Beat the heat and hunger with these family recipes using the season's freshest produce for everything from brunch to burgers to blueberry pie.
37 Fun Family Recipes for Warm Summer Days
Updated on May 17, 2024
1/37
Summer Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 508 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
2/37
Mixed Fruit Shortcakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 shortcake: 329 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
3/37
Bacon Cheeseburger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
4/37
Full Garden Frittata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 wedges: 227 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 375mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/37
Salmon and Spud Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet with 2 cups salad: 480 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
6/37
Grilled Sweet Corn
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear: 201 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
7/37
Raspberry Peach Tart
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 227 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
8/37
Pork Tenderloin with Three-Berry Salsa
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 2/3 cup salsa and 3 tablespoons sauce: 239 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
9/37
Creamy Grilled Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 209 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
10/37
Avocado Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 7 cups
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 82 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
11/37
Cajun Boil on the Grill
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
12/37
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/37
Grilled Bean Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 305 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
14/37
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (about 1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 265 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
15/37
Breakfast Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These kabobs are fun, different and delicious, plus they go well with any egg dish. —Bobi Raab, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 246 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
16/37
Fruity Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
17/37
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. Nancy Pratt - Longview, TX
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/37
Crispy Almond Tilapia
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 fillet pieces: 251 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.
19/37
Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
4 wedges: 446 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
20/37
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 450 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
21/37
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp Skewers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 rosemary skewers: 103 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
22/37
Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings (4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
23/37
Rosemary-Lemon Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 324 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
24/37
Berry White Ice Pops
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
25/37
Cream Cheese & Chive Omelet
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 305 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 455mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
26/37
Raspberry Refresher
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 169 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
27/37
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 433 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
28/37
Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
29/37
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
30/37
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
31/37
Star-Spangled Parfaits
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait (calculated without coconut): 172 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
32/37
Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super-fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead of time. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup salsa: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
33/37
Quick Icebox Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 142 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/37
Zucchini Egg Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
35/37
Pizza on a Stick
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her friends had fun turning sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough into these cute kabobs. —Charlene Woods, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs with 1/4 cup sauce: 429 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
36/37
Blueberry Pie Recipe
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 269 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
37/37
Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
