Summer’s Better When It’s Spicy

Every summer, I get a little obsessed with two things: sunshine and chili oil. This year? I’m basically putting Hotgirlsauce on everything—and shockingly, it works. Whether I’m grilling in the backyard, heading to the beach with snack packs, or just raiding the fridge after a farmer’s market run, a drizzle of chili oil instantly levels up every recipe.

Some of these ideas came from late-night snack cravings. Others came from weekends cooking with my besties, blasting music, and daring each other to put chili crisp on things we definitely shouldn’t (spoiler: it was delicious). So if you’re looking for fun, easy summer recipes that bring the heat—grab your jar of OG Hot Girl Chili Oil - our our brand new squeeze bottle - and get ready to spice things up.

Grill Days = My Love Language

Is there anything better than grilling outside, barefoot with a cold drink in hand? This is where chili oil really shines.

Grilled Corn with Chili Crisp Butter

I made this at a Fourth of July cookout and people lost their minds. Just mix a little softened butter with chili crisp (the crunchier the better), slather it all over grilled corn, and top with cotija cheese and cilantro. It’s smoky, spicy, melty magic.

Veggie Skewers with Chili Oil Marinade

I love building these with friends—everyone gets to pick their veggies (zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, you name it). We brush them with chili oil, toss on some garlic salt, and grill until the edges are charred and the backyard smells like heaven.

Grilled Tomatoes (Trust Me)

This one was a happy accident. I had too many tomatoes and tossed them on the grill. Once they blistered, I hit them with OG Hotgirlsauce chili oil and flaky salt. Game. Changer. Eat with crusty bread and cheese or just by the spoonful, standing over the sink like I do.

Bonus: Grilled Halloumi

This salty, squeaky cheese was made for the grill. Slice thick, brush with chili oil, and grill until golden. Stack it on salads or eat it straight off the skewer.

Why It Works: Chili oil and chili crisp bring out the smoky char from grilled veggies, adding that umami pop you didn’t know you were missing.

Snack Time, But Make It Spicy

I live for snacky girl summer. And guess what? Hot Girl Sauce belongs in your snack stash.

Chili Oil Popcorn

Perfect for movie nights or beach days. I pop fresh kernels, then drizzle warm chili oil on top with a pinch of salt and a little nutritional yeast. It’s buttery, spicy, and dangerously addictive.

Hummus with Chili Crunch Swirl

This is my go-to when friends randomly drop by. I grab store-bought hummus (or make my own if I’m feeling fancy), swirl chili crisp into it, and serve with pita chips. It’s low-effort but feels elevated.

Spicy Guacamole

I’ve started topping my guac with chili oil and now regular guac just feels… meh. Mash avocados with lime, salt, and red onion, then finish with a spoonful of chili crisp. Add tortilla chips and prepare to fight over the bowl.

Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip

This is a last-minute hero. Mix plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, lemon juice, and chili oil. Boom. A creamy, spicy dip perfect for veggies or chips.

Why It Works: Snacks are all about contrast—crunchy vs. creamy, salty vs. spicy. Chili oil hits every flavor receptor.

Sweet + Spicy = True Love

You wouldn’t think chili oil and fruit would work… until you try it. Then you’ll never go back.

Pineapple & Peaches with a Chili Drizzle

After hitting up the farmer’s market last weekend, I sliced up some perfectly ripe peaches and grilled pineapple rings. I drizzled them with chili oil, a touch of honey, and Tajín—and wow. I’ve never seen a fruit platter disappear so fast.

Watermelon with Lime & Heat

This is the ultimate summer snack. Cube watermelon, squeeze on lime, hit it with a drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of feta or mint. It’s juicy, spicy, salty, and refreshing—all the best things.

Chili Mango Skewers

Thread fresh mango cubes onto skewers, brush with chili oil, and let them sit for 10 minutes before eating. A quick snack that tastes like candy (with a kick).

Farmer’s Market Tip: Use local fruit when you can—it’s fresher, juicier, and way more flavorful. Support your local vendors and add a spicy twist to whatever you find.

Salads That Bring the Heat

These aren’t your sad desk salads. These are girls’-night-on-the-patio salads, and they taste even better with chili oil.

Spicy Chickpea Salad

Toss together chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and chili oil. This one lives in my fridge all summer. It’s crunchy, cool, spicy, and protein-packed.

Caprese Salad with Chili Oil Vibes

Slice fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, layer with basil, and drizzle with a combo of olive oil and chili oil. Add flaky salt. I serve this with toasted sourdough and a chilled glass of white wine.

Asian-Inspired Slaw

Shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and a dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil. It’s crunchy, bright, and has just the right amount of kick.

Melon & Cucumber Salad

A cooling salad for super hot days: melon, cucumber, mint, and a light chili oil drizzle. Sweet, spicy, and so refreshing.

Why It Works: Chili oil gives salads dimension. It plays off the acidity of dressings and the creaminess of cheeses.

Cocktails with a Chili Oil Kick

What’s a spicy summer without spicy cocktails? I’ve been experimenting—and these are my favorites so far.

Spicy Margarita

Tequila, triple sec, lime, and a jalapeño muddle. A few drips from the new squeeze Hotgirlsauce chili oil to the shaker (or directly to the finished marg) and finish with a Tajín rim. This is my Friday night signature drink.

Spicy Paloma

This one’s bright and smoky. Grapefruit juice, mezcal (or tequila), agave, lime, and a kiss of chili oil. It’s so good it doesn’t even need a garnish—but I’ll still add one because ✨aesthetic✨.

Chili Oil Cosmo

Vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and a whisper of chili oil. I made this one for a girls’ night and now it’s part of the rotation. Spicy, pink, and perfect. 

Dirty & Spicy Martini

Classic dirty martini—but I add a little chili-infused olive brine and garnish with chili-stuffed olives. It’s sultry and bold, like the martini version of a power move.

Why It Works: Chili oil adds a subtle warmth and complexity to cocktails. Use sparingly for a drink that sips smooth but finishes hot.

Try It All and Tag Us!

If I’ve learned anything this summer, it’s this: you can put Hotgirlsauce chili oil on literally everything—and it’ll taste amazing. So whether you’re cooking solo, with your besties, or throwing a spicy picnic, try one of these recipes and don’t forget to tag @thehotgirlsauce on socials.

And yes, our new squeeze bottle of OG Hot Girl Squeeze Chili Oil is finally here! We've made it super easy to drizzle on the go (picnic game-changer). Feeling bold? Try our Habanero Heat or OG Chili Crunch for extra kick.

Here’s to a summer full of spice, sunshine, and hot girls who snack 🌶️☀️🍉