Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, break out the outdoor games, and invite friends over for a backyard bash. But what’s a party without delicious food? This season, we’re serving up 20 refreshing summer recipes that are sure to please a crowd. From savory grilled meats and veggies to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, these ideas will keep your guests coming back for more.
In the following pages, you’ll find everything from classic BBQ favorites like pulled pork sliders and beef brisket sandwiches, to lighter options like cold pasta salad and watermelon feta salad with mint. And don’t even get us started on the desserts – we’ve got summer berry trifles, peach cobblers, and lemon blueberry cheesecake bars that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
So go ahead, grab some friends, and start cooking up a storm! Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big bash, these recipes will be the perfect addition to your summer celebration.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Elevate your grilled chicken game with these zesty and aromatic skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with remaining marinade and sprinkle with rosemary leaves.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese and the freshness of mint, perfect for hot summer days. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s a great side dish or light lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top of the salad.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to fall in love with these sweet and tangy sliders! With a tender pulled pork base, topped with crispy onions, creamy coleslaw, and a dollop of BBQ sauce, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 8 hamburger buns
– 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup crispy onions (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
3. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Place in a Dutch oven or large roasting pan and cover with foil.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred pork and toss with BBQ sauce mixture.
6. Assemble sliders by placing a generous portion of pulled pork on each bun, topping with coleslaw, crispy onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies and Italian Dressing
This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, packed with al dente pasta, crunchy veggies, and tangy Italian dressing. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed vegetables and cooked pasta.
3. Drizzle Italian dressing and olive oil over the top, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your summer barbecues with this flavorful twist on classic grilled corn on the cob. The combination of smoky char and spicy-sweet butter is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cotija cheese or chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lime juice, and chili flakes until well combined.
3. Brush the corn ears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, or until lightly charred.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the chili lime butter onto each ear of corn.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with cotija cheese or chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summer Berry Trifle Dessert
Summer Berry Trifle Dessert: A Layered Delight of Fresh Flavors
This vibrant trifle dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of summer. Layers of fresh berries, creamy whipped cream, and moist cake create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
• 1 9×13-inch vanilla cake
• 2 cups mixed summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Cut the cake into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the mixed berries with a tablespoon of sugar (optional).
4. Begin assembling the trifle: layer half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish.
5. Top the cake with half of the whipped cream mixture, followed by half of the berry mixture.
6. Repeat the layers: add the remaining cake cubes, whipped cream, and berries.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembly only)
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, fresh, and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad. This recipe combines ripe avocados with sweet tomatoes, tangy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and chopped basil.
3. Divide the Caprese mixture among the avocado halves.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Get ready to spice up your taco game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines succulent shrimp, crispy tacos, and a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Mango Salsa ingredients: 2 ripe mangos, diced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, mango salsa (see below), and your favorite toppings.
Mango Salsa:
1. In a bowl, combine mango, jalapeño, red onion, and lime juice.
2. Season to taste with salt.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Hummus
Transform your outdoor gatherings into a flavorful fiesta with this colorful platter featuring grilled vegetables and creamy hummus. Perfect for hot summer days, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/2 cup hummus
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
3. Meanwhile, warm hummus by leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes or by microwaving for 10-15 seconds.
4. Arrange grilled vegetables on a platter. Serve with warmed hummus, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy frozen treat! This recipe combines the flavors of strawberries, lemons, and a hint of sugar to create a refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the strawberry puree to the lemon mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice-filled container or blender and blend until slushy.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with tender and juicy BBQ beef brisket, perfectly slathered with a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 beef brisket (2-3 lbs)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, pickle slices, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Season brisket with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Smoke or grill brisket for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
4. Slather BBQ sauce on the brisket during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Slice brisket thinly against the grain.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing sliced brisket onto hamburger buns.
7. Add coleslaw, pickle slices, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Greek Orzo Salad with Cucumber and Tomatoes
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of Greece with the simplicity of a warm-weather side dish. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cucumber
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese to the bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
A sweet and savory twist on classic teriyaki chicken, these bowls are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With juicy pineapple chunks and crispy green onions, every bite is a delightful surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and vegetable oil.
3. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve chicken over cooked rice and top with pineapple chunks and green onions.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cold Cucumber Soup
Beat the heat with this refreshing cold soup that’s perfect for hot summer days. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 3 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh dill leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This soup is best served cold.
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Warm up with a classic dessert that combines the sweetness of peaches and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream. This peach cobbler recipe is easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the peach mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush the crust with melted butter and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Add a burst of flavor to your taco Tuesday with this refreshing recipe that combines the sweetness of grilled fish with the brightness of cilantro lime sauce. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 white fish fillets (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi), skin removed
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– Juice of 2 limes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season fish with salt and pepper.
2. Grill fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled fish, cilantro lime sauce, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summer Pasta Primavera
This vibrant pasta dish celebrates the flavors of summer with a medley of colorful vegetables, herbs, and a light, creamy sauce. Perfect for a warm-weather dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 2 cups mixed summer vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp. dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add mixed summer vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and dried basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Combine cooked pasta, vegetable mixture, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Loaded Nachos with Guacamole and Salsa
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This classic party snack is elevated with creamy guacamole, tangy salsa, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons salsa (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle half the cheese over the chips.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cheese.
5. Top with mashed avocado, red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
6. Drizzle lime juice and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and top with remaining cheese, salsa, and any additional toppings (such as sour cream or cilantro).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
These bite-sized bars combine the sweetness of blueberries with the tartness of lemon, all on a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for potlucks or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix crust ingredients; press into prepared pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Stir in blueberries and lemon juice.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Get ready to spice up your outdoor cooking with these flavorful shrimp skewers! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal or as an appetizer for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing recipes perfect for a crowd! From classic BBQ favorites like Pulled Pork Sliders and Beef Brisket Sandwiches, to lighter options like Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers and Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint. You’ll also find sweet treats like Summer Berry Trifle Dessert and Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a casual gathering, these 20 recipes are sure to delight your guests.
