The 40 Most Popular Summer Recipes of 2022

Summer 2022 brought a delightful mix of traditional favorites and exciting new culinary trends. As temperatures soared, kitchens across the country buzzed with activity as home cooks sought refreshing, seasonal dishes to satisfy cravings without heating up their homes. I spent countless hours analyzing food blogs, social media trends, and cooking websites to compile this definitive list of the summer’s most beloved recipes.

What made these recipes stand out wasn’t just their delicious flavors, but their ability to capture the essence of summer: fresh produce, minimal cooking time, and perfect for outdoor gatherings. From quick weeknight meals to impressive dishes for backyard barbecues, these 40 recipes defined the season.

Fresh and Vibrant Salads

When the mercury rises, nothing satisfies quite like a crisp, refreshing salad. The most popular salads of summer 2022 went far beyond basic lettuce and dressing, incorporating seasonal produce and unexpected flavor combinations.

1. Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint

This classic summer pairing continued its reign as a seasonal favorite. The juicy sweetness of peak-season watermelon contrasts beautifully with salty feta cheese, while fresh mint adds a cooling effect perfect for hot days.

Key Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed watermelon
• 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

I love how this salad comes together in just minutes but delivers complex flavors. The secret is using the ripest watermelon you can find and high-quality feta – preferably the kind packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties.

2. Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Caprese

Nothing says summer quite like perfectly ripe tomatoes, and this elevated take on the classic caprese salad showcases them beautifully. Burrata (a creamy mozzarella with an oozing center) adds luxurious richness.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces burrata cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

3. Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad

This protein-packed salad works beautifully as a side dish or light main course. The charred corn adds smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with zesty lime dressing.

Key Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Lime vinaigrette

4. Thai-Inspired Cucumber Salad

This light, refreshing salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors. The cucumbers stay incredibly crisp, making it perfect for hot weather.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• Fresh cilantro and mint

Grilling Favorites

Summer 2022 saw home cooks embracing their grills like never before. These recipes topped the charts by combining simple preparation with amazing flavors.

5. Smashed Burger with Special Sauce

The smashed burger technique – pressing thin patties onto a scorching hot surface – creates the perfect crust while keeping the interior juicy. This was the year everyone mastered this restaurant-quality burger at home.

Key Ingredients:

• 80/20 ground beef, formed into 3-ounce balls
• American cheese slices
• Potato buns, toasted
• Special sauce (mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder)
• Thinly sliced onion
• Lettuce and tomato

Technique Tips:

1. Heat grill or cast iron pan until extremely hot
2. Place beef balls on surface and immediately smash with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness
3. Season generously with salt and pepper
4. Flip after 1-2 minutes when crispy crust forms
5. Add cheese immediately, cook 30 seconds more

6. Grilled Spatchcocked Chicken with Herb Butter

Spatchcocked (butterflied) chicken cooks quickly and evenly on the grill. This preparation method, paired with herb-infused butter, yields incredibly juicy meat with crispy skin.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), backbone removed and flattened
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

7. Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze

This technique imparts gorgeous smoky flavor to salmon while keeping it moist. The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible sweet-savory crust.

Key Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on
• Cedar plank, soaked in water for 1 hour
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

8. Grilled Vegetable Platter with Romesco Sauce

Perfect for feeding a crowd, this colorful vegetable platter lets summer produce shine. The smoky romesco sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Vegetables for Grilling:

• Zucchini and yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
• Bell peppers, quartered
• Red onion, thick slices
• Asparagus spears
• Portobello mushrooms

Romesco Sauce:

• Roasted red peppers
• Toasted almonds
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Sherry vinegar
• Smoked paprika

Quick Weeknight Dinners

These recipes dominated summer 2022 for their ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort and heat.

9. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Orzo

This Mediterranean-inspired dish cooks in just one skillet and is ready in 30 minutes. The orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking alongside the shrimp.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

10. Sheet Pan Sausage with Summer Vegetables

The epitome of easy summer cooking: everything roasts on one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage links
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

11. 15-Minute Garlic Butter Noodles

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the biggest hits. These noodles require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum satisfaction.

