Summer doesn’t ask for complicated, and neither do these 21. This lineup throws together big flavor without turning the kitchen into a sauna. Crunch plays the lead, herbs keep things loud, and the fridge ends up doing most of the work. Everything here holds up outside, even if the plastic chairs don’t. It’s the kind of eating that makes a case for staying out until the ice melts.
Corn Pudding Casserole
Soft and creamy, Corn Pudding Casserole is a fulfilling option that works great when served outside. The texture lands somewhere between a casserole and pudding, making it a versatile dish. It’s perfect for pairing with other crunchy options at a picnic or outdoor meal. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal make it an easy pick for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole
Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing
Cold, refreshing dishes like Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing make outdoor meals easy and enjoyable. It has a balanced combo of tangy dressing and crunchy textures, making it good for picnics. Pairing well with proteins or as a standalone meal, it’s great for mixing up your usual salads. Its vibrant presentation stands out on any lunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing
The Backyard Table
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- Grilled Corn Guacamole
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- 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!
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Buy Now!Green Pea Hummus with Mint
Smooth and cool, Green Pea Hummus with Mint feels fresh and different. With its mild flavor and light texture, it works well for spreading or dipping. The addition of mint adds a refreshing layer that fits outdoor meals. Whether served as an appetizer or snack, it’s a relaxed option for casual moments with friends.
Get the Recipe: Green Pea Hummus with Mint
Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles brings comfort to the table. The addition of pickles provides a crunch and tang that contrasts with the soft potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that sticks around at gatherings because people know and trust it. Serve it chilled for the best taste, and it’ll stand strong among other sides.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping
Taking a twist on muffins, Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping strike a balance between being a light dessert and a snack-friendly. The crumbly sweetness of the topping contrasts nicely with the moist center. It’s easy to pack for picnics or lunches without worrying about them losing freshness. These muffins add variety to your dessert lineup.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping
Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
Bright and colorful, Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad makes the table look vibrant at outdoor meals. The black beans add depth, while corn offers freshness with every bite. It’s a laid-back dish that suits picnics or BBQs without a lot of fuss. Perfect for pairing with meat or other grilled dishes, it stands out as a reliable crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce bring something different to grilling. The fun texture combines with a spicy sauce for dipping, giving guests something new to talk about. Use this recipe to mix up your menu and surprise anyone who likes radishes but hasn’t tried them grilled. Share as finger food at gatherings or set up by the grill as a snack option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Biscuit Dough Donut Holes
Sugary and soft, Biscuit Dough Donut Holes work great when served as dessert bites outdoors. They’re simple to grab, easy to eat, and sweet enough to wrap up any meal. Kids and adults alike will find them irresistible when served fresh. Make sure there’s enough to go around since they disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit Dough Donut Holes
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts bring smoky flavors to dinner without dominating the plate. Tangy additions like lime keep it light, so it works for outdoor meals or paired with crunchy veggies. Simple grilling makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. It’s easy to make in batches to suit larger groups.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
Comforting yet special, A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie is all about its flaky crust and fresh ingredients. Perfect for gatherings, it sits somewhere between a lunch dish and a casual comfort dinner option. The filling balances robust flavors while the crust remains airy. It’s a perfect example of something both retro and timeless.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde
No-rush cooking comes easy with Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde, giving meat a tender finish without much effort. Its balance of texture and flavor makes it suitable for a range of toppings or side dishes. Cooking this way means less hassle during prep but plenty of flavor in the end. The slow-cooking process keeps the flavors combined fully.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta
Adding a sweet and tangy twist to regular salads, Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta works perfectly for those wanting lighter options. Pairing fresh ingredients with glaze creates an unexpected punch that blends well. Cold and refreshing, it’s ideal for setting up casual outdoor lunches.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta
Smoked Jalapenos
Big on smoky flavors but small in size, Smoked Jalapenos bring a bold edge to your plate. Their earthy notes are a surprising addition, pairing well alongside grilled dishes. Great for adding variety when you need a simple yet flavorful option. Perfectly fits into snack plates or as a standout accent.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos
Authentic Panzanella Salad
Dust off stale bread for Authentic Panzanella Salad, showing how simple spices blend best. Crunch, softness, and a mix of garden flavors make it one of the top light choices. Easy to modify depending on personal preferences, this salad works with almost any main dish. Quickly assembled, it fits busy days without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad
Cold Corn Dip
Great for dipping chips or veggies, Cold Corn Dip stays fresh long and avoids being overly heavy. It’s not the loudest dish on the table, but its texture makes it stand out in a lineup. Easy for sharing or quick snacking, serve it whenever ease is key. The cold aspect fits perfectly for warm outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers
A mix of sweet and smoky, Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers go well as both a casual entree or a snack plate. Skewer dishes like this allow for easy handling during group meals. The combination balances flavor without being overly complicated. Simple prep makes this dish popular when planning larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers
German Kohlrabi
Not as common on tables, German Kohlrabi makes a light and crunchy addition to spreads. This dish shows off its versatility, whether served alone or mixed into larger salad plates. It brings a unique type of crunch that surprises during meals. A quick way to spark conversations while introducing something different.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Shareable plates grow in appeal with the Tomato Bruschetta Board, offering bite-sized portions easy to grab. The mix of textures from tomato and bread creates a balance anyone can enjoy during group events. Pairing well with almost any drink, it’s something you’ll want alongside casual hosting gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Smoked Queso
Crowd-pleasers like Smoked Queso get attention for their dipping versatility and a smoky kick. This dish works well at barbecues or any meal with shared plates. Deliciously bold without dipping into complexity, queso dishes like these go fast. Pair it with chips or veggies for quick dipping on the go.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Changing up corn presentations, Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs are fun to eat and easy to share. The small bite-sized rib style adds variety to tableside dishes. Mixing flavors through toppings gives this corn dish playful appeal at cookouts or potlucks. Whether serving one or many attendees, this dish stays approachable with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets
A lighter food plate always works with Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets, which bring freshness alongside crunch. The flaky outer layer adds nice texture without feeling heavy. Great for slightly more upscale gatherings, but approachable enough for anyone hosting small groups, too. This tartlet dish focuses more on finesse than complexity.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets