40 Family-Friendly Summer Recipes (2024)

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40 Family-Friendly Summer Recipes (1)Kim BussingUpdated: Jan. 30, 2024

    Beat the heat and hunger with these family recipes using the season's freshest produce for everything from brunch to burgers to blueberry pie.

    Summer Carbonara

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    Basil and bacon make best summer buds in this smoky-sweet pasta. I pair it with a simple spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and a glass of good Chardonnay or cold iced tea. —Cathy Dudderar, Lexington, Kentucky

    Mixed Fruit Shortcakes

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    This delightful downsized recipe makes just two biscuitlike shortcakes. Fill them with fresh fruit of your choice and top with whipped cream for an impressive dinner finale. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona

    Bacon Cheeseburgers

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    Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington

    Full Garden Frittata

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    I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California

    Salmon and Spud Salad

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    I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario

    Grilled Sweet Corn

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    Since we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan

    Raspberry Peach Tart

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    There’s no shortage of fresh peaches and raspberries where I live. I use the fruit I grow to bake up this sweet and special fruit tart.— Mary Ann Rempel, Southold, New York

    Pork Tenderloin with Three-Berry Salsa

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    My husband came home from a work meeting that had served pork with a spicy blueberry salsa. He was amazed at how tasty it was, so I came up with my own rendition without seeing or tasting what he had. It took several tries, but this is the delicious result. —Angie Phillips, Tarzana, California

    Creamy Grilled Potato Salad

    To avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this ‘The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia

    Avocado Salsa

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Cajun Boil on the Grill

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    Taste of Home

    I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

    Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad

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    This salad is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I've tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren't overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

    Grilled Bean Burgers

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    These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey

    Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

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    This creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin

    Breakfast Skewers

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    Taste of Home

    These kabobs are fun, different and delicious, plus they go well with any egg dish. —Bobi Raab, St. Paul, Minnesota

    Fruity Baked Oatmeal

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    This is my husband’s favorite breakfast treat and the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling and always a hit when I serve it to guests. —Karen Schroeder, Kankakee, Illinois.

    Caesar Chicken Wraps

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    Taste of Home

    When we have chicken for dinner, I cook extra for these full-flavored roll-ups. Featuring Caesar salad dressing, cream cheese, red pepper, black olives and a hint of garlic, the wraps are perfect alongside corn on the cob and a green vegetable. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada

    Crispy Almond Tilapia

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    Taste of Home

    Since changing to a healthier style of cooking, I’ve come up with new coatings for baked fish. I use almonds, panko bread crumbs and a smidge of hot sauce to add crunchy texture with nice heat. —Amanda Flinner, Beaver, Pennsylvania

    Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

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    Taste of Home

    When my kids were small, I'd stuff leftover chicken into these oven-baked quesadillas. I often grab rotisserie chicken instead. —Pam Martin, Canandaigua, New York

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    Taste of Home

    My grandpa made an awesome breakfast for us grandkids: French toast that started on the griddle as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. —Lindsey Folsom, Dorsey, Illinois

    Lime-Rosemary Shrimp Skewers

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    Taste of Home

    I had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California

    Aunt Frances' Lemonade

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    Taste of Home

    My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

    Rosemary-Lemon Grilled Chicken

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    Here's a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that's made with very few ingredients. It's great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California

    Berry White Ice Pops

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    Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut

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    Taste of Home

    The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey

    Raspberry Refresher

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    Taste of Home

    This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

    Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

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    My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan

    Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush

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    This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Zucchini Boats

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    Taste of Home

    After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia

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    I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, so after I started experimenting with my favorite veggies and ground beef. I came up with this favorite that my three kids actually request! This healthy take on sloppy joes reminds me of my own childhood. —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima Washington

    Star-Spangled Parfaits

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    Taste of Home

    The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors.—Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts

    Chicken with Peach-Cucumber Salsa

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    To keep our kitchen cool, we grill chicken outdoors and serve it with a minty peach salsa that can easily be made ahead. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

    Quick Icebox Sandwiches

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    My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy

    Zucchini Egg Skillet

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    My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina

    Pizza on a Stick

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    My daughter and her friends had fun turning sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough into these cute kabobs. —Charlene Woods, Norfolk, Virginia

    Contest-Winning Fresh Blueberry Pie

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    I've been making this blueberry pie recipe for decades since the ingredients for the filling are readily available in Michigan. Nothing says summer like a piece of fresh blueberry pie! —Linda Kernan, Mason, Michigan

    Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa

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    Taste of Home

    For parties, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

    Mini S'mores

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    Taste of Home

    Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois

    Originally Published: June 26, 2019

    40 Family-Friendly Summer Recipes (40)

    Kim Bussing

    Kim is a writer and creative consultant with more than a decade of experience publishing content about food and drink. She has told food and wine stories for top brands with household names, including Hilton and Marriott. Kim also writes about health and wellness topics, home decor and baking. For Taste of Home, she’s tackled stories about canned wines, co*cktail kits, wine Advent calendars and much more.Kim’s passion is bringing together nutrition and joy in every meal and she’s always on the hunt for the perfect gluten-free cinnamon roll.

