29 Summer Recipes That Are Way More Fun Than A Drive-Thru

Summer food should be fun, fast, and not require waiting in a car line. 29 recipes bring the kind of flavor that makes skipping the drive-thru an easy choice. They’re built for sunshine, backyard chill-outs, and last-minute cravings that deserve better than soggy fries. Make it quick, but make it way better.

A sliced lemon cake topped with white icing and lemon slices.
Lemon Yogurt Loaf. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine biting into a burger that’s both hearty and healthy. Black Bean Burger offers a fantastic plant-based twist on a classic, making it a great option for both vegetarians and meat-eaters looking for something new. These burgers pack a pleasing texture and are perfect for grilling at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unroll a new take on finger food with a spicy kick. These Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are a unique blend of creamy and spicy wrapped in a soft tortilla. They’re ideal for snacks or adding to your party platter and are guaranteed to get folks talking. Without a doubt, they’ll be a new favorite at any event – don’t expect leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simplicity rules, especially with classic dishes. Cacio e Pepe is a testament to the magic that can happen with just a few ingredients. This pasta dish is known for its creamy, peppery sauce and is a must-try for all pasta lovers. It’s a perfect example of easy yet incredibly comforting food, straight from Italy to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who doesn’t love a customizable, all-in-one meal? Shrimp Burrito Bowls are the ideal mix-it-up dish, where you can layer flavors to your heart’s content. It’s a casual yet sophisticated meal packed with a variety of tastes. Plus, it’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, making dinner time something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A colorful side is the perfect addition to your barbecue. Grilled Peppers bring a smoky sweetness to any summer meal and are as versatile as they are vibrant. Whether served alongside a main or as a topping, they invite a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tacos with grilled salmon, purple cabbage, corn, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and drizzled with white sauce on tortillas.
Blackened Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you mix smoky spices with fresh seafood, you get an outstanding taco experience. Blackened Salmon Tacos fuse the essence of the sea with bold flavors. They’re a healthier taco option that doesn’t skimp on taste, perfect for a light but fulfilling meal. Plus, they are a cinch to whip up for a quick dinner or an impromptu get-together.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Fruit salad in a blue bowl with a spoon.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a twist to your fruit salad with this sweet and tangy concoction. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing balances the natural sweetness of fruit with a zingy dressing. It’s effortlessly simple to prepare and always a hit at summer gatherings or as a quick pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Steak Fajita Nacho

A tray of loaded nachos topped with sliced beef, red and green peppers, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges on the side.
Steak Fajita Nacho. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’re in for a change from your usual nachos. Steak Fajita Nacho pairs the tenderness of steak with the well-loved crunch of nachos. It’s ideal for those who want a hearty appetizer or a snack that doubles as a meal. Get ready for layers of flavor that turn snack time into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Nacho

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

A bowl of vegetable curry with leafy greens, chunks of squash, diced tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro, served with a spoon.
Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Explore the rich, aromatic flavors of Asia from the comfort of your own kitchen. Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is a blend of nutty and spicy that you won’t be able to resist. It might even outshine your local take-out, and it’s fun to cook up for a cozy dinner at home. You’ll be amazed at what you can create with this straightforward dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re after a salad that’s robust and full of variety, here’s a thought. Antipasto Salad combines the best of a charcuterie board and a fresh salad. It’s more than just a starting course; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece. This salad is perfect for those who want a bit of everything, with its vibrant mix of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert or pizza? Why not both! Fruit Pizza turns dessert into a playful, colorful treat. It’s a sweet canvas for your favorite fruits and a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. This dish is as much fun to decorate as it is to devour, making it a perfect end to any meal or a special way to get creative any day.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Avocado Toast can be enjoyed in multitude of ways, topped with an array of ingredients, from eggs to spices. It’s the go-to choice for a quick, healthy bite that still feels indulgent. It’s perfect for those mornings when you need something fast and fulfilling on the way out the door.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your greens with something better than store-bought dressings. Italian Dressing is simple to whip up and adds a burst of flavor to any salad. It’s a staple for those who love a bit of zing with their fresh veggies. Why settle for bottled when you can quickly mix up something that tastes so much brighter and bolder?
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you can’t decide between a salad and pasta, combine them for a fulfilling dish. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad hits all the right notes – creamy, tasty, and hearty. It’s ideal for meal prep or for feeding a crowd without any hassle. This dish takes the tried-and-true Caesar salad and gives it a twist everyone can get excited about.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Vegan Ratatouille

