Simple solutions for better meals — even on your busiest summer days.
Longer days, lighter schedules (for some) and that spontaneous summer energy — this season invites us to relax a little more, linger outside a little longer and enjoy meals that feel a bit less fussy! But in reality, summer can also be busy: from kid camps and weekend road trips to juggling work and warm-weather activities, there’s often more movement, more mouths to feed, and less desire to spend hours in the kitchen.
That’s the magic of grain foods. Staples like pasta, bread, rice, oats and tortillas offer a foundation of ease and flexibility — making summer meals faster to prepare, more satisfying to eat and easier to share, whether you’re at home or on-the-go.
When It’s Too Hot to Cook…
Who wants to stand over a hot stove on a 90-degree day? Not us! Grain foods can help you skip the stress without sacrificing substance. Think cool, refreshing meals like a wrap filled with hummus, cucumbers and leftover grilled chicken; a slice of whole grain toast topped with ricotta and stone fruit; or a pasta salad loaded with your favorite veggies, diced chicken or beans, cheese and a tangy dressing (the best part? Pasta salads are even better the next day!).
| Hot Tip: Master your grain game — learn how to cook popular varieties and explore their nutrition facts in this handy guide. |
Batch-cooking grains once a week is another simple strategy: make a big pot of farro, barley or sorghum on Sunday and keep it in the fridge. That way, you can build meals in minutes — just add seasonal veggies, a protein and a drizzle of dressing.
Time-Savers with Staying Power
Grains are natural time-savers. A peanut butter sandwich on bread is still a gold standard for a reason — it’s quick, kid-approved and packs nutrition that lasts! But grains also shine in more unexpected ways: blend cooked oats into smoothies to add texture and fiber, or toast leftover rice in a skillet for a crispy base to top with fried eggs and summer herbs.
During busy weekdays, a simple grain-based dish can bridge the gap between lunch and dinner — or serve as dinner itself. A pita pizza with tomato, basil, and mozzarella takes less than 10 minutes and feels fresh, flavorful, and fun.
Effortless Meals, Everyday Joy
Grain foods don’t just simplify mealtime — they make it more enjoyable. They’re the go-to ingredient that helps you pull something delicious together in a pinch, whether you’re feeding a house full of weekend guests or packing sandwiches before a swim lesson.
So, this summer, lean into what’s easy! Keep your pantry stocked with your favorite grains, mix and match with seasonal ingredients, and give yourself permission to skip the complicated stuff. Grain foods help turn everyday meals into something shareworthy — with less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the season.
Looking for summer meal ideas that come together in a snap? Explore our collection of recipes.