If you've followed along here for any length of time, you know that pastry isn't just about dessert in my world. When I had my take-out shop, the savory side of the case was just as beloved as anything sweet — and summer was when it really shone. Tomatoes falling off the vine, fresh basil, peppers at their peak — it's the season that practically does the cooking for you.
I've pulled together twelve of my very favorite savory recipes that are perfectly suited to these warm months. Whether you're hosting a patio lunch, heading to a potluck supper, or just looking for something light and satisfying on a weeknight, there is something here for you. Many of these can be made a day or two ahead — or even frozen — which is exactly the kind of flexibility summer entertaining demands. These are the recipes my students asked for, my customers came back for, and the ones I still turn to again and again. I hope they earn a permanent spot in your repertoire too.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This was one of the best sellers at my take-out shop, and I can't tell you how much of it we made. Light, refreshing, and not a drop of mayonnaise in sight — just crunchy vegetables, calamata olives, a bit of feta, and a simple dressing that is packed with flavor. Make it ahead and let it sit; it only gets better.
Summer Vegetable Tart
This tart is everything summer produce was meant to be. An easy parmesan herb crust — no rolling required, just press it right into the pan — holds whatever beautiful vegetables you happen to bring home from the farmers market. It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making all season long, altering it endlessly with whatever looks best.
Goat Cheese Pesto Tart
This tart came directly from my love of summer peppers and basil — in this case, pesto. I cut the goat cheese with cream cheese to mellow its astringency, and the result is a filling that is creamy, vibrant, and holds its shape beautifully. It can be made ahead and frozen, which makes it an ideal choice for entertaining.
French Onion Tart
With tomatoes practically falling off the vines, this is exactly the right time to make this tart. At the shop we baked them in half sheet pans, trimmed the edges, and cut them into squares for appetizers — and they disappeared every single time. Fresh basil is essential here; it truly brings the whole thing to life.
Greek Tomato Salad
When summer tomatoes are at their peak, this is the salad I reach for first. Feta cheese and calamata olives give it a distinct Greek influence, and the simple dressing doesn't overtake the other ingredients — it just ties them together. It accompanies everything and is absolutely perfect alongside anything coming off the grill.
Southwestern Seafood Tart
This was a favorite from the take-out shop and remains one of my go-to summer tarts to this day. Good warm, at room temperature, or cold, it is an impressive but genuinely easy dinner that works beautifully for a patio lunch or a casual summer supper. Pair it with a simple black bean salad and you have a meal worth repeating.
Asparagus Tart
An easy cream cheese pastry holds a full pound of roasted asparagus brightened with lemon in a low-fat quiche mixture, finished with a generous top of parmesan. It's a perfect brunch, lunch, or dinner choice — and the fact that it can be made a couple of days ahead makes it exactly the kind of recipe summer weekends call for.
Muffaletta Bread
This is the recipe for when you want to actually enjoy being with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. The bread itself takes just five ingredients and comes together in minutes in the food processor. I strongly suggest refrigerating the dough for up to three days before baking — the flavor that develops is absolutely worth it.
Brie and Bacon Tart
The combination of brie, bacon, and caramelized onions is simply hard to beat. Instead of the usual cream, I use a blend of low-fat cottage cheese and plain yogurt, which reduces the calories and — more importantly — lets the flavors come through without coating your tongue. This was a consistent seller at the shop, and it's easy to see why.
Torta Rustica
This belongs in your repertoire. Layers of spinach, red peppers, artichokes, and provolone are enclosed in an Italian butter pastry — Pasta Frolla — that browns beautifully and holds the substantial filling without buckling or becoming soggy. It can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature, which makes it endlessly accommodating for summer entertaining.
International Flatbreads
I love flatbreads even more than pizza, because the absence of a sauce lets the toppings come through with a power they simply can't achieve otherwise. Fresh summer tomatoes, good olive oil, and your favorite ingredients are all you need. The dough can be made well ahead, making this one of the most relaxed and satisfying things you can put on a summer table.
These are especially good at the end of summer as it's the last chance to use those ripe tomatoes and vegetables. See if you don't agree!
Smoked Turkey Salad
This Smoked Turkey Salad is exactly what I reach for when the heat has me wanting something satisfying without turning on the oven. It came straight from my take-out shop, and the secret is starting with good smoked turkey — I skip the deli counter and buy mine from a local smokehouse, which makes all the difference. Serve it alongside cold cantaloupe or watermelon and a slice of good bread, and dinner is done.
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