50 Best Healthy Summer Recipes
Fresh-squeezed lemonade. Hot dogs and hamburgers. Corn on the cob. Apple pie. There are so many foods that just scream summer—and we don't blame you if you want to try them all. Whether you're excited about making the most of summer produce or you're ready to start grilling all season long, we have you covered.
We've rounded up some of the most delicious summer recipes you have to try before the season ends. You'll never ask "what's for dinner?" again. And if you love cooking, sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!
Potato Salad
Potato salad is an iconic side dish for cookouts, so you need to have a reliable recipe on hand. You can't go wrong with our classic version, which features Dijon mustard and chopped pickles.
Get our recipe for Potato Salad.
Pickled Cucumber Salad
If you want an incredibly easy side to go along with your grilled meats, this cucumber salad is it. One and done!
Get our recipe for Pickled Cucumber Salad.
Blueberry Peach Cobbler
Nothing says "summer" like a fresh-baked cobbler, topped with ice cream. Instead of going for apple pie, try this treat made with juicy peaches instead.
Get our recipe for Blueberry Peach Cobbler.
Crab Cakes with Mango-Avocado Salsa
Taking a break from poultry and red meat? Crab cakes make for a delicious summer dinner! The mango-avocado salsa really completes the dish, too.
Get our recipe for Crab Cakes with Mango-Avocado Salsa.
Rosé Kombucha Float
All of those delicious summer meals need the perfect drink to accompany them! If rosé is the official drink of summer, this float is its sophisticated cousin.
Get our recipe for a Rosé Kombucha Float.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Why settle for boring ketchup and mustard when you could make a loaded Chicago-style hot dog instead?
Get our recipe for a Chicago-Style Hot Dog.
Corn on the Cob
It wouldn't be summer without this bright vegetable! This recipe uses a cast-iron pan to get the perfect sear.
Get our recipe for Corn on the Cob.
Old-Fashioned Milkshake
When it's blazing hot outside, drinking a milkshake is a delicious way to cool down. Whip up one of these old-fashioned milkshakes and pretend you're at an old-school diner.
Get our recipe for an Old-Fashioned Milkshake.
Cheese Fries
Recreate the magic of boardwalk food at home with this easy recipe! Fries are just better in the summer.
Get our recipe for Cheese Fries.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for a plate of barbecue or a hamburger. Our recipe uses Greek yogurt for added tang.
Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese.
Banana Pudding
This Southern treat might just be the most delicious way to end your meal.
Get our recipe for Banana Pudding.
Baked Beans
Whether you eat baked beans on their own or on top of hot dogs, they're another cookout staple. Our version incorporates garlic, onion, and bacon for plenty of smoky flavors.
Get our recipe for Baked Beans.
Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
It's a classic for a reason! We love chilled shrimp cocktail too, but if you're in the mood for a change, try this baked recipe.
Get our recipe for Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail.
Gazpacho
Yes, you can have soup in the summer—if it's a chilled soup like gazpacho. Yum!
Get our recipe for Gazpacho.
Grilled Pineapple and Rum Sauce Sundae
If you're firing up the grill to make dinner, why not use it to make dessert, too? Pineapple is one fruit that's even more delicious when it's grilled.
Get our recipe for a Grilled Pineapple and Rum Sauce Sundae.
Grilled Pizza Burgers
You don't have to choose between two classic American comfort foods with this inventive recipe. Who said burgers were boring?
Get our recipe for a Grilled Pizza Burger.
Fruit Pizza
Ready to use those summer fruits in a delicious way? Then you have to try this dessert pizza recipe.
Get our recipe for Fruit Pizza.
Piña Colada Smoothie
You don't have to head to a bar to get a delicious drink! This smoothie recipe is the best of both worlds—and it's actually good for you.
Get our recipe for a Piña Colada Smoothie.
Fig, Prosciutto, & Goat Cheese Salad
What's better than a ripe fig? The fruit's natural goodness combined with the salty deliciousness of prosciutto! This salad is so satisfying, it could be a meal on its own.
Get our recipe for a Fig, Prosciutto, & Goat Cheese Salad.
Arugula and Grapefruit Salad
Citrus is especially refreshing in the warmer months, and this recipe puts grapefruit to good use. Yum!
Get our recipe for an Arugula and Grapefruit Salad.
Zucchini Carbonara with Bacon
Zucchini is a delicious summer vegetable, and it's even better when bacon is involved! This recipe combines zoodles with spaghetti to make the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Get our recipe for Zucchini Carbonara with Bacon.
Curried Egg Salad
Despite the fact that they aren't the best foods to leave sitting out in the heat, pasta salad and egg salad are classic summer recipes. Spice things up by adding curry to your egg salad, and enjoy it tucked into a pita pocket with some fresh greens.
