32 Summer Recipes You’ll Love Making Again and Again

Summer is the ideal season to impress your loved ones with your culinary creations. With an abundance of fresh produce—and maybe a barbecue or two—you’ll have endless chances to make unforgettable meals. We’ve put together a selection of go-to dishes you’ll enjoy preparing and savoring all season long, from main courses to sides and desserts.
Zucchini Boats Stuffed to Perfection

Make the most of your summer squash with this flavorful stuffed zucchini dish. Pair it with a fresh salad and some garlic bread for a satisfying meal. "Delicious! Even my kids devoured it," says reviewer Jill.
Amy’s Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Give your grilled chicken salad a flavorful twist with this BBQ chicken salad recipe. "A fantastic salad with a great Southwestern touch—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner," says reviewer Jillian.
Tangy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken recipe is all about that unique sauce. "I was skeptical about the Italian dressing and BBQ sauce combo, but it turned out surprisingly tasty," says reviewer FRAR. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad

Grill up this refreshing salad. "The dressing was originally created for crab, but I think the smoky grilled shrimp add a perfect summery touch," says Chef John, the recipe creator.
Sweet Honey Chicken Skewers

There’s something about skewers that makes everything taste better. This flexible recipe works great on the grill or under the broiler, and you can use any seasonal veggies you have on hand. "We served these at our July 4th BBQ and they were a huge hit! People are still raving about them two months later," says reviewer MARPUP69.
Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken

If you’re craving a lighter meal that’s not a salad, this garlic Parmesan chicken is just what you need. Ready in 45 minutes, pair it with your favorite summer sides for a complete dinner.
Fish Tacos

"5 stars doesn't even do this recipe justice. I’d give it 100 stars if I could! The beer batter is unbelievable—simple yet so light, crispy, and utterly delicious," says reviewer Chuck Sampson.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Fresh Seasonal Fruits

This refreshing grilled chicken salad is packed with vibrant summer fruits and dressed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. It's easy to make and fully customizable with fruits like pineapple, raspberries, and mandarin oranges.
Caprese Salad with Grilled Flank Steak

Elevate your classic caprese salad by adding a grilled flank steak to the mix. "A perfect healthy summer meal, especially when it's hot outside. It's simple to prepare and absolutely delicious," says reviewer Linda.
Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

Switch up your next Taco Tuesday with these zesty lime chicken tacos. "A hit with the whole family! Even my picky eater devoured them!!! Don’t change a thing—this recipe is perfect," says reviewer Julia Wood-Graham. For an even easier version, reviewers suggest making the chicken in a slow cooker.
Easy Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

Host your own Korean BBQ night with this simple bulgogi recipe. "Delicious! I’ve never tried bulgogi before, so I have no comparison, but the flavor was fantastic and it was so easy to make. My whole family loved it. I’ll definitely be making this again," says reviewer Dinogo Allstar Rae.
Cedar Planked Salmon

If you're looking to experiment with cedar plank grilling, this salmon recipe is a great starting point. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetable for a perfect summer meal.
Simple Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Reviewers say this straightforward spaghetti dish has become a household favorite. "This is a quick and tasty recipe for a hearty spaghetti sauce that tastes just like homemade," says creator SAMMYE.
Birria de Res Tacos (Beef Birria Tacos)

This simple recipe is simmered in a three-chile sauce, bringing a rich, bold flavor. It’s quick to prepare—just 15 minutes—and can be made in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot®.
The Juiciest Hamburgers Ever

No summer BBQ is complete without a burger, and these mouthwatering patties are sure to impress. "I made these for a recent barbecue, and every guest raved about how amazing the hamburgers were," says reviewer JANEL_K.
Classic Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

There are many variations of potato salad, but this old-fashioned recipe remains a beloved classic. Its creamy texture gets a delightful twist with the addition of sweet pickle relish for a zesty flavor.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

This Mexican street corn is a showstopper at any summer barbecue. "This is probably the ONLY way we'll ever eat corn on the cob again! It’s so incredibly delicious, words can’t even describe," says reviewer COOKIN4FIVE05. The recipe calls for cotija cheese, but if you can’t find it, reviewers recommend using Romano or Parmesan as a substitute.
Restaurant-Style Coleslaw I

Reviewers say this dish is perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, and can easily be customized to your taste. "This is faster and far tastier than anything you can buy at the store," says reviewer Aspiring Chef Rita.
Greek Pasta Salad I

This Greek pasta salad makes a perfect side dish for summer and is super simple to prepare. Creator Behr suggests making it ahead of time and letting it chill overnight to enhance the flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser year-round, but this version is so easy you'll want to bring it to every cookout. Creator NUNPUNCH recommends pairing it with celery or crackers, though tortilla chips are always a great choice as well.
Adrienne's Cucumber Salad

"YUMMY. To me, this is a timeless southern salad that brings back fond memories of summer dinners filled with fresh garden vegetables," says reviewer PANCAKEONE. Reviewers suggest using English cucumbers and letting the salad marinate overnight for the best flavor.
Lime Cilantro Rice

This lime cilantro rice makes the ideal side dish for any summer meal. It's simple to prepare, with just five ingredients needed.
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad is ideal for both mayo lovers and those who prefer it without, as the mayo is optional. "Whether paired with smoky ribs or a classic hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will be a hit at any gathering," says creator Chef John.
Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

Take full advantage of the fresh seasonal fruits with this simple fruit salad recipe. Just combine your favorite summer fruits and enhance the flavor with orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Bodacious Broccoli Salad

This easy-to-make broccoli salad is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for feeding a crowd. Reviewers recommend it as a great make-ahead dish, and it holds up well as leftovers.
Buttery Garlic Green Beans

If you're searching for an easy and flavorful side dish for summer, these buttery garlic green beans are a perfect choice. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re seasoned with garlic and a hint of lemon pepper. Reviewer Sarah Jo says, "This is my favorite way to prepare green beans. I like to add some finely chopped onion to the skillet with the garlic. I often double the recipe because my family eats them so fast."
Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie

If you enjoy the combination of strawberries and rhubarb, this custard version of the classic pie is a must-try. Reviewer kpeiffer says, "This is such a simple, fun recipe. My whole family adored this custard pie so much, I’ve made it three times this week!"
Baron's Blackberry Cobbler

This cake-like cobbler is a favorite for gatherings, especially when using fresh blackberries. According to the recipe's creator, Baron, you can also substitute with fresh peaches for a different twist.
Lemon Souffle Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping

"Indulge in this light, zesty cheesecake topped with sweet blueberries. It's the perfect summer treat, particularly if you can get your hands on fresh wild blueberries or huckleberries, or even use thawed frozen blueberries," says creator MERRYMOBERRY.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

On a hot day, nothing beats a slice of this cool, creamy peanut butter pie. From the smooth cream cheese to the rich peanut butter, it's hard to stop at just one bite.
Cherry Pie III

Impress your guests with this award-winning cherry pie. Add a personal touch with a decorative lattice crust or create fun shapes from the dough. If fresh sour cherries aren’t available, reviewers suggest using canned tart cherries instead.
Very Chocolate Ice Cream

Cool off during the heat with this rich, custard-based chocolate ice cream. Reviewer REBEKAHMO says, "Oh. My. Gosh. This is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. It’s so creamy, smooth, and packed with chocolate flavor."

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