Because Inside Is Overrated Try 29 Summer Recipes Instead
When the sun’s out, cooking inside shouldn’t be the top priority. With 29 recipes designed for summer, you can skip the heat and spend more time outside. From quick meals to satisfying dishes, this collection makes summer cooking easy. After all, who wants to be stuck indoors when there’s a world to enjoy?

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

When you’re craving something with a kick, Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel has your back. These bite-sized snacks pack just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s an easy choice for a quick snack or appetizer. Perfect for sharing, they’re simple to throw together and even easier to devour.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel
Ham and Swiss Sliders

Ham and Swiss Sliders are a great go-to for any meal or snack. The combination of tender ham and rich Swiss cheese makes them irresistible. Whether for lunch or dinner, these sliders always hit the spot. Quick to make, they’re a classic that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders
Kool Aid Pie

If you’re looking for something different, Kool Aid Pie offers a fun twist. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and adds a pop of color to any table. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for when you want something a bit out of the ordinary. You can’t go wrong with this playful treat.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie
Mango Shrimp Salad

Mango Shrimp Salad is perfect for anyone looking to switch things up. It combines fresh ingredients that make for a tasty, refreshing bite. Whether you’re having a quick meal or serving up something special, this one fits the bill. No heavy cooking required, just a bowl full of bright flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Take your regular burrito to the next level with Shrimp Burrito Bowls. The mix of seasoned shrimp and fresh toppings gives you the right balance of light and filling. You can easily prep everything ahead, so you’re ready to go when hunger strikes. Simple yet delicious, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Maryland Crab Cake

If you love seafood, Maryland Crab Cake is a must-try. It brings all the best textures together, crispy on the outside with a soft, tender bite inside. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or main. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s one for the books.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor? Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas deliver with a hearty filling that’s perfect for a quick dinner. It’s simple to make and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Every bite offers a crunchy texture without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas
Lemon Pound Cake

This cake gives you the perfect balance of lightness and sweetness. It’s great for a dessert that’s easy to enjoy at any time of day. Lemon Pound Cake holds up well, whether served warm or cold. Just the right level of sweetness without being overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake
Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail is a classic, and for good reason. This dish takes shrimp to a whole new level with its tangy dipping sauce and fresh shrimp. Whether you’re prepping for a small gathering or a casual meal, this is an easy favorite. Serve it chilled for a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail
Healthy Chicken Salad

If you’re craving something healthy and filling, Healthy Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. It’s simple, fresh, and comes together quickly. This dish is light enough for a meal on its own but can also be paired with something else. It’s an easy win when you want something quick but wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Steak Fajita Nacho

Steak Fajita Nacho brings a fun twist to your usual nacho game. It combines the crispy crunch of chips with a punch of savory steak and melted cheese. Perfect for a game day snack or a laid-back dinner, this recipe will leave you wanting more. It’s full of bold flavors without needing too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Nacho
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

This burger gives you all the satisfaction of a crispy, spicy burger from your favorite spot. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it your own. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is perfect when you’re craving a fried chicken sandwich with a bit of heat. No need to leave the house when you’ve got this at home.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Massaman Curry

For something rich and comforting, Massaman Curry is the way to go. This dish brings a unique depth of flavor that’s perfect for cozying up with. It’s easy to make and pairs well with rice or naan. Full of spices and just the right amount of heat, it’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry
Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. These little sandwiches pack all the flavor in every bite, making them an easy crowd-pleaser. They’re great for a simple meal or party food without any hassle. Just pop them in the oven, and they’re ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Lemon Yogurt Loaf

This loaf gives you the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to make, but feels like a treat every time. Whether served for breakfast or dessert, Lemon Yogurt Loaf is a delicious choice. You’ll find yourself coming back for more, slice after slice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Yogurt Loaf
Honeycrisp Salad

Looking for a fresh and easy salad? Honeycrisp Salad offers a refreshing mix of textures and natural sweetness. It’s simple enough for a light lunch but fulfilling enough as a side. This dish comes together quickly and looks beautiful on the plate too.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Italian Dressing

A dressing that adds a punch to any salad or dish. It’s easy to whip up and packs in bold flavors that make any meal pop. Italian Dressing is a perfect go-to for those who like it tangy. Whether you’re using it for veggies or a quick marinade, this one’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing
Ice Cream Cake

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, Ice Cream Cake is the way to go. It combines the best of ice cream and cake into one irresistible treat. It’s perfect for celebrating or just a sweet moment. Plus, you can customize it any way you like.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake
Pico de Gallo

Fresh, crisp, and full of life, Pico de Gallo is always a great choice for snacking or topping your favorite dishes. It brings the right balance of tangy and crunchy with a bit of bite. Serve it up with chips or on tacos for a fresh kick. You’ll love the simplicity of it.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Italian Pasta with Salami

A quick and hearty dish, Italian Pasta with Salami takes pasta night up a notch. It’s a mix of hearty salami and pasta, making it the perfect fulfilling meal. No complicated steps, just great flavors in each bite. It’s a simple yet filling option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie brings the right amount of tartness to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its creamy filling and crisp crust, it’s the ultimate easy dessert. Perfect for any time you want something refreshing and different. It’s an easy-to-love classic.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You might just fall in love with Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It combines juicy chicken with a rich sauce that’s not too heavy but full of taste. Whether it’s a date night or just a quick dinner, it’s sure to impress. It’s a perfect comfort food choice.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Lemon Bars

A little tangy, a little sweet, and always fulfilling, Lemon Bars are a hit. Their smooth texture and citrusy zing will keep you coming back for more. These bars work for any occasion, big or small. It’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars
Marry Me Salmon

For a simple yet impressive dinner, Marry Me Salmon is your answer. It’s a great balance of flavor and tenderness, making it a winner for any meal. Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a dish that tastes like it took hours. It’s easy, but it feels special.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon
Rhubarb Cake

Rhubarb Cake is a sweet and slightly tart dessert that’s just different enough to be exciting. It’s light but comforting, with a perfect crumb. A great way to use rhubarb, it’s sure to stand out on any dessert table. It’s a simple treat that’ll win over anyone.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day. With shrimp cooked to perfection and a creamy sauce, it’s rich but not heavy. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that works for a special occasion or just a relaxing night in. Always a favorite for shrimp lovers.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Red Cabbage Coleslaw

For a crunchy and tangy side, Red Cabbage Coleslaw is where it’s at. It’s simple but really adds something special to your meal. A great way to bring in a little crunch without overcomplicating things. This slaw is fresh, crisp, and the right kind of tangy.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Pizza Pinwheels

Fun, easy, and perfect for sharing, Pizza Pinwheels are a crowd favorite. It’s like pizza, but in bite-sized form that’s easy to snack on. A great way to use up leftovers or as a quick appetizer for a gathering. They’re perfect for anyone craving pizza in a fun, new way.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

If you’re after a little heat, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a game-changer. The balance of sweet and spicy makes it unique and fulfilling. You get all the comfort of a salad with a little extra kick. It’s perfect for those days when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
