98 New Recipes to Try This Summer

Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats

Not only do these watermelon Rice Krispies Treats look like your favorite summery fruit, they taste like ’em, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Steak Tacos

Spicy aioli brings a zesty kick to steak tacos, and the ribeye is a nice upgrade from typical ground beef. Grab one and enjoy the burst of flavor in each bite! —Michael Compean, Los Angeles, California

Sweet Hoosier Dog Sauce

In our area of Indiana, we love sweet coney sauce on our hot dogs! Our town still has an old drive-in that is famous for its sauce. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

Goes great with Dolly Parton’s coleslaw, the ultimate side dish!

Margarita Tres Leches Cake

The first time I ever had Tres Leches cake I felt like I was in Heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors and this Margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts

Spicy Thai-Inspired Noodle Watermelon Salad

Our county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won’t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it’s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

Grilled Elote Flatbread

Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down this summer by grilling this summery, fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Summer Squash Pound Cake

This golden brown, tender pound cake is the perfect treat to make when you have an abundance of summer squash in your garden. It’s not overly sweet, so it appeals to everyone. —Lisa Brockwell, Necedah, Wisconsin

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce

This creamy pasta dish feels indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to its heart-healthy avocado pasta sauce! The flavorful avocado and spinach sauce is so smooth and thick, you will think cream is hiding in there. But the guilt-free sauce is dairy-free with a rich texture. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Tajin Limeade

Tajin is a blend of chili peppers, salt and lime. I sprinkle it on a lot of food, but I found it’s really delicious in this Tajin limeade. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Santa Fe Salad

People always ask for the recipe when I bring this salad to a potluck. The zippy dressing and mix of crunchy veggies with beans is a winning combination! —Gail Park, Newport News, Virginia

Watermelon Sherbet

Refreshingly sweet and pretty in pink, this watermelon sherbet is surprisingly simple to make at home. It’s a treat on hot summer days when watermelon is in peak season.

Martha's Fish Tacos

We can’t get enough barbecued fish at our house. This recipe can be made ahead and served cold, or you can eat it hot off the grill. It’s fantastic either way! —Martha Benoit, Proctorsville, Vermont

Easy Taco Pizza

Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It’s a great new recipe to try out, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland

Lemon Bread

Fresh lemons and a lemony glaze lend our lemon bread recipe a hint of sunshine. Serve slices of this sweet loaf for breakfast or dessert.

Onion Rings

Get restaurant-quality crispy onion rings at home with our simplified recipe. Crunchy, sweet and golden brown, these homemade onion rings have a satisfying, savory taste.

Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes

Root beer gives this family-friendly recipe a tangy taste kids will love. Served alongside the smashed potatoes, this makes a scrumptious stick-to-the-ribs meal any weeknight. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

“Try this quick and easy entrée for a fun, different Southwest meal idea,” suggesets Karen Gulkin of Greeley, Colorado. “A splash of lime in the black beans balances the rich avocado salsa and shrimp.”

Sour Cream Peach Kuchen

For an old-fashioned treat, there's nothing that beats my mom's peach kuchen. With a melt-in-your-mouth crust and a lightly sweet filling, this dessert is perfect after a big meal. —Cathy Eland Hightstown, New Jersey

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

My boys use to spend their summers with their grandmother in the South. She would treat them to a meal at a restaurant that served Alabama white sauce over chicken and my family thought it was wonderful. I started making it at home and it always brings back memories of those summers in Tuscaloosa. This Alabama white sauce recipe should be applied only at the very end of your grilling or smoking because it will break down and separate if it is heated too long. —Sabrina Everett, Thomasville, Georgia

Quick Apricot Chicken

This simple apricot chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Everybody just loves it and leftovers are always just as good the next day. For variation, I’ve used pork instead of chicken and added additional ingredients like pineapple, mandarin oranges, snow peas and broccoli. –Vicki Ruiz, Twin Falls, Idaho

Watermelon and Blackberry Sangria

This watermelon sangria is deliciously pink! Living in the zinfandel wine country of Northern California, I use our local fare in my recipes often. Our scorching summer months inspired this refreshing, light style of sangria. I like adding fresh blackberries and garnishing it with sprigs of mint or basil for personal flair. This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining, and it's especially brunch friendly. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Boston Cream Cupcakes

Boston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Hamburger Buns

Homemade hamburger buns aren't just for burgers. Use these burger buns with any of your favorite sandwich fillings, or form them into smaller balls to make slider buns.

Margarita Floats

On a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Slow-Cooked Peachy Spareribs

Canned peaches make a delightful addition to my flavorful sparerib sauce. Served over rice, the sweet-tangy ribs make a sensational meal any time of the year. —Jeanne Brino, Woodbury, Minnesota

Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

Pina colada zucchini bread is a fun new take on the usual quick bread loaf. This recipe is filled with tons of summery flavors, from tropical pineapple and coconut to heady rum and vanilla.

