In summer, whether due to being on vacation, the heat, the shorter workdays, or a combination of these factors, we often have less appetite and more craving for refreshing and light recipes. Whether it's for one reason or another, we lose interest in cooking elaborate dishes and tend to opt for quick and easy summer meals.

In this post, we'll show you how to prepare simple and light recipes that are perfect for this time of year. And most importantly... you'll have them ready in no time!

Take advantage of the time you save cooking to go to the beach, enjoy your hobbies, or share it with your loved ones; we'll show you how to cook more quickly without compromising on healthy and balanced eating.

 

Ideas for Quick Summer Meals

We often associate "quick cooking" with less healthy dishes, but that's not the case. There are also quick and healthy summer meals, such as a delicious salad filled with spices and all the necessary nutrients.

All the recipe options we're going to present are based on the Mediterranean diet. This type of diet is much more than an eating pattern; over the years, it has become a healthy lifestyle highly recommended by medical experts worldwide. What does it entail? The main basis of the diet is cereals and vegetables accompanied by a small amount of meat or other animal products, like ham.

Let's dive into the dishes!

 

 

Salads

Salads are the best option when it comes to quick and healthy cooking. Some of them can be ready in just ten minutes, and the result is delicious and nutritionally complete. Here are some ideas:

 

Spinach, Zucchini, Ricotta, and Ham Salad

A vegetable-based salad with ingredients of animal origin, such as ricotta cheese or Iberian ham. You'll have it ready in just ten minutes! Check out the step-by-step and why these ingredients were chosen in the complete recipe.

 

Spinach, Radish, Tomato, Apple, and Ham Salad

This recipe combines vegetables, fruits, and cured meat, making it very healthy as it provides a range of essential nutrients for our bodies such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats. Discover how to prepare it on the Enrique Tomás blog.

 

Summer Salad with Figs, Parmesan, and Iberian Ham

A summer salad based on arugula leaves, figs, Parmesan cheese, and Iberian ham with an olive oil and almond vinaigrette. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that perfectly suits a healthy and light lunch or dinner, ideal to prepare in minutes and take it anywhere: the beach, work, the pool, the park, etc.

• Follow the step-by-step recipe on the blog.

 

Spinach, Zucchini, Ricotta, and Ham Salad

 

Light and Fresh Ham Salad

 

Fig, Ham, and Parmesan Salad

 

Salads that aren't vegetable-based may take a bit longer in terms of preparation time. Nevertheless, if the base consists of legumes, potatoes, pasta, or rice, a good time-saving option is to have the base cooked beforehand and the vegetables chopped. When it's time to cook, you'll only need to add the seasonings.

We've provided three perfect ideas for such occasions.

• Wild Rice, Quinoa, Apple, and Ham
• Rustic Salad
• Lentils with Vegetables and Serrano Ham
  
  

Lentil Salad with Ham

Rustic Salad

Wild Rice, Quinoa, Apple, and Ham

 

Cold Creams

Cantaloupe Melon Gazpacho with Ham

We all love the combination of melon and ham, two ingredients that provide that delicious and classic contrast between sweet and salty. In this case, we propose a very refreshing typical summer recipe where these two ingredients complement each other wonderfully: melon gazpacho with ham. If you're a fan of the classic melon with ham, this dish will captivate you!

• Follow the step-by-step recipe and have it ready in 15 minutes.

 

Andalusian Salmorejo

One of the most delicious summer dishes, perfect for coping with the heat during this time of the year. It originates from Andalusia, specifically from the region of Córdoba, and is usually served on its own or accompanied by an ingredient that complements it and adds uniqueness, such as Iberian ham.

• Prepare it following our recipe

 

Cantaloupe Melon Gazpacho with Ham

Salmorejo with Iberian Ham

 

 

Simple and Quick Dishes to Share

Sharing dishes can also be options for quick summer meals to prepare. In this case, these types of recipes are ideal for occasions when we have guests over for dinner but don't have time to cook something elaborate. We're going to give you three options that you're sure to love: easy, delicious, and healthy.

 

Iberian Ham Carpaccio

Iberian Ham and Parmesan Carpaccio is becoming increasingly common in our gastronomy. Although "carpaccio" is originally from Italian cuisine, it is becoming more integrated into Spanish cuisine. In this case, we propose including 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham - Pata Negra as the main ingredient in this dish. The quality of the product is undeniable, ensuring a successful flavor in front of your guests.

• Follow the complete step-by-step guide.

 

Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham Carpaccio

 

Endive Boats with Ham

 

Iberian Charcuterie and Fruits Platter

Finally, we present you with a very quick option that will give you excellent results for shared meals or dinners. The charcuterie platter is

One of the most typical starters in our gastronomy is a selection of Iberian cured meats, iberian ham, and cheese. Furthermore, if you add seasonal fruits that are typical of summer as accompaniments, you'll create a lighter, refreshing meal or dinner that's ideal for hot days.

• Learn how to prepare it by clicking here.

 

 

Now that we at Enrique Tomás have presented what we believe are the best quick summer meals to prepare, we recommend that you visit our blog and discover many more tips about recipes, ham, and products from our gastronomy. We look forward to welcoming you!

If these dishes have already made your mouth water and you want to add ham to your regular diet, head to our online store.