30 recipes to celebrate summer

Here are 30 recipes to celebrate summer from appetizers to grilling ideas, sweets and cool summer drinks on a hot day.

30 recipes to celebrate summer

It turns out, I have A LOT of recipes for summer on my site. So many that I decided to dedicate one post with all of the best summer recipes for you to find. FIRE UP THE GRILL – because I’ve gotchu covered all summer long from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, and every weekend in-between.

Most of these are real food recipes that are minimally processed – enjoy.

appetizers + party dips:

Homemade pickles are a MUST over the summer; no cook refrigerator pickles are perfect for a snack board or with a burger, you need these refrigerator pickles in your life!
Speaking of snack boards, I love making a summer crudite tray for friends to snack on. Honestly, just give me all of the veggies, pickles, chips and dip.
classic deviled eggs are perfect for any potluck! Jazz them up with everything but the bagel seasoning or relish while you’re at it.
French Onion Dip lightened up with Greek yogurt is always a hit! Make this anytime of the year.

This Everything Bagel Hummus is a winner every single time!
Or if you really want to impress friends, make them this Layered Greek Hummus Dip with Yogurt.
Roasted Corn Salsa: make this one in advance and double up! Perfect for dip, salads, or over grilled steak. You’ll want to make this corn salsa all summer long.

salads + sides:

Strawberry Spring Mix Salad with Goat Cheese is a hit at Casa de Crews no matter what time of year! We love this strawberry salad.
If you need a low-carb side without letting everyone know your biz, make this Zesty Radish Slaw which is a perfect side to anything on the grill or an easy lunch!
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad: this summer pesto pasta salad is so easy. You can use homemade pesto or store bought.
Mom’s classic potato salad: a summer staple for my family!
This Chopped BLT Salad with Corn is what summer is all about.
Charred Corn Caprese Salad is salty and creamy and fresh, and just amazing.

for the grill:

(here is the grill we have)

Make these perfectly grilled beef burgers every-time with this recipe.
Whole30 Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings! Marinate these wings, or your favorite chicken wing recipe using my grill tips.
Learn how to make the juiciest Turkey Burgers ever!
Pesto grilled pork chops: for when you’re over burgers + dogs but still want to grill.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for the weekend, and even better for an easy dinner!
If you like heat, these Habanero Grilled Pork Chops are a must.
Italian Sausage Foil Packets are so quick and so easy. You’ll have more time to hang out with little cleanup.
Or if you want beef, make these Steak and Pepper Foil Packets instead.

sweet tooth:

Um, hi. Basil and Bourbon Peach Hand Pies are perfect for a party or to enjoy anytime, anywhere!
Make this S’mores Pie made with a paleo pudding filling.
This no-bake Healthier Peanut Butter Pie is cold and creamy and what you need in the summer.

drinks:

Here are the best canned wines to sip this summer.
This Pineapple-Celery Frozen Mojito is so refreshing! Plus, it has rum.
Make a pitcher of Strawberry Basil Margaritas (option to mocktail)
My most popular cocktail from spring until summer: Grapefruit Gin Fizzes with Rosemary!
Three words: Celery Salty Dogs – so refreshing.
This Boozy Backyard Lemonade is incredibly refreshing with a splash of vodka, gin or tequila – your choice!