Your Backyard Just Got Delicious With 29 Summer Recipes

Summer’s here, and it turns out your grill has been waiting all year for this. Backyard hangs are suddenly better when the food game stops being all hot dogs and chips. These 29 moves change the tone fast. Friends stay longer when your patio doubles as the season’s favorite kitchen.

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Who says you need to visit a restaurant for that perfect burrito bowl? Throw together some rice, veggies, and shrimp at home, and suddenly you’re not just making dinner, you’re crafting an experience. Shrimp Burrito Bowls bring the taste of the sea right to your backyard. It’s all about mixing fresh ingredients with a twist of your own flair.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Black Bean Burger

Making a burger that’s both hearty and meat-free is totally doable. Mix up some black beans and spices, shape them into patties, and you’ve got yourself a Black Bean Burger. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to switch things up on burger night. With each bite, you get that rewarding crunch and burst of flavor, without missing the beef.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For those days when you crave something different, why not mix corn, chicken, and rice in one bowl? Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is all about bringing street flavors into the comfort of your home. It’s a bowl full of textures and tastes that reminds you of your favorite outdoor market. Every spoonful is a little adventure in itself.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Imagine small, warm buns filled with melted cheese and perfectly cooked ham. That’s what Ham and Cheese Sliders are all about. They’re perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner where you want something everyone will love. Bite into one, and it’s like a mini hug for your stomach, comforting and oh so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Grilled Veggie Kebobs

There’s something about veggies when they’re grilled that just brings out their best flavors. Grilled Veggie Kebobs are not just healthy; they’re a colorful addition to any meal. Skewer up your favorite vegetables, give them a light char, and it’s like you’re eating rainbow. They prove that simple ingredients can stand out with just a little grill time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

When you’re in the mood for something Asian-inspired, a quick stir fry can hit the spot. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry combines the sweet and tasty elements perfectly with chicken and veggies. It’s a dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Gather around the table for this one; it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tacos but make them fish? Yes, please. Blackened Salmon Tacos are your usual tacos’ cool, sophisticated cousin. Spice-coated salmon, wrapped in a warm tortilla, just enhances the taco game to a whole new level. It’s a fun twist that adds a bit of elegance to a casual favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tzatziki

If you’re after something to cool down and freshen up your palate, nothing does it better than Tzatziki. This sauce combines yogurt with herbs and cucumbers for a refreshing dip or spread. Whether you’re dipping fresh veggies or spreading it on a sandwich, it’s a versatile addition that brings a light and creamy touch to dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Salad gets a bad rep for being boring, but throw in some blackened shrimp and an avocado dressing, and you’re in for a treat. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is all about contrast: spicy shrimp against the cooling, creamy dressing. It’s a salad that’s as exciting to eat as it is pretty to look at.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Ice Cream Cake

Why choose between cake and ice cream when you can have both? Ice Cream Cake is the dessert of champions, combining creamy ice cream with cake layers. It’s a dessert that promises to end any meal on a high note. Whether it’s a birthday or a Tuesday, it’s always a good time for a slice.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Picture a bowl filled with the season’s best fruits, drizzled with a honey and lime dressing. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing is that bowl. It’s simple, it’s refreshing, and it lets the natural sweetness of the fruit shine. This dish is a reminder that sometimes, less is indeed more.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Tomahawk Steak

For those nights when you want to impress or just treat yourself, Tomahawk Steak comes to the rescue. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, with its bone handle and perfectly cooked meat. Cooking it right might seem like a challenge, but the result is absolutely worth it. It’s a statement piece that’s as delicious as it looks.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Taco Pasta Salad

Forget having to choose between Mexican and Italian for dinner. Taco Pasta Salad mixes the best of both worlds. It’s a fun, unexpected twist on pasta salad that brings a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, it’s a dish that stands out in the sea of usual salads.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Vegetable Fritters

Sometimes you have veggies and don’t know what to do with them. Turn them into Vegetable Fritters, and suddenly, you’ve got a crispy, delicious side or snack. They’re a clever way to get more greens in your diet without feeling like you’re just eating veggies. Pair them with a dip, and they might just become your new favorite way to eat vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Caprese Pesto Tarts

