The 28 Best Recipes of Summer So Far

I love cooking in the summer. The availability of fresh produce and the lighter, easier dishes make creating a meal so much more enjoyable. I wanted to share the best recipes I have tried so far this summer. These are also the recipes that have been trending online and the ones people across the country are making on a daily basis. The bottom line is that you must try them all!

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavor of fresh asparagus. This casserole is nice and easy to make. Plus, the cheesy sauce is irresistible!

Go to the recipe: Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Ham and Bean Soup

This is a fantastic summer soup that isn’t too heavy but still hearty enough to be a complete meal. Make it using leftover ham, and be sure to double the recipe as you will want extra for the next day!

Go to the recipe: Ham and Bean Soup

One Pan Salmon Bake

Salmon is a great summer meal. It is nice and light and also easy to make. I love this one pan salmon made with fresh asparagus which is bursting with summer flavors!

Go to the recipe: One Pan Salmon Bake

Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars

I love these lemony, blueberry bars for dessert or for a summer breakfast. Blueberries are one of the first fruits to pop up right at the beginning of summer, and I just can’t get enough of them!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Skip the overpriced restaurant version, and make this Olive Garden copycat chicken scampi instead! Full of vibrant veggies, juicy chicken, and tender pasta it’s hearty and refreshing all at once.

Go to the recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Ham Tetrazzini

Ham Tetrazzini is a great dish to make in the summer. The baked pasta has an amazing flavor thanks to the sweet ham and creamy sauce. This may become your family’s favorite summertime dinner!

Go to the recipe: Ham Tetrazzini

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

The bright lemon flavor of these chicken thighs is perfect for the summer. Adding potatoes to the dish makes it extra hearty and a great one-dish meal.

Go to the recipe: Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

I love lemon garlic pasta in the summer. It is the perfect dish to transition from warm winter flavors to bright bold summer tastes, filling your belly without weighing you down.

Go to the recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

This is the best summer breakfast recipe ever. The ricotta cheese makes these lemony pancakes tangy and rich and creates an incredibly soft texture. Your family will be begging for this homemade breakfast recipe all season long!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Make this easy summer dinner, and your entire family will happily gather around the table. The creamy rice is delicious with the soft tender chicken. It’s such a great dinner for spring that is simple yet flavorful.

Go to the recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ham and Swiss Sliders

These ham and cheese sliders are the perfect summertime party recipe! Made with sweet Hawaiian bread, thinly sliced ham, and baby Swiss cheese, this 25-minute baked ham and Swiss cheese sliders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Go to the recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Stuffed Shells

This classic stuffed shells recipe is always a hit! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with 3 different types of cheese and topped with marinara.

Go to the recipe: Stuffed Shells

Pesto Salmon

My incredible pesto salmon is a flawless dinner for summer. Pesto has such an intense, fresh flavor that everyone will adore. It pairs perfectly with tender salmon and makes for an incredible, restaurant worthy meal.

Go to the recipe: Pesto Salmon

Italian Pasta Salad

Make a big batch of this vibrant pasta salad to enjoy throughout the week. Tangy, zesty, and filling, it tastes even better the next day!

Go to the recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Corn Pasta

This is one recipe you must try this summer! Unlike anything else, every bite is filled with creamy, cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and tender pasta. Corn Pasta is filling enough to enjoy as a main course but also works as a side dish!

Go to the recipe: Corn Pasta

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemony crinkle cookies are the perfect summertime dessert. Made with boxed cake mix, they come together quickly and disappear just as fast!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Vegetable Casserole

This vegetable casserole is a versatile side dish that works for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal! Rice and mixed veggies are baked in an irresistibly creamy sauce and topped with cheese and buttery cracker crumbs. 

Go to the recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Tortellini Pasta Salad

My simple tortellini pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, salty cheese, and tender cooked pasta. The homemade red wine vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch.

Go to the recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad

One Skillet Pasta Primavera with Meatballs

This is a great, filling summer dinner idea that is full of fresh vegetables and tender meatballs. I love that the whole pasta primavera can all be made in one skillet for easy cleanup.

Go to the recipe: One Skillet Pasta Primavera with Meatballs

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup is a nice, light spring soup recipe that is perfect for those still chilly nights. A classic recipe it’s packed full of protein, veggies, and flavor!

Go to the recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberries come into season during the summer, making strawberry recipes a no-brainer! This easy strawberry crunch cake is one of my go-to recipes because it’s simple but oh-so tasty.

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole

If you need an easy breakfast recipe, this is it! This casserole will feed a crowd and is sure to make everyone ask for seconds. The soft, buttery croissants and savory sausage are a great combination.

Go to the recipe: Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen noodle salad is a fun new recipe you must try this summer. It is a little crunchy, a little salty and a whole lot of flavorful.

Go to the recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad

Roasted Asparagus

This easy spring side dish is one you can make again and again. Serve it with chicken, fish or beef! Asparagus goes with pretty much everything.

Go to the recipe: Roasted Asparagus

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon ranch pasta salad is the type of dish that will disappear at a potluck or backyard barbecue! No one can resist pasta tossed with ranch dressing, smoky bacon, black olives, and sharp Cheddar!

Go to the recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Coconut Cream Pie Parfaits

These easy Coconut Cream Pie Parfaits start with coconut pudding mix and finish with layers of whipped cream, graham cracker, and toasted shredded coconut. They’re a delight!

Go to the recipe: Coconut Cream Pie Parfaits

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a summertime staple! Tender, juicy chicken and fresh vegetables are marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, then skewered and grilled to perfection.

Go to the recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Easy Pasta Salad

This is the perfect Easy Pasta Salad Recipe! Loaded with veggies, it’s dressed with creamy bottled dressing to make your life even simpler. Don’t wait to make this classic, go-to summer side dish that never goes out of style!

Go to the recipe: Easy Pasta Salad