8 summer staples
8 recipes that will trick you into thinking it’s summer
I say that because it’s May, it’s raining too much and instead of sipping a frozen daiquiri in a beer garden, I’m wrapped in a jumper wondering if the heating needs to go back on. Just unacceptable behaviour from the British weather.
So if actual sunshine refuses to show up, we’re going to fake it through food instead. Think vibrant salads (with potato of course), Greek inspired dishes, some hot honey (obvs) and meals that taste like pure summer.
These are the recipes I make the second the temperature nudges above 14 degrees and someone mentions the word BBQ. So, whether you’re planning a picnic, a garden party, a fake summer BBQ under a gazebo or just need something that gets you away from the more heartier, winter recipes, these recipes have got you covered.
let’s start…
VIRAL SMASHED POTATO SALAD
Starting off strong with the potato salad that basically broke the internet and is one of my most searched for recipes to this day.
This isn’t just a potato salad. This is crispy smashed potatoes tossed through a creamy, herby dressing with pickled shallots and all the good stuff. We’re talking crunchy edges, fluffy middles and cold, tangy dressing coating every crevice like the potato gods intended.
It’s ridiculously simple to make but looks like something you’d pay £14 for at a trendy brunch spot. And honestly? I could eat the entire bowl standing at the fridge with a spoon. No shame.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE or watch my step-by-step tutorial below:
GREEN GODDESS POTATO SALAD
The whole “green goddess” trend absolutely exploded online and I fully get it. But instead of drowning kale in dressing, I decided to improve the situation dramatically by adding potatoes. Because life is simply better with carbs.
This version is packed with baby potatoes, herbs, cream cheese, capers and lemon for something that feels fresh and summery whilst still being comforting enough for British weather mood swings.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE or find it in my Potato Book
GREEK LEMON AND OREGANO WEDGES
If a Greek holiday and a tray of potatoes had a baby, this would be it.
These wedges are crispy, lemony, garlicky and loaded with oregano. They’re inspired by those glorious Greek taverna potatoes that are absolutely glistening in lemon juice and olive oil. They’re a dinner time staple in the Poppy household.
And because we currently have approximately seven minutes of sunshine in the UK, this is basically my edible version of a Mediterranean holiday.
If you can get hold of proper Greek oregano, even better. It’s a little more aromatic, but regular oregano still works well.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE or watch my step-by-step tutorial below:
LEMONY SALMON TRAYBAKE
This dish is everything I want from a one-pan wonder. We’re talking crispy-edged baby potatoes, sweet caramelised onions, garlic that softens into little golden nuggets, colourful peppers, and a pop of green from tenderstem broccoli. Then the star of the show: those juicy, flaky salmon fillets, topped with lemon slices that roast away to give you that fresh, zesty hit in every bite. Sunshine in traybake form.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE
FIG, BURRATA AND PARMA HAM TOASTS
This recipe combines crispy toasted sourdough, creamy burrata, fresh figs, salty Parma ham, and a drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar, all finished off with sprigs of thyme and dollops of pesto. It’s a sweet, savoury, herby mouthful with layers of texture and flavour. Basically, it’s delicious.
It’s a little break from my usual potato-focused content, but sometimes you’ve got to treat yourself to a bit of boujee toast. Serve it up at a weekend lunch, add it to a garden party menu, or swap out your usual cucumber sandwich for this at your next afternoon tea. You could even halve the toast and plate them up canapé-style if you’re feeling extra. Imagine getting these at a wedding? THE DREAM.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE
VIETNAMESE SUMMER ROLLS
This recipe is so unbelivably fresh and vibrant due to the mix of prawns, cucumber, red pepper, shredded carrot, mint, coriander, red cabbage, baby gem lettuce, and a little chilli. You could practically tick off your entire 5-a-day in one sitting. And if you happen to eat the whole batch in one go, your vitamin count will be off the charts. I typically make these after a carb heavy day, so basically when I’ve been filming or testing out potato content.
It might take a couple of attempts to get that snug roll, but practise makes perfect.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE
HOT HONEY HALLOUMI FLATBREADS
I’ll take any excuse to whack a bit of halloumi into a meal, and hot honey halloumi flatbreads are no exception. I’m not saying it’s life-changing…but it’s pretty close.
This is the kind of lunch that genuinely transforms your day. You know that work task you’ve been avoiding for literally months? Finally done it. That meeting that should’ve been an email? You’re suddenly actively contributing. Rush-hour commute from hell? Shania Twain on blast and loving life. This flatbread has that effect. Pure contentment. Productivity. Inner peace. Cheese-based euphoria.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE
BURRATA PEA AND PARMA HAM SALAD
When you think of a salad, this is what you should envision. Crunchy salad onions, vibrant radish, the subtle saltiness of parma ham and burst of sweetness from the peas. It’s got it all going on and won’t leave you craving a sausage roll after. Plus it’s the perfect side dish to any BBQ, garden lunch, picnic, or something to impress family and friends. Any friends who live for the ‘gram will be boomeranging this meal like it’s a pornstar martini. I mean we eat with our eyes, don’t we? So let’s make food that not only tastes delicious, but looks incredible.
And yes, this is another recipe with burrata and parma ham, but I just love it and it’s less ingredients on your shopping list now.
👉 Grab the recipe HERE
So, there you have it. Summer in a bowl, or a plate, or on toast…whatever, it all tastes good and like pure sunshine.