Key Ingredients:

• 8 ounces rice noodles or thin spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon zest

12. Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers serve as edible vessels for a delicious mixture of chicken, rice, and pesto. This protein-packed meal reheats beautifully for lunches.

Key Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Refreshing Desserts

No summer recipe roundup would be complete without cooling desserts. These sweet treats dominated social media feeds throughout the season.

13. No-Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

This genius method creates creamy, rich ice cream without special equipment. The strawberry-cheesecake flavor combination was universally beloved.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup strawberries, diced
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Method:

1. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in condensed milk and vanilla
3. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture
4. Swirl in strawberries and graham cracker crumbs
5. Freeze for at least 6 hours

14. Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake

This no-bake wonder layers cookies, cream, and fresh berries for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 packages thin lemon cookies
• 2 cups fresh blueberries

15. Frozen Watermelon Margarita Pops

These adults-only frozen treats were the hit of summer pool parties everywhere. The combination of juicy watermelon and tangy lime is unbeatable.

Key Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon chunks
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1/4 cup tequila (optional)
• 1 tablespoon triple sec (optional)
• Lime zest and salt for garnish

16. Classic Peach Cobbler

Nothing showcases summer’s bounty like a bubbling peach cobbler. This version uses a buttery biscuit topping that soaks up all the delicious peach juices.

Key Ingredients:

• 8 ripe peaches, sliced
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Summer Cocktails and Mocktails

Refreshing beverages became a significant focus during summer 2022, with creative concoctions dominating gatherings.

17. Watermelon Mint Refresher

This non-alcoholic sipper is perfect for hot days by the pool. The watermelon and mint combination is incredibly hydrating.

Key Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave
• Sparkling water
• Ice

18. Classic Aperol Spritz

The bright orange Italian aperitif continued its reign as summer’s favorite cocktail. Light, refreshing, and not too sweet.

Key Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Prosecco
• 2 ounces Aperol
• 1 ounce soda water
• Orange slice for garnish

19. Cucumber Jalapeño Lemonade

The perfect balance of cooling cucumber, spicy jalapeño, and tart lemon creates an incredibly refreshing drink.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and sliced
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• Fresh mint for garnish

20. Frozen Coconut Limeade

This tropical frozen drink transports you to a beach vacation with just one sip. The coconut adds richness while the lime keeps it refreshing.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups ice
• Lime wheels for garnish

Trending Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast got a summer makeover in 2022, with recipes focusing on seasonal fruit and make-ahead options perfect for busy mornings.

21. Overnight Chia Pudding with Summer Berries

This make-ahead breakfast became a morning staple for its nutritional benefits and delicious taste. The chia seeds create a pudding-like texture overnight.

Key Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mixed berries for topping
• Granola for crunch

22. Savory Breakfast Bowl with Eggs and Avocado

Protein-packed breakfast bowls dominated morning routines, with endless variations on this veggie-filled base.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, prepared to preference
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
• Handful of spinach or arugula
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Hot sauce (optional)

23. Peach and Ricotta Toast

This elevated toast takes advantage of summer’s juicy peaches for a simple but elegant breakfast.

Key Ingredients:

• Thick-cut sourdough bread, toasted
• Whole milk ricotta cheese
• Ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• Honey drizzle
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Flaky sea salt

24. Greek Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola

The combination of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit creates a perfectly balanced breakfast.

Key Ingredients for Parfait:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• Fresh berries and stone fruits
• Honey drizzle

Homemade Granola:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fresh Summer Pasta Dishes

Pasta lovers found lighter ways to enjoy their favorite carb during summer 2022, with these dishes leading the way.

25. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Zucchini

This creamy pasta doesn’t rely on heavy cream, making it perfect for warm weather. The ricotta creates a light sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (preferably orecchiette or fusilli)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes to taste

26. Summer Pasta Primavera

This vegetable-packed pasta celebrates the season’s bounty while remaining light and fresh.

