11 Prep-Ahead Freezer Meals for Lazy Summer Days

Summer doesn’t lend itself to make-ahead meals in the same way cooler seasons do. Instead, the season practically begs for freshness. Throwing a few chicken breasts on the grill and tossing together a tomato salad from the garden feels effortless, as easy as slipping off your sandals after a long day.

But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your freezer during these sweltering months. Not at all. The freezer is a chilly powerhouse that can capture summer produce at peak ripeness and stash away leftovers from your favorite recipes. Plenty of dishes, including the 11 below, can be made ahead, then frozen, defrosted, and reheated on a night when you’d rather stay inside.

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