5 Fresh Summer Recipes + Essential Kitchen Utensils

5 Easy Summer Recipes to Make with Essential Kitchen Utensils

In summer, we crave freshness, speed, and above all… not spending hours in the kitchen. With a few essential utensils, you can prepare healthy, colorful, and delicious meals without turning on the oven!

In this article, discover 5 seasonal recipes based on fresh fruits and vegetables, easy to prepare, with simple ingredients and the right tools.

👉 To discover our best kitchen tools, click here: Our essential utensils

1. Andalusian Gazpacho – Instant Freshness

⭐ Difficulty	👥 People	⏱ Preparation	⏳ Rest
★☆☆☆☆	4 people	10 min	2 hours

This Spanish classic is perfect for hot weather. No cooking required, rich in vitamins and flavor.

Gazpacho originated in rural Andalusia , where bread and raw vegetables were recycled under a blazing sun. More info: Origin of gazpacho – Wikipedia

Ingredients :

• 6 ripe tomatoes

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1/2 red onion

• 1 clove of garlic

• 2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

• Salt, pepper

• Stale bread (optional)

Recommended utensils:

• Multifunctional manual blender

• Bamboo cutting board

• Stainless steel chef's knife

Preparation :

1. Wash the vegetables.

2. Chop them roughly.

3. Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth soup.

4. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

5. Serve chilled, with a few basil leaves.

Tip: Add an ice cube when serving for an ultra-refreshing version.

2. Melon, feta and mint salad – Ultra quick, ultra fresh

⭐ Difficulty	👥 People	⏱ Preparation	⏳ Rest
★☆☆☆☆	2 to 4 people	8 min	0 min

A sweet and savory recipe that always makes a splash as an appetizer or starter.

Ingredients :

• 1 ripe melon

• 150g of feta

• A handful of mint leaves

• A drizzle of olive oil

• Black pepper

Recommended utensils:

• Spatulas, Fork, Spoon

• Thin blade stainless steel knife

• Small salad bowl

Preparation :

1. Form melon balls using the melon baller.

2. Crumble the feta.

3. Mix everything together with the chopped mint.

4. Season with olive oil and pepper.

Variation: add cured ham or quinoa to make it a complete meal.

The word "tian" comes from the Provençal earthenware dish used for centuries. Source: CuisineAZ

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3. Crispy Vegetable Wok – Hot but Light Version

⭐ Difficulty	👥 People	⏱ Preparation	⏳ Rest
★★☆☆☆	2 to 3 people	15 min	0 min

Ideal for a light and healthy evening meal. Ready in 15 minutes.

See also: Seasonal vegetable calendar – Interfel

Ingredients :

• 1 courgette

• 1 bell pepper

• 1 carrot

• 1 onion

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds

Recommended utensils:

• Non-stick wok

• Adjustable mandoline

• Wooden spatula

Preparation :

1. Slice all the vegetables using a mandoline.

2. Stir-fry them for 5 to 10 minutes in a hot wok with a drizzle of oil.

3. Add the soy sauce at the end of cooking.

4. Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Tip: For a complete meal, add soba noodles or grilled tofu.

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4. Homemade peach compote – No added sugar

⭐ Difficulty	👥 People	⏱ Preparation	⏳ Rest
★☆☆☆☆	4 people	10 min	0 min

A perfect dessert or snack, to be enjoyed cold or warm.

Ingredients :

• 4 to 5 ripe peaches

• 1 dash of lemon juice

• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Recommended utensils:

• Ergonomic peeler

• Non-stick saucepan

• Silicone spatula

Preparation :

1. Peel and cut the peaches into quarters.

2. Simmer them over low heat with a squeeze of lemon.

3. Blend if necessary for a smoother texture.

Variation: add some raspberries for a two-tone compote!

5. Cold pasta with grilled vegetables – Summer batch cooking

⭐ Difficulty	👥 People	⏱ Preparation	⏳ Rest
★★☆☆☆	4 people	20 min	30 min

Prepare in large quantities for several meals.

Ingredients :

• 300g of cold pasta (fusilli, penne…)

• 1 courgette

• 1 eggplant

• 1 bell pepper

• Cherry tomatoes

• Fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar

Recommended utensils:

• Rectangular Non-Stick Stone Frying Pan

• Chef's knife

• Large salad bowl

Preparation :

1. Cook the pasta and let it cool.

2. Grill the vegetables in a pan or on a grill.

3. Mix everything together with the raw tomatoes and seasoning.

Prepare a large quantity and keep refrigerated for 2-3 days.

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FAQ – Your questions about summer recipes and utensils

1. What are the essential utensils for cooking in summer?

A good knife, a bamboo cutting board, an efficient peeler, a hand blender, and a mandoline are the basics. Find them here. in our collection.

2. Can I cook without an oven in the summer?

Yes! All the recipes above avoid the oven. The wok, the grill, and cold preparations are your best allies.

3. What cold recipes can be prepared in advance?

Gazpachos, compotes, melon salads, and pasta salads will keep for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Perfect for summer batch cooking!

4. What is the difference between a mandoline and a peeler?

The peeler removes the skin, the mandoline slices into thin, even strips. They complement each other!

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In conclusion: cook smart this summer.

With the right utensils and a few simple ideas, you can truly enjoy delicious meals all summer long without any fuss. Whether it's for a picnic, a quick meal, or a light dinner, these recipes will quickly become staples in your summer kitchen.

👉 Discover all our summer kitchen utensils: See the shop

And you, what's your favorite summer recipe? Share it in the comments or on Instagram with the hashtag #utensiledechef!