From Grilled to Chilled: The 63 BEST Summer Recipes

Just because seasonal cooking is popular doesn’t mean you have to stick to strict rules about when to make certain dishes. Some recipes are too delicious to save for special occasions! These 63 amazing summer recipes include smoked brats in beer, chicken flatbread pizza, Italian pignoli cookies, and garlic tomato shrimp scampi. Any of these delightful summer recipes will be just as tasty and satisfying in the cooler months too.

Smoked Brats in Beer

Indulge in a delicious meal by smoking bratwurst in beer using your Traeger grill or pellet smoker and serving it alongside your favorite sides, mustard, and buns. With just six ingredients needed, this brats-on-smoker recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Recipe here: Smoked Brats in Beer

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Enjoy a hearty smoked brisket sandwich with homemade pickled red onions and other toppings for a special dinner. Learn how to make this amazing treat that pairs well with various side dishes.
Recipe here: Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Rather than ordering salt and pepper pork chop bites from the local Chinese takeout, why not make your own gluten free pork chop recipe instead? The Asian salt and pepper seasoning adds so much flavour and you can make this dish as spicy as you dare!
Get the Recipe: Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls

Using boxed brownie mix, these easy brownie sundae waffle bowls are a delicious and visually impressive dessert option that combines the best of brownies, waffles, and ice cream. Perfect for pleasing a crowd, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

This colourful, flavourful Italian rice salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck, summer BBQ, or as a versatile side dish for a simple lunch or dinner. Every mouthful of this Mediterranean brown rice salad is bursting with fresh ingredients such as tasty salad vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Butter Tarts

Indulge in a Canadian classic with homemade butter tarts. With a sweet, vanilla-scented filling and flaky pastry shell filled with nuts and raisins, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Butter Tarts

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Looking for a hassle-free dinner recipe that requires minimal prep? Try this delicious BBQ chicken flatbread that bakes in the oven for a crispy crust and melty toppings! With a pre-made flatbread base and simple BBQ chicken toppings, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Caesar Cocktail

Discover Canada’s national drink – the classic Canadian Caesar, a flavor-packed cocktail perfect for Canada Day celebrations. Made with clamato juice, lime juice, and a blend of spices, this drink is a must-try, especially when paired with other famous Canadian dishes like poutine.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Cocktail

Smoked Beef Jerky

Making beef jerky at home on a smoker like a Traeger grill is easier than you think! This delicious homemade jerky recipe is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe here: Smoked Beef Jerky

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking, and smoker-grilled fish tacos with garlic cilantro lime coleslaw is a dish you don’t want to miss. This recipe is easy to make on a Traeger grill and features delicious smoked tilapia and tasty coleslaw.
Recipe here: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

Green Goddess Salad

There’s a reason this green goddess salad has gone viral on Tik Tok, and that’s because it’s delicious. You will love every element from the colourful, crunchy salad mixture to the garlic, cashew, spinach, and parmesan dressing.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Confetti Squares

These peanut butter butterscotch confetti squares are the perfect no bake treat for any occasion. With colorful mini marshmallows and butterscotch chips, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck! This Canadian classic bar is always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Confetti Squares

Antipasto Skewers

Impress your guests with easy-to-make antipasto skewers, perfect for any occasion! Made with classic Italian flavors, these crowd-pleasing bites are ideal for parties, picnics, and more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Orange BBQ Salmon with Foil Packet Garlic Soy Vegetables

Orange BBQ salmon is so good! It’s a foil packet garlic soy vegetables recipe and a simple 30 minute salmon meal. Everyone is going to love how fresh and tangy this summer grilled salmon recipe is.
Get the Recipe: Orange BBQ Salmon with Foil Packet Garlic Soy Vegetables

Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Smoked gouda bacon cheddar cheese dip pairs beautifully with pretzels. So if you’re looking for the best pretzel cheese sauce recipe, look no further. This cheese dipping sauce is made with smoked gouda, cheddar and cream cheese, along with other flavourful ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Atlantic Canada Lobster Roll

Indulge in the taste of the Atlantic with this flavor-packed lobster roll recipe, perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of lobster tail meat with garlic, shallot, hot pepper, dill, and lemon creates a mouthwatering filling that’s best served in a buttery or split-top hot dog bun.
Get the Recipe: Atlantic Canada Lobster Roll

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Make your own fresh tomatillo red chili salsa with this easy copycat Chipotle recipe that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer with chips or crackers, and goes great with steak, chicken, or any south of the border inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi with lime, herbs and spices is so simple to make and the flavour is just as good as anything you can order in a seafood restaurant. You can tweak the mahi rub to your palate and also try another kind of fish if you want to experiment.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

General Tso shrimp is an easy Chinese shrimp dish which you can rustle up in less than 30 minutes. It offers sweet, tangy and savoury flavours, along with a hint of spice.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp Spinach Sunny Side Up Omelette

A shrimp omelette recipe makes an unusual change from the more typical ham and cheese or mushroom varieties. This seafood omelette with eