Savor the Sunshine: 20+ Delicious Summer Recipes to Enjoy All Season

by: Gerhild Fulson  / Using her extensive experience and cultural knowledge, Oma Gerhild provides trusted, authentic, and easy-to-follow German recipes both here and in her many cookbooks.

As the sun shines warmer and the days get longer, there's no better time to bring the vibrant flavors of summer to your table. Try these delicious German, summer-inspired recipes that will have you savoring the sunshine all season long.

From refreshing fruity cakes to light meat mains, these recipes celebrate the best of both worlds: hearty German cooking and the fresh, bright ingredients of summer. Let's get started on our 20+ summer recipes roundup!

Light & Fresh Summer Salads

1. Sauerkraut Salad

Sauerkraut salad is a must-try summer salad, especially if you want to connect with your German roots! Use fresh jarred, canned, or frozen cabbage - no matter the choice, you're guaranteed a tasty treat.

2. Tomato Salad

This tomato salad recipe is tossed with olive oil and an abundance of flavorful herbs. It makes the perfect classic summer side, or starter! Use your homegrown tomatoes to make it truly yours!

3. Bean Salad

This refreshing bean salad recipe is protein-packed with beans, peas, and a sharp dressing that packs a tasty punch! Make this as a great side or a light main dish.

4. Wurstsalat & Fleischsalat

An oddie but a goodie: This meat salad duo, aka, Wurstsalat & Fleischsalat is the perfect picnic treat or side dish to serve with your hearty mains. One is made with mayo and one without. Find your favorite and make it a part of your summer menu!

Cool & Creamy Dips

5. Easy Hummus

This easy hummus recipe is a healthy appetizer that's perfect for picnics. It's made quickly, easily, and healthily using chickpeas. This is great for dipping or spreading on sandwiches! 

6. Blue Cheese Dip

Used as the perfect dipper or salad dressing, this rich and tangy, blue cheese dip is the best. Dip your classic veggies in for an elevated appetizer great for parties, potlucks, movie nights, and all occasions in between!

Sizzling Summer Mains

7. Summer Salmon Fillets

A sunny summer's day calls for a fresh and vibrant dish. Incoming: your new favorite salmon fillets! Cooking the perfect salmon is easier to make than you think.

8. Air Fried Cordon Bleu

This is cordon bleu made easy! It's time to use that trusty air fryer and make some summer meal magic. Serve with grilled veggies for the ultimate summer plate!

9. Traditional Schnitzel

Enjoying a plate of traditional schnitzel served with a fresh asparagus bounty is the best way to spend a summer's evening. Making homemade schnitzel doesn't have to be a hassle, and this recipe is proof!

Fresh & Flavorful Grilled Vegetables

10.  Grilled Asparagus

This delicious asparagus with hollandaise sauce is a German delicacy! It's a savory side dish that's perfect for a barbecue or a light summer meal.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is for crispy, roasted brussels sprouts that are bursting with flavor and tradition. If there's one side to be served by grilled meats this summer, it's these bad boys!

12. Baked Squash with Tomatoes

Nothing screams summer quite like a mix of beautiful colors and flavors on a plate. This Baked Squash with Tomatoes features a refreshing blue cheese crumble for that perfect pop of flavor.

13. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are made perfectly crispy and conveniently in the air fryer. No hassle, no stress, no long wait times - just deliciousness!

Summer Soups & Chilled Dishes

14. Cucumber Soup

Imagine you've come from a long day at the beach, you're craving something cool, and refreshing: Here's where the amazing cucumber soup comes in the picture!

15. Cauliflower Soup

This smooth, creamy cauliflower soup is so easy to prepare and perfect for a light, summer meal. It's just what you need after a long hot day. A taste of freshness and comfort in a bowl!

Summer Sweets & Desserts

16. Coconut Bars

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, potluck, or enjoying a picnic, these sweet coconut-filled bars are the answer for all your snacking needs!

17. Cheesecake (Homemade Quark)

This smooth and creamy cheesecake recipe is lighter than heavy New York-style cheesecakes, which makes it the perfect dessert for after a big meal like schnitzel!

18. Flaky Pineapple Dessert

Need a super quick dessert for last-minute company? This pineapple flaky recipe is made with only 4 ingredients and takes no time at all. You'll be getting raving reviews!

19. Berry Torte

A fresh fruit flan is a beautiful dessert that showcases a yummy display of summer berries. Try this with peaches, raspberries, or whichever variety suits your fancy!

20. Spaghettiise (Spaghetti Ice Cream)

Spaghettiies, also known as spaghetti ice cream mimics a real bowl of spaghetti, only better. This unusual, creative treat is a kid-friendly recipe that's fun to make and eat! 

Summer Sips & Beverages

21. Apple Spritzer

Apfelschorle is a tried and true traditional German refreshment. This fruity, fizzy apple spritzer drink can be enjoyed by everyone, and made with only 2 ingredients!

22. Fancy Iced Coffee

Nothing hits the spot quite like a hot cup of coffee—or a cold cup of coffee! Stay cool with this iced coffee sweet treat, topped with your favorite toppings.

23. Summer Berry Smoothie

This buttermilk smoothie is a cool and creamy drink with a burst of fresh berry flavor, perfect for a hydrating summer treat.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these easy-to-make, flavorful dishes are perfect for any sunny occasion. So grab your apron and get ready to savor every sunny bite!

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.