    40 Family-Friendly Summer Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What do you feed 20 guests? ›

    Feed-a-crowd recipes
    • Spiced salmon with traybaked sag aloo. ...
    • Chicken dopiaza. ...
    • Chicken Provençal. ...
    • Chicken gyros. ...
    • Sharing bavette with blue cheese, beef dripping wedges & ranch salad. ...
    • Sticky tamarind tomato & spinach whirl. ...
    • App onlyChard, feta & sesame pie with olive oil pastry.

    What to cook for a group of 20 people? ›

    19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
    • Taco Bar.
    • Meatballs.
    • Butter Chicken.
    • Lasagna.
    • Chili.
    • Homemade Pizza.
    • Baked Pasta.
    • Skewers.
    Apr 4, 2023

    What's for dinner for kids? ›

    Top kids' dinner ideas
    • 1) Chicken nuggets.
    • 2) Easy salmon curry.
    • 3) Swedish meatball burgers.
    • 4) Healthy beef stew with veggie mash.
    • 5) Chicken pasta bake.
    • 6) Homemade fish fingers.
    • 7) Air-fryer jacket potatoes.
    • 8) Creamy chicken stew.
    Mar 19, 2024

    What is the most popular food in summer? ›

    Top 10 most popular summer recipes
    • Fresh salmon niçoise.
    • Epic summer salad.
    • Courgette & lemon risotto.
    • Summer fruit drizzle cake.
    • Chicken souvlaki.
    • Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche.
    • Strawberry pavlova.
    • 10-minute couscous salad.
    Jun 20, 2023

    How to feed 40 guests on a budget? ›

    Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
    1. Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
    2. Cheese Cob Dip. ...
    3. The Best Burger in Oz. ...
    4. Kangaroo Casserole. ...
    5. Sausage Casserole. ...
    6. Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
    7. Quiche Lorraine. ...
    8. Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

    How to calculate food for 40 guests? ›

    Rules to Plan By

    Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet. Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.

    What is the best food to feed a crowd? ›

    BBQ and Outdoor Parties
    • 1 / 7. Hot Dog Snack Board. ...
    • 2 / 7. No-Cook Dip and Veggie Summer Board. ...
    • 3 / 7. Instant Pot Pulled Porchetta Sandwiches. ...
    • 4 / 7. Chicken Caesar Salad Skewers. ...
    • 5 / 7. Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad. ...
    • 6 / 7. Fish Tacos. ...
    • 7 / 7. Ice Cream Sandwiches for a Crowd.
    Apr 19, 2023

    What to cook for 25 guests? ›

    • Hearty Baked Penne Pasta. This recipe feeds an army. ...
    • Tasty Taco Bar. Everything you need to make your own Taco Bar at home. ...
    • Baked Potato Bar. ...
    • Crockpot Ham. ...
    • Killer Carnitas. ...
    • Chicken Spaghetti. ...
    • Ham and Cheese Sliders. ...
    • Shredded Beef Tacos.
    Jul 11, 2024

    How to cook for a lot of people cheap? ›

    25 Cheap Meals for Large Families
    1. 01 of 26. Hungarian Goulash. View Recipe. ...
    2. 02 of 26. Simple Chicken and Noodles. ...
    3. 03 of 26. Easy Taco Casserole. ...
    4. 04 of 26. Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
    5. 05 of 26. Salisbury Steak. ...
    6. 06 of 26. Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs. ...
    7. 07 of 26. Black Beans and Rice. ...
    8. 08 of 26. Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Feb 22, 2024

    What is a good family dinner? ›

    Some easy meal ideas to through in the mix for fun:
    • chicken and stuffing bake - stovetop stuffing prepared and added to a 9x13 baking pan, bone in chicken thighs, top with cream of mushroom (or whatever) soup, bake until chicken is cooked through. ...
    • Broccoli Mac n cheese.
    • Broccoli sausage pasta.
    Mar 23, 2024

    What is the best thing to eat on a hot summer day? ›

    Sandwiches, chilled soups, salads and dips with a select few accompaniments are all winners when the mercury's off the dial, and will save your food-prepping life. I promise. I also like a platter of fresh prawns, accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce and fresh papaya salad.

    What's nice to eat on a hot day? ›

    • 1 / 55. Easy Pasta Salad. Is there a more quintessential warm-weather side dish than cold pasta salad? ...
    • 2 / 55. The Ultimate Summer Salad. ...
    • 3 / 55. The Perfect BLT. ...
    • 4 / 55. Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ...
    • 5 / 55. Easy Shrimp Ceviche. ...
    • 6 / 55. Summer Garden Pasta. ...
    • 7 / 55. Summer Rolls. ...
    • 8 / 55. Cold Sesame Noodles.
    May 29, 2024

    What are the five summer foods? ›

    12 Best Summer Foods To Keep Your Body Cool
    • Cucumber.
    • Melons.
    • Leafy Greens.
    • Buttermilk.
    • Mango.
    • Lemon.
    • Curd And Yoghurt.
    • Fish.

    What foods remind you of summer? ›

    Here are 30 essential foods that just scream summer — from fresh in-season produce to juicy burgers on the grill.
    • 1 / 30. Photo: Maris Zemgalietis. Blueberries. ...
    • 2 / 30. Photo: Christopher Jones. Blackberries. ...
    • 3 / 30. Photo: Vincent Go. Cantaloupe. ...
    • 4 / 30. Photo: Elena Elisseeva. Figs.

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