Comfort Foods Aren't Just For Winter: 13 Comforting Recipes For Warmer Weather

Usually when you think comfort food, you probably envision curling up in front of the fire place with a steaming bowl of chili or an over-sized helping of chicken and dumplings, but as the weather warms up and we leave our winter hibernation behind, we need dishes that still satisfy the soul without all the excess heat and sleep-inducing carbs.

Thinking up seasonally-driven dishes isn't so hard in the spring and summer with all the vibrant produce available at your favorite local farmers market. Relaxing comfort foods that evoke a sense of nostalgia without sitting heavy in our stomachs are what we need, so we can keep calm and enjoy the beautiful weather this time of year.

Comfort food recipes don't need to be overly complicated — although we have been known to put in the extra work for the perfect fried chicken recipe —like these quick-and-easy, salsa-marinated Baja Fish Tacos and Chilled Avocado Soup, can hit the spot and carry us away to the perfect, tropical vacation locale in our minds.

However, beyond tropical flavors, comfort food classics, like creamy macaroni and cheese is transformed for warm weather with the paradoxically cooling heat from chile peppers and heavy burgers are lightened up with ground turkey in this Spinach and Feta Turkey Burger With a Mediterranean twist.

For more hunger-satisfying, comfort food recipes that won't weigh you down this spring and summer, check out our complete list of 13 recipes from creamy dips to seasonal soups that will hit the spot.

Satisfy your taco craving with this recipe from Richard Sandoval that is easy to make. You can swap tuna, halibut, or any other freshly caught fish for the called-for snapper.

For the Baja Fish Tacos recipe, click here.

Avocado and south-of-the-border dishes like chipotle shrimp are often synonymous with each other, and this recipe from Cooking Light's Good Mood Food cookbook puts a whole new spin on the two, serving the shrimp in a creamy avocado soup with lime cream and a fresh corn salsa.

For the Chilled Avocado Soup With Seared Chipotle Shrimp recipe, click here.

There is never a bad time of year for a burrito, but this lightened up burrito bowl is perfect for satisfying your craving this spring or summer.

For the Chipotle-Style Steak Burrito Bowls recipe, click here.

The winning combination of peanut butter and banana come together in this simple-to-make, delicious frozen yogurt.

For the Clean Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Yogurt recipe, click here.

Lobster rolls are a classic New England treat, made with fresh lobster meat and just a bit of seasoning and mayo, all piled high on a buttery brioche bun. Recipe courtesy of Lure Fishbar in New York City. —BCPR

For the New England Lobster Roll recipe, click here.

A mixture of Greek yogurt, mustard, and grated pecorino form a tangy layer of flavor underneath the crust of these chicken breasts. Served with a fresh garden salad or some sautéed greens, this is a quick and healthy meal that's a snap to put together. — Laura Cipullo

For the Pecorino-Crusted Spring Chicken recipe, click here.

Tangy barbecue sauce spiked with your favorite hot sauce, sweet pineapple, and tender pulled pork is the perfect balance of flavors for a slider you will crave again and again this spring and summer.

For the Pulled Pork Sliders With Spicy BBQ Sauce and Pickled Pineapple recipe, click here.

Turn your favorite bagel sandwich topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese into a simple meal that's perfect at brunch or dinnertime. Use store-bought pierogies to make it even easier. — Dale Talde

For the Smoked Salmon & Everything Pierogies recipe, click here.

Eating spicy food can actually help you stay cool in hot weather, so dive in with this spicy macaroni and cheese that is made with creamy, gooey pepper jack, Cheddar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

For the Spicy Three Cheese Mac & Cheese recipe, click here.

Incorporate nutritious spinach and tangy feta into these burger-craving satisfying turkey burgers with a Mediterranean twist this spring and summer.

For the Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers recipe, click here.

Dip pita chips, homemade tortilla chips, or crudité in this creamy, cheesy dip made with in-season artichokes and spinach.

For the Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe, click here.

It takes less than 30 minutes to create this savory soup loaded with tender, cheese-filled tortellini and chopped spinach. It's fast, satisfying, and comforting. — Campbell's Kitchen

For the Spinach Tortellini Soup recipe, click here.

Forget traditional potato salads, heavy with mayo and salt. This dish highlights the natural beauty of perfectly cooked red potatoes with a light dressing of balsamic vinegar and dill so you can enjoy the potassium-packed potatoes as a healthful side dish at your next cookout. — Guiding Stars

For the Zesty Dill Potato Salad recipe, click here.