Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, flavorful chowders that are light yet satisfying.
Whether you’re using the season’s best vegetables, fresh seafood, or a combination of both, chowders offer endless possibilities to celebrate the flavors of the season.
These 27+ summer chowder recipes feature everything from creamy corn chowder to indulgent lobster variations, each one offering a refreshing, rich experience that will elevate your summer meals.
With their versatile nature, these chowders can be enjoyed as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or a starter to complement your favorite grilled dishes.
Let’s dive into these delightful recipes and discover new ways to enjoy the season’s freshest ingredients.
27+ Flavorful Summer Chowders for Every Occasion
With 27+ summer chowder recipes to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this comforting, versatile dish.
Whether you’re a fan of classic corn chowder, prefer something light like a vegetable-based version, or crave a seafood-inspired bowl, these recipes will satisfy every taste and preference.
Perfect for any occasion, these chowders provide a delightful way to embrace the season’s bounty while keeping meals fresh and exciting.
Creamy Corn Chowder
Imagine the sweet, buttery essence of fresh corn, enveloped in a creamy broth that’s both rich and comforting.
This summer chowder balances the natural sweetness of corn with a subtle, smoky kick, making it a perfect dish to savor on warm evenings.
The velvety texture of the soup is accented by crispy bits of bacon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, offering a satisfying contrast in every spoonful.
Whether served as a side to a grilled meal or as a light main course, this chowder is sure to brighten any summer table.
Lobster and Corn Chowder
This luxurious chowder brings together the delicate flavor of lobster and the sweet crunch of fresh corn, creating a mouthwatering summer dish.
The tender lobster meat adds a richness that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy, smooth broth and vibrant vegetable medley.
With each bite, you’ll experience the ocean’s freshness combined with the comforting warmth of a classic chowder.
Ideal for special gatherings or a casual summer evening, it’s a versatile recipe that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Summer Vegetable Chowder
Bursting with garden-fresh vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers, this light yet hearty summer chowder celebrates the season’s best produce.
The broth is infused with a delicate herb blend, which ties the whole dish together with a fragrant and flavorful aroma.
Its texture strikes a perfect balance between smooth and chunky, offering a pleasant mouthfeel with every spoonful.
This chowder is a great standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete summer experience.
Coconut Corn Chowder
Bring a tropical twist to your summer meals with this Coconut Corn Chowder, where creamy coconut milk adds a silky richness to the sweet corn base.
Infused with a hint of lime and a dash of cilantro, this chowder is vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying in every bite.
The natural sweetness of the corn is balanced by the tangy lime and earthy coconut, creating a bright and comforting soup that can stand alone or complement grilled seafood or chicken.
Its creamy texture makes it feel like a luxurious treat, perfect for warm-weather dining.
Tomato Basil Chowder
Rich and savory with the essence of ripe summer tomatoes, this Tomato Basil Chowder is a perfect blend of fresh, garden-picked flavors.
A drizzle of olive oil and a handful of aromatic basil leaves elevate the soup, bringing a fragrance that is both soothing and uplifting.
Its smooth, creamy texture feels indulgent without being too heavy, while the bright, tangy tomatoes add a refreshing punch.
Perfect on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this chowder is sure to become a summer favorite.
Clam and Corn Chowder
This clam and corn chowder brings together the briny goodness of fresh clams with the sweet, tender kernels of corn for a delightful summer soup.
A dash of white wine and a touch of thyme deepen the flavor, giving the chowder a sophisticated and savory depth.
With a creamy base that’s both smooth and hearty, each spoonful is a satisfying balance of salty, sweet, and savory.
Ideal as a standalone dish or served alongside a fresh green salad, it’s the perfect chowder to enjoy in the warm, breezy days of summer.
Sweet Corn Chowder
Sweet Corn Chowder is a celebration of summer’s best bounty, with each spoonful brimming with the natural sweetness of corn and the smoothness of a creamy broth.
