Summer meals hit different when nobody’s waiting for a fork or a chair. There’s always one person stacking their plate like it’s a sport and someone else scooping straight from the dish mid-convo. These 19 summer eats don’t sit around; they vanish before the grill cools down. Expect fast hands, full plates, and zero regrets.
Fried Deviled Eggs
Start with something crispy and creamy that’s tough to resist. Fried Deviled Eggs combine crunch with bold flavors, offering a unique twist instead of the usual preparation. The mix of textures creates something more engaging than your average appetizer. Perfect for casual gatherings or snacking before a meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs
Italian Broccoli Salad
Looking for a new way to enjoy broccoli? Italian Broccoli Salad updates a traditional vegetable with bold touches that make it hard to pass up. The vibrant mix will make even those who avoid greens give it a try. You’ll find yourself going for seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Squash Casserole
If you prefer rich baked dishes, this one delivers comfort. Squash Casserole brings together warmth and texture, making it an irresistible option before sitting at the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and something that gets rave reviews when served. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for any event.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole
Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
Whether at a barbecue or just on its own, this fresh mix gets attention. Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad is easy to grab and enjoy for its blend of consistency and flavor. It works with so many dishes but could easily stand out on its own. Great for scooping before you sit down.
Get the Recipe: Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
This one’s for fans of smoky, juicy favorites. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts pack a flavor punch while delivering that satisfying grilled texture. It’s easy to grab and pairs perfectly with crisp side dishes. A solid choice for any platter at summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
Refreshing Watermelon Salsa
Add a splash of bright flavor with something that works both as a dip and a side dish. Refreshing Watermelon Salsa balances fresh textures with surprising flavor elements, making it hard to stop at a single scoop. It’s versatile and pairs well with nearly anything.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Watermelon Salsa
A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
Who would skip something so hearty? A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie blends flaky texture and bold layers of flavor, turning a simple dish into something memorable. Cutting into this brings anticipation, whether for a quick bite or before the main event. A standout option that’s hard to ignore.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing
Need something bold and fresh to grab before the main course? Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing offers layers of flavor with a satisfying crunch. The combination is exciting and balances sweetness with a hint of heat. It’s perfect for stacking or scooping in a casual setting.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
This dish brings a smoky edge to an often understated vegetable. Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce deliver a new way to enjoy radishes, with extra zing provided by the dip. It’s ideal for stacking, grabbing, or adding a flavorful bite to your table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta
Serve up something rich yet light enough to enjoy anytime. Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta combines soft textures with bright, balanced flavors to create a dish everyone will want to grab. It’s great for enjoying as a fresh start to a gathering meal or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta
Corn Pudding Casserole
Here’s a baked dish that always seems to disappear quickly. Corn Pudding Casserole offers creaminess with a sweet touch that makes it irresistible. Its texture is perfect for scooping up and enjoying without waiting for the main dish. Guaranteed to stand out at any table.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole
The BEST Sautéed Kale
Even greens can shine when cooked just right. The BEST Sautéed Kale takes a simple vegetable and turns it into something bold and full of flavor. Great for stacking or sharing, it’s proof that clean eating doesn’t have to be boring. People definitely come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Sautéed Kale
Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls
Fun to snack on and even easier to pass around, Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls disappear fast at any event. Perfect for pre-dessert bites, they deliver enough sweetness and intrigue to keep them as the center of attention in food spreads. Easy for guests to hold and enjoy before sitting down. Always in demand, they never last long. plates or forks. Each bite has a mix of smooth and chewy textures that make it a hit at any event.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls
Horiatiki Salad
This dish is all about simplicity done right. Horiatiki Salad uses fresh layers to deliver balanced flavors without extras weighing it down. It’s great for stacking onto plates during relaxed gatherings or snacking before the main meal. A classic that’s hard to pass over.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Cucumber Sandwiches
Light, refreshing, and always an instant hit, Cucumber Sandwiches are a classic party favorite. With their soft texture and slight crunch, these feel fancy yet are easy to grab and enjoy. Perfect for picnics or gatherings, they’re always the first snack to disappear. Simply done right makes them unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Mixing two crowd favorites, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines rich flavors with a filling texture you’ll keep coming back for. It fits in perfectly alongside grilled dishes or as an easy stand-alone dish. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the subtle pasta bite. Whether it’s a party or a casual dinner, it always finds fans.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Classic Lemonade
Quench your thirst in the best way with Classic Lemonade. It’s exactly what you’d want in a refreshing drink during any gathering. Each sip offers cool, balanced sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Grab one before settling in with all the food.
Get the Recipe: Classic Lemonade
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Bowls pack everything in one place, and Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is no exception. It layers textures and flavors with just the right seasoning, leaving nothing lacking. Convenient and easy to enjoy, it’s perfect when you want everything on one fork. Even the toppings take this option to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Shirazi Salad
If you love fresh veggies, Shirazi Salad is your pick, perfect for grabbing a scoop before sitting down. This dish, popular for its fresh and light nature, has a refreshing combination you can’t resist. You’ll find its unique taste thanks to the special mix of ingredients. Don’t underestimate its simplicity because it’s the combination that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad