Sun-Kissed Eats: 10 Recipes for Your Summer Gathering

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Summer is the perfect time to savor fresh, vibrant flavors and light, refreshing meals. Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a backyard BBQ, or trying out new recipes, these selections are sure to delight. From crisp salads to delectable desserts and cool drinks, these 26 recipes will bring flair to your sunny season celebrations.

Grilled Pineapples

Yellow pineapple popsicles sit on top of a fresh pineapple slice.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Elevate your fresh pineapple game with this recipe for grilled pineapple slices. Top them off with whipped cream or ice cream for a tasty treat!

Get the recipe: Grilled Pineapples

Simple Couscous Salad

Looking down on couscous salad surrounded by ingredients liked cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions and garlic cloves.Image Credit: Namely Marly

Make this Simple Couscous Salad dairy-free but bursting with all the right flavors. This salad is a breeze to whip up, you’ll regret not trying it earlier. Load it up with veggies, herbs, and more for a tasty bite every time!

Get the recipe: Simple Couscous Salad

Grilled Berry Pizza with Whipped Ricotta

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

Ditch the oven and grill this easy honey whole wheat pizza dough. Top it off with a delightful combination of lightly sweet and fluffy whipped ricotta and a burst of fresh summer berries. The result? A beautiful and unexpected dessert (or snack!) that’s perfect for enjoying the warm weather. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this unique and flavorful twist on pizza!

Get The Recipe: Grilled Berry Pizza with Whipped Ricotta

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl piled high with tuna pasta salad with corn, celery, and green onions.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

A close up image of pasta salad with bacon and green onions in a bowl.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

Homemade Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad with a lemon wedge and dill garnish.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

Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

A closeup of a pineapple aqua Fresca beverage shows a pineapple chunk and mint leaves on top.Image Credit: Namely Marly

Don’t settle for a basic salad – kick it up a notch with the delicious taste of grilled veggies! This Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad features tender pasta tossed in a flavorful dressing with perfectly grilled veggies.

Get the recipe: Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

A close up of a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with a crumb topping on a serving plate topped with strawberries.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

Vegetarian Baked Beans

A spoonful of vegan baked beans hovers over the rest of the dish.Image Credit: Namely Marly

If you’re craving some smoky homemade baked beans, this recipe is just what you need! Completely meat-free, these tasty vegetarian baked beans pack all the flavors that will have you craving seconds!

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Baked Beans

Rosé Sangria

A close up image of a glass of Rosé Sangria with fresh fruit, mint and a cocktail stick in the glass.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

a bowl of vinegar coleslaw with the serving bowl in the background with a spoon.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

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

A glass of Sweet Peach Iced Tea with ice and a straw and a fresh wedge of peach on the glass.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

Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Close-up of a Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a light dressing, served in a large white bowl.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Two glasses of Sweet Lemon Iced Tea with glass and colorful straw in the glasses.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

Three fresh strawberry cupcakes all topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.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

A slice of Lemon Sponge Cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries on a plate with the cake behind it.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

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant in a bowl with a loaf a bread and wine glass on the table in the backgroundImage 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

A close up of homemade cherry ice creamImage 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

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.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

Corn Salsa

A hand holds a chip with corn salsa on it. It hovers over the rest of the bowl. There is a lime in the background.Image Credit: Namely Marly

This Corn Salsa isn’t just a great party appetizer – it’s awesome as a topping for your grilled favorites. Try it on tacos, taco salads, and burritos for a delicious twist!

Get the recipe: Corn Salsa

Sweet Potato Quinoa Burgers

A closeup of a sweet potato quinoa burger on a bun with mayo, greens, and tomatoes on top.Image Credit: Namely Marly

Mix sweet potatoes, quinoa, and chickpeas in these hearty veggie burgers. Nutritious and satisfying, they’re a solid choice for a healthy meal. Top with your faves for a tasty, plant-based burger experience.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Quinoa Burgers

Avocado Salad

Three chocolate muffins are on a white counter top with chocolate chips.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Whip up a tasty summer salad with avocado, fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and a super easy dressing. Perfect side dish for your outdoor BBQ parties!

Get the recipe: Easy Avocado Salad

Macerated Strawberries

Close up of sliced strawberries in clear glass bowl glazed with sugar.  Spoon in bowl.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

Pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs.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

A bowl of bright and colorful tomato avocado salad with some bread in the background.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

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