11 Editor-Recommended Recipes to Brighten Your July
Chilled salads, vibrant dips, and simple meals that shine with summer’s best ingredients.
As July arrives, spontaneous potlucks and sun-drenched days fill our calendars, but the real stars are the fresh fruits and vegetables that overload our kitchens. The Serious Eats editorial team has curated 11 must-try recipes that make the absolute most of in-season produce and crowd-pleasing, punchy flavors—all while keeping unnecessary heat out of the kitchen. Whether you’re assembling a backyard feast or seeking cool comfort on a scorching night, you’ll find plenty of no-fuss inspiration below.
Jump to:
- Creamy Broccoli Salad
- Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes
- Fried Pickle Dip
- Charred Corn Salad
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Gado Gado
- Spiced Yogurt Pasta
- Smoked Paprika Harissa Butter
- Affogato
- Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Cooking: Editor Reflections
July brings equal measure of exuberance and resourcefulness to our kitchens. With picnic baskets prepped, coolers at the ready, and temperatures soaring, our editors gravitated this month toward bright, tangy, and refreshing recipes—often designed to minimize time at the stove. If you’re facing a bounty of peaches, cucumbers, or tomatoes, or just want to change up traditional potluck fare, this month’s picks are packed with bold yet easygoing flavors perfect for any summer table.
Creamy Broccoli Salad
Recommended by Ashlee Redger, Writer
This classic broccoli salad strikes a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors. Key components include:
- Smoky bacon bits for savory depth
- Crisp apple pieces—adding a juicy burst
- Crunchy nuts—think almonds or pecans
- A luscious, creamy dressing for cohesion
- Unexpected twist: pickled raisins for tart, chewy pops
Perfect for: potlucks, barbecues, or any time you crave a chilled, satisfying salad that pairs well with grilled mains.
Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes
Recommended by Genevieve Yam, Senior Editor
Tomato season means plump, sunny produce—ideal for this delicate yet hearty Vietnamese-inspired dish. The tomatoes are stuffed, but the recipe is more straightforward than it sounds. Highlights include:
- Juicy tomatoes, hollowed and lightly salted
- Savory meat-and-herb filling
- Aromatic finish, often with scallions or fresh herbs
- Served best with a big, fluffy bowl of steamed rice
This comfort food bridges rich home cooking with summer garden freshness, making it a July staple.
Fried Pickle Dip
Recommended by Megan O. Steintrager, Associate Editorial Director
If you gravitate toward the dip bowl at every gathering, this sour cream and mayo-based pickle dip is your new essential. A zesty, crunchy creation, featuring:
- Loads of chopped dill pickles for tang
- Creamy base of sour cream and mayo
- Crispy, pickle brine–infused breadcrumbs
- Perfect for: wavy chips (bonus points for pickle-flavored chips!)
It’s a dip that disappears fast—ideal for cookouts, picnics, or even as an afternoon snack.
Charred Corn Salad
Recommended by Grace Kelly, Senior Editor
Celebrate corn at its peak with this salad, which leans into texture and smoky sweetness:
- Charred sweet corn kernels
- Creamy avocado cubes
- Meaty poblano pepper strips for subtle heat
- A crunchy topping—think crumbled Fritos—for irresistible bite
Serve this salad as a main, a side, or piled onto tacos for extra punch.
Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp)
Recommended by Genevieve Yam, Senior Editor
This classic Spanish tapas favorite is surprisingly weeknight-friendly. The recipe is all about juicy shrimp, bold garlic, and swift cooking:
What others are reading
- Large, plump shrimp
- Generous garlic slices, gently browned
- Good-quality olive oil as the flavor base
- Chili flakes or fresh chiles for gentle heat
Ready in less than 30 minutes—serve with crusty bread to soak up extra oil and juices.
Gado Gado
Recommended by Jess Eng, Associate Editor
This vibrant Indonesian vegetable platter celebrates the power of peanut sauce and crisp, cool eating:
- Array of blanched or raw summer vegetables (green beans, cucumber, potatoes, cabbage, etc.)
