23 Old-Fashioned Summer Recipes You Need To Make (2024)

Summer is here and it's time to dust off the grill, bust out the fresh berries and tomatoes and keep the oven (mostly) turned off. This summer, we're looking back to old-fashioned classic recipes like potato salad, corn on the cob, fragrant butter burgers, and every no-bake dessert we can stir up!

Read on for our favorite old-fashioned summer recipes that will take you back to your childhood and help you make new food memories with your own family.

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Tomato pie

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This classic southern dish is perfect for using delicious summer tomatoes. Make this savory pie with chopped fresh tomatoes and basil, topped with a creamy mayonnaise-cheese mixture, and bake it in a store-bought shell.

Get the recipe from The Hungry Blue Bird.


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Taco Salad

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If you're an 80s kid, your parents definitely served this on the back deck on a summer night when it was too hot to cook. You'll need ground beef (or shredded chicken), fresh lettuce, chili beans, and Fritos or Doritos mixed with a sweet and zingy dressing for this simple throwback.

Get the recipe from Cooking on the Ranch.

Vintage Potato Salad

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Your grandmother's secret ingredient for that perfect creamy potato salad? Evaporated milk! This recipe combines the creaminess of evaporated milk (this recipe is extremely not healthy!) and tart vinegar for that taste you remember.

Get the recipe from Town and Country Living.

Egg Salad

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This salad takes some work, but if you don't mind peeling a few eggs, you can enjoy this family-friendly, budget-conscious hearty salad. Mustard and paprika give it that extra kick.

Get the recipe from Love Bakes Good Cakes.

Corn on the Cob

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Maybe you still make this classic recipe, but the combo of grilled corn with lime and chili is a real summer slam-dunk. Wrap the cob in foil with butter and season with chili powder, cayenne, lime zest, and juice, then just throw it on the grill.

Get the recipe from Serious Eats.

Classic Succotash

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Hearty lima beans and fresh summer corn have made this bright salad a side dish favorite for decades.

Get the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.

Marinated Tomatoes

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Use up all those extra tomatoes with this easy make-ahead recipe – simply shake ingredients in a jar and pour over the fruit to marinate.

Get the recipe from Taste of Home.

Old Fashioned Cucumber Salad

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There are so many ways to do cucumber salad in the summer, but this classic recipe with dill and vinegar will taste like summer at grandma's house. This mayo-based, slightly tart salad is a perfect cookout accompaniment.

Get the recipe from Carrie's Experimental Kitchen.

Layered Greek Dip

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You've probably had this at a summer party in the past, and we think it's time to bring it back – not only is this dip with hummus, feta, olives, and fresh veggies tasty – but it's a showstopper if you get the layers just right. It's also easy to make ahead and the flavors set into the layers to make the dip so savory!

Get the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.

Grape Salad with Pecans

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If you've never tried this old-fashioned recipe of plump juicy grapes topped with a tangy sour cream dressing and candied pecans, this is the summer to start with these fresh and classic flavors.

Get the recipe from Taste of Home.

Slow Cooker Spareribs

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Keep the kitchen cool and be ready for the cookout with classic slow cooker spareribs. Simmer for five hours in honey, soy, ketchup, and ginger for that childhood favorite flavor.

Get the recipe from All Recipes.

Butter Burgers

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Midwesterners know, that the best burger is topped with a dollop of butter. It gives the meat a little extra umami and juiciness. You don't really need a full recipe, just add a teaspoon of butter while the meat rests and let it sink in.

Get the recipe from Food Network.

Fried Catfish

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Dredged in buttermilk and coated in fine cornmeal (don't use the coarse stuff!), fried catfish is a classic southern summer dish that appeals to fish lovers and the fish reluctant alike. Just tell your kids it's chicken, they'll never know.

Get the recipe from Simply Recipes.

Chicken Fried Steak

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Something about sitting outside with a plate of chicken fried steak and a nice slaw sure reminds us of summer at Grandma's house. While it's a labor-intensive meal to make, the crowd-pleasing crunch is worth it.

