As the sun rises earlier and the days get hotter, there's no better time to shake up your breakfast routine than summer. Morning meals in the summer should be light, refreshing, and maybe just a little bit indulgent. Here are some fun and delicious ideas to make your summer breakfasts something to leap out of bed for (or at least crawl out with a bit more enthusiasm), and trust us, they’re easier than Lionel Ritchie on a Sunday morning.
1. the smoothie parade
Summer is the season of smoothies. Blend up a rainbow of flavours and colours that will make your taste buds do the cha-cha. Healthy, refreshing, tasty, and chock-a-block full of vitamins and nutrients… Not to shabby! Here are a few combos to try:
- Tropical Tango: Pineapple, mango, banana, and coconut milk. Add a tiny umbrella for that "vacation in a glass" feel. Wear a pair of sunnies indoors to complete the ensemble, also having the added benefit of making your neighbours question who it is they’ve chosen to live next door to.
- Berry Bliss: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and Greek yogurt. Guaranteed to make your mouth sing and possibly break into a jazz solo. Be Bop your way into the day with this one, just be mindful that the bright colours of the berries can filter through… You know what we mean… You’ve been warned.
- Green Goddess: Spinach, avocado, green apple, and a splash of lime juice. This one’s healthy enough to make your kale-loving neighbour green with envy. Greener than Greta Thunberg in a Prius!
2. overnight oats: the lazy gourmet’s dream
No one wants to slave over a hot stove in the summer/ever... Let’s be honest, most people who miss breakfast only do so, because using our arms for anything other than hitting the snooze button in the morning, absolutely sucks. Enter overnight oats, the breakfast that practically makes itself. Here’s how you do it:
- Mix oats, milk (or a milk substitute, though how one milks an almond still blows people’s minds… This planet is broken, let me off…), and your favourite toppings in a jar.
- Leave it in the fridge overnight.
- Wake up to deliciousness. That’s literally it.
Here are a few flavour ideas:
- Peanut Butter & Banana: Classic, comforting, and Elvis-approved. A bit of an American twist this one, if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Berry Medley: Mix in fresh berries and a touch of honey. Sweet enough to make a bee jealous. And they are pretty spiteful at the best of times…
- Chocolate Delight: Cocoa powder, a dollop of yogurt, and dark chocolate shavings. Because dessert for breakfast is totally a thing. People eat doughnuts for breakfast, right? One up them with this homemade breakfast pud!
3. avocado toast, but make It fancy
Avocado toast is like that reliable friend who always shows up – dependable, comforting, but sometimes in need of a little zhuzhing up. Try these variations:
- Caprese Style: Add sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, a touch of heart healthy olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Instant Italian getaway. Remember to add a sprinkling of salt and black pepper though, avocados are rank without seasoning.
- Spicy Kick: Top with chili flakes, a squeeze of lime, maybe a drop or two of tabasco, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Ole! You’ve just Mexican-ed the heck out of breakfast!
- Egg-cellent: Add a poached egg on top. Breaking that yolk is like watching a mini breakfast waterfall. It’s a classic, and if you’ve not already tried this one, then what are you even doing?
4. yogurt parfait: the art of layering
Layering is not just for fashionistas, or brickies. Create a yogurt parfait that’s as pretty as it is tasty:
- Base Layer: Greek yogurt, or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. Or any other alternative yogurt, sorry to seem pushy.
- Fruit Layer: Fresh berries, chopped peaches, or tropical fruits. If you’re feeling super lazy, there are loads of types of tinned fruit out there, and they’re super delicious.
- Crunch Layer: Granola, nuts, or seeds. Mix it up! This layer is important, though, it’s the one that makes you feel like it’s a treat.
Alternate layers in a tall glass, et voila! Breakfast worthy of Instagram fame. If you’re one of those people…
5. pancake cereal: because why not?
Yep, you read that right. Tiny pancakes you eat with a spoon – it’s a thing, and it’s amazing. It’s probably not the healthiest, but it can be done on the healthier side. Boring!
- Mini Pancakes: Use your regular pancake batter, but make them about the size of a two pound coin. Or as I like to call them, little-bites-of-heaven-sized.
- Serve in a Bowl: Just like cereal. Pour over some milk or, for the ultimate indulgence, warm maple syrup and a little blob of butter. Actually drooling while typing…
- Top It Off: Add fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream. Breakfast has never been this adorable. Or delicious. Or fun. If you’ve got kids, then you HAVE to try this with them, although they will fully do your head in asking for it again… Up to you.
6. breakfast ice pops: chill out
Who says ice pops are just for dessert? Cool down your mornings with these breakfast pops:
- Berry Yogurt Pops: Blend berries with yogurt and a touch of honey. OR if you’ve got any of your smoothie mix left over from hint number 1, then use this! Whatever you’re using, just freeze it in popsicle moulds.
- Coffee Buzz: Mix cold brew coffee with milk and a bit of sweetener. Freeze for an eye-opening treat. Orif you’re feeling particularly lazy, just use a regular coffee that you might have left to go cold by accident, that’s what we did when we came up with this idea. So blame me if it goes Pete Tong…
- Tropical Sunshine: Blend mango, orange juice, and a bit of coconut milk. Each bite is like a sip of sunshine. This one is good any time of the day, especially in summer, and it can be done seriously cheaply, give it a bat!
7. the classic: fruit salad
But not just any fruit salad – a fruit salad that makes you feel like you’re dining at a tropical resort. Remember, if you’re lazy, tins are your friend. Here’s how to get creative with it though:
- Mix It Up: Try using a variety of fruits like watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, and berries if you can.
- Minty Fresh: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a burst of cool flavour. Not too much though, otherwise it’ll taste like a funky toothpaste. Ew.
- Citrus Splash: Squeeze over some lime or orange juice for a zesty kick. You know that sounds good.
summer breakfast ideas: our conclusion
Summer breakfasts should be as bright and delightful as the season itself. Whether you're blending, layering, or toasting, these ideas are sure to add a splash of fun to your morning routine. So go ahead, embrace the summer vibes, and make your mornings something to savour. And remember, if all else fails, it’s totally acceptable to have ice cream for breakfast at least once – it’s summer, after all! Believe us, we plan on having a few scoops with our good friend Ben and our pal Jerry… Other friends are available…