26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (2024)

RecipessummerFourth Of July

Veggie platters, salads, dips, burrito bowls, cheese plates and more that'll feed a crowd ... or just you.

Kristen AikenHead of Life and Commerce

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (1)

Summer plans are still a bit wonky this year, so you may not always know exactly how many people you’ll be hosting over a long holiday weekend ― if any at all. For these occasions, we’ve rounded up a list of fresh, summery, low-maintenance dishes that can either be served as part of a larger menu or solo for a quiet night in.

If you want to light up your grill, maybe you’d like some grilled corn with Sriracha aioli or a grilled Caesar salad. If you’re more in the mood for a DIY salad bar, there’s a host of marinated and composed salads waiting for you below. And if you don’t feel like cooking at all, a magnificent summer cheese board is calling your name.

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Next time you’re wondering what to make, this list will be your best friend.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (2)

Grandbaby Cakes

Cobb Salad With Jerk Shrimp

Get the recipe for Cobb Salad with Jerk Shrimp from Grandbaby Cakes.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (3)

Minimalist Baker

Grilled Corn With Sriracha Aioli

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli from Minimalist Baker.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (4)

All The Healthy Things

Greek Chickpea Salad

Get the recipe for Greek Chickpea Salad from All The Healthy Things.

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26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (5)

Minimalist Baker

Grilled Veggie Skewers With Chimichurri Sauce

Get the recipe for Grilled Veggie Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce from Minimalist Baker.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (6)

Damn Delicious

Summer Cheese Board

Get the recipe for Summer Cheese Board from Damn Delicious.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (7)

All The Healthy Things

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Get the recipe for Bacon Ranch Potato Salad from All The Healthy Things.

See Also

50 Church Picnic Recipes You'll Love

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Minimalist Baker

Mustard Green Cherry Salad With Tahini Dressing

Get the recipe for Mustard Green Cherry Salad with Tahini Dressing from Minimalist Baker.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (18)

All The Healthy Things

Grilled Shrimp And Orzo Salad

Get the recipe for Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Salad from All The Healthy Things.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (19)

Minimalist Baker

Easy Muhammara Dip

Get the recipe for Easy Muhammara Dip from Minimalist Baker.

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26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (20)

The View from Great Island

Low Country Shrimp Boil

Get the recipe for Low Country Shrimp Boil from The View from Great Island.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (21)

Foodie Crush

Summer Melon Couscous Salad With Avocado, Grapes And Mint

Get the recipe for Summer Melon Couscous Salad with Avocado, Grapes and Mint from Foodie Crush.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (22)

Minimalist Baker

Chickpea Shawarma Dip

Get the recipe for Chickpea Shawarma Dip from Minimalist Baker.

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26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (23)

Minimalist Baker

Lemon And Herb White Bean Dip

Get the recipe for Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip from Minimalist Baker.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (24)

Half-Baked Harvest

Summer Harvest Veggie And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Get the recipe for Summer Harvest Veggie and Avocado Quinoa Bowl from Half-Baked Harvest.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (25)

The View from Great Island

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

Get the recipe for Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho from The View from Great Island.

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26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (26)

Minimalist Baker

Abundance Kale Salad With Savory Tahini Dressing

Get the recipe for Abundance Kale Salad with Savory Tahini Dressing from Minimalist Baker.

26 Summer Recipes That Always Work, Whether You're Entertaining Or Not (27)

How Sweet Eats

Pulled Chicken Guacamole Sliders With Grilled Corn Pico

Get the recipe for Pulled Chicken Guacamole Sliders with Grilled Corn Pico from How Sweet Eats.

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