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    Home » Summer Recipes

    21 Simple Summer Recipes For BBQs And Family Reunions

    Last updated: Apr 25, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Save 75% on the Ultimate Valentine's Day Printable Library! GET INSTANT ACCESS TO 100+ PAGES HERE

    Looking for easy summer recipes? Here's 20+ summer food ideas including appetizers, pasta salads, grilling recipes, and summer desserts! Any of these recipes are perfect for BBQs, family reunions, summer parties or quick dinners.

    this awesome idea!

    Easy Summer Recipes

    Summer is just about here and there are so many things to do! It is the time when the weather outside is amicable as compared to the prickly winters. Outdoor activities would be encouraged by many, and beaches would be the favourite place to visit!

    However, the summer sun might not be as amicable in all places. In some parts of the world, this might be the season of keeping the doors and windows closed to avoid the heat entering the dwellings. Moreover, the climatic conditions at certain places might compel homeowners to buy new cooling devices; those who already have the appliances installed might need to get them repaired (perhaps with the help of Woolley Home Solutions). Some might even consider getting their swimming pools renovated to spend most of their time soaking in water. Others might think about purchasing more houseplants that can keep the rooms cooler.

    So, it is pretty clear that while Summer might be benevolent to some, it can be quite harsh to others.

    But whatever the circumstances, one thing is for sure: this is the time for the most favourite easy summer recipes!

    Whether you need summer dishes for BBQs, potlucks, family reunion meals or just fresh recipes, these easy Summer foods will have everyone coming back for more!

    All of these summer recipes are quick and easy-- because you don't want to be spending all your time in the kitchen!

    Summer Recipes: Appetizers & Salads

    Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe

    This is one of those summertime recipes you're going to love! This sweeter alternative to fresh salsa is perfect for dipping your favorite tortilla chips. Mango Salsa Recipe.

    World's Best Chip Dip

    Say hello to the world's best chip dip. Seriously, this dip never lasts long. Everyone loves it! The combination of the pineapple and cream cheese pairs perfectly with the saltiness of ridged potato chips. And you can make this easy chip dip in under 5 minutes! Here's the recipe.

    best-pineapple-dip-chip-dip-2

    Garden Fresh Veggie Cups

    Serve up your favorite garden fresh veggies in mini cups like Diamond 50 Count Multi-Purpose Mini Cups With Lids, 2 oz, Clear">these . Put the dressing on the bottom for a great grab and go option.

    mini-veggie-cups

    Sweet Summer Salad

    For a fresh summer recipe, try our go-to summer salad. It's a mix of romaine, apples, craisins, cinnamon almonds, and delicious homemade poppyseed dressing. Here's the recipe.

    summer-salad-recipe-nuts-craisins-apples

    Tortellini Pasta Salad

    An easy gourmet pasta salad recipe, this tortellini pasta is another all-time favorite! Simply cook up cheese tortellini and mix with fresh veggies, caesar dresssing, and parmesan cheese for a salad that won't last long! Here's the recipe.

    spinach-tortellini-caesar-salad

    Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

    Just 3 ingredients to make this brown sugar toffee fruit dip in under 5 minutes. Dip your favorite fresh fruits for a refreshing summer snack or side dish. Here's the easy fruit dip recipe.

    Best-Fruit-Dip-Brown-Sugar-Toffee-Fruit-Dip-3

    Chicken Teriyaki Bowtie Pasta Salad

    This amazing summer pasta salad can be a side dish or a summer meal by itself. Plus, all of it can be prepared in advance, making it a great summer recipe! The flavors of bowtie pasta, mandarin oranges, spinach, nuts, teriyaki chicken and a fresh sauce makes the pasta light and delicious.

    Bowtie Pasta Recipe

    TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWTIE PASTA SALAD-6

    Summer Dishes: Main Course

    The Best Hot Dog Recipe

    Undeniably, the best hot dog recipe ever! (Even those who don't like hot dogs love these!) The combination of the grilling method, hot dog special sauce, and toppings make this hot dog a favorite! Get the full easy hot dog recipe here.

    best-hot-dog-recipe

    Favorite Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

    Hands down, this grilled chicken recipe is my family's most requested summer dish. Not only is easy and quick to prepare, but the flavors are irrestible! Here's the rosemary ranch chicken recipe.

    rosemary-ranch-chicken-skewer-recipe
    Rosemary Ranch Chicken Skewers

    Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    Slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches are a winner for a picnic or a great family reunion dinner idea. Prepare the meat in advance and keep on warm for an easy summer dinner! Here's the BBQ pulled pork recipe.

    mini-sandwiches-first-birthday-party

    Sliders

    These sliders can be made ahead of time, so all you'll have to do is grill them when your company arrives! Get all the mini burger sliders recipe here.

    Mini Hamburgers

    Summer Recipes: Desserts & Treats

    Fresh Peach No-Bake Dessert

    This no-bake fresh peach dessert can be made in under 10 minutes! Keep it in the fridge until you ready to serve for a fresh summer dessert that's irresistible. Dare I say it's even better than peach cobbler.

    fresh-peach-dessert-recipe

    Simple Beach Cupcakes

    These adorable beach cupcakes are a hit for kids and adults. How cute is that edible sand? Here's the summer cupcakes recipe. 

    beach-cupcakes

    Cute Watermelon Cookies 

    These adorable watermelon cookies are a lot easier to make than you realize. Get the recipe here. 

    watermelon-cookies-summer-recipes

    Frozen Hot Chocolate 

    Hot chocolate is not just for winter! Whip up this refreshing summer drink on a hot summer day or on July 25-- Christmas in July! Get the easy 3-ingredient frozen hot chocolate recipe here. 

    easy-frozen-hot-chocolate

    Ice Cream Chex Pie

    An ice cream pie that can be made in under 10 minutes? Yes please! Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this easy pie recipe. (It was my favorite birthday dessert as a child!) The crust made with Chex cereal gives it a delicious flavor that goes so well with fresh fruit and homemade hot fudge. Here's the recipe!

    chex-pie-ice-cream-pie

    Incredible Indoor S'mores Bars

    No campfire? No problem. You will love these indoor s'mores bars. (In fact, we love these easy summer treats way better than traditional s'mores.) You get the great taste of s'mores, but without the mess. Cut them up for a family reunion dessert or a camping snack. Here's the best s'mores recipe.

    indoor-smores-golden-grahams-marshmallows-3

    Fresh Fruit Pizza

    For an easy fancy dessert (with only 15 minute prep time), fruit pizza is the answer! A delicious sugar cookie crust topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and any fruit you want! Here's the fruit pizza recipe.

    fruit-pizza

    What are your favorite summer recipes? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

    More Summer Recipes

    • Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe)
    • Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe (Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler)
    • Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe
    • Easy Beach Cupcake Tutorial

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    Hi, I'm Melissa! I share simple holiday and family fun ideas so you can create more memories together.

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