Get our recipe for Curried Egg Salad.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken and sweet tea are a match made in heaven, and they're even better if enjoyed while sitting on your front porch. This oven-baked fried chicken recipe couldn't be easier to make.
Get our recipe for Fried Chicken.
Iced Tea
You didn't think we'd mention sweet tea and not give you a recipe, did you? Sure, you can buy the bottled stuff at the supermarket, but we think it's tastier to brew your own pitcher.
Get our recipe for Iced Tea.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect topping for a plate of barbecue or a fried chicken sandwich. Our recipe uses vinegar and Greek yogurt, rather than mayo.
Get our recipe for Coleslaw.
The Ultimate Burger
We get it: Sometimes, you just want a classic burger recipe for summer grilling. That's where this dish comes in.
Get our recipe for The Ultimate Burger.
Succotash
This easy side dish makes the most of summer produce, with delicious ingredients like corn, bell peppers, and scallions. Serve it with all of your grilled meats!
Get our recipe for Succotash.
Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls
This recipe literally has "summer" in the name! These refreshing appetizers are much better for you than spring rolls, and they're just as delicious.
Get our recipe for Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls.
Shrimp Roll
Lobster rolls are a classic summer food. But if you can't get your hands on lobster, shrimp rolls are just as delicious.
Get our recipe for a Shrimp Roll.
Whipped Coffee
If you've been working at home because of the coronavirus, you'll probably still be working from home this summer. What better way to cool off than with whipped coffee, a quarantine trend?
Get our recipes for Whipped Coffee.
Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie
Sliced watermelon is a summer classic. But if you want to take things to the next level, try this watermelon slushie recipe.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Lemon Chess Pie
Come on, you can do better than a basic apple pie! This lemon chess pie is the best way to end a meal.
Get the recipe from Taste and Tell.
Frozen Bananas
Why settle for Popsicles when you can make frozen bananas? Dipped in chocolate and topped with sprinkles or nuts, these treats are as pretty as they are tasty.
Get the recipe from Diethood.
Sweet Peach Thyme Shortcakes
Strawberries aren't the only fruit that's delicious with shortcake! This recipe puts juicy peaches to good use, in the most delicious way.
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Strawberry-Lemon Blondies
What is it about strawberry treats that makes them so delicious in the summer? These blondies are a delicious way to use the fruit.
Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini is abundant in the summer, so you might as well make this classic bread with it. This recipe uses Greek yogurt to keep it extra moist.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Strawberry Crisp
Strawberry picking is an iconic summer activity, and we say there's no such thing as too many strawberry-flavored desserts.
Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking.
Cajun Salmon
If you love making grilled salmon, it's time to spice things up. This recipe uses cajun spices and honey butter for a flavorful fish like you've never had before.
Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb.
Key Lime Pie
Once you've tried key limes, you'll never go back to the standard version of the citrus fruit. Sure, you could buy a frozen key lime pie, but this recipe is so much better.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Peach Pizza
We're saying it again: Pizza doesn't have to be savory! This peach pizza recipe is one of the most delicious ways to use the stone fruit.
Get the recipe from Love & Olive Oil.
Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern staple, fried green tomatoes are the perfect appetizer or side dish for a burger that's fresh off the grill.
Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.
Squash Casserole
Summer squash is delicious sautéed with a bit of olive oil, but it's even more delicious baked into a casserole.
Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
Summer Polenta with Sautéed Peas and Corn
Add some color to your meal with this vibrant summer polenta recipe. It will convert even the staunchest pea haters.
Get the recipe from With Food and Love.
Eggplant Steaks
Firing up the grill this summer? You don't have to serve your vegetarian housemate a veggie burger. Try one of these eggplant steaks instead!
Get the recipe from Feasting at Home.
Corn Salad
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Corn is the official vegetable of summer. If you want to switch things up from grilled corn on the cob, try this easy salad recipe.
Get the recipe from Lil' Luna.
Zucchini Pie
You've had it as a pasta replacement and baked into bread. But have you ever had zucchini pie? If not, now's a great time to try it.
Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
Buttermilk Pie
Take a cue from the South and give buttermilk pie a try. Once you've had this gooey treat, there's no going back.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
Grape Tomato Tarts
Tomatoes are a delicious summer vegetable, and they're even better baked into tarts.
Get the recipe from Sweet Phi.
Cucumber Salad
We get it: Sometimes you just want an easy, light salad recipe. For those days, this cucumber salad will do just the trick.
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
Brown Sugar Peach Crumble Pie
If you're looking for a classic summer pie recipe (that isn't apple pie), this peach pie is absolutely it.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Cheeseburger Salad
For a lighter alternative to the classic burger, try this cheeseburger salad recipe instead.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
