196 refresher recipes

Chilled two-tone melon soup with cantaloupe and honeydew poured side by side for a striking orange-and-green presentation. A refreshing no-cook summer appetizer with sherry, citrus, and fresh mint.

Shinina is a traditional Middle Eastern salted yogurt drink made with just plain yogurt, water, and salt served over ice. The simplest, most refreshing cooler for hot days. Ready in 10 minutes.

Korean dongchimi made with turnip, scallion, ginger, and garlic in a light salt brine. A refreshing, mild water kimchi that ferments at room temperature and keeps for a week in the fridge.

A chilled summer pasta salad of garden vegetable pasta, cooked shrimp, and sweet honeydew melon balls tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A refreshing, make-ahead sweet-and-savory dish for warm days.

What a great way to cook with seasonal veggies. I used both green zucchini and yellow summer squash that grew in my garden as well as tomato, and it was yummy and refreshing.

Cool, green, and refreshing, this avocado aperitif blends ripe avocado with cucumber, fresh parsley, and lemon juice over crushed ice. A silky, savory sip to kick off any meal. Ready in 15 minutes.

Iced mint green tea spiked with sake and honey, steeped with fresh mint leaves, and finished with a lemongrass stalk stirrer. A refreshing cocktail-style summer drink with an easy non-alcoholic version.

Pan-seared teriyaki chicken sliced over a cool, tangy cucumber salad with sesame oil, ginger and a hint of red pepper heat. A light, refreshing dinner that balances warm and cold in every bite.

Chilled cucumber and bell pepper soup blended creamy with yogurt, watercress, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. A no-cook, blender-easy cold soup that's all the refreshment you want on a hot day.

Red and green salad is a bitter Italian-style composed salad of chicory, Belgian endive, shaved fennel, radicchio, and sliced radishes with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Crisp, sharp, and refreshing.

Feel too lazy to make a dessert, but still crave something sweet. This almond cream with strawberries fits your need perfectly. Less than 10 minutes, this delicious, guilt-free yet refreshing fruit dessert is ready to enjoy.

Easy raw fennel salad: crisp fennel cubes tossed with good olive oil, salt, pepper and a splash of white wine vinegar. A refreshing, anise-scented Italian side that lets the fennel's clean crunch shine. Ready in minutes.

Grilled eggplant is meaty and tender, grilling gives the lots of smoky flavor; it's served with feta cheese, toasted pine nuts and garlicky yogurt sauce over a bed of lettuce. Nutty, creamy and refreshing summer salad, a well balanced side along with your favorite grilled steak.

Authentic Chinese side dish that combines the peppery flavor of radishes with a savory, slightly tangy with a hint of sweet soy dressing. The radishes are gleefully smashed allowing them to soak up the flavors of the dressing.

Eat with Indian or Lebonese style flat breads. Great as a side with barbequed lamb.

Indonesian grilled fish simmered in a fragrant coconut milk curry with turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and fresh greens. A traditional Gulai recipe that brings bold Southeast Asian flavors to your table in 35 minutes.