12 Easy French Recipes For Summer

By Jenn Segal

Even if you’re not traveling abroad this summer, you can still take your taste buds on a Parisian vacation. From ratatouille to Vichysoisse, all of these classic French recipes are easy to whip up at home.

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

This grated carrot salad with lemon dijon vinaigrette is standard fare in French bistros. It’s perfect for a picnic.
Spinach Quiche

Made with heavy cream and Gruyère, this rich spinach quiche is classic French. Thanks to frozen spinach and a store-bought crust, it’s easy too.
Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a bright and chunky summer vegetable stew, rich with olive oil and fragrant with garlic and herbs.
Slow-Roasted Salmon with French Herb Salsa

This slow-roasted salmon with an elegant fresh herb salsa is wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for summer eating.
Quiche Lorraine

With smoky bacon, nutty Gruyère, and shallots, classic quiche Lorraine is ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Serve it with a green salad, warm bread, and a crisp white wine.
Chocolate Mousse

This classic chocolate mousse is light yet intensely chocolate. Don’t be fooled by the French name — it’s quick and easy to make!
Ham & Cheese Oven-Puffed Pancake

This ham and cheese oven-puffed pancake falls deliciously halfway between a crepe and a soufflé: crisp on the outside and comfortingly tender inside.
Potato Leek Soup

Serve this creamy potato leek soup cold and you’ve got Vichysoisse, a French classic.
Raspberry & Cream Parfaits

Piled high with fresh raspberries and boozy whipped cream, these raspberry parfaits make a light and elegant dessert.
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

This spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is topped with thick-cut bacon, mushrooms, and soft-boiled eggs in a warm bacon vinaigrette. It’s dinner-worthy.
French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese

Whether for a light dinner or wholesome packed lunch, this hearty lentil and vegetable salad is the ticket.
Crepes

Traditional French crepes are easier to make than you think. Serve them sweet or savory fillings any time of day.