It wouldn’t be summer without these classic recipes. Baked beans, fruit salad, fried zucchini, peach cobbler, and more family favorites should fill your plates, not to mention your stomachs. In other words, this roundup of our favorite summer recipes needs to be on the menu for your next cookout. Let’s fire up the grill and start cooking up these go-to summer recipes!
Warm German Potato Salad
“This German potato salad is an amazing side for any summer meal whether it’s a cookout, a BBQ, a picnic, etc.!” - Kevin
Fried Zucchini
“I love using up my fresh garden zucchini, which seems to always be more than I can keep up with. These fried zucchini strips go fast, so make plenty and serve 'em up while it's good and hot. I love to make a variety of sauces to go along with the fried zucchini, a few of which I've shared at the end of the recipe. Enjoy!” - Holly
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
“Everyone loves these quick and easy chicken and pineapple kabobs! The longer you marinate the chicken, the better.” - Luci
Traditional Southern Tomato Pie
“Layers for fresh tomatoes are topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Serve this Southern Tomato Pie with a salad for light lunch or as a side with your favorite grilled protein for dinner!” - Paula
Georgia Peach Cobbler
“I made this twice now.... Hubby says it's the best cobbler he's ever had 🙂 it really was fantastic!!!” - Melissa
Piña Colada Fluff
“This Pina Colada Fluff is cool, creamy and the perfect treat for the summer. It has the traditional flavor of coconut and big chunks of pineapple that taste similar to the famous frozen drink.” - Debbie
Fruit Salad to Die For
“The best fruit salad ever. Perfect for taking to gatherings - everyone loves it. Can mix up fruit combinations too (blueberries, red grapes, canned peaches, etc.). The pudding mix really kicks up the flavor.” - Laura
Curried Vegetable Stir Fry
“I make this simple yet tasty curried vegetable stir fry all the time. My kids love it because of the baby potatoes and broccoli, their two favorite vegetables. To make it a complete meal, I like to serve it with Quinoa Fried Rice or some kind of lentil soup.” - Shikha
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
“I grew up marinating cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes every summer as a side dish. Always a great side to a summertime meal.” - Angie
Mama Seward's Strawberry Cake Recipe
“I made this cake with some beautiful fresh strawberries and instead of milk, I used a delightful local Rose Pinot. This cake was moist and so tasty and can be topped with glaze or just some whipped cream and strawberries. This is a keeper and a dazzler for any occasion.” - Karla
Slap Your Mama It's So Delicious Southern Squash Casserole
“This is a tried and true Southern recipe that can be modified by adding meat or rice to it to make it a meal by itself. Chicken or turkey can be added to it, so bring on the leftovers. My daughter loves this recipe. You can mash the squash if you like it that way, but we just cut it into small pieces. Of course, adding onion and other seasonings are always optional. I like to add onion if my kids aren't eating it since I love it that way!” - Sherri
Summer Spaghetti Salad
“I made this last night for dinner and it was fantastic!! I wouldn't change a thing...and it's a great meal on these hot & humid days. Congratulations on your Blue Ribbon!” - Steven
Honey Mustard Shrimp on the Bar-B
“Big fan of shrimp? I am and during the summer, nothing is better than to add some skewered shrimp to the bar-b-q at a pool party, or anytime the grill is going. It took a few tries to perfect this recipe, but this one was the crowd-pleaser.” - Darci
One of the Greatest Grilled Burger Recipes
“This is one grill out recipe that my husband, kids, and friends have declared a must-have. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time and you'll never have a dried out burger again!” - Brooke
Southern Style Potato Salad
“One of the best potato salads I have ever eaten. Thank you for sharing.” - Cynthia
Papa's Grilled Chicken With a Twist
“We made this chicken tonight and it was delicious and chicken was really moist inside too! Great recipe!” - Kimberly
Oreo and Fudge Ice Cream Cake
“Tastes like a DQ Cake and the kids loved it! Might want to make more than one. It was gone in a flash.” - Cathi
Loaded Potatoes Grill Style
“He grew up grilling potatoes with butter on the grill in foil and made it for me on one of our first dates. I knew how much he loved loaded baked potatoes so I added a few ingredients and now he makes this for me and our three kids!” - Kyle
Land Your Man Baked Beans
“Just made your baked beans tonight for a lunch tomorrow at work. Wow! The house smelled so yummy and the beans tasted so delicious!” - ruth
Grilled Shrimp and Sausage With Peppers and Onions
“This is my hubby's favorite grilled dinner. Lots of butter and yumminess. Paula Dean would be so proud of us!!” - Ashley
Bold Tastin' Grilled Steak
“This was a favorite when I was growing up!! We rarely had meat but when we did, we sure loved the bold flavors this marinade brought out!!” - Ashley
Best in Show Blackberry Cobbler
“OMG!! I made this for tonight's desert, took it out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes, then had to try just a couple of bites. It is fantastic!!! the sugar is just lightly crunchy on top, I had to walk away and can't wait for dessert tonight. with a little vanilla ice cream next to it. My husband is going to love it.” - Gail
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
“Veggies marinated in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce and cooked in a grill basket until smoky, slightly charred, and tender-crisp. A healthy and tasty side dish! Try it with whatever veggies you prefer - asparagus, eggplant, green beans, etc!” - Susan