Top 10 Refreshing Summer Foods

Each season offers distinct flavors and classic dishes. As temperatures rise, these summer favorites will be perfect whether you're by the pool, on the patio, or lounging under an umbrella. A few of these delectable dishes along with a cool breeze will make any hot, lazy day just right. Here are our top picks for the best foods to enjoy during the sweltering summer heat.

10: Snow Cones

Snow cones are packed with refreshing flavors and a satisfying crunch. You don't need to be a child to enjoy them either. Visit any fair or amusement park, and you'll find plenty of adults eagerly waiting for their own snow cone or Hawaiian ice. These frosty delights have become so popular that you can now purchase ice crushers and syrups at many food stores to make them at home.

9: Gazpacho

A chilled summer soup is the perfect complement to a sandwich. You can enjoy fresh salad veggies straight from the fridge, so why not indulge in a tasty cold soup as well? With a few simple vegetables and a food processor, you can prepare a delicious and nutritious Latin-inspired dish that's low in fat and sodium. Gazpacho, thickened with bread crumbs (the Portuguese method), offers a flavorful broth, while the tomatoes and cucumbers give it a just-picked freshness. It's healthy, simple to prepare, and low in calories. What's not to love?

8: Ice Cream

Summer wouldn't be quite as enjoyable without ice cream, and your go-to brand will taste even more delightful when incorporated into fun, creative ice cream-based treats. If you have some free time on a weekend afternoon, why not try making your own ice cream creations? You'll feel like a superhero — cape optional.

7: Grilled Burgers, Brats, and Ribs

There's nothing quite like grilling meat to turn mealtime into a fun summer event. The griller at your home might not see it as an art form, but step back, and you’ll likely witness a masterful performance in action.

Become the star of your neighborhood by elevating your grilling game. In addition to burgers and brats, try grilling vegetables like corn on the cob, or even experiment with grilling dessert options this summer. We love cooking outdoors, not only because food tastes better when it's made al fresco, but also because it keeps the kitchen cool and mess-free.

6: Fresh Green Salad

Summer is the perfect season to indulge in a large, vibrant green salad. All the ingredients will be fresh, and many of them will likely be sourced locally. This year, add variety to your usual dinner salad by including spinach, leafy greens, and an assortment of colorful peppers. The more variety in colors and textures you include, the more exciting and flavorful your simple salad will become.

5: Chicken

When the heat is on, a light meal is the best way to cool down. Cold grilled or fried chicken is an excellent option, especially if your family has a hectic or unpredictable schedule. For an extra kick, try a marinade with mustard and tarragon, or a zesty citrus-based marinade with lime and cilantro. Staying cool on warm, muggy evenings doesn't have to mean sacrificing delicious flavors.

4: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches (BLTs)

BLT sandwiches are a delightful combination of salty, smoky, and fresh flavors, all wrapped up in one tasty bite. The classic summer BLT relies on high-quality ingredients, so be sure to use the best bacon and ripe, flavorful tomatoes.

Honestly, this sandwich is so good, you might even want to grow your own tomatoes just for it. A tip: use thick-cut bacon and a hearty potato bread for the perfect sandwich. It's delicious.

3: Fresh Fruit

Indulging in sun-ripened fruits at their peak of freshness is one of the great joys of summer dining. Whether it's chilled watermelon slices, chocolate-dipped strawberries, freshly picked blackberries, or the first cherries of the season, the variety is endless. Whatever fruit you crave, be sure to wash it thoroughly in cold water before enjoying it.

How about taking a family trip to a pick-your-own fruit farm this year? You'll not only bring home an abundance of fresh fruit, but also gain a deeper appreciation for local farming and agriculture.

2: Fair Food

Let's be honest, we all have at least one guilty pleasure when it comes to summer food. A quick survey here showed that county fair food takes the top spot for indulgent, not-so-healthy options that are worth splurging on every now and then.

Perhaps your taste buds crave the indulgence of elephant ears, funnel cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, corn dogs, or cheese fries. Or maybe something more adventurous calls to you, like deep-fried Twinkies or even battered and fried butter — yes, you read that right, butter. If you're going for it, then go big. We won’t judge.

1: Corn on the Cob

Sweet, fresh, and glistening, corn on the cob is the kind of side dish that deserves its place on a paper plate. Make room for it on your grill this season, or try something a little daring by cooking it in the coals with the husks still on. No matter how you prepare it, corn on the cob drenched in butter will always be the closest thing to tasting sunshine — and it's conveniently packaged for you to enjoy.