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Chase flavour not the shade with these refreshing recipes

Grilled chicken and colorful vegetables arranged on skewers, accompanied by a fresh salad.

As summer starts to roll around, it’s time to swap hot chocolates for iced drinks, warm bowls of soup for ice cream runs, and cosy nights indoors for last-minute BBQs in the sun.

Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, cooking with your flatmates while all the kitchen windows are open or looking for something refreshing to power you through your dissertation, these recipes are easy, fresh, and perfect for sunny days.

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

This dish is all about peak-season freshness, combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, aged goat cheese, and crunchy sunflower kernels. Watermelon and cucumber are both high in water content, helping keep you hydrated on hot days, while goat cheese adds protein and calcium to support bone health. It’s the perfect light, refreshing option when it’s warm outside and you don’t want anything heavy.

A colorful salad featuring diced watermelon and cucumber, topped with mint leaves in a white bowl.

Tomato bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta is all about simple, fresh ingredients doing the heavy lifting. Sweet, ripe tomatoes bring juiciness and natural antioxidants, fresh basil adds a fragrant and garlic gives a gentle kick. When served with toasted bread, the dish is an ideal summer starter.

A plate featuring four toasts topped with fresh tomatoes and melted cheese, arranged neatly for serving.

BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa

What is summer without BBQs? The flaky grilled salmon layered over rice and topped with zesty homemade mango avocado salsa is a best option for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. Salmon brings high-quality protein and omega-3s, which support focus and energy to handle exam season hangovers or dissertation marathons.

Two glazed salmon fillets topped with sesame seeds and green onions served over noodles with broccoli in a white bowl

Rhubarb Cordial

Make hot, sunny days feel a bit cooler with this sharp, refreshing drink. Rhubarb Cordial is made by gently cooking down tart rhubarb with sugar and water to create a vibrant pink syrup, which can then be mixed with still or sparkling water. Naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, rhubarb cordial definitely ranks higher than an average shop-bought fizzy drink

Two tall glasses of rhubarb juice with ice and lollipops as stirrers sit on grass next to two bottles of pink drink, with leafy greenery in the background.

Give these recipes a try and find your new seasonal favourite. Looking for more ways to make the most of the season? Keep an eye out for the latest Live Well Feel Great newsletter landing in your inbox, packed with practical wellbeing tips, and ideas to help you enjoy a healthier, happier summer.