Get the recipe from Food Network.

Pigs in a Blanket

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Of course, hot dogs are classic summer eats, but this classic crescent dough and little dogs recipe are perfect for getting the party started. Put out a selection of dips like mustard, ketchup, and BBQ sauce and watch the dogs disappear.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Classic Cornbread

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Easy to make ahead and keep fresh, there's nothing that complements grilled meats, slaw, and beans like a stack of sweet cornbread on the table.

Get the recipe from Food Network.

Icebox Cake

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This cake first appeared about 100 years ago, during the dawn of the icebox (a precursor to our modern refrigerator). Made by layering ingredients such as wafer cookies, cream, condensed milk, and fruit that are set in the refrigerator, this easy dessert is a certified classic.

Get the recipe from The Kitchen Magpie.

Classic Homemade Fudge

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If you've ever visited a beach or lake town and picked out some fudge to take home for dessert, you've got to try making it at home. Why? The secret is it's super easy to make and really only three ingredients – unless you want to add nuts or peanut butter chips!

Get the recipe from All Recipes.

Banana Pudding

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Like a trifle or icebox cake, this classic recipe is no-bake, so it's perfect for the summertime when you want to keep your house cool. Just layer bananas, wafers, and the pudding mixture for a fruit-forward treat.

Get the recipe from All Recipes.

Homemade Ice Cream

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Sure, you can hit the ice cream shop this summer, but what's more fun than mixing custom flavors at home just in the old days? Try a custard-style recipe and you won't need an ice cream machine.

Get the recipe from Taste of Home.

Rainbow Jello

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This delightfully jiggly treat is perfect for kids' parties, Pride events, or any celebration. While it's a little time-consuming to layer and chill, it's not difficult and if you follow the directions (it's all about patience!) you'll have a showstopper dessert everyone will love.

Get the recipe from House of Nash Eats.

Classic S'mores

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This treat has gotten fancy over the past decade or so, but we're here to bring back the classic plain graham cracker, marshmallow, and milk chocolate version. Try it this summer, we promise it's as good as you remember!

Get the recipe from Food Network.

Strawberry Shortcake

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Berries in sugar and lemon, topped with fresh whipping cream and a slice of shortbread take us back to lazy summer days. Bring those childhood memories back with this classic.

Get the recipe from Martha Stewart.

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23 Old-Fashioned Summer Recipes You Need To Make (2024)

FAQs

What food is popular in summer? ›

With that in mind, we decided to round up our top ten summer foods as we count down the days to summer!
  • Watermelon. Is there a more recognizably summer food than a chilled, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot, sunny day? ...
  • Backyard Burgers. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Corn. ...
  • Fried Chicken. ...
  • Salads. ...
  • Tropical Fruits. ...
  • Berries.
Apr 13, 2022

What to make for dinner when it's hot? ›

50 Easy Summer Dinner Recipes for Hot Days
  • 1 / 50. Easy Pasta Salad. ...
  • 2 / 50. The Ultimate Summer Salad. ...
  • 3 / 50. Chicken Caesar Salad. ...
  • 4 / 50. The Perfect BLT. ...
  • 5 / 50. Classic Cobb Salad. ...
  • 6 / 50. Cheese Tortellini with Salami, Mozzarella, and Marinated Veggies. ...
  • 7 / 50. Mediterranean-Style Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette. ...
  • 8 / 50.

What food is good for hot weather? ›

Instead, experts recommend eating lighter meals more frequently throughout the day and focusing on hydrating foods that can be easier to digest, such as cucumber and watermelon. “That is going to make people have more energy and not feel as fatigued during the heat,” Sorensen said.