- Tofu or hard-boiled eggs for protein
- Rich, tangy peanut dressing to bring it all together
- Customizable and perfect for communal eating
A fantastic party centerpiece—let everyone dip and build their own plate.
Spiced Yogurt Pasta with Toasted Nuts
Recommended by Leah Colins, Senior Culinary Editor
This dish combines the comfort of warm pasta with the cooling tanginess of yogurt and layers of spice. Essentials:
- Al dente pasta tossed with creamy yogurt sauce
- Generously spiced, browned meat for richness
- Toasty nuts—often pine nuts—for crunch
- A hit of fresh herbs for brightness
It’s a satisfying, yet light summer meal—especially if you’re bored with standard pasta salads.
Smoked Paprika Harissa Butter
Editor’s Recommendation
Butter transforms from staple to standout when blended with smoky paprika and spicy harissa:
- Softened butter whipped with smoked paprika and harissa paste
- Use on grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or as a finishing touch for meats
- Delivers rich flavor with minimal effort
Affogato
Recommended by Genevieve Yam, Senior Editor
Those sweltering July afternoons call for something cold, creamy, and caffeinated. Enter the Italian classic, affogato:
- One scoop of creamy gelato (vanilla or hazelnut preferred)
- Freshly brewed espresso poured hot over the top
- Instantly transforms into a luscious, decadent dessert
Minimal effort, maximal satisfaction—ideal for when you want a sweet treat but don’t want to touch the oven.
How to Stay Cool and Sane While Cooking in July
- Lean into no-cook salads and dips made with peak produce.
- Use your grill or outdoor burners to keep heat out of the kitchen.
- Prep cold desserts ahead, like affogato or refrigerator cakes.
- Invest in an ice chest for summer potlucks—no more cheese oozing in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best way to keep salads cold at outdoor parties?
A: Pack salads in airtight containers and place them in a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs until ready to serve.
Q: Can these recipes be made ahead for events?
A: Many of these dishes—especially salads and dips—taste even better after a few hours in the fridge. Prep in the morning to allow flavors to meld.
Q: Are there vegetarian-friendly options on this list?
A: Absolutely. Gado gado, charred corn salad, and creamy broccoli salad are all hearty vegetarian options. For vegan adaptations, replace eggs and dairy with plant-based substitutes in dips and dressings.
Q: What are some tips for using summer produce before it spoils?
A: Incorporate fruits and vegetables into quick salads, blend into cold soups (like gazpacho), or freeze excess produce for use in smoothies and sauces later.
Editor’s Tips for Summer Entertaining
- Salty, punchy flavors wake up the palate in hot weather—don’t skimp on herbs, pickles, or bright dressings.
- Chips and dips are never out of place at gatherings. Level up with a homemade dip, like fried pickle dip, or creative additions like pickled raisins.
- For dessert, seek out frozen or no-bake options to combat the heat.
- Share your own recipe picks with friends—curating a digital recipe box helps save favorites for next season’s cookouts.
Recap: July’s Must-Make Recipes
| Recipe | Main Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Broccoli Salad | Bacon, apples, pickled raisins, creamy dressing | Potlucks, barbecues |
| Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes | Stuffed juicy tomatoes, herbs, meat | Comforting summer dinner |
| Fried Pickle Dip | Chopped pickles, mayo, sour cream, crunchy topping | Parties, picnics |
| Charred Corn Salad | Charred corn, avocado, Fritos, poblanos | Main/side salad, tacos |
| Gambas al Ajillo | Garlic, olive oil, shrimp | Spanish-inspired appetizer |
| Gado Gado | Peanut sauce, summer vegetables | Vegetarian-friendly platter |
| Spiced Yogurt Pasta | Yogurt base, spiced meat, toasted nuts | Alternative to pasta salad |
| Smoked Paprika Harissa Butter | Butter, smoked paprika, harissa | Finishing/condiment for grilled food |
| Affogato | Gelato, espresso | Quick summer dessert |
Get Cooking and Enjoy July!
Embrace the season’s best flavors with these editor-curated recipes, ideal for everything from picnics and barbecues to lazy weeknights. Gather your favorite summer produce, keep a chilled drink on hand, and let these crowd-pleasing ideas be the centerpiece of your July table.
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