What to Cook in July: Fresh, Easy Recipes for Summer

What to Cook in July: July is a month that calls for fresh flavors, easy prep, and plenty of time spent outside. Whether you’re firing up the grill, hosting a backyard gathering, or just trying to stay cool in the kitchen, the recipes you make this month should reflect the best of summer. Think produce at its peak, meals that don’t heat up the whole house, and dishes that can go from picnic table to patio in no time. July cooking is all about ease, enjoyment, and making the most of the season’s vibrant ingredients.

Grilled seasoned chicken quarters garnished with rosemary, with text overlay reading "Cook in July: Recipes to make this month.

Table of Contents

What to Cook in July: Start with the grill

It’s practically made for July. Juicy burgers with a twist like garlic parmesan sauce, grilled corn on the cob slathered in herb butter, and foil packets filled with shrimp, are all quick to prep and packed with flavor.

Cajun Burgers

Southern-inspired Cajun Burgers are packed full of Cajun-Creole goodness! They aren't all that spicy but it is one of the most delicious burgers I've ever had.

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ULTIMATE GRILLED PORK CHOPS

Juicy Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops recipe seasoning & marinade with tips for the best grilled bone-in pork chops & sides to serve with.

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Grilled Rosemary Lemon Chicken Breasts

This flavorful chicken has an aromatic marinade that's easy to prep.

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Grilled Peach Bruschetta

Peach Bruschetta is sweet, savory, tangy, crisp, and creamy. Slices of crusty, toasted baguette are topped with goat cheese, peaches, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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Click the unlined words, photo, or caption for the recipe.

A plate of seasoned rice served with sliced grilled chicken topped with onions and a lime wedge on the side. — Chipotle Lime Chicken Breasts

Grilled Corn on the Cob to Cook in July — Grilled Street Corn

30 minutes Shrimp Foil Packs to Cook in July — Shrimp Foil Pack

Summer Salads

For lighter fare, summer salads can shine: try a watermelon and feta salad with mint or a tomato-cucumber salad. You can also take advantage of fresh zucchini and squash by making carbonara or a quick stovetop sauté with garlic and olive oil.

A clear bowl filled with a salad of cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, diced chicken, feta cheese, and chopped herbs, with a fork.

Chicken Cucumber Salad

This Chicken Cucumber Salad is quick, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors—perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy dinner!

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ZUCCHINI PESTO ORZO CASSEROLE

This summer dinner is packed with summer produce, zucchini, yellow squash, and basil.

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A bowl of sliced cucumbers topped with red pepper flakes and herbs, with a wooden spoon in the background.

Asian Inspired Cucumber Salad

Asian Inspired Cucumber Salad is a fresh, tangy recipe to brighten your summer meals. Crisp cucumbers mixed with a savory and slightly sweet dressing, a hint of sesame, and a touch of chili flakes for a gentle kick. Perfect as a light snack or a refreshing side dish!

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Black Bean Tomato Quinoa Salad with Texas Vinaigrette

Black Bean Tomato Quinoa Salad with Texas Vinaigrette is light, healthy, delicious, and nutritious!

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No-bake Desserts

Cool, no-bake desserts are a July favorite too. Whip up a batch of icebox lemon cake or strawberry icebox cake.

Close-up of a layered dessert with white cream, crushed cookies, and sliced strawberries on top, displayed on a wooden surface.

Key Lime Icebox Cake

Layers of tart and sweet lime pudding and crispy sandwich cookies is an easy, no-bake dessert that everyone raves over!

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A slice of cake topped with whipped cream, crumbled nuts, a lime wedge, and a mint sprig on a white plate. Two copper forks are placed beside the plate.

Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake

This easy cake starts with cake mix. It has three layers: a cake layer, next is the key lime pie layer, fluffy Cool whip tops it. It's the perfect citrus dessert.

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Lemon Crunch

No Cook Lemon Crunch Dessert Recipe is a no bake dessert sensation that’s crunchy, smooth, sweet, and salty.

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Raspberry Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake

Quick and simple to prepare, Raspberry Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake is refreshing dessert recipe for warm weather.

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And don’t forget refreshing drinks—make a pitcher of strawberry iced tea or cucumber lemonade for a crowd. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing something together last-minute, July offers endless inspiration for simple, fresh, and delicious cooking.

What to Cook in July: Conclusion

Cooking in July doesn’t have to be complicated. With ripe produce, bold flavors, and a little creativity, you can whip up meals that feel festive without a lot of fuss. From grilled mains to refreshing sides and no-bake treats, the recipes you choose this month should reflect the relaxed, sun-soaked vibe of summer. Let the season guide your menu—and keep it easy, fresh, and full of flavor.

What will you cook in July?

Are you traveling this summer?

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Paula Jones is the founder, creator, and cook at CallMePMc.com, where she provides simple recipes & time-saving strategies for nutritious & delicious meals for your family. Born and raised in the South, Paula, or PMc as her friends call her, understands that many life events happen around the dinner table, & she wants you to enjoy that time in the kitchen & around the table stress-free with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy a variety of recipes at CallMePMc.com, from updated Southern classics, to practical, healthy, and indulgent. Learn more about Paula.