What to make when you have no idea what to cook? ›

33 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  1. Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast. tasty.co. ...
  2. Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon. tasty.co. ...
  3. The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  4. Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
  5. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  6. Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas. ...
  7. Upgraded Ramen. ...
  8. Easiest One-Pot Beef with Broccoli.
May 16, 2024

What is the most refreshing summer food? ›

Chill Out: 10 Refreshing Foods to Beat the Summer Heat
  1. Watermelon - The Hydration Hero. ...
  2. Cucumber - Cooling and Crisp. ...
  3. Coconut Water - Nature's Electrolyte Drink. ...
  4. Mint - The Zesty Refresher. ...
  5. Berries - Bursting with Antioxidants. ...
  6. Citrus Fruits - Vitamin C Boosters. ...
  7. Yogurt - A Cool Creamy Delight. ...
  8. Cilantro - Flavorful and Fresh.
Jul 17, 2023

What is eaten a lot in summer? ›

Eat lots of fruits & vegetables with high water content Eg. WaterMelon, musk melon, cucumber, etc. Consume dishes and drinks which contain mint, tulsi, onions. Eat light, nutritious and non-fatty meals. Avoid sugary foods and minimize the intake of hot, spicy, and extremely salty foods.

What is a full hot meal? ›

Hot meal means a measure of food served and eaten at one sitting prepared in accordance with and served at a palatable temperature range of 110º - 120º F. (43.3º – 48.8º C.).

What food cools the body? ›

A. Some of the best cooling foods for body include foods like cucumber, watermelon, coconut water, mint, buttermilk, etc.

What are the best cold foods for summer? ›

Food doesn't need to be straight out of a saute pan to be delicious!
  • Wilted Spinach Salad with Toasted Pepitas. ...
  • Pasta e Fagioli. ...
  • Marinated Roasted Peppers. ...
  • Fresh Cranberry Bean & Tuna Salad. ...
  • Kale & Feta Cake. ...
  • Chicken Meatloaf. ...
  • Italian-Style Grilled Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Spicy Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos. Rated 3 out of 5.

What foods should I avoid in summer? ›

Here Are 7 Vegetables That You Should Avoid In Summer
  • Root Vegetables. Root vegetables are hearty and nutritious, but can be heavy and heat-producing when consumed in large quantities. ...
  • Onions and Garlic. ...
  • Spinach and Kale. ...
  • Bell Peppers. ...
  • Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Hot Peppers. ...
  • Mushrooms.
May 2, 2024

What to make for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
  • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
  • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
  • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
Jan 11, 2023

What to make for dinner when you're sick of everything? ›

What to Cook When You're Tired of Everything: 40 Easy Recipes to Get You Out of a Dinner Rut
  • 15-Minute Herb-Crumbed Fish. ...
  • Hot Honey Chicken Thighs. ...
  • Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas. ...
  • 50-50 Buttered Noodles and Greens. ...
  • Teriyaki Salmon Bowls. ...
  • Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. ...
  • Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chili.
Jun 20, 2022

What foods are in summer months? ›

Here's a list of 10 naturally cooling foods to add to your summer diet:
  • Cucumber. Cucumbers have high water content, which keeps the body hydrated and helps regulate body temperature. ...
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Mint. ...
  • Coconut water. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Citrus fruits. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Berries.
May 23, 2024

What is the best summer snack? ›

And carry along some protein, with nut butters, bean dips, and a few other tricks.
  1. TRAIL MIX. Grab a handful of your favorite mix of nuts and seeds, rich in healthy fats. ...
  2. HUMMUS WITH CARROTS & SUGAR SNAPS. ...
  3. CELERY STICKS & PEANUT BUTTER. ...
  4. APPLE & ALMOND BUTTER. ...
  5. CRACKERS & TUNA. ...
  6. CHEESE STICKS. ...
  7. JERKY. ...
  8. GRANOLA BARS.

What food should I pack for summer vacation? ›

Simple pasta dishes, sandwiches, quesadillas, or tacos are a few good options, in case you need to toss something together indoors. Don't forget breakfast, snacks, and dessert. Muffins, cereal, yogurt, berries, and granola can pull double- and triple-duty on vacation.

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