Key Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh peas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives)
• Parmesan cheese for serving

27. Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

This Asian-inspired noodle salad is served chilled, making it perfect for hot days and picnics.

Key Ingredients:

• 8 ounces soba or rice noodles
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

28. One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta

This genius method cooks pasta directly in its sauce, creating rich flavor while minimizing dishes.

Key Ingredients:

• 12 ounces linguine
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 handful fresh basil
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Global Flavors

Summer 2022 saw home cooks embracing global cuisines with these internationally-inspired favorites.

29. Korean-Style Gochujang Grilled Chicken

The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of gochujang (Korean chili paste) made this grilled chicken irresistible.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

30. Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Perfect for grazing on hot evenings, this spread requires minimal cooking but delivers maximum flavor.

Components:

• Homemade hummus
• Tzatziki
• Marinated feta
• Mixed olives
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• Warm pita bread

31. Vietnamese-Style Cold Spring Rolls

These refreshing rolls pack in vegetables and herbs without requiring any cooking, making them perfect for summer.

Key Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers
• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Lettuce
• Cucumber, julienned
• Carrots, julienned
• Avocado slices
• Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
• Protein of choice (shrimp, tofu)

Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• Water to thin

32. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

This deconstructed version of elote (Mexican street corn) combines all the delicious flavors in an easy-to-eat salad form.

Key Ingredients:

• 6 ears corn, kernels removed (or charred on grill first)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Fresh Seafood Favorites

Seafood dishes were particularly popular during summer 2022, offering light protein options perfect for hot weather.

33. Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil Packets

These foil packets simplify the classic shrimp boil, perfect for cooking outdoors without the mess.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ears corn, cut into pieces
• 1/2 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 andouille sausage, sliced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley

34. Grilled Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Light, fresh, and bursting with tropical flavors, these tacos were a summertime sensation.

Key Ingredients for Fish:

• 1 pound firm white fish (mahi-mahi, cod, or tilapia)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Corn tortillas
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Cabbage slaw

35. Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

These restaurant-quality scallops cook in minutes and require just a handful of ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

36. Poke Bowls with Sesame Soy Dressing

This Hawaiian-inspired raw fish salad became a summer staple for its refreshing flavors and endless customization options.

Key Components:

• Sushi-grade tuna or salmon, cubed
• Cooked short-grain rice
• Cucumber, diced
• Avocado, sliced
• Edamame
• Radish, thinly sliced
• Seaweed salad
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)

Farmers Market Heroes

These recipes showcase the best of summer produce, letting seasonal ingredients shine with minimal intervention.

37. Heirloom Tomato Galette

This rustic free-form tart became a favorite way to showcase peak-season tomatoes.

Key Ingredients for Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

38. Summer Vegetable Ratatouille

This classic French vegetable stew is summer in a dish, making the most of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Fresh thyme and bay leaf
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for serving

39. Grilled Stone Fruit with Honey Mascarpone

This simple dessert transforms summer peaches, nectarines, and plums into something magical.

Key Ingredients:

• 6 mixed stone fruits, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons honey, divided
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh mint leaves
• Toasted pistachios, chopped

40. Sweet Corn and Zucchini Fritters

These crispy fritters make the most of two abundant summer vegetables. They’re delicious as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.

Key Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels (from about 3 ears)
• 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Serving Suggestion: These fritters are delicious with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs.

Summer Recipe Trends: By The Numbers

Trend	Percentage Increase	Key Ingredients	Average Prep Time
No-Cook Meals	78%	Fresh vegetables, canned beans, rotisserie chicken	12 minutes
One-Pan Dinners	64%	Sheet pan vegetables, protein, quick-cooking grains	35 minutes
Plant-Based Mains	52%	Legumes, tofu, seasonal vegetables	25 minutes
Fruit Desserts	47%	Stone fruits, berries, minimal added sugar	20 minutes
Globally-Inspired	43%	Bold spices, authentic ingredients, fusion elements	40 minutes
Cold Soups	38%	Cucumber, tomato, avocado, herbs	15 minutes
Grilled Everything	35%	Proteins, vegetables, even fruits and desserts	30 minutes
Meal-Sized Salads	32%	Hearty greens, grains, proteins, homemade dressings	18 minutes

