The secret ingredient in this delicious green gazpacho? Ciabatta bread! It gives body to the liquid and thickens the cucumber, melon, and grape juices. Serve as a light summer dinner or as the appetizer for a dinner party. If you’re making the soup ahead, make sure to taste the seasoning before serving, since chilling can change the saltiness of cold food. Pair with a crisp white wine or rosé, and some good tunes on the stereo, because, summer.

File this cooking method under “Smartest Back-Pocket Chicken Recipes.” Roasting the thighs in a hot oven means you can get evenly cooked, juicy meat and still have crispy skin on top, all without having to splatter your cooktop. While the chicken cooks, you’ll make a quick, buttery balsamic glaze that balances the rich chicken and a tart cherry salsa. Speaking of the salsa, it’s the kind of fresh take on a side that is as good a match for chicken as it is with white fish, steak, or even crispy tofu.

If you’re looking for a drink that not only tastes but looks like summer in a glass, then look no further. This spicy melon sparkler combines a peppercorn-spiked simple syrup with puréed cantaloupe and sparkling water for a delicious, bright twist on your average lemonade. If you want to tote this along for a picnic or barbecue, make the cantaloupe-lemon-syrup mixture and wait to add the sparkling water until you’re ready to drink up. Shopping tip: look for pink peppercorns near the spices at your grocery store.