Looking for fresh inspiration for the warm months ahead? I’ve gathered all my favorite summer recipes in one place to make planning effortless. You’ll find light and vibrant appetizers, crisp side salads, refreshing cocktails, hearty dinner salads, and easy mains featuring salmon, chicken, and steak, plus a few desserts to sweeten up any summer gathering.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying dinner on the patio, these recipes are designed to keep you cool, satisfied, and out of the kitchen as much as possible. Happy summer!
Table of contents
Cocktails and Mocktails
Fresh Cucumber Martnis
A refreshing summer cocktail to tantalize your taste buds! This cocktail is easy to make and is always a hit at dinner and cocktail parties!
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Blueberry Yuzu Bee's Knees Cocktail
This unique version of a bee's knees cocktail is packed full of blueberry, citrus, honey, and floral flavors that are sure to impress your guests during the warmer months.
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Strawberry Basil Mocktail
When strawberry season hits you should make this easy, skinny strawberry basil mocktail! Fresh strawberries are blended with fresh basil leaves, coconut water, honey, and lime juice. Then, it's poured over ice with your favorite spirit-free alcohol. You won't miss the booze one bit!
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Appetizers and Small Bites
Rustic Italian BLT Skewers with Pesto Vinaigrette
Enjoy a fresh take on a classic with these Italian BLT skewers. Perfect for summer, they are packed with flavor and texture!
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Cheesy Steak Fajita Tacos with Charred Peppers and Onions
Try these delicious steak fajita tacos for a quick weeknight meal. Bold flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite!
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Steak + Burrata Bruschetta
A great way to use leftover steak! In this recipe, store bought focaccia or homemade bread is sliced, griddled, topped with burrata cheese, flat iron steak, then, drizzled with a chunky garlic-parsley-chili sauce.
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Side Salads and Dinner Salads
Strawberry Rhubarb Salad
Enjoy a bright and crunchy strawberry rhubarb salad (or appetizer) that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors for any meal.
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Steak Salad with Fried Onions
Enjoy a tasty steak salad inspired by classic steakhouse dishes with crispy onions, grilled veggies, and blue cheese dressing (or your favorite dressing)at home.
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Italian Chopped Salad
I call this my Next-Level Italian Chopped Salad for good reason. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables. What’s even better? It’s quick, easy to make, and totally customizable.
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Peach and Burrata Salad with Honey Basil Dressing
This peach and burrata salad is one of my favorite summer salads to serve during peach season! The combination of ripe juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh herbs is pure heaven, and a fun twist on the classic caprese salad.
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BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing
Love BLT sandwiches? Try this unique BLT salad recipe with crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, garlic toast croutons, and creamy pesto ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when fresh tomatoes are in season!
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The Ultimate Mushroom Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette
Mushroom lovers! This fun combination of earthy mushrooms, vibrant lemon, and the subtle sweetness of maple, come together in a refreshing salad. Perfect for your next picnic or get-together with friends.
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Little Gem Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette
A light and refreshing salad packed full of fresh herbs for a delicate spring and summer salad. Quick and easy to whip up on weeknights or when entertaining friends.
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Harvest Smoked Chicken Salad
Smoked chicken is mixed with butter lettuce, arugula, grapes, pecans, sharp cheddar, avocado and hard-boiled eggs. Then, it's all tossed with a Dijon maple vinaigrette. This is an easy smoked chicken salad recipe that can be made in advance and is perfect for Fall!
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Dinner Recipes
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls (w/ Crunchy Topping!)
If you love sushi, especially spicy salmon rolls, this easy-to-make salmon sushi bowl is a flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying way to enjoy all the sushi vibes at home without the hassle or expense!
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Baked Pistachio Crusted Salmon (Easy + Impressive Dish!)
This Pistachio Crusted Salmon is one of those recipes that feels both fancy and easy. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want a simple yet indulgent weeknight meal, it delivers flavor and texture with minimal effort.
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Easy Bruschetta Chicken with Garlic Bread Croutons
This easy bruschetta chicken recipe is flavor-packed and ready in under 30 minutes! Chicken breasts are marinated in Italian seasoning, seared, then baked with mozzarella cheese and garlic croutons. Then it's all topped with a warm garlic-infused fresh basil and tomato mixture. This is not your average chicken dinner.
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BBQ Chicken Pizza with Smoked Gouda
This BBQ chicken pizza recipe explains how to make pizza using a sheet pan in your regular oven, no special equipment is required! As a former pizza chef, I've got all the tips and tricks you'll need to make the best pizza at home.
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Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Effortlessly prepare this versatile slow cooker BBQ chicken with just a handful of ingredients, to make deliciously tender shredded chicken! Use this chicken in sliders, sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and so much more.
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Air Fryer Blackened Chicken
An easy way to cook flavorful, juicy, and crispy chicken breasts for a delicious, lazy weeknight dinner or weekly meal prep.
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Blackened Steak with Garlic Butter
Cook a restaurant-quality blackened steak at home with this easy recipe. Seasoned and cooked to perfection and topped with garlic butter.
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Sauces and Condiments
Recipe: Arugula Chimichurri
This vibrant arugula chimichurri is peppery, herbaceous, and perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or mixing into pasta and grain bowls. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic, made with arugula, fresh herbs, and your choice of nuts for added richness and texture.
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Easy Crushed Tomatoes at Home
This easy crushed tomatoes recipe is quick, low maintenance, and made for the freezer, so you don't have to worry about canning anything! No peeling necessary! Have lots of small tomatoes? Try making these easy roasted tomatoes for a rich sauce or spread.
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Desserts
Lemon cream and Berry Parfaits
These lemon cream and berry parfaits are a wonderful way to finish a spectacular dinner with friends or family during berry season. Make the lemon cream in advance and assemble the parfaits the morning of your dinner for an effortless dessert your guests are sure to remember.
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Lemon Cream Pie
A creamy lemon dessert any lemon lover will devour! Make this lemon cream pie the day before serving for an easy, low-fuss sweet ending to any meal.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts with Graham Cracker Crust
A fun and festive twist on a baked strawberry donut. Great for parties and baby or bridal showers.
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