Looking for fresh and fun ideas to beat the heat this summer? Food & Wine has released its highly anticipated July recipe picks, and this month’s menu is all about bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and easy preparation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these dishes offer something for everyone.
This year’s highlights include hibachi-style chicken, a refreshing plum and burrata salad, luxurious coconut-poached salmon, and boozy frozen Aperol spritz pops. Here’s everything you need to know to spice up your summer meals.
Hibachi-Style Chicken: Fire Up the Grill
One of the most exciting additions to this summer’s lineup is the hibachi-style chicken. Known for its smoky, savory flavors and quick cooking time, this dish is a favorite for outdoor grilling.
The key to this recipe lies in the perfect marinade—a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a dash of mirin. Marinate boneless chicken thighs for at least two hours for best results. Then, throw them on a hot grill until beautifully charred and juicy.
Pair it with stir-fried vegetables and fried rice for a complete hibachi-style dinner that will transport you straight to a Japanese steakhouse.
Try this quick and flavorful hibachi-style chicken recipe for your next weekend gathering.
Plum Burrata Salad: Sweet Meets Creamy
If you’re craving something light and elegant, the plum burrata salad is the ideal starter or side. This salad plays with contrasts—sweet plums, creamy burrata cheese, peppery arugula, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect way to showcase stone fruits, which are at their peak in July.
What makes this salad even more special is the balance of textures and temperatures. The cold burrata pairs beautifully with the room-temperature plums, making each bite a burst of summer.
Dress it up with crushed pistachios or toasted almonds for a nutty crunch. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction for the final gourmet touch.
Get the full plum burrata salad recipe here.
Coconut-Poached Salmon: A Luxurious Twist
Coconut-poached salmon is the kind of recipe that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. The rich coconut milk base is flavored with lemongrass, lime leaves, garlic, and a bit of chili, creating a fragrant broth that gently poaches the salmon to perfection.
This method of cooking keeps the fish moist and full of flavor. The result? A silky, tropical dish that’s light enough for summer but satisfying enough to serve for dinner.
Serve it over jasmine rice with a garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint. It’s a simple way to impress your guests or enjoy a quiet, healthy meal.
Try the full recipe at coconut-poached salmon.
Frozen Aperol Spritz Pops: The Cocktail Gets Cooler
Why drink your cocktail when you can eat it? The frozen Aperol spritz pops are Food & Wine’s most playful addition to their summer roundup. Perfect for a poolside party or a brunch dessert, these popsicles offer a fun way to enjoy a classic Italian cocktail in frozen form.
Made with Aperol, prosecco, orange juice, and soda water, they’re poured into molds and frozen overnight. The result is a tangy-sweet, icy treat with just the right buzz. These are strictly for adults and can be made in large batches ahead of time.
Looking for something to wow your friends at your next rooftop hangout? This might just be your go-to summer treat.
Grab the refreshing frozen Aperol spritz pops recipe.
More Summer Favorites: Honorable Mentions
While the main five recipes have taken center stage, Food & Wine also featured other honorable mentions to round out your summer table:
- Spicy shrimp skewers with mango salsa
- Cold soba noodle bowls with sesame dressing
- Peach and basil sangria
- Lemon-zucchini cake with glaze
These dishes follow the same principle—easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for warm weather. From appetizers to desserts, Food & Wine’s July list is a complete guide to delicious, seasonal eating.
Why These Recipes Work
Summer is all about fresh ingredients and low-effort cooking, and that’s exactly what these recipes deliver. Each dish can be prepared in under an hour, and most use ingredients that are easily found at local markets. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced foodie, these recipes are both accessible and rewarding.
They also reflect the broader food trend of fusion and creativity, where international flavors meet classic techniques to create something new and exciting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to update your summer meal plan, start with these must-try recipes from Food & Wine’s July collection. They’re easy, seasonal, and sure to impress. From savory mains to refreshing desserts and cocktails, there’s something here for every taste and occasion.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your cooking game this month with these delicious ideas.
Also Read – Indigenous Food Lab Is Changing the Way America Eats
