Summer starter recipes

Bring warmth and colour to the table with our summer starter recipes.

Make the most of summer produce with easy starter ideas using courgettes, aubergine, fresh tomatoes and sweet peppers. We’ve even included some sweet-savoury dishes with grilled peaches and juicy strawberries. These recipes are perfect for laid-back lunches and dinners in the garden, and many of them are make-ahead too. Fingers crossed for good weather.

Our best-ever summery starters include refreshing chilled soups like watermelon gazpacho and vichyssoise. Serve up platters of sharing dishes for a casual gathering, like these golden fish croquettes and addictive aubergine moussaka rolls. Planning a more formal do or dinner party? There’s plenty of ideas below to impress your guests.

See our summer of sport recipe ideas if you’re getting friends together to watch some of the year’s big sporting events.