23 Refreshing Instant Pot Recipes Perfect for Summer

As instant cooking has become increasingly popular, many households now feature an Instant Pot as their trusted kitchen companion.

These appliances have revolutionized home cooking by simplifying meal preparation while also elevating culinary experiences.

The versatility of Instant Pots makes them an ideal addition to any kitchen, regardless of the season. Summer is no exception.

Mediterranean Instant Pot Fish en Papillote

Make Ahead Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Seafood lovers rejoice! The versatility of an Instant Pot allows for effortless cooking of this delectable ‘en papillote’ dish, where the ingredients are wrapped in parchment paper or aluminum foil and cooked to perfection within the pressure cooker. This mouth-watering recipe combines the freshness of lemon, parsley, tomatoes, and olives with succulent fish, resulting in a culinary experience that’s sure to impress.

Pressure Cooker Asopado

Mediterranean Instant Pot Fish en Papillote

Asopado, a harmonious blend of soup and paella, can be prepared to perfection in an Instant Pot. This delectable dish is a chicken and rice combination cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce. To create this mouthwatering recipe, start by preparing the sofrito tomato sauce before adding your chicken thighs.

Pressure Cooker Risotto With Shrimp And Asparagus

Pressure Cooker Pork Picadillo Lettuce Wraps

In the culinary world, Risotto is an iconic Italian dish that revolves around the rich flavors and textures of creamy rice. This delectable recipe marries Arborio rice with succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, sweet onion, and nutty Parmesan cheese, all harmoniously cooked in a medley of chicken broth and crisp white wine. The outcome is a refreshing and satisfying summer meal that’s sure to delight both you and your loved ones.

Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Beef

Pressure Cooker Risotto With Shrimp And Asparagus

Thai cuisine has a special place in our hearts, with its silky texture and bold flavors. One of our favorite dishes is this mouthwatering coconut beef, which just so happens to be incredibly simple to prepare using an Instant Pot. With the ability to customize the level of spiciness by tweaking the amount of red curry paste, you’re free to tailor this dish to your taste buds’ liking.

The sauce, meanwhile, relies on a harmonious blend of coconut milk, beef stock, and creamy peanut butter – a true trifecta of Thai flavors.

Summer Soup

Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Beef

While soups may not be the first dishes that come to mind when thinking about summer cuisine, the right combination of ingredients and flavors can make them just as refreshing and suitable for warm weather as they are for cold winter days. A perfect example is this summer-inspired soup recipe, which boasts a vibrant medley of diced tomatoes, zucchini, and corn, served atop a bed of hearty farro rice.

Tasty Curry Chicken Salad

Summer Soup

Summer salads are an ideal way to beat the heat, offering versatility in their serving options – whether as a satisfying lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at outdoor gatherings like picnics and potlucks. This particular salad stands out for its hearty nature, courtesy of chicken seasoned with the warm, aromatic flavor of curry powder.

To elevate the dish even further, I’ll also be sharing a recipe for homemade curry mayo dressing, perfect for adding an extra layer of creamy richness to your salad.

Thai Grilled Chicken

Tasty Curry Chicken Salad

Our latest Thai-inspired Instant Pot recipe is inspired by Gai Yang, a beloved street food dish in Thailand. This mouthwatering recipe features chicken thighs smothered in a rich glaze made from soy sauce, fish sauce, lemon, and lime juice. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, it’s essential to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but we recommend leaving it overnight for an even more intense flavor profile.

4-Minute Instant Pot Taco Mac And Cheese

Thai Grilled Chicken

The comforting classic of mac and cheese never fails to bring a smile to our faces. This Instant Pot recipe takes the traditional comfort food to new heights by introducing savory ground turkey or beef, chicken broth, and spinach leaves to the mix. While still featuring the star players – macaroni and cheese – this twist adds a depth of flavor that’s sure to become a new favorite. And the best part? You can whip it up in no time!

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

In our inaugural recipe, we’re sharing a straightforward yet delectable method for preparing succulent chicken breasts. To get started, you’ll need boneless and skinless poultry breast that’s been generously seasoned with a blend of your preferred dried spice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This culinary delight can be cooked to perfection in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks.

Once cooked, the chicken breasts can be paired with an array of accompaniments, including classic sides like steamed rice or a medley of fresh summer vegetables.

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Summer’s warmth brings the perfect excuse to indulge in flavorful and refreshing tacos, and this recipe hits the spot. The star of the show is tender Instant Pot chicken smothered in a rich barbecue sauce that will leave you craving more. But what truly elevates these tacos is the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa – a match made in summer heaven.