A hint of garlic and a splash of cream make this dish feel indulgent yet light, perfect for a warm afternoon.
The chowder’s velvety texture contrasts with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, creating a balanced bite that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Whether paired with a salad or enjoyed solo, it’s a dish that never fails to evoke the spirit of summer.
Shrimp Chowder
Plump shrimp, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy base come together in this delightful Shrimp Chowder, offering a dish that’s both savory and indulgent.
A touch of garlic and parsley adds brightness, balancing the sweetness of the shrimp and the earthiness of the vegetables.
Each bite is a mix of smooth broth and hearty chunks of shrimp, with the slight crunch of celery adding texture.
Whether you serve it as a starter or as a main course, this chowder is a versatile dish that is sure to impress.
Summer Squash Chowder
This light yet flavorful Summer Squash Chowder highlights the mild, delicate flavors of summer squash, perfectly complemented by a creamy, herb-infused broth.
The dish is fresh and bright, with a subtle hint of garlic and thyme, offering comfort without feeling heavy.
Its chunky texture, combined with a rich, velvety base, makes each bite satisfying while the squash brings an unmistakable freshness.
This chowder pairs beautifully with grilled fish or can be enjoyed alone for a refreshing, healthy meal.
Zucchini Chowder
Zucchini Chowder brings the best of summer’s squash in a comforting, creamy soup that’s both light and filling.
The zucchini’s delicate flavor shines through in the broth, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme adds an aromatic touch.
Its texture is a perfect blend of smooth and chunky, providing a hearty feel without being overly rich.
This chowder is a fantastic light lunch or dinner option, especially when paired with a side of warm crusty bread.
New England Clam Chowder
Classic New England Clam Chowder is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for summer evenings by the coast.
Packed with tender clams, chunks of potato, and an aromatic base of onions and celery, it’s a hearty yet light soup that’s easy to love.
The creamy texture and slightly briny flavor of the clams make this chowder feel both rich and refreshing.
It’s perfect for enjoying with a side of crackers or fresh bread, or as a stand-alone meal that evokes the flavors of the sea.
Potato and Leek Chowder
Potato and Leek Chowder is a classic, hearty soup that brings the comfort of tender potatoes combined with the subtle sweetness of leeks.
The creamy broth wraps around every bite, offering a rich, velvety texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Each spoonful is filled with the earthy flavors of potatoes, complemented by the aromatic, onion-like notes of leeks.
Ideal for pairing with a light salad or enjoyed on its own, this chowder is a wonderful addition to any summer meal.
Carrot Chowder
Carrot Chowder is a vibrant, silky soup that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your summer table.
The creamy broth is infused with hints of ginger and garlic, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
Its smooth texture is both comforting and refreshing, perfect for those warm summer evenings.
Whether served as a starter or paired with a light salad, this chowder is an ideal balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
Chicken Corn Chowder
This Chicken Corn Chowder combines the richness of tender chicken and the sweetness of corn in a creamy, indulgent soup that feels like a warm hug.
The savory chicken is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of the corn, with a dash of seasoning to tie everything together.
Each spoonful has a hearty, satisfying texture with the softness of the chicken and the crispness of the corn kernels.
Ideal as a light meal or paired with some crusty bread, this chowder offers the best of both comfort and summer freshness.
Roasted Tomato Chowder
Roasted Tomato Chowder captures the smoky, sweet flavors of ripe summer tomatoes, roasted to perfection and blended into a creamy, aromatic soup.
The deep flavor of the roasted tomatoes combines beautifully with a light base of garlic and basil, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Its creamy texture, paired with the slight acidity of the tomatoes, offers a perfect balance of flavors.
This chowder can be served as a stand-alone dish or enjoyed with grilled cheese for a classic, comforting pairing.
Broccoli Cheddar Chowder
Broccoli Cheddar Chowder is a creamy, rich soup that perfectly marries the earthiness of broccoli with the sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar cheese.
