Summer is the season for sun, fun, and flavor-packed food! And what better way to embrace all the vibrant, bold tastes of summer than with some delicious Mexican recipes? Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or just looking to switch up your usual dinner routine, these easy, fresh Mexican dishes will bring some serious heat (but not too much!) to your summer spread.
Grab your sombrero, turn up the music, and let’s dive into these tasty summer Mexican recipes that’ll have you and your crew saying ¡delicioso! in no time!
1. Grilled Street Corn (Elote)
This summer staple is a must-have! Grilled corn on the cob gets a flavorful makeover with Mexican street corn vibes. It’s smoky, tangy, creamy, and a little spicy—everything you need for a perfect bite.
What you’ll need:
- Fresh corn on the cob (husks removed)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Cotija cheese (or feta if you can’t find it)
- Lime wedges
- Chili powder or Tajín seasoning
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How to make it:
- Grill the corn until it’s beautifully charred, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Mix equal parts mayo and sour cream in a bowl, then slather the mixture on the hot corn.
- Sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro (if you like).
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick!
Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mayo mix for extra flavor.
2. Watermelon & Feta Salad with a Mexican Twist
Watermelon is summer’s MVP, and when paired with a little Mexican flair, it goes from basic to fantástico in no time. This light and refreshing salad is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
What you’ll need:
- Fresh watermelon, cubed
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mint or cilantro leaves
- Tajín seasoning or a sprinkle of chili powder
- Lime juice
How to make it:
- Toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta and fresh herbs.
- Squeeze lime juice generously over the top.
- Sprinkle with Tajín or chili powder for a pop of heat.
Bonus idea: Add avocado slices or a drizzle of honey for a sweet surprise!
3. Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas
Nothing says summer vibes quite like ceviche! This dish is super refreshing, and serving it on crispy tostadas adds the perfect crunch. Plus, it’s totally customizable—feel free to swap the shrimp for fish or make it veggie!
What you’ll need:
- Shrimp (cooked or raw, depending on preference)
- Lime juice
- Diced tomatoes
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Jalapeño, minced (for a little heat)
- Cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Tostada shells
How to make it:
- If using raw shrimp, marinate it in lime juice for about 30 minutes until it turns opaque (the acid “cooks” it). If using cooked shrimp, simply chop it up and mix with the lime juice.
- Toss the shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Spoon the ceviche mixture onto crispy tostadas and top with diced avocado.
Quick tip: Drizzle some hot sauce on top for extra kick or serve with a side of chips for dipping!
4. Margarita-Marinated Grilled Chicken
Grilling season is in full swing, so why not jazz up your chicken with a little margarita-inspired magic? This marinade has all the flavors of your favorite summer cocktail—minus the hangover.
What you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Tequila (optional, but fun!)
- Fresh lime juice
- Orange juice
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and cumin
How to make it:
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, tequila (if using), and a pinch of cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a couple of hours.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Serve it with: Grilled veggies or on top of a fresh salad for the perfect summer meal!
5. Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches
It’s not summer without ice cream, and these churro ice cream sandwiches are next-level delicious! Crunchy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros meet creamy vanilla ice cream in a dessert dream come true.
What you’ll need:
- Pre-made churros (or make them from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon sugar mix
How to make it:
- Roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar.
- Let them cool slightly before slicing in half lengthwise.
- Sandwich a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream between the churro halves.
Extra fun: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an indulgent treat!
6. Mango Salsa with Chips
Fresh, sweet, and with a touch of spice, mango salsa is the ultimate summer snack. It’s perfect for dipping with chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken. Plus, it’s super easy to make and adds a tropical twist to any meal!
What you’ll need:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- Juice of 2 limes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
How to make it:
- In a bowl, mix the diced mangoes, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
Tip: Add some diced avocado for extra creaminess, or swap out the mango for pineapple if you want to switch things up!
This mango salsa is like summer in a bowl—sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat! It’s great for picnics, BBQs, or anytime you need a quick, fresh snack.
There you have it—five mouthwatering Mexican recipes that are perfect for spicing up your summer. Whether you’re grilling, chilling, or throwing a fiesta, these dishes are sure to impress. So grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a summer full of bold, bright flavors.
¡Buen provecho!
What are your favorite Mexican-style summer recipes? Share in the comments below!
XOXO,
Katie