Instant Pot Ground Beef And Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Pasta’s versatility knows no season, making it a perfect dish to serve year-round. With this recipe, you can bypass the hassle of juggling multiple pots on the stovetop and cook your ground beef, sauce, and pasta seamlessly in the Instant Pot. Simply begin by cooking the ground beef, followed by adding the essential sauce ingredients and finally the pasta, streamlining the entire process.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork

Instant Pot Ground Beef And Pasta

Indulge in this delectable Instant Pot recipe that requires a mere five ingredients. While ground pork is the primary choice, feel free to substitute it with chicken, turkey, or beef to suit your taste preferences. The supporting cast of flavors includes aromatic garlic, water, soy sauce, and honey, all coming together to create a dish that’s as effortless as it is delightful. Once cooked, this mouthwatering medley can be served atop crisp lettuce for a refreshing summer treat.

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork

For our second taco recipe, we’re offering flexibility by providing an option to make it vegetarian using vegetable stock instead of chicken. The filling is comprised of lentils, broth, salsa, and a blend of seasonings and spices that combine for a flavorful and nutritious base. To customize your tacos, you can choose from a range of toppings to add the perfect finishing touches.

Instant Pot Lowcountry Seafood Feast

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

Summer’s bounty takes center stage in this vibrant seafood feast, showcasing a medley of fresh seafood and vegetables. Not only is it a nutritional powerhouse, but its flavor profile is sure to delight both family and guests alike. The added complexity of opening the Instant Pot to incorporate additional ingredients at various stages may require some extra effort, yet the harmonious union of turkey sausage and raw shrimp makes it an endeavor well worth the investment.

Instant Pot Mojo Pork

Instant Pot Lowcountry Seafood Feast

Mojo, a zesty citrus and herb sauce, pairs exquisitely with pork. In this recipe, the star of the show – pork – is elevated by a blend of oregano, garlic, cumin, bay leaf, orange, and lemon zest. The harmonious union of flavors requires just one hour to cook to perfection. Once cooked, the pork can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving.

Instant Pot Pork Tamales

Instant Pot Mojo Pork

While tamales are originally from Mexico and Guatemala, their popularity has grown significantly across the United States in recent years. This traditional recipe does require some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. In fact, preparing it over two days can actually enhance the overall flavor and texture of the finished product. If you’re short on time, don’t worry – it’s still possible to make a delicious batch of tamales in just one day.

The key to success lies in the harmonious combination of tender pork, fragrant corn husks, and an array of savory flavorings.

Instant Pot Summer Corn & Crab Chowder

Instant Pot Pork Tamales

While thick and hearty, this chowder defies traditional seasonal expectations by incorporating refreshing summer vegetables and flavors that make it an ideal choice for a warm evening gathering. The combination of sweet corn, succulent crab, smoky bacon, and savory leek, bell pepper, and potato creates a rich and satisfying dish. What’s more, the recipe can be prepared in as little as 35 minutes, making it a quick and delicious option for any time of year.

Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tilapia

Instant Pot Summer Corn & Crab Chowder

Despite its often-overlooked status, tilapia is a delightful and subtle fish that we thoroughly enjoy incorporating into our culinary creations. Whether you opt for frozen filets or choose an alternative fish, the versatility of this dish is undeniable. Alongside the tilapia, the recipe also features Roma tomatoes, pungent garlic, fragrant basil, and a medley of seasonings, all combining to create a truly mouthwatering experience.

Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tilapia

Savoring the flavors of summer, this vibrant vegetable chili recipe is a perfect blend of healthy and delicious. Not only is it vegetarian, but also entirely vegan, making it an excellent option for those following a plant-based diet. The foundation of this delectable dish lies in its base of black beans and pinto beans, expertly seasoned with the bold flavors of poblano peppers, chile powder, and chipotle chile in adobo sauce.

Make Ahead Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Baby back ribs are a versatile choice for various summer gatherings, including family events, barbecues, and tailgate parties. While they may require some preparation, such as trimming them down to fit in the Instant Pot, this process won’t compromise their flavor. In fact, you can opt to prepare the ribs ahead of time or make them fresh just before serving – a flexibility that’s sure to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to elevate their summer cooking game, we’ve curated a diverse selection of 23 delectable Instant Pot recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.

This comprehensive list boasts an impressive array of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a sweet treat for dessert lovers.

Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, there’s a recipe within this collection that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

instant-pot-recipes-for-summer

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