A close-up of a dish of ratatouille, featuring chopped vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes in a tomato-based sauce. Fresh thyme is garnished on top.
Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Relish in the bounty of the garden with a classic that’s both warming and nutritious. Vegan Ratatouille is a gratifying stew that showcases the simplicity of vegetables. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a comforting vegan option that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a canvas for creativity, allowing you to use the best produce of the season.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Marry Me Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet topped with a creamy herb sauce, served next to a portion of white rice.
Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You might just fall in love with this dish that’s known for its charm. Marry Me Salmon is perfect for a special night in, promising a memorable meal. This dish combines elegance with simplicity, offering a harmonious blend that could woo any seafood lover.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunch your way to a worthwhile, classic salad that’s withstood the test of time. Waldorf Salad combines crisp textures with sweet fruit for a unique side dish. It’s a long-time favorite that never goes out of style, perfect for picnics or as a refreshing addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Enjoy a fan-favorite that combines citrusy sweetness with tasty chicken. Orange Chicken is a well-loved classic that brings a hint of tang and sweetness to your dinner table. It’s favored for its balance of flavors, making it a hit with kids and adults. Save yourself a trip to your local take-out and whip up this comfort food at home.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Celebrate the freshness of the garden with a pasta that’s loaded with veggies. Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish that pairs perfectly with warm weather and sunny days. It’s bright, light, and bursting with freshness, ideal for those who love an ample serving of greens with their pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Get a taste of the coast with a seafood specialty that’s rich in tradition. Maryland Crab Cake boasts lump crab meat that’s seasoned and cooked to perfection. They’re fantastic for anyone craving a tasty bite of the ocean. It’s a pure, simple way to enjoy crab without the fuss of cracking shells, yet filled with the iconic taste.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy the colors of Italy with a salad that’s both beautiful and simple. Easy Caprese Salad is a vibrant addition to any meal, offering fresh flavors. It’s a no-cook wonder that comes together in minutes, perfect for those hot days when you can’t face the stove. The dish is a beloved classic for anyone seeking a light yet flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Tomahawk Steak

Close-up of cooked beef slices on a wooden board, with a fork holding one piece. The meat appears juicy with a seasoned crust.
Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re ready to go big, nothing beats a show-stopping cut of beef. Tomahawk Steak is as impressive in flavor as it is in size. It’s a feast fit for a king or queen and bound to be the centerpiece of any barbecue. It serves up perfectly for special occasions, or when you just want to indulge in an extraordinary meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whisk yourself away to Italy with a pasta dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Italian Pasta with Salami is a lively combination that’s sure to bring some excitement to the table. It’s a simple yet bold dish for those who love the punchy flavors of cured meats.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Grape Salad

Homemade fresh grape salad in a serving bowl with walnuts scattered on top.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that surprise you, and this one’s no exception. Grape Salad takes a humble fruit and transforms it into a creamy, sweet salad that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. It’s a fun blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a snack or as a unique side.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everyone needs a go-to side that’s as colorful as it is crunchy. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a tangy twist on the traditional slaw, offering a pop of purple to the plate. It’s an easy and refreshing way to add some veggies to your meal. This side is not only pleasing to the eye but also to the palate, with a variety of tastes and textures.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Thai Yellow Curry

Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring a bit of Thailand to your dinner with a warm, spiced curry that’s sure to comfort. Thai Yellow Curry is a mild yet flavorful dish with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a great idea for anyone looking to switch up their curry routine with something less fiery. The dish invites you to get cosy with a bowl full of flavor, ideal for a relaxing night in.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you like a bit of sweet with your tasty, here’s a salad that fuses the best of both worlds. Honeycrisp Salad is a combo of crisp apples and assorted goodies that bring texture and flavor to every bite. It’s a perfect blend for those who appreciate a salad with a fruity twist.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Two ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background.
Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These aren’t your average mini sandwiches; they’re packed with melty goodness and a touch of class. Ham and Swiss Sliders are a great choice for anyone in need of a quick, pleasing bite. It’s an ideal pick for feeding a crowd or for a cozy movie night in.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

A sliced lemon cake topped with white icing and lemon slices.
Lemon Yogurt Loaf. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re after a dessert that’s light yet indulgent, this loaf fits the bill. Lemon Yogurt Loaf offers a sunny burst of citrus in a moist and tender cake. It’s a gratifying end to any meal or a sweet companion to your afternoon tea. This dish is a simple pleasure that shows you don’t need bells and whistles for a perfect sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Yogurt Loaf

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