June 2025 Editor Picks: 14 Summer Recipes for Hot Days and Fun Nights
Chilled sweets, bold salads, and smoky grills unite to refresh your June feast.
The dog days of June have arrived. The heat is relentless, the evenings are long, and the Serious Eats editors are facing the season armed not just with extra fans and iced beverages, but with a lineup of recipes tailored to make every summer meal radiant. Whether you’re craving smoky flavors from the grill, delightfully tangy salads, icy sweets, or creative cocktails, there’s something here to elevate every hot day—and every dinner party.
Table of Contents
- Summer Appetizers and Dips
- Chilling Cocktails
- No-Bake And Frozen Treats
- Inventive Summer Salads
- Grilling, Smoky Mains, and Sides
- Vibrant, Vegetable-Forward Eats
- Globetrotting Summer Flavors
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summer Appetizers and Dips
Every dinner party starts with a great dip or snack. When the heat rises, editors swap traditional cold starters for bold and savory options that can be enjoyed both warm and cold.
- Spicy Maryland Crab Dip: A warm, cheesy, gooey dip loaded with sweet crabmeat and a hint of Old Bay spice brings the flavor of the Chesapeake Bay to your table. The dip is best served bubbling from the oven alongside sturdy chips or slices of baguette. Its contrast of creamy and briny is irresistible for summer gatherings.
- Fried Pickle Dip: Another favorite, this dip pairs the tang of pickles with the richness of cream cheese and a crispy texture. Ideal for game nights or as a fun addition to a potluck spread.
Tip: Dips set the tone for summer parties—look for recipes that can withstand heat and don’t wilt in the sun.
Chilling Cocktails
Nothing counteracts summer’s swelter like a creative cocktail served icy cold. This month, editors were drawn to drinks that pair bitterness and briny tang with cooling sophistication.
- Dirty Negroni: Inspired by classic cocktails, this unique blend brings together bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, gin, and olive brine. An optional olive oil fat wash adds body and richness, making each sip complex and utterly refreshing. Serve well chilled, over crystal-clear ice, and garnish with a fat green olive.
Pair your cocktail with simple bar snacks or take it outdoors for sundown relaxation. The Dirty Negroni’s balance of flavors makes it ideal for those who crave both depth and brightness in a summer drink.
No-Bake And Frozen Treats
When ovens are best left untouched in June, editors look for easy, impressive desserts that chill rather than heat. No-bake sweets and frozen treats are essential for coping with muggy nights and steamy afternoons.
- No-Churn Mango Ice Cream: Requiring only three ingredients—ripe mango, cream, and sugar—this recipe is proof that creamy indulgence can be effortless. The ice cream is silky, tropical, and luxuriously satisfying, needing no machine and minimal effort.
- Black Forest Icebox Cake: Layers of chocolate cookies, whipped cream, and fresh cherries create a rich, decadent dessert that sets up in the fridge. The dark, cherry-forward flavor is both elegant and nostalgic, ideal for entertaining or treating yourself after a long day.
Serving Suggestion: Make icebox cakes or no-churn ice creams ahead for fuss-free desserts at picnics and family gatherings.
Inventive Summer Salads
The season’s best salads break away from tradition with bold flavors, unexpected textures, and global twists. Editors this June particularly favor salads that blend crunchy, creamy, and tangy in playful combinations.
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- Za’atar–Feta Caesar Salad: A contemporary Caesar that skips croutons for breadcrumbs, loaded with labneh and za’atar for earthy depth, and finished with crumbled feta. The salad is a refreshing reimagining of a classic—lighter, brighter, and irresistibly savory.
- Grilled Sweet Potato Salad: Sweet potatoes are grilled until just tender, then tossed with a zesty lime vinaigrette and fresh herbs. Sweetness meets tang in a dish that works both as a substantial side and a vegetarian main. The lime vinaigrette also doubles as a marinade for meats or other grilled vegetables.
Summer salads are perfect for both quick weeknight meals and festive gatherings—think outside the box with toppings and dressings.
Grilling, Smoky Mains, and Sides
This month’s editors are united by their passion for smoky, flavorful grilling. Get inspired by these picks, perfect for backyard barbecues and picnic feasts.
- Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Prawns (or Shrimp): Jumbo prawns are marinated in tangy tamarind, grilled for crispy edges, and served with fresh herbs. The sweet-sour balance is ideal for June’s hottest temperatures.
- Sardines with Herb Chermoula: Sardines are coated in a fragrant North African sauce of herbs and spices, then grilled until smoky and tender. This dish brings exciting global flavors to any casual dinner party.
| Recipe | Key Flavors | Best Serving Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Tamarind-Glazed Prawns | Tangy, Sweet, Smoky | Outdoor grilling, beach cookouts |
| Sardines with Chermoula | Herbaceous, Spicy, Smoky | Casual dinner parties, picnic spreads |
Vibrant, Vegetable-Forward Eats
June’s bounty is highlighted by vegetable-forward dishes bursting with flavor and freshness. Editors select recipes that showcase the intense sweetness, tang, and beauty of summer produce.
- Okra With Tamarind and Jaggery: A sweet-and-sour take on okra, blending tamarind’s tang and jaggery’s deep sweetness. Perfectly cooked okra loses its famous sliminess and becomes something entirely craveworthy—a dish that converts skeptics.
- Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette: Made for high summer, this salad uses peak-sweet corn, tossed with a bright lime dressing. The result: a crunchy, juicy dish that’s never boring.
Vegetable-forward dishes also contribute essential texture and nutrition to heavier summer spreads.
Globetrotting Summer Flavors
Serious Eats editors are known for championing global eats. June’s picks highlight bold flavors and unique combinations drawn from international kitchens.
- Hummus Fatteh: A Middle Eastern classic featuring creamy hummus topped with crisp pita chips, tender chickpeas, creamy yogurt-tahini sauce, and garnished with morsels of lamb, pomegranates, and toasted pine nuts. The interplay of textures and tastes is both immense and deeply satisfying.
- Labneh-Based Salads: Greek and Levantine flavors shine in salads combining labneh (strained yogurt), olive oil, za’atar, vegetables, and herbs.
- Chermoula Marinades: As seen in the grilled sardines, this North African herb sauce adds instant intrigue to grilled meats, vegetables, and even firm cheeses.
Serving Suggestion: Embrace global flavors by setting up themed nights—mezze platters, Mediterranean salads, or Moroccan-inspired barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best recipes for hot summer days?
A: Recipes requiring minimal cooking, grilling, or no-bake methods—such as no-churn ice cream, grilled seafood, and chilled salads—are best. Look for those using peak summer produce and served cold or room temperature.
Q: Can I make the Dirty Negroni ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prep components (gin, vermouth, Campari, olive brine) in advance and store chilled. The optional olive oil fat wash can be done ahead and strained before serving to simplify party prep.
Q: How do I make icebox cakes more interesting?
A: Use seasonal fruit, different cookies or biscuits, flavored whipped creams, citrus zest, or add nuts for crunch. Layering textures and flavors keeps these desserts fresh and exciting.
Q: What’s a substitute for crab in dips?
A: Use firm white fish (such as cod or pollock), shredded, or opt for plant-based seafood substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly version. Adjust spices and seasoning for best results.
Q: Why do editors recommend breadcrumbs in Caesar salad?
A: Breadcrumbs are quicker to make than croutons, provide evenly distributed crunchy texture, and absorb dressing beautifully, creating a lighter bite perfect for summer salads.
Conclusion: June’s Editorial Recipe Highlights
June 2025 is a month for bold flavors, refreshing twists, and creative takes on summer classics. Serious Eats editors recommend leaning into smoky grills, bright salads, frozen sweets, and international inspiration to make every meal unforgettable. Pick some (or all) of these 14 recipes to handle—and enjoy—the heat in style.
- Start with a bold dip, like Spicy Crab or Fried Pickle.
- Cool down with a Dirty Negroni or lush mango ice cream.
- Explore summer’s best with inventive salads and intense grilling flavors.
- Bring world cuisines to your kitchen for fresh, vibrant variety.
Every editor-approved recipe is an invitation to experiment, gather, and celebrate the best of the season. Happy cooking!
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