67 Summer Party Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes

From the Recipe Creator: Piled high with chocolate chunks, gooey marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, this rocky road Rice Krispies Treats recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California

From the Recipe Creator: This is a colorful and tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is inexpensive to prepare and a great way to put this fresh produce to use. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

From the Recipe Creator: I’m always experimenting when my garden is cranking out zucchini and summer squash. This simple and healthy summer zucchini pasta is one of my latest wins. It’s meatless, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin. If you like this, then you must check out our collection of healthy summer recipes.

From the Recipe Creator: If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you’ll love this pie. Since it’s a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. —Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Don’t be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It’s perfect for potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

From the Recipe Creator: These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are “fast food” without having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe. It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: These stuffed cherry tomatoes are easy to fix as an appetizer or salad. It’s impossible to eat just one. —Mary Lou, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: For a special treat on a steamy day, try this fruity cooler. I first had it when I was pregnant. It really hit the spot that summer—and ever since! I’m asked to bring it to family gatherings all year long, so I always keep a batch or two in my freezer…just to be prepared. —Alisa Allred, Vernal, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: When I want to indulge in a snack, I make this spicy popcorn. One batch doesn’t last long at our house. You can add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your family’s taste. —Kay Young, Flushing, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini are among our favorites. That is why this zucchini stir-fry is so popular at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate Rice Krispies treats are crowd pleasers! The secret to making them soft and chewy is bringing the sugar mixture just to a boil and then cooking for only one minute. If it boils too long, they tend to be firmer and can become crumbly. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This attractive, fresh-tasting spaghetti salad can conveniently be made the night before. It makes enough for a crowd! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create a fast and flavorful topping for this home-style green bean casserole with cheese. It’s the perfect cheesy dish to take to potluck dinners. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe started out as a plain zucchini cookie. But over the years, I added nuts and chocolate chips. These soft cookies never make it to the cookie jar! —Tina Lunt, Bass Harbor, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: The best way to cool down on a warm day is with a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: For a great tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! Add any dressing of your choice to complete the dish.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida. Looking for more? Check out our collection of easy-to-make summer appetizers.

From the Recipe Creator: This super simple chocolate ice cream is the perfect treat at a moments notice. It’s also a bonus that most of the ingredients are kitchen staples. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of easy-to-swallow nutrition that all ages will love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California

From the Recipe Creator: I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: If you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: I entered this recipe in a local fair, and it took first place! This is one of my favorite dishes because all the ingredients (except for the lime juice) came directly from my garden and beehives. —Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Toasting the grain before it simmers isn't essential, but it does add a pleasant nuttiness to the flavor of this vegan quinoa salad. Mix and match whatever fresh herbs and veggies you have on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: With its sunny lemon color, this gelatin mold brightens up any table. I usually make two molds for parties because it disappears so quickly. —Patricia Ryzow, Thousand Oaks, California

From the Recipe Creator: On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: These skewers taste as if they came from your favorite takeout place, but they are surprisingly simple to make at home. The sesame dressing keeps the chicken juicy. —Kathi Jones-DelMonte, Rochester, New York

From the Recipe Creator: At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This savory grilled bread is delightful with barbecued steak, baked potatoes and corn on the cob. For variation, we sometimes use half cheddar cheese and half mozzarella. —Dolly McDonald, Edmonton, Alberta

From the Recipe Creator: I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I've tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower in potato salad? You bet, along with carrots, olives and other yummy surprises. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone’s favorite cocktail becomes a celebratory shot! Serve this margarita gelatin shot recipe in shot glasses garnished to look like mini margaritas or, for a fun twist, pour the mixture into hollowed-out lime halves, chill and then slice into wedges. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: The very first time that I made Cherry Crisp, my brother happened to be visiting. He is an ice cream lover—but he passed up the scoops of vanilla that he tops most desserts with so he could taste the cherries better! Wheat, soybeans and milo are the main crops on our farm. We also have three small cherry trees. I apportion all of that harvest for this recipe. My husband's is the manager of a coop. I work part-time as a church secretary...teach piano in our home...and enjoy making clothes for myself and our 3-year-old daughter. Cross-stitch is one of my favorite hobbies.

From the Recipe Creator: My son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radish, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

From the Recipe Creator: This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I tried this egg salad at a luncheon and had to have it. I punched it up with pickled banana peppers. It’s a hit with my kids and picky mother. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Our honey mustard glaze gives every bite of these brats a sweet and punchy flavor. Everyone who tries them agrees they're delicious. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.