10+ Summer Mexican Recipes to Enjoy the Season’s Flavors
When the sun shines bright and the days are long, it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors. This article will explore delicious summer Mexican recipes that can elevate your outdoor gatherings and family meals.
You’ll discover a variety of dishes that celebrate the bold tastes of Mexico, making your summer entertaining both easy and delightful.
From zesty salsas to savory tacos, summer offers a great opportunity to use seasonal ingredients that are simple to prepare.
These recipes focus on freshness and fun, allowing you to create tasty meals that everyone will love.
Get ready to dive into a world of flavors that will help you make the most of your summer adventures!
1) Homemade Guacamole
Making homemade guacamole is easy and fun. You’ll love how fresh and tasty it is. All you need are a few simple ingredients.
Start with ripe avocados. Mash them in a bowl until creamy.
Add chopped tomatoes, diced onions, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze in lime juice for extra flavor. If you like spice, throw in some jalapeños.
Mix everything well. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve your guacamole with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Optional: jalapeños for heat
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
- Mash the avocados in a bowl.
- Add diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice into the mixture.
- Mix well and add salt to taste.
- Serve fresh with tortilla chips.
2) Carne Asada Tacos
Carne asada tacos are a tasty choice for summer meals. You can make these delicious tacos using marinated flank or skirt steak. The marinade often includes lime juice, garlic, and spices for great flavor.
Grill the meat until it’s juicy and tender. Then, slice it into small pieces for easy filling.
Top your tacos with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese for added goodness.
Serve these tacos with lime wedges for a refreshing touch. They are perfect for summer barbecues or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the steak in lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to high heat (about 450°F or 232°C).
- Grill the steak for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice into small pieces.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds each.
- Fill each tortilla with steak, diced onions, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
3) Ceviche de Camaron
Ceviche de Camaron is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer. This bright and tangy meal is made with fresh shrimp that “cook” in citrus juice. Combining the shrimp with chop vegetables creates a delicious explosion of flavors.
You can make this dish quickly, making it a great choice for gatherings. Simply mix shrimp with lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips for a tasty snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red onion
- 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Chop the shrimp into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp and lime juice.
- Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes until shrimp turn opaque.
- Add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and avocado if using.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
4) Chunky Guacamole Salad
Chunky guacamole salad is a refreshing and tasty dish perfect for summer. It combines ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. You can make it as a side or a light meal.
Add some chopped onion and cilantro for extra flavor. If you like a little heat, toss in sliced jalapeño. A squeeze of lime juice brings it all together.
This salad is not just delicious; it’s also healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients from your garden or the farmers’ market.
Serve it with tortilla chips or alongside grilled meat for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shredded lettuce
- 2 avocados, chopped
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional)
- ÂĽ cup chopped onion
- ÂĽ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce and chopped avocados.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- If using, mix in sliced jalapeño.
- Squeeze lime juice over the salad and season with salt.
- Toss gently to combine and serve fresh.
5) Grilled Steak with Lime and Orange
Grilled steak with lime and orange is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. The juicy flavors of citrus enhance the meat beautifully. This recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for a backyard barbecue.
First, marinate your steak in a mixture of fresh lime and orange juice. This adds a zesty kick and tenderizes the meat. You can also include garlic and soy sauce for more depth.
Once marinated, grill the steak until it reaches your desired doneness. Aim for about 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
The result is a delicious steak that’s both juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6) Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh and tasty Mexican salsa made with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for summer meals, adding bright flavors to any dish.
To make Pico de Gallo, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Each ingredient brings its own unique taste, making the salsa deliciously vibrant.
You can enjoy it with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats. It’s easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 15-20 sprigs cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Dice the tomatoes and onion into small pieces.
- Chop the jalapeño, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
- Finely chop the cilantro.
- In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add salt.
- Stir gently to combine and serve fresh.
7) Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a perfect dish for summer. They are quick to prepare and loaded with flavor.
You can use grilled or sautéed chicken, adding your favorite spices for that authentic taste.
To make them even better, top with fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, or a zesty lime crema.
You can customize each taco to fit your tastes, making them a hit at any barbecue or family meal.
Serve these tacos in warm corn or flour tortillas for a delicious treat. They’re great for gatherings or just a cozy night at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh avocado, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat (375°F/190°C).
- Season the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it.
- Serve in tortillas with avocado and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime over the tacos before enjoying.
8) Shrimp Aguachile
Shrimp Aguachile is a refreshing Mexican dish that is perfect for summer. This dish features raw shrimp that is marinated in lime juice, which gives it a bright, zesty flavor. The addition of chiles and herbs adds a spicy kick.
To make Aguachile, you start by butterflying the shrimp. Then, toss them in a mixture of lime juice and jalapeños.
It’s common to add slices of avocado, cucumber, and red onion for extra freshness.
This dish is often served chilled, making it a great appetizer or light meal. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or on its own!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, cleaned and butterflied
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) lime juice
- 1-2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lime juice and jalapeños.
- Add the butterflied shrimp to the mixture.
- Marinate for 15-20 minutes until shrimp turn opaque.
- Add cilantro, avocado, cucumber, and red onion.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
9) BBQ Lamb Chops
BBQ lamb chops are a tasty choice for summer grilling. They have rich flavors and are simple to prepare. You can impress your friends and family with this dish.
To start, marinate the lamb chops in a mix of spices and olive oil. A chipotle marinade adds a smoky kick to the meat. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes.
When you’re ready to grill, heat your barbecue to high, around 400°F (200°C). Cook the lamb chops for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness.
Serve these BBQ lamb chops with fresh herbs or a tangy salsa for extra flavor. Enjoy them alongside grilled vegetables or a light salad.
Ingredients
- 8 lamb chops
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chipotle marinade
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate lamb chops in olive oil and chipotle marinade for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill lamb chops for 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
10) Tostaguac
Tostaguac is a delicious and fun Mexican dish. You start with a crispy tostada as the base. Then, you add layers of rich guacamole, black beans, fresh salsa, and shredded lettuce.
This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick snack. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture.
You can enjoy Tostaguac at any meal or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 corn tortilla (for tostada)
- 1 ripe avocado (for guacamole)
- ÂĽ cup black beans
- ÂĽ cup fresh salsa
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- 2 tablespoons cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
Cooking Instructions
-
Bake or fry the corn tortilla until crispy.
-
Mash the avocado. Then, mix in salt and lime juice for guacamole.
-
Layer black beans on the crispy tortilla.
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Add guacamole on top of the beans.
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Spoon fresh salsa over the guacamole.
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Top with shredded lettuce and cheese if desired.