices.
8. Tempeh traybake
Our tasty tempeh-based traybake is sure to be a winner with both meat-eaters and vegans alike. Tempeh is a nutrient-rich plant protein made from fermented soya beans that’s easy to digest. It’s vibrant and full of flavours. Simply marinate the vegetables and tempeh in balsamic vinegar, paprika, tomato purée, dates and garlic, then serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some thyme.
Find more easy one-pan roast recipes.
9. Peach tarte tatin
This colourful peach-flavoured tarte tatin is a crowd-puller of a pudding, layering fresh peaches on top of puff pastry. It will look like you’ve spent a summer in France learning the arts of the pâtissier, but it’s simply shop-bought puff pastry and peaches. It also only requires five ingredients, some of which you may already have to hand.
See our summer dessert recipe collection for more light and fruity dishes.
10. Cherry ripple, chocolate & rose ice cream
Short on dessert prep time? This miracle no-churn cherry ripple, chocolate & rose ice cream makes an impressive pud and needs only 15 minutes before you pop it in the freezer. The unusual yet scrumptious flavour combination is a delight for both kids and adults alike. Serve in cones or show off the chocolate chunk layers in slices for a dinner party dish, along with shortbread biscuits and extra cherries.
As well as using only five ingredients, the magic of this recipe is that it doesn’t need an ice-cream maker, as using condensed milk will prevent it from crystallising. The ice cream requires four hours in the freezer leaving you plenty of time for other food prep.
If you prefer classic flavours, then try our no-churn vanilla ice cream.
Find more sizzling summer recipe ideas…
Summer recipe collection
Easy no-cook summer desserts
Summer family meal ideas
Easiest ever barbecue menu
5 of our finest summer punches
Summer party ideas for teenagers
What would you serve at a summer dinner party? Leave a comment below…