Pork Chops with Nectarine Salsa

My special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. A sweet, fruity salsa perfectly balances the spicy rub that coats the pan-fried chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

Grilled Corn in Husks

If you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Angel Food Cake Roll

There's always room for dessert—especially when it's this eye-catching angel food cake roll. We like strawberry yogurt in the filling, but different flavors work well, too. —Joan Colbert, Sigourney, Iowa

Blueberry Muffins with Sour Cream

This blueberry muffin with sour cream recipe makes a muffin that's tasty, hearty and full of juicy berry goodness. They're simple and delicious, and that's why we love them.

Easy Chicken Strips

I came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. They also make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky

Buffet Meatballs

I need only five ingredients to fix these easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every potluck and party. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada

Watermelon Bombe Dessert

When cut, this sherbet dessert looks like watermelon slices—complete with seeds. It is refreshing and fun to eat. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho

Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Pineapple Pudding Cake

My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts

Tomato Walnut Tilapia

Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa

Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Cucumbers with Dill

Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

I've been asked to share this marshmallow chocolate bar recipe more than any other in my collection. It's a longtime favorite of our three daughters. How many times we've all made these, I can't count. — Esther Shank, Harrisonville, Virginia

Green Chile Cheeseburgers

There's nothing better than freshly roasted green chiles. They have a smoky flavor and a bit of a bite—perfect for topping a thick, juicy green chile cheeseburger. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Open-Faced Breakfast Banh Mi

I love banh mi sandwiches because of the delicious pickled veggies. I also love naan, so I combined the two for a fun morning dish! We make these breakfast banh mi on the weekend. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it's a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who's to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice. —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia

Quick Pickled Radishes

This recipe is the perfect addition to tacos, barbecue or just about any sandwich you can dream of. Each sliced radish is just a little bit sweet, slightly crunchy and has an amazing amount of zing. You're probably going to want to have a batch in your fridge at all times! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Nashville BBQ Sauce

This Nashville BBQ sauce is vinegar-forward with smoky undertones. Use it on your favorite grilled or smoked meats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Blueberry Crisp

This easy-to-make blueberry crisp combines fresh blueberries with a crumbly topping, perfect for a quick dessert made with seasonal fruit.

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Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Try these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they're a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota

Rustic Tomato Pie

Perk up your plate with this humble tomato pie. We like to use fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and herbs, but store-bought produce will work in a pinch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

This fabulous recipe uses Greek yogurt to create an amazing marinade that makes the chicken incredibly moist. No one will guess that it's been lightened up and not even fried! — Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Instead of grilling the usual hamburgers or chicken breasts, prepare this grilled mahi mahi and reel in raves! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spanish-Style Paella

If you enjoy cooking ethnic foods, this hearty rice dish is wonderful. It's brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Lemony Limoncello Tiramisu

This is a great citrus twist on a classic Italian dessert. It's always a favorite at holiday meals and summer family gatherings! The lemon curd can be a little difficult to spread; a neat trick is to use a piping bag to add it in an even layer, then use a spatula to smooth it. — Deena Resnick, Oregon City, Oregon

Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken

I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend's birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It's also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Blueberry Cream Pops

Blueberry-and-cream pops are such a fun after-school snack. Make them in the morning so the pops are ready to go when the kids come in the door. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Hawaiian Burger

Say aloha to a dinner with a tropical twist: Here's how to make a bacon and pineapple Hawaiian burger.

Lemon Shrimp Orzo

What I love about this recipe is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. If you're allergic to shrimp, it tastes great with chicken too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York

Peachy Buttermilk Shakes

The tang of buttermilk blended with sweet peaches prompts frequent requests for this shake from my husband and grandchildren. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad

My husband and sons love chicken with blue cheese, so I created this salad. You can even make the chicken the day before and reheat when ready to serve. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes

This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Carnitas Huevos Rancheros

When I was in college, I was a church counselor in Colorado and had my first taste of Mexican food. Recently, I've learned to make more authentic dishes, like these pork huevos rancheros. It's one of my favorite recipes to serve for dinner with eggs. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa

Garden Vegetable Tomato Sauce

I make this vegetable tomato sauce regularly and store containers of it in my freezer. It's a tasty substitute for regular pasta sauce, and the extra vegetables make it healthier. I also use it when I make pizza. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Pressure-Cooker Lime Cheesecake

I love my pressure cooker and get a kick out of creating recipes for it. When I wanted to try a cheesecake, I did some research and put together my own version. Success! It not only was beautiful with no cracks but also tasted absolutely scrumptious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Beergarita Chicken Tacos

I was at my friend's bachelorette party the first time I had a beergarita, and I loved it! It was the inspiration for these delicious chicken tacos. I love that they have traditional taco flavors with a fun twist from the margarita! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Easy Seafood Salad