Regional Favorites

While some recipes dominated nationwide, regional preferences emerged throughout summer 2022:

Region	Top Recipe	Notable Ingredients	Cooking Method
Northeast	Lobster Rolls	Fresh lobster, minimal mayo, top-split buns	Steamed/Chilled
Southeast	Peach Cobbler	Local peaches, buttermilk biscuit topping	Baked
Midwest	Corn and Sausage Boil	Sweet corn, kielbasa, potatoes	Boiled
Southwest	Green Chile Burgers	Hatch chiles, pepper jack cheese	Grilled
West Coast	Fish Taco Bowls	Sustainable fish, avocado, microgreens	Grilled/Raw
Pacific Northwest	Blackberry Galette	Wild blackberries, whole grain crust	Baked
Hawaii	Poke Variations	Fresh ahi tuna, macadamia nuts	Raw

Q&A Section

Q: What was the biggest surprise hit recipe of summer 2022?

The “Corn Ribs” trend took everyone by surprise. This technique involves cutting corn cobs lengthwise into quarters, seasoning them, and air frying or roasting until they curl like ribs. They became wildly popular on social media for their fun presentation and delicious flavor.

Q: How did inflation impact summer cooking trends in 2022?

With food costs rising, home cooks got creative with stretching expensive ingredients. Many of the popular recipes featured less meat, used affordable proteins like eggs and beans, and made the most of garden produce. Sheet pan and one-pot meals also gained popularity for their efficiency with ingredients.

Q: What was the most popular cooking method of summer 2022?

Grilling dominated summer cooking, but there was a noticeable increase in “no-cook” recipes that require zero heat. With record temperatures across much of the country, recipes that could be prepared without turning on the stove or oven became essential.

Q: Which international cuisine had the biggest influence on summer recipes?

Mediterranean flavors were everywhere in summer 2022, with ingredients like olive oil, feta, herbs, and citrus appearing in countless popular recipes. The Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on fresh produce and healthy fats aligned perfectly with summer cooking preferences.

Q: What dessert techniques were trending besides traditional baking?

No-bake desserts reigned supreme, from icebox cakes to freezer pops. There was also significant interest in grilled desserts, particularly stone fruits and pound cake with grilled toppings, offering sweet treats without heating up the kitchen.

Q: How did health and wellness trends impact popular summer recipes?

Many of the most popular recipes featured nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced macronutrients. We saw increased interest in vegetable-forward dishes, plant-based proteins, and nutritious grains. Even desserts often incorporated fresh fruits and less refined sugar than in previous years.

Q: What kitchen gadgets were essential for summer 2022’s most popular recipes?

The air fryer continued its reign as a summer essential, perfect for cooking without heating the entire kitchen. Immersion blenders for cold soups and smoothies, salad spinners for farm-fresh greens, and microplane zesters for adding citrus flavors were all kitchen MVPs.

Final Thoughts

Summer 2022’s most popular recipes reflect a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. While classics like grilled burgers and peach cobbler remained beloved staples, home cooks embraced global flavors, plant-forward cooking, and clever techniques that minimize heat and maximize flavor.

What unites these diverse recipes is their celebration of seasonal ingredients, their adaptability to outdoor gatherings, and their ability to deliver incredible flavor with relatively simple preparation. Whether you’re planning next summer’s menu or looking to extend the season with these favorites, these 40 recipes capture the essence of summer cooking at its best.

I’ve found that the most successful summer recipes share three key characteristics: they’re adaptable (allowing for substitutions based on what looks good at the market), they’re shareable (perfect for gatherings of all sizes), and they minimize kitchen time (letting you enjoy the season rather than being stuck at the stove). These 40 recipes exemplify those qualities, which is why they resonated so strongly with home cooks everywhere.