Celebrate the joys of summer with good company and great food. From grilled meats to salads bursting with flavors, and decadent desserts to refreshing drinks, we’ve got you covered. These epic backyard bash recipes will make your party (and menu) the talk of summer.
Fresh Basil Corn and Tomato Salad
“Fresh is the key. Don’t be tempted to use frozen corn in this salad, or dried basil – it’s not the same.” – Kathy
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
“I love cooking with my honey and we just had the best time putting these together! The depth of flavor was unexpected and delicious.” – Tanya
Baked Beans with Kielbasa
“I received the basic recipe from a co-worker and then tweaked it by adding my favorite ingredients. The end result quickly became a family favorite.” – Lisa
Grilled Garlic Shrimp in Foil
“Grilling shrimp in foil is easy and fit for a king (or queen).” – Daune
Ice Cream Sandwich Ice Cream Cake
“This is a delicious recipe that can be tweaked to your individual tastes. Peanuts can be substituted with crushed Oreos, your favorite candy bars broken up, etc. You can use different dessert sauces such as caramel in place of chocolate, or just use both. This was really good and so easy.” – Teri
The Perfect Red Sangria
“I love red wine sangria, so I have tried making it several different ways. I must say, I think this one is perfect!” – Melissa
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
“Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is an easy elegant salad. Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and olive oil.” – Debbie
Grilled Corn On The Cob
“Honestly, you don’t necessarily have to grill this corn. You can boil it first, drain it, and then roll it in the seasonings if you prefer not to grill it.” – Amanda
Cajun Butter-Basted Grilled Chicken
“I came up with the idea for this chicken in an effort to create a meat dish to go with the black beans and rice I was planning for dinner. This chicken turned out so good… sweet, spicy, and sticky. A perfect complement to the beans and rice.” – Cindy
Broccoli Salad
“We make this a lot for summer BBQs, but it’s good any time of the year. Makes a fairly large batch.” – Deb
Picnic Lemonade
“Hot, humid summers in the heartland call for a refreshing beverage.” – Robin
Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies
“The chocolate and peanut butter-covered Rice Krispies on top (along with the peanut butter cups) make this brownie recipe rich and amazing!” – Traci
Blue Ribbon Red Potato Salad
“I came across a red potato salad recipe about 8 years ago. Since that time, I messed with it until I found what I think is the most delicious potato salad ever made. My family loves it, and I hope yours will too.” – Teal
Wowribs
“This makes a wonderful, tender moist rib, that even when your full you come back for more. These are great served with baked beans and corn on the cob.” – Susan
Strawberry Lime Slush
“If you love tangy and sweet strawberries this is for you! This is an adult strawberry limeade slush recipe but can also be made without the alcohol. Make a pitcher of these and watch them disappear.” – A
Jan’s Macaroni Salad
“This is my Mom’s recipe that I have tweaked. Everyone really likes it. I get asked to bring it to parties and picnics.” – Janice
Strawberries and Cream Cobbler
“With the strawberry season just around the corner, this is a quick and easy cobbler full of flavor and goodness.” – Lisa
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes
“I grew up marinating cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes every summer as a side dish. Always a great side to a summertime meal.” – Angie
French Potato Salad
“A simple French-style potato salad in a dijon mustard vinaigrette with plenty of fresh herbs!” – Kevin
Summertime Corn Salad
“This is a quick and easy summertime recipe I have been making for years, and not only in the summer! It is very light and healthy, especially if you use low-fat yogurt and mayonnaise. My husband and kids love this salad, and it is great for picnics and family get-togethers.” – Mary Ann
Bourbon Molasses-Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
“I love to cook tenderloins. They are all meat and so tender and good. Marinating them in bourbon, molasses, and coffee just makes them better.” – Marsha
Tropical Trifle
“Trifles have become one of my favorite desserts because there can be such a variety of ingredients. I came up with this to serve during the hot dog days of summer here in Florida. It’s light, cool, and refreshing. My family loves it.” – Mary Ann
Marinated Flank Steak
“This easy recipe has been one of my family’s favorites for over 25 years. It is often requested as one of those celebration meals.” – Jane
Mediterranean Salad
“I make this often. It is so refreshing and full of flavor. Friends request this.” – Jenny
Texas Sheet Cake
“Easy to make and always a family favorite!” – Vanessa
Blondies
“This is great because you can add whatever chips you want – chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, etc.” – Morgan
Better Than K.F.C Coleslaw
“I promise you if you make this coleslaw, you will like this… It has the just right mix of ingredients.” – Brenda-Lee
Strawberry Sandwich Cookies
“These easy and yummy strawberry cookies are filled with cream cheese mousse and sliced fresh strawberries, then dusted with powdered sugar.” – Dee
Macaroni Dill Salad
“A different macaroni salad and a favorite of our family. Adults usually like it more than kids because of the olives.” – judy
Nutter Butter Krispie Treats – Steph
“OMG – what is there not to like about Nutter Butter cookies and then combined with Rice Krispie cereal and marshmallows? What a treat!!!” – Stephanie