When the weather’s warm, food needs to keep up with the vibe: light, refreshing, and ready to move wherever the party goes. These 23 recipe ideas fit into whatever summer activity is on the agenda, from backyard barbecues to last-minute outings. They’re flavorful, easy to serve, and know how to keep up with the pace of your day.

A sliced tomato stuffed with seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and jalapeño slices is served on a white plate with a fork. — Taco Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Strawberry Lemonade

Mixing fresh strawberries with lemon creates Strawberry Lemonade, a refreshing combination that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. The drink balances the natural sweetness of berries with the vibrant tartness of citrus. Blend everything smoothly, or let small strawberry pieces float for added texture. Sweeten to taste using your favorite option, and serve over ice to keep every sip crisp and cooling.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A plate of bowtie pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, zucchini, black olives, and herbs, set on a blue plate with a bowl of tomatoes and utensils nearby. — Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tossing chilled pasta with vibrant vegetables makes Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad an appealing dish for casual gatherings. The bow tie-shaped pasta holds onto the dressing beautifully, adding bursts of flavor in every bite. A pairing of fresh greens, tomatoes, and herbs keeps things light, while the addition of protein like chicken or mozzarella rounds it out. Customize with your favorite ingredients for variety and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board. — Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Small chunks of seasoned pork shine in Classic Pork Souvlaki, a dish known for its tender texture and bold taste. Marinated in citrus and spices, the meat grills quickly while maintaining moisture and flavor. Serve alongside pita, tangy yogurt sauce, or a medley of grilled vegetables for a full meal. Its versatile flavors complement side dishes without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Viral Onion Boil

A whole onion stuffed with spices and seasonings, baked in foil with visible juices and browned bits. — Viral Onion Boil. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Slowly boiling whole onions creates Viral Onion Boil, where the natural sweetness of vegetables intensifies in each layer. The dish results in tender and easy-to-peel onions, perfect as a side or snack. Incorporate butter or simple seasonings to enhance the profile while keeping the preparation straightforward. They’re easily shareable and make for quick servings with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Viral Onion Boil

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes on a white plate with mixed leafy greens and a lemon wedge. — Grandma’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Flaky salmon, seasoning, and breadcrumbs combine into Grandma’s Salmon Cakes, delivering a recipe loved for its simplicity and comfort. The mixture forms compact patties that pan-fry quickly, developing golden edges while staying soft inside. Pair them with salads, sauces, or roasted sides for a complete plate. They work well for families or gatherings with minimal prep time involved.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Baked Turkey Zucchini Boats

Hollowed zucchini halves become the base of Baked Turkey Zucchini Boats, with lightly seasoned ground turkey packed inside each vegetable. The mixture cooks evenly while the zucchini softens, creating a blend of textures and mild tastes. Top with cheese, breadcrumbs, or herbs to enhance its presentation and bring balance to the recipe. It’s an approachable twist on stuffed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Zucchini Boats

Frito Pie

Layers of chili and crisp corn chips define Frito Pie, a dish appreciated for its simple and hearty character. The combination of ingredients packs flavor and crunch with every scoop. Adding cheese, chopped onions, and jalapeños makes this customizable for individual preferences. It’s easy to assemble directly in serving bowls for convenience and quicker cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

Deviled Egg Toast

Turning boiled eggs into spreadable filling turns Deviled Egg Toast into a fun snack or light meal. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with crisp toast, balancing softness and crunch. Garnish with paprika, chives, or other favorite toppings for added dimension. Its portable nature makes it perfect for on-the-go meals or laid-back gatherings while remaining quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Toast

Corn Nuggets

Combining corn kernels with batter creates Corn Nuggets, bite-sized snacks that fry to perfection. Each piece bursts with the natural sweetness of corn while maintaining a crispy golden shell. Serve them with dips ranging from tasty to spicy for variety and additional flavor. They’re easy to munch and share, making them suitable for small or large groups alike.
Get the Recipe: Corn Nuggets

Texas Trash Pie

Chocolate, pecans, and coconut come together for Texas Trash Pie, a dessert combining sweet and nutty flavors seamlessly. The pie uses readily available ingredients layered thoughtfully to deliver texture and richness. Baking transforms the mix into a balanced treat with a slightly chewy consistency. Serve warm or chilled, and it pairs well with coffee or ice cream for added comfort.
Get the Recipe: Texas Trash Pie

Seared Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Pan-seared fillets shine bright in Seared Salmon with Avocado Salsa, with crispy edges and tender centers. The avocado topping brings creaminess, acidity, and freshness without overwhelming the delicate salmon. Using ripe avocados ensures the salsa spreads effortlessly over the fish while aligning with its flavors. Serve alongside grains or leafy greens for a more filling yet light meal.
Get the Recipe: Seared Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Chicken Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Fresh vegetables and marinated chicken come together for Chicken Mediterranean Salad Recipe, blending hearty textures with lighter toppings. The inclusion of lemon dressing or olive oil gives depth without overpowering the standout ingredients. Nuts or cheese add variation to texture and flavor, making the salad balanced and versatile. It’s quick to assemble and packs enough taste for lunch or dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Chef Jenn’s Savory Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe

