25 Easy Summer Recipes to Make All Season Long
Perfect for slow, sun-drenched evenings.
Summer just has a way about it, doesn’t it? The mornings feel a little slower, the evenings glow all golden and pretty, and the meals are simple in the very best way. By the time supper rolls around, all you really want is something light, fresh, and downright delicious. Think: summer salads, simple BBQ sides, smoky grilled favorites, and other seasonal dishes made for laid-back weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. They're the kind of meals you'll want to make on repeat, just like Ree Drummond’s family does. "Ladd will grill steaks, and we'll have them with an iceberg wedge salad," Ree says. Want to follow their lead? Keep reading for a collection of no-fuss summer recipes that’ll make mealtime a total breeze!
This recipe roundup has everything you need to create a well-rounded meal: mains, sides, and desserts. You’ll find plenty of classic picnic dishes and pool party foods, such as a smashed potato salad and a ranch-flavored slaw that'll have everyone asking for the recipe. There are also lots of fresh seasonal sides like Ree's watermelon-feta orzo salad, colorful grilled veggie skewers, and a Caprese salad that’ll feel right at home on your summer table. For a delicious entrée, opt for something simple and crowd-pleasing like grilled pizza or take things up a notch with seared steak. Of course, no summer dinner is complete without something sweet, so you’ll notice a few tasty treats thrown in the mix. Get ready to dig into some seriously tasty summer recipes!
Key Lime Bars
These key lime pie bars are a zippy treat that tastes like summer! If you’re in a pinch, you can bake these bars a couple days ahead of time. But if you whip them up right before dinner, they’ll chill just in time for dessert!
Get Ree’s Key Lime Bars recipe.
Smashed Potato Salad
No summer meal is complete without a starchy side, and this smashed potato salad will hit the spot. The potatoes are boiled, smashed, baked until golden, and tossed with bacon, so the end result is perfectly satisfying and versatile!
Get Ree’s Smashed Potato Salad recipe.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Summer Vegetables
Need dinner on the table pronto? This all-in-one meal comes together in under an hour, and it’s brimming with fresh seasonal flavor! Just throw everything on a sheet pan with some seasonings, and pop it in the oven!
Chocolate Pie
Ree’s famous chocolate pie (which is her husband’s favorite dessert) is delicious at any time of year. Since it’s served straight from the fridge, it’s the sweetest way to cool off after a hot summer day!
Get Ree’s Chocolate Pie recipe.
Spicy Queso Burgers
This summer, switch up your typical burger night by topping off each patty with some creamy queso! The blend of chorizo and ground beef pairs perfectly with the green chiles and pickled jalapeños.
Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Upgrade your instant noodles with this colorful and crunchy ramen salad. Sesame seeds, toasted cashews, and a sweet-savory dressing come together for a delicious bite every time. Serve it as a light picnic side or add chicken to turn it into a filling main dish!
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Caprese Salad
Summer is all about ripe, juicy tomatoes—and there's no better way to enjoy them than with a classic Caprese salad. It's one of Ree’s go-to dishes, especially when finished with a drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Grilled Tilapia
Looking for a healthy summer dinner recipe that's easy to make? Grilled tilapia is the perfect choice. The flaky fish is cooked in a foil packet with tender asparagus, lemon, herbs, and butter.
Get the Grilled Tilapia recipe.
Cowboy Steak
You don't need to live on a ranch to make this cowboy-inspired steak. It simply has that big cowboy flavor that develops as it cooks on the grill. And it's even better when it’s topped with ranch-flavored butter.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
Loaded with juicy berries and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this sheet cake screams summer! Simple to whip up and ideal for sharing, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for picnics, parties, or just a sweet everyday indulgence.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad
Juicy watermelon is surprisingly delicious in a savory picnic salad. It's even better when paired with the salty feta and fresh arugula.
Get Ree's Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
You'll turn anyone into an eggplant lover with this recipe for a simple side dish. Pair it with steaks, chicken, or fish, or serve it up with an herby chimichurri sauce on top.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Summertime is all about keeping things easy so why not let your slow cooker do all the work? Here, the appliance will help you whip up a saucy, delicious BBQ chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and tacos.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Beef Kebab Marinade
We've got the lowdown on how to marinate beef and it couldn't be easier. Especially when you cook the beef on skewers on the grill.
Get the Beef Kebab Marinade recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Fresh veggies, smoky chipotle peppers, and a creamy Southwestern dressing make this side dish perfect for a cookout. It's great for making ahead, too.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Ranch Slaw
Take classic coleslaw to the next level with a rich homemade ranch and a handful of fresh herbs. It's creamy, zesty, and so good, it's bound to disappear fast!
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
This cool, creamy dessert is an easy spin on strawberry cheesecake. It's made with Jell-O which helps give it the structure and fluffiness you need in a no-bake dessert.
Get the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Lobster Rolls
These chilled lobster rolls will remind you of a trip to the beach. They're just like the lobster salad-style rolls found in Maine. Serve them up with potato chips for an easy dinner.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Grilled Pizza
Take pizza night outdoors with this fun recipe for pizza on the grill. You can use the recipe as a base for any summery toppings including a Caprese-style pizza with tomatoes or a prosciutto pizza with fresh arugula.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Is there anything better in summer than sweet, fresh corn on the cob? Here's how to grill it perfectly every time.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
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