This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma

Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl

This Key lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing thing on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado

Instant Pot Potato Salad

I rarely make potato salad because it can be somewhat time-consuming. However, now that I know I can quickly cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker, I'll be making this much more often! We prefer this Instant Pot potato salad with unpeeled red potatoes, but you can use another potato—with or without the skin. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Cherry Limeade Sweet Tea

Sweet tea and cherry limeade are two of my favorite summer libations. So I decided to combine them—the result is wonderful. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois

Chilaquiles with Bacon

In Mexico and throughout the Southwest, chilaquiles are typically made for brunch using tortillas and any leftovers from the previous day's dinner. I love to bring this chilaquiles recipe to family brunches as it gives the traditional eggs-and-bacon dish a unique twist. The empty pan proves that it's a family brunch favorite! —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Cinnamon-Basil Ice Cream

I started experimenting with herbal ice creams when I was teaching classes at our local college. Not only were the ice creams popular with my students, but my family loved them as well! One of our favorites is made with a variety of basil called cinnamon basil; however, unless you grow the variety yourself, it can be rather difficult to find. I decided to try to re-create the flavor, and this delicious basil ice cream recipe is the result! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Fresh Summer Pasta Salad

While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! —Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona

Summer Strawberry Shortcake Soup

When folks are longing for something sweet and refreshing, this soup is sure to hit the spot. To serve it with dinner or as an appetizer, simply omit the shortcake. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad

I love this chicken ramen salad because it's a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it's on the table—that's a reaction that doesn't happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wraps

After tasting these spicy wraps at a neighborhood party, I got the recipe. The grilled turkey tenderloin and light jalapeno dressing make them a hit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Baked Beans with Bacon

These baked beans with bacon will round out any meal, but they're particularly good served alongside cornbread. Canned pork and beans make the preparation easy.

Orange Cream Pops

For a lower-fat alternative to ice cream-filled pops, try this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle, while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy Tangy Coleslaw

You won't have to fuss with a lot of seasonings to fix this tangy coleslaw. We've shared this old family favorite with many friends over the years.

Homemade Corn Dogs

Love fair food like funnel cake and corn dogs? Here is how to make perfectly golden, hand-dipped corn dogs at home.

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

The next time you're craving a dish of juicy barbecue goodness, make this Dutch oven pulled pork sandwich. As is, it's bursting with sweet and savory flavor, but you can make it your own by adding the toppings of your choice.

Caprese Chicken with Bacon

Smoky bacon, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and gooey mozzarella top these appealing chicken breasts. —Tammy Hayden, Quincy, Michigan

Shrimp Cobb Salad

This shrimp cobb salad is quite healthy. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Feel free to use any greens you like. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida

Coconut-Macadamia Sheet Pan Pancakes

These sheet-pan pancakes are great for brunch when you want to serve a group without standing over the stove. The fun flavors give this dish a tropical flair, and pineapple-flavored ice cream topping is a great swap for the usual maple syrup. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Corn is one of my all-time favorite vegetables, so when it's in season, I always make this super easy soup in the slow cooker. —Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor, Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Caribbean Wontons

I first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina

White Chocolate Raspberry Pancakes

We grow berries in the summer, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate them into our meals. I created these white chocolate raspberry pancakes on a whim, and my husband thought they were great! Semisweet chocolate chips can easily be substituted for the white baking chips. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Cilantro-Lime Chicken

As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous, flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia

Greek Shrimp Orzo

This is one of our go-to meals. It's finger-licking good and so satisfying, and it reheats well. My husband would rather have the shrimp orzo than go out to eat. Serve it with crusty bread and a green salad. — Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Mojito Pulled Pork

This fork-tender pulled pork tastes fabulous on a bun, or in a wrap or tortilla. My kids like it spooned over rice in its citrus-flavored juices. —Mindy Oswalt, Winnetka, California

Applesauce Barbecue Chicken

You only need a few ingredients to create this sweet and peppery chicken. The subtle flavor of apple makes this tender barbecue dish stand out from the rest. —Darla Andrews, Farmers Branch, Texas

Tacoritos

This mild and meaty southwestern dish combines the delicious flavor of tacos with the heartiness of burritos. Your family is going to love 'em! —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee

Canning Spaghetti Sauce

Canning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.

Taco Salad Casserole

This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas

Taco Salad for a Large Crowd

I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

The first time I made these biscuit cups, my husband and his assistant basketball coach came in as I was pulling them out of the oven. They loved them! —Debra Carlson, Columbus Junction, Iowa. Don’t forget to check our collection of the best summer recipes for a backyard bash.

Blueberry Bread Pudding

You'll want to make blueberry bread pudding every time you come back from the farmers market or go berry picking. Use stale French bread for best results!

 If you want to taste summer in a baking dish Pioneer Woman’s corn casserole is a must try!