A metal muffin tin holds several breakfast baked egg muffins with vegetables; one is being lifted out with a spatula. — Chef Jenn’s Savory Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Whisked eggs serve as the base for Chef Jenn’s Savory Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe, with layered vegetables, meats, and cheese completing the dish. Muffin tins create perfectly shaped portions filled with balanced flavors. These bake quickly, ensuring the edges become golden while the centers remain moist. They’re ideal for preparing ahead and heating whenever you need a protein-packed start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Savory Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe

Meaty Chicken Zucchini Poppers

A white bowl filled with Chicken Zucchini Poppers garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork holding one meatball above the bowl. — Meaty Chicken Zucchini Poppers. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Bite-sized and protein-rich, Meaty Chicken Zucchini Poppers combine shredded chicken with finely grated zucchini for texture and moisture. The recipe uses light seasoning to pack flavor into compact balls that fry or bake easily. These are simple to pair with sauces or add to bowls for quick and flexible meals. Their minimal ingredients make them approachable for all skill levels while yielding consistent results.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad

A hand holds a graham cracker topped with creamy Orange Fluff Salad Dip over a blurred bowl of the dip. — Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Canned mandarins pair beautifully with whipped and creamy ingredients in Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad, creating a sweet, fruit-forward dish. Its light texture and tangy citrus notes provide contrast to heavier meals or sides. Mixing marshmallows or nuts gives additional texture and lovely variety without making it too rich. Serve as individual portions or in large bowls for family-sized servings.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad

Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta

Combining perfectly cooked pasta with a lemon sauce creates Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta, brightened by sweet pops of peas and sharp bites of pancetta. Everything melds together with grated cheese to balance tart and savory flavors. The lightweight sauce clings well to the pasta while allowing the freshness of lemon to shine. It’s ideal for gatherings or casual weekday meals with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta

Marinated Cucumbers

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion and herbs; a spoon is lifting a portion. A plate of salad and a sauce boat are in the background. — Marinated Cucumbers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Thin slices of cucumber gain bold, tangy flavors through Marinated Cucumbers, made by soaking them in vinegar-based solutions. Herbs such as dill enhance the profile, complementing the crispy nature of the vegetable. The combination of soft infusions and crisp texture makes these an easy side dish or topping for sandwiches. Preparing them ahead of time ensures optimal flavor when serving.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Cucumbers

Graham Cracker Cake

Layering softened graham crackers with cream provides Graham Cracker Cake, a no-bake dessert that feels both effortless and indulgent. As it chills, the crackers absorb moisture and achieve a cake-like softness that pairs beautifully with toppings like fruits or chocolate. It can be built in unique shapes or sizes, making it adaptable for different celebrations. This treat is quick yet enjoyable to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Graham Cracker Cake

Southern Lemonade

A glass pitcher and two glasses of lemonade with lemon slices, surrounded by whole and halved lemons on a light wooden surface. — Southern Lemonade. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Juiced lemons mixed with water and sweeteners form Southern Lemonade, a staple made for sipping during long conversations or casual meals. Balancing sweetness and acidity is key, ensuring the drink remains refreshing rather than overpowering. Add thin lemon slices to the pitcher to create visual appeal without complicating the recipe. It can be easily scaled for smaller or larger servings depending on preference.
Get the Recipe: Southern Lemonade

Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

Combining fresh garden vegetables with bold feta delivers Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta, a dish offering crunch and balanced flavors. The creamy feta contrasts with the crispness of greens without overpowering the overall taste. Simple vinaigrettes work best to enhance the natural flavors without masking the ingredients. It becomes a versatile choice for light meals or as a memorable side for larger dinners or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs

Overhead close-up of a white plate filled with small, golden-brown Ham & Cheese Puffs. — Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Puff pastry filled with smoky ham and melted cheese creates Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs, perfect for appetizers or quick bites. The flaky exterior and warm, cheesy center offer a well-rounded texture and profile. Baking ensures convenience and consistency, with very little cleanup required afterward. These flavorful handheld bundles work for small, spontaneous gatherings or family snacks.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs

Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie

A key lime pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and lime slices, sits on a marble surface with lime wedges nearby. — Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tart key lime juice meets a smooth filling for Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie, set atop a crumbly crust that balances sweetness and tang. The bright citrus notes shine through without being too overwhelming, especially when paired with freshly whipped cream. It’s easy to prepare ahead, allowing the flavors to settle before serving chilled. The pie’s approachable ingredients make it suitable for seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie

Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans Recipe

A plate with Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans surrounded by crackers and bread slices, with a honey dipper drizzling honey over the cheese. — Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans Recipe. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Soft cheese topped with nuts and sweetness creates Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans Recipe, delivering a dish that feels special yet requires simple preparation. The brie becomes warm and gooey as it bakes, perfectly melding with crunchy pecans and a drizzle of honey. Pair it with fruits or bread for dipping to boost its serving experience. It’s an impressive dish to share, suitable for casual gatherings or intimate moments alike.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans Recipe