50 Best Summer Recipes That Make Mealtime a Breeze
Simple bites for slow, sun-drenched evenings.
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Summer has its own rhythm: slow mornings, golden evenings, and meals that feel as bright and carefree as the season itself. When dinnertime rolls around, it's all about keeping things light, fresh, and flavorful. That's where these summer recipes come in! Think crisp summer salads, simple BBQ sides, and smoky grilling favorites—dishes made for laid-back weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. They're the kind of meals you'll want to make on repeat, just like the Drummond family does. "Ladd will grill steaks and we'll have them with an iceberg wedge salad," says Ree Drummond. Want to follow their lead? Keep reading for a collection of no-fuss, no-cook summer recipes that make dinnertime a total breeze!
This roundup of summer recipes also includes new twists on classic picnic recipes, like a dill pickle dip and a ranch-flavored slaw that's sure to have your neighbors asking for the recipe. You'll also find plenty of fresh seasonal sides, like Ree's watermelon-feta orzo salad, colorful grilled veggie skewers, sweet corn recipes, and Caprese-inspired dishes that feel just right this time of year. And whatever you do, don't miss Ree's strawberry delight—it's one of the best no-bake desserts out there. Get ready to dig into some seriously tasty summer dishes, and while you're at it, start planning one delicious Memorial Day menu!
Spicy Queso Burgers
Switch up your typical burger night by adding some queso to the mix! Each patty features a blend of chorizo and ground beef, which pairs perfectly with the spicy queso and pickled jalapeños.
Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Grilled Tilapia
Looking for a healthy summer dinner recipe that's easy to make? Grilled tilapia is the perfect choice. The flaky fish is cooked in a foil packet with tender asparagus, lemon, herbs, and butter.
Get the Grilled Tilapia recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert
This easy, no-bake treat is a showstopper for any patriotic party or casual summer gathering. Layers of fluffy cream, fresh berry-studded gelatin, and buttery pound cake come together and, once chilled, reveal bold stripes!
Dill Pickle Ranch
Pickle fans will love this creamy, tangy ranch that comes together in just 10 minutes. Serve it with fresh veggies, potato chips, or anything crunchy.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Ranch recipe.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Easy summer family dinners are lifesavers. This pasta dish is a great way to use up all those summer cherry tomatoes, too.
Get the Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
Loaded with juicy berries and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this sheet cake screams summer! Simple to whip up and ideal for sharing, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for picnics, parties, or just a sweet everyday indulgence.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Upgrade your instant noodles with this colorful and crunchy ramen salad! Sesame seeds, toasted cashews, and a sweet-savory dressing come together for a delicious bite every time. Serve it as a light picnic side or add chicken to turn it into a filling main dish!
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Strawberry Delight
Strawberry delight is a timeless no-bake treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky strawberry filling, and a shiny fresh berry glaze. Light and luscious, it chills to a perfect slice every time!
Get Ree's Strawberry Delight recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
These cheeseburger bowls ditch the bun for crispy, seasoned fries! Think juicy beef patties, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of fixings that deliver that classic backyard cookout flavor in every bite. Plus, they're super easy to customize just the way you like!
Get Ree's Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Grilled T-Bone Steak
The magic of this grilled steak comes from its flavorful rub: a blend of salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar. It's straightforward, satisfying, and summer grilling at its finest.
Get Ree's Grilled T-Bone Steak recipe.
Summer Vegetable Tarts
These simple summer tarts begin with buttery puff pastry and a rich pesto-ricotta spread. Topped with fresh zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes, they're bursting with color and seasonal flavor!
Get the Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Caprese Salad
Summer is all about ripe, juicy tomatoes—and there's no better way to enjoy them than with a classic caprese salad. It's one of Ree’s go-to dishes, especially when finished with a drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Shrimp Salad Rolls
These cool and refreshing shrimp salad rolls are perfect for sunny afternoons. Serve them over a bed of crisp lettuce or tuck them into toasted buns—just don't forget the chips on the side!
Get Ree's Shrimp Salad Rolls recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Bring a playful twist to your next BBQ with these mini cheeseburger skewers! They're bite-sized, packed with flavor, and party-ready.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Ranch Slaw
Take classic coleslaw to the next level with a rich homemade ranch and a handful of fresh herbs. It's creamy, zesty, and so good, it's bound to disappear fast!
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
Grilled Mushrooms
If you love mushrooms, wait until you try them hot off the grill with a garlicky soy butter sauce. They're a must-try side for summer dinners!
Get the Grilled Mushrooms recipe.
Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs
Soy and sesame give these juicy pork kebabs a bold, savory flavor. They're even better paired with a cool cucumber salad on the side.
Get Ree's Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs recipe.
Blueberry Lemonade
Blueberries and lemonade are a classic summer combo in this refreshing drink. Serve it as-is for the whole family, or add a splash of vodka or gin for the adults.
Get Ree's Blueberry Lemonade recipe.
Ratatouille
This summer side dish is a celebration of seasonal veggies. The layers of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomatoes will all meld together when baked in a casserole dish.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad
Juicy watermelon is surprisingly delicious in a savory picnic salad. It's even better when paired with the salty feta and fresh arugula.
Get Ree's Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad recipe.
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