When I look back at all the good food I’ve made the past five years, it makes me proud and feel a bit overwhelmed too. Thankfully, there have been more hits than misses, which pleases me tremendously. Yet the very nature of blogging means we focus on the current and the old fades from memory, including good food. Not today, people. I went though my recipe index and picked some of my favorite summer dishes, both old and new, to highlight.
Yes, I know we’re heading into Fall, but let’s just say that the majority of this post was written over a month ago. And then I went on break, okay? Just roll with it because these dishes are truly yummy.
Delicious Summer Dishes to WOW Your Family
Whether you’re cooking for your family or for a crowd, these yummy dishes will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Strawberry Lemonade Punch
Cool off with this thirst-quenching drink.
Strawberry Lemonade Punch Recipe
Sweet Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Sweet corn is a summer favorite in my home. Pairing it with this flavorful (but not too spicy) chili lime butter makes it out of this world.
Sweet Corn with Chili Limi Butter Recipe
Baked Beans
This aren’t your ordinary baked beans! They are jazzed up with bacon, onion and green chiles. Delicious!
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
This is one of my favorite fruit salads. It takes just a few minutes to make and features some of the best summer berries and fruit in a lush cheesecake whip.
Fruit Salad with Citrus Lime Dressing
This is an eye-popping salad with its rainbow colored fruits. Pick your favorite seasonal fruits and toss it with a citrusy dressing.
Fruit Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing Recipe
Melon Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Summer melons are the best and this salad showcases them perfectly.
Melon Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad
A real crowd pleaser with pasta, feta cheese, cucumbers, spinach and salami. It’s hearty, filling and scrumptious.
Beer Braised Sausage and Kraut
Conveniently made in the crockpot, this is so easy to make and tastes amazing.
Beer Braised Sausage and Kraut Recipe
Best Grilled Hamburgers
Look, hamburgers don’t typically need a recipe. But these bad bays have a great seasoning mix that make them so delicious and special. You’ll want to make extras!
Best Grilled Hamburgers Recipe
Pineapple Chicken Skewers
The pineapple marinade flavors the chicken beautifully and helps keep it nice and juicy when you grill it.
Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Turkey Feta Burger
The feta helps keep this lean turkey burger flavorful and juicy. A great option for those looking for an alternative to the standard hamburger.
Summer Garden Pasta
This is very similar to the bruschetta pasta TGIF serves. It’s a light, yet satisfying, summer pasta dish, full of juicy, sweet tomatoes, garlic and basil.
Ice Cream Dessert
This is one of my all-time favorite desserts growing up. My Mom didn’t make it often, so we savored every single bite when she did. Pure heaven.
Fruit Pizza
Another childhood and family favorite dessert. It begins with a buttery shortbread crust that is topped with a cream cheese layer, your favorite summer fruits and an orange glaze. Perfection!
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Thanks to condensed milk this box mix cake stays super moist. The strawberry puree and cream cheese whipped frosting turn into a pumped up strawberry shortcake that your guests won’t ever forget.
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake Recipe
Strawberry Cream Pie
Oh my. This dessert is a real crowd pleaser with a crisp crust, cream cheese layer and big, luscious strawberries. Everyone will want a piece … or two!
You Can’t Beat Summer Eats!
There is something truly special about summer dishes with the great garden bounty available to really make recipes pop and sizzle. I encourage you to give these family favorites recipes a try; I certainly look forward to making (and eating) them every summer. And I hope your family and friends enjoy them as much as mine do.
Happy Summer Eating!
Tanya