All the delicious fruits and flavors of summer are on this list of 20 light and easy meals. Make the most of the summer season’s fresh produce with minimum fuss. Simply throw everything in the Instant Pot, set it, and go back to enjoying your day! Don’t have an Instant Pot? Don’t worry. Many of these foolproof recipes can be adapted for any brand of pressure cooker, the slow cooker, or the stove-top. Hands-off and healthy, these 20 summer Instant Pot recipes are the best way to avoid a hot stove but still wow at your next backyard BBQ.
1. Summer Soup
If you’re one of those people who avoid soup in the summer, you’re missing out. This refreshing and healthy summer soup showcases the best of the season with chunks of fresh zucchini and corn right off the cob. There’s also farro in the mix, which is a light grain that gives the soup depth. Toss everything into the Instant Pot with a tomato-based broth, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
2. Lentil Tacos
Are you out of inspiration for your next meatless Monday or vegetarian dinner party? This quick, easy, and very tasty recipe is the answer to your prayers. Lentils, broth, spices, and salsa all go into the Instant Pot for 15 minutes and are transformed into a spicy, fiesta-flavored paste. Stuff the mixture into soft tortillas and add plenty of lettuce, cheese, avocado, and sour cream for a tasty lunch or delicious dinner.
3. Instant Pot Potato Salad
Potato salad is a summer classic, and it seems like everyone has their own version. This easy Instant Pot recipe is sure to be your next favorite. t’s easy, quick, and it delivers deliciousness. What’s not to love?! You won’t need a steamer basket either, as the potatoes and eggs are cooked together right in the Instant Pot. Once cooled, they’re dressed with an herby, creamy sauce and tossed with red onion, celery, and dill pickles.
4. Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Instant Pot tomato soup is a little bit of culinary magic, and that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. This healthy, rich soup is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. But don’t let that put you off. This isn’t joyless diet food, it’s fresh-flavored summer comfort food!
5. Instant Pot Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a popular summer side in Asia where it accompanies light curries and salads. With just a hint of sweetness, this fragrant rice is ideal with bold flavors like spicy stir-fries or marinated meats.
6. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Take your tastebuds to Thailand with this tangy stir-fry that works as both a side and a main meal. Fresh pineapple chunks and juice are added to short-grain rice, along with summer veggies and aromatic seasonings for a uniquely savory-sweet meal. If you’re making for a crowd or just want to get fancy for family, serve this in a hollowed-out half pineapple. They won’t know if it’s dessert or dinner, but they’ll know it’s delicious!
7. Instant Pot Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
Wheat berries are the secret ingredient in these unique and tasty wraps. They’re cooked in the Instant Pot and then sauteed with ground pork and a host of exotic Asian flavors. Sambal oelek (chili paste), sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh cilantro give these wraps a tasty kick.
8. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork
Pressure cookers are a great way to cook meat quickly without drying it out or losing flavor. This easy-peasy five-ingredient recipe features juicy ground pork, cooked with rice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. I’ll bet all those things are in your fridge/cupboard right now… so what are you waiting for?!
9. Instant Pot Baked Beans
Do you know what baked beans go well with? Everything. Whether you’ve fired up the grill for a steak, need a side for a potluck, or just fancy something to go with crusty bread, these tangy beans will be welcome at any table. Thick, sticky, and smoky-sweet, these beans are a world away from the stuff you’ll get in a can. They’re cooked with salty bacon, treacly molasses, and soy sauce for a hickory-style flavor. Make a big pot and share the love!
10. Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
A massive pot of dip may not be your idea of a well-rounded meal, but that’s because you haven’t tried this creamy concoction. It’s loaded with fresh summer spinach, healthy artichokes, and creamy cheese. Put out a bowl of pita chips or crusty bread and dive into the gooey, melty goodness.
11. Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tilapia
This light and fragrant fish dish screams summer. With flavors like fresh basil, sweet tomatoes, and salty olives in there, you’ll see why. Healthy, tasty, and very satisfying, serve this one over quinoa or rice for lightning-fast dinner (it cooks in just under 10 minutes).
12. Instant Pot Chicken Paprika
If smoky paprika, fragrant garlic, and plump chicken drumsticks sound like your idea of a good time, you’re in the right place. This four-ingredient (and paleo-friendly) meal uses the Instant Pot to cook the chicken quickly before popping the seasoned drumsticks under the broiler. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, seasoned skin.
13. Instant Pot Tomato Salsa
Salsa is a summer must-have. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, brunches, or basically any time you feel like snacking. This version simmers juicy tomatoes with peppers, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. With around 12 cups, this is a big batch meal that you can gift to friends, store in the fridge, or just throw an epic salsa party with.
14. Instant Pot Mexican Queso
I don’t know about you, but the sun always puts me in a fiesta-type mood. Bring the taste to your next party with this delicious queso – a blend of beef, tomatoes, chilis, and cheese. Traditionally served as a side or dip, queso is best enjoyed with crunchy tortilla chips. There’s a technique to loading as much queso as humanly possible on a single chip, and with a big pot of this Instant Pot version, you’ll have plenty of fun learning it.
15. Instant Pot Corn Dip
Fresh summer corn, cheese, creamy mayo, and spices come together in this amazing, tasty dish. Made for scooping and devouring with tortilla chips, Instant Pot corn dip is the summer snack you need in your life.
16. Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
The best pulled pork needs lots of added sweetener to really deliver that caramelized, rich, smoky-sweet flavor. Here, a can of Dr. Pepper does the trick, adding a piquant taste to spicy, shredded pork. Your guests will think you’ve been slowly smoking it for hours instead of just piling it into the Instant Pot. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.
17. Instant Pot Peach Jam
Peaches are one of the best things about summer. Perfectly sweet and juicy at this time of year, they make it into everything in my house – pies, marinades, and, yep, jam. There’s no pectin or refined sugar in this easy version. Simply sweeten with honey and a dash of vanilla, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This is jam for people who hate making jam (i.e all of us).
18. Instant Pot Peach Cobbler
No summer feast is complete without homemade peach cobbler, served up warm with ice cream. You won’t need to turn on the oven for this one. With just four ingredients and 25 minutes of cooking time, it’s a divine dessert that’s hassle-free.
19. Instant Pot Cheesecake
Winter might be all about dense puddings and festive cakes, but summer is cheesecake season. Not many people associate Instant Pot with dessert, but they produce incredibly moist cakes in half the time. You will need a springform pan that fits inside your Instant Pot for this recipe. But if investing in that extra bit of equipment means being able to eat this creamy vanilla cheesecake with cherry topping whenever you want, then it’s money well spent.
20. Instant Pot Chocolate Cheesecake
I have three words for you. Triple. Chocolate. Cheesecake. Yep, say hello to summer with this cake which features a chocolate cookie crust, a creamy chocolate center, and a rich chocolate ganache. Know someone with a summer birthday? This celebratory cake is perfect for special occasions. Give the gift of chocolate, and you’ll be loved all year-round. Click on a star to rate it!
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