There’s something about the combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil that just works. Caprese Pesto Tarts take that trio, add a pastry base, and turn it into an irresistible appetizer or snack. It’s like eating a piece of summer, no matter what time of year it is. These tarts are proof that simple ingredients can create something special.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Rice Paper Rolls

Looking for a light yet pleasing option? Rice Paper Rolls are your answer. Fill them with veggies, maybe some shrimp or chicken, and you’ve got a fresh, healthy alternative to the usual suspects. They’re surprisingly simple to make and even more fun to eat, especially with a dipping sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Sometimes, you crave something that tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant, but you want it in your PJ’s at home. Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe gives you that rich, comforting taste without the need to step outside. It’s all about bringing complex flavors into your kitchen without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Sushi Rice

Ever wonder why sushi at restaurants tastes so good? A big part of that is Sushi Rice. It’s not just about cooking it; it’s about treating it in a way that brings out its sticky, slightly sweet qualities. Mastering this basic component lets you create sushi rolls at home that can rival your local spot.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

Italian Pasta with Salami

Bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen with Italian Pasta with Salami. It’s a hearty dish that combines the robust flavors of salami with the comfort of pasta. Perfect for those days when you need a meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside. It’s a little bit rustic, a lot delicious, and totally fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters are the answer to your “what to do with all this zucchini” dilemma. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and just the right kind of tasty. Serve them hot, and watch them disappear faster than you made them. They’re a sneaky way to introduce more veggies into meals, and no one ever complains.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Shrimp Cocktail

Starting a meal with a Shrimp Cocktail sets a certain kind of mood. It’s a classic appetizer that says, “This is going to be a good meal.” It’s about the simplicity of well-cooked shrimp and the tang of cocktail sauce. It’s a starter that’s stood the test of time because, well, it’s hard to improve on perfection.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Charcuterie Board

When you can’t decide what to snack on, why not have a little bit of everything? A Charcuterie Board is your canvas for creativity. Mix meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and more for an array of flavors and textures. It’s the ultimate way to cater to everyone’s tastes, including your own, and it’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Easy Caprese Salad

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most rewarding, and Easy Caprese Salad is a testament to that. It’s a refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that feels like a taste of Italy. Each bite is a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and rich. It’s a salad that often steals the show, despite its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Guacamole

Is it even a party without Guacamole? This dip is all about smashing up those avocados and mixing in a few key ingredients for the perfect balance of creamy and zingy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s somehow both indulgent and healthy. Grab some chips and watch it disappear; it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Waldorf Salad

Crunchy, sweet, and creamy all at once, Waldorf Salad is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s a combination of fruits, nuts, and mayo that’s refreshing in its crunchiness and richness. It’s the kind of salad that offers a pleasant surprise with every bite, proving that salads can be as exciting as any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Tuscan Pasta

Dreaming of Italy? Tuscan Pasta might just be the next best thing. With flavors inspired by the Tuscan countryside, this dish is a warm hug on a plate. It’s proof that you don’t need to board a plane to experience the comfort of Italian cooking, just a fork.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Vegan Ratatouille

For a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, Vegan Ratatouille is a showstopper. It’s a vibrant stack of vegetables, seasoned and baked to perfection. This dish is a celebration of produce and proves that vegan food can be as hearty and fulfilling as any meat-based dish. It’s like eating a piece of art, honestly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Craving something with a bit of kick? Hot Honey Chicken Salad mixes spicy and sweet in a way that’s unexpectedly harmonious. It’s a salad that begs to be eaten slowly, to appreciate the balance of flavors and the heat that builds with each bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Cheese Quesadilla

Sometimes, all you need is a Cheese Quesadilla. It’s a simple pleasure, combining melty cheese and a crispy tortilla, but oh, does it hit the spot. Perfect for a quick lunch, a snack, or whenever you need a little comfort food. It’s a reminder that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla