This summer, find inspiration from the past.
39 Retro Summer Recipes That Deserve a Comeback
Updated on Jun. 08, 2024
Creamy Grape Salad
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
1/39
2/39
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 350 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/39
Rustic Tomato Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 325 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
4/39
Beef ‘n’ Pork Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of meats is the secret behind these beef and pork burgers. They're ideal for summer grilling, and everyone loves them. Plus, you can easily double or triple the recipe for large get-togethers. —Sharon Adamczyk, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 412 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
5/39
Peaches & Cream Jelly Roll
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cake rolls make a lovely presentation for a party, and they are simple to cut into even slices. My father taught me how to make them, and sometimes we get together and make them for family and friends. —Malena Coleman, Rockville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 192 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/39
Roasted Red Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this roasted potato salad recipe from my sister-in-law and I've made it numerous times at the request of friends and co-workers. It's quick and easy, which is just what I need in my busy life. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I know—my mom, Arline, and my Grandma Etta. —Ginger Cusano, Sandusky, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 355 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
7/39
Blackberry Daiquiri Sherbet
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
When I decided to try making sherbet, which is one of my favorites, blackberries were in season in my mom's garden. I love the flavor of daiquiris, and lime and rum blend with the juicy blackberries! —Shelly L. Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 147 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
8/39
Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her family, who live in Hong Kong, love to make my flank steak becuase it reminds them of home. —Ethel Klyasheff, Granite City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with stuffing: 358 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1345mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
9/39
Succotash
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't get more southern than this succotash recipe. It comes from my mother, who was a fantastic cook. This dish made her famous—at least with everyone who ever tasted it. —Rosa Boone, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 79 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
10/39
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/39
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 353 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
12/39
Tuna Burger
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 417 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
13/39
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional fluff salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 161 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/39
Marinated Tomatoes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/39
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. —June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut with 1 doughnut hole: 184 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/39
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 610 calories, 31g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1579mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
17/39
Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Onion and cheddar cheese add flavor and richness to the bounty of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. —Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 376 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
18/39
Banana Split Fluff
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 374 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/39
Little Pigs in a Hammock
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for kids! Dijon and Camembert transform this children’s favorite into a version that’s perfect for grown-ups. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 211 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
20/39
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/39
Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 323 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/39
Southern Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
23/39
Slow-Cooker Spareribs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my three little ones love these easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat slow-cooker spareribs. The succulent meat falls right off the bone! —Julie Czmer, West Bloomfield, Michigan
24/39
Barley Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 156 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
25/39
Raspberry Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 330 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
26/39
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
27/39
Custard Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
28/39
Kentucky Spoon Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a traditional Kentucky recipe. It’s a popular side dish served all year long. If you’ve never tried spoon bread before, I think you’ll find it’s tasty and comforting. —Caroline Brown, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 192 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
29/39
30/39
Layered Salad for a Crowd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
31/39
Ambrosia Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 247 calories, 14g fat (10g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
32/39
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It's easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 389 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
33/39
Broccoli Grape Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
34/39
Country Fried Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of our favorite recipes to take along on a picnic. We like to eat the chicken cold, along with a salad and watermelon. It's a real treat!
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 592 calories, 41g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
35/39
Banana Pudding Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and rich, this homemade banana pudding recipe is so easy. Layer it in a trifle bowl for a pretty presentation. —Ruth Kizer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
36/39
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
37/39
Scalloped Corn
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
38/39
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 533 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
39/39
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
