26 Easy and Refreshing Summer Dishes

1. Cold Somen Noodles

Cold somen noodles are my number one pick for a Japanese summer dish! They’re popular because when it’s too hot to cook, you only need to boil them for 2 minutes. Just pair them with chilled mentsuyu sauce, and you’ve got a refreshing meal ready in about 5 minutes!

2. Colorful Somen Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Cold somen noodles pair perfectly with colorful, refreshing vegetables. This somen salad includes cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and boiled eggs, but feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies. Enjoy this light and refreshing Japanese summer salad!

3. Boiled Okra with Japanese Somen Noodles

Another somen noodle dish with okra for summer! It’s my favorite as it’s easy to prepare, light on the stomach, and great for days when you want something quick and cooling.

4. Hiyashi Chuka

Hiyashi chuka is a summer essential in Japan. It’s a cold ramen noodle dish topped with a variety of fresh ingredients and served with a tangy, savory sauce. We enjoy its light, refreshing taste throughout the summer.

5. Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

Here’s another delicious way to enjoy cold ramen noodles! This ramen noodle salad combines chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich sesame dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish.

6. Zaru Udon

Zaru udon is a classic summer noodle dish in Japan. Just boil the udon, rinse it under cold water, and serve it with a chilled mentsuyu dipping sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for hot days!

7. Bukkake Udon

Similar to zaru udon, this bukkake udon is even simpler—you just pour mentsuyu sauce over the boiled udon noodles. Add a raw egg in the center for a rich, creamy texture. Quick, satisfying, and perfect for summer!

8. Chilled Natto Udon Noodle Bowl

If you love natto, you’ve got to try this natto udon! It’s the perfect summer combo! This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy natto when it’s hot out. So refreshing and tasty—definitely give it a try!

9. Zaru Soba

Just like zaru udon, zaru soba is a classic summer noodle dish! Boil the soba noodles, rinse them well under cold water, and serve them with chilled mentsuyu dipping sauce—simple and refreshing. We usually make zaru udon for the kids and zaru soba for the adults—it’s a family favorite!

10. Simple Soba Noodle Salad with Mayo Dressing

Enjoy this vibrant soba noodle salad with fresh vegetables and a creamy mayo dressing. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light meal. Give it a try!

11. Hiyayakko

We can’t skip this classic chilled tofu dish in summer—hiyayakko is so refreshing! The best part? You can top it in so many different ways. I’m sharing 8 delicious variations, so you’re sure to find your favorite!

12. Simple Pickled Japanese Eggplant Recipe

Eggplant is in season during summer, and this light, refreshing pickled eggplant is one of my go-to recipes. The subtle tang and delicate flavor make it perfect for boosting your appetite on hot days!

13. Pickled Cucumbers with Shio Kombu

This super easy pickled cucumber recipe uses shio kombu, a savory seaweed condiment that adds so much flavor. I make it on repeat all summer long—and never get tired of it!

14. Sunomono Salad

This sunomono salad is a must for hot weather! The mix of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce makes it light, refreshing, and super energizing. My son loves it so much—there are never any leftovers!

15. Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Garlic and Sesame

If you’re craving something crunchy, this cabbage salad is a great choice! It’s light and fresh, making it a perfect starter!

16. Napa Cabbage Slaw

This easy and quick napa cabbage slaw is the best! If you’re wondering what to do with napa cabbage, try this refreshing salad—it’s light, crisp, and perfect for summer!

17. Wakame Salad

Enjoy a quick, easy, and delicious wakame salad, a classic Japanese seaweed dish! It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a tasty side.

18. Quick and Simple Miso Mayo Recipe

This flavorful miso mayo adds a tasty kick to any meal. It’s perfect as a dip for veggies, a salad dressing, or even a marinade!

19. Tofu Salad with Seaweed

This tofu and seaweed salad makes a light, delicious side dish. A homemade ginger-soy dressing adds a bold burst of flavor to every bite.

20. Tomato and Tofu Salad with Shio Kombu

Even on hot days when you’re not feeling very hungry, this tomato and tofu salad is a great choice! Simply top tofu with tomatoes seasoned with shio kombu, and you’ve got a refreshing salad ready in 5 minutes!

21. Tomato and Onion Salad with Sweet Soy Dressing

This salad is so refreshing—crispy onions, juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a flavorful soy sauce–based dressing. It’s quick, easy, and so tasty! Give it a try!

22. Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Ponzu

Quick and easy! This is my go-to summer salad—just toss juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers in tangy ponzu. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day!

23. Tomato and Avocado Salad with Shiokoji

A simple and refreshing salad made with tomato, avocado, and shio-koji! The natural umami and sweetness of shio-koji enhance the fresh flavors perfectly.

24. Tomato Somen Noodles

A simple and refreshing salad made with tomato, avocado, and shio-koji! The natural umami and sweetness of shio-koji enhance the fresh flavors perfectly.

25. Amazake Recipe (Japanese Fermented Rice Drink)

Amazake is a traditional Japanese energy drink made from rice. With a naturally sweet taste, it has been enjoyed for centuries, especially in summer, to help beat the heat and recharge your energy!

26. Amazake Smoothie Recipes

Why not make a smoothie with amazake? It’s a naturally sweet and nourishing treat—I love having it for breakfast or as a quick energy boost!

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