10 easy recipes for a relaxed summer dinner

Summer is all about socializing more and doing less: less preparation, less cleanup, less fuss. The way to channel the holiday vibe all season long, from a weeknight dinner to a Saturday night barbecue, is to rely on dishes that everyone likes and are easy to prepare.

Another way to spend more time at the party: serve your recipes on the same plates you cooked them on. The crucible makes this part a breeze, with stunning enameled cast iron and ceramic in a kaleidoscope of colors. (We’re currently vibing with the sweet pale pink of Fishing.) But these beauties aren’t just about looks: Le Creuset cookware is known for its excellent heat retention, which translates to a perfectly cooked end product, whether you’re baking, roasting, or grilling. Here are 10 easy recipes that are sure to wow at your next summer feast.

On a warm summer night, this recipe hits the sweet spot between light and hearty. The sweet, spicy, and savory mojo marinade makes the whole dish delicious, plus it can be used as a salad dressing, making it easy to prepare.

Relaxed and spectacular aren’t mutually exclusive: This wonder is actually very easy to prepare. Plus, the accompanying mushrooms, broccoli, and turnips are roasted right in the pan, which means fewer dishes to wash up afterward.

This fresh, summery salad gets its main-dish energy from wild mushrooms and nutty-flavored farro (one of our favorite grains). And the herbaceous vinaigrette makes great use of the tarragon and thyme growing in your garden right now.

When the menu calls for something simple and impressive, grilled whole fish won’t disappoint. This rainbow trout is seasoned with herbs and lemon and topped with bright gremolata and chopped pistachios. It’s roasted alongside bitter radicchio for a one-pan feast.

A fun take on pizza night, this flatbread is a celebration of the flavor of summer. Here it’s topped with tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms, but let what you picked up at the most recent farmers market guide you. Don’t skip the tangy goat cheese and garlicky arugula pesto.

Or perhaps you prefer pesto in bread form? This savory brioche-style side dish has a great herbaceous flavor. It’s great alongside a variety of grilled vegetables and proteins or as part of a buildable bruschetta bar.

Quick breads provide the comforting satisfaction of fresh bread in much less time, making them perfect for a last-minute feast. This is a great way to use up a bountiful zucchini harvest and makes a sublime accompaniment to a simple salad.

Sweet, tart and oh-so-nice to snack on – this cake has it all. Just look at that dreamy cake frosting! It’s perfect to serve after a summer dinner and the leftovers will be waiting for you for your afternoon coffee the next day.

What better way to toast an outdoor gathering than with a drink that resembles a summer sunset? Quickly charring the peaches gives you a smoky balance with the sweetness, and the blueberry syrup has a nice fruity flavor. Drizzle the extra over ice cream, pancakes, and more!

This refreshing drinking glass is all about balance: peach liqueur infused with smoky Lapsang Souchong tea, light-bodied blanco tequila, tart notes of strawberry and lime, and a warm hint of vanilla. And serving cocktails in batches in a Dutch oven? It’s a game-changer. The exceptional heat retention of enameled cast iron keeps cold foods chilled, too. You can use it as an ice bucket for wine and champagne, too!