Each spoonful is velvety and smooth, with just the right amount of bite from the broccoli.
The cheese melts into the broth, creating a luscious texture that makes this chowder feel like a decadent treat.
This dish is a fantastic meal on its own, but it’s equally great as a starter for a more elaborate meal.
Sweet Potato Chowder
Sweet Potato Chowder brings the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes into a creamy, comforting soup with subtle hints of spice.
A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the dish, adding warmth and complexity to every bite.
The thick, smooth texture of the chowder is perfect for a hearty, filling meal, while the vibrant orange color makes it as appealing as it is delicious.
This chowder works wonderfully as a standalone dish or paired with a light green salad.
Clam Chowder
Clam Chowder is a classic summer favorite, offering a comforting, creamy soup filled with tender clams and hearty potatoes.
The savory broth is seasoned with a blend of herbs, creating a rich, flavorful base that complements the briny sweetness of the clams.
Its velvety texture and satisfying bite make it perfect for a cozy meal, while the light, fresh flavors of the sea bring the taste of summer to every spoonful.
Best enjoyed with crusty bread, this chowder is a timeless dish perfect for any occasion.
Corn Chowder
Corn Chowder is a bright and comforting dish that celebrates the sweetness of summer corn in a creamy, velvety broth.
The corn kernels burst with flavor, complemented by a subtle blend of herbs and spices that bring depth to each spoonful.
With its hearty yet light texture, this chowder is perfect for a simple summer lunch or as an appetizer to a larger meal.
Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats or enjoying it solo, it’s sure to please.
Smoked Salmon Chowder
Smoked Salmon Chowder combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with a creamy, comforting base for a unique twist on the classic chowder.
The smooth broth is infused with fresh dill and lemon, creating a fresh, aromatic experience in every bite.
Each spoonful is filled with tender chunks of salmon and potatoes, offering a delightful texture that’s both hearty and light.
This chowder is an elegant dish perfect for a cozy dinner or paired with a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Kale and Potato Chowder
Kale and Potato Chowder brings the earthy flavors of kale and the creaminess of potatoes together in a wholesome, satisfying soup.
The savory broth is rich and comforting, while the kale adds a slight bitterness that balances the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Its texture is thick and hearty, offering a filling and nutritious meal that’s perfect for cooler summer nights.
This chowder is ideal on its own or as an accompaniment to grilled meats or a simple salad.
Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Shrimp and Corn Chowder brings together succulent shrimp and sweet, fresh corn in a creamy base that’s both comforting and refreshing.
A touch of cayenne pepper and garlic adds a slight heat, balancing the natural sweetness of the corn.
The smooth, velvety texture of the chowder is complemented by the tender shrimp, creating a satisfying mouthfeel with every spoonful.
Perfect for a light summer dinner or served as an appetizer, this chowder is an absolute treat.
Pea and Mint Chowder
Pea and Mint Chowder is a refreshing, vibrant soup that blends the natural sweetness of peas with the bright, cooling flavor of fresh mint.
The creamy base ties everything together, creating a smooth, velvety texture with a pop of freshness in every bite.
Its light and healthy nature make it a perfect summer meal, whether served chilled or warm.
This chowder pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light, tangy salad for a perfect summer dining experience.
Celery and Potato Chowder
Celery and Potato Chowder offers a gentle, aromatic blend of creamy potatoes and the crisp, refreshing flavor of celery.
The soup’s light, savory broth is filled with delicate herb notes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
With its smooth texture and satisfying chunkiness from the potatoes, this chowder is ideal for a casual meal or paired with a fresh green salad.
It’s both comforting and light, making it perfect for a warm summer evening.
Conclusion
No matter the temperature or occasion, summer chowders are a perfect addition to your meal rotation.
With more than 27 unique recipes, you can experiment with fresh vegetables, seafood, and unique spices to create your ideal summer dish.
These recipes ensure that your summer dining experience is as vibrant and flavorful as the season itself, offering something for every craving and occasion.
