20 Must-Try Summer Recipes You’ll Love

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Summer is here, and it’s bringing all the bright, juicy, creamy, crispy, cold, and refreshing flavors we crave when the sun is high and the grill is hot. This summer recipe round-up is packed with all the essentials for easy, breezy eating—from fresh, zingy salads and no-fuss pasta bowls to chill-sesh-ready drinks and dreamy summer desserts. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, backyard BBQ, or just a lazy day with your feet up, these recipes are here to bring the flavor. Think Strawberry Salad, Rosé Sangria, Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad, Homemade Shrimp Salad, and so much more. Let’s dive in—because summer isn’t going to eat itself.

Strawberry Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This vibrant salad combines fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect light dish for warm weather. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a picnic side.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Salad

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ideal for picnics, this salad features tuna, pasta, and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and even better when chilled.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful combination of bacon, cucumber, and green onions, tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Get The Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad

Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Sweet cherries and creamy vanilla are encased in a buttery shortbread crust in this delightful tart, making it a must-try summer dessert.

Get The Recipe: Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart

Homemade Shrimp Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This light and refreshing salad features juicy shrimp tossed with mayonnaise, dill, and crisp celery, perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Shrimp Salad

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The classic combination of tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries makes this pie a summer favorite, topped with a crunchy crumble for extra texture.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rosé Sangria

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This fruity sangria, made with rosé wine and a mix of summer fruits, is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Get The Recipe: Rosé Sangria

Vinegar Coleslaw

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A crisp, tangy coleslaw without mayonnaise, this side dish features a vinegar-based dressing that’s perfect for outdoor summer meals.

Get The Recipe: Vinegar Coleslaw

Rich & Creamy No Bake Chocolate Torte

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This decadent dessert features a silky chocolate filling atop a crunchy cookie crust, all without turning on the oven. It’s perfect for hot days when you want to avoid baking.

Get The Recipe: Rich & Creamy No Bake Chocolate Torte

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Image Credit: Joshua Resnick

Perfect for hot summer days, this iced tea combines the tangy taste of lemon with the refreshing properties of black tea.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Summer Strawberry Cupcakes

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They’re a delightful treat for any summer occasion.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemon Sponge Cake

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A stunning cake that layers moist sponge with fresh strawberries and cream, embodying the essence of British summer desserts. It’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Sponge Cake

Macerated Strawberries

Image Credit: Jen Tepp

Simple yet delicious, these strawberries are perfect for topping ice cream, pancakes, or enjoying on their own as a refreshing summer dessert.

Get The Recipe: Macerated Strawberries

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This hearty pasta salad is packed with flavor from pesto and chicken, making it a great main dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Tomato Avocado Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A fresh and simple salad featuring tomatoes, avocado, and arugula, dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a great side for any summer meal.

Get The Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This flavorful salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, red peppers, and olives, tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s perfect served warm or cold.

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This no-churn cherry ice cream is rich and creamy, offering the delightful taste of cherries without the need for an ice cream maker. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days and easy to prepare.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

Key Lime Cupcakes

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Our Key Lime Cupcakes are a burst of sunshine. They feature a tangy cake bursting with lime flavor and a dollop of creamy lime cream cheese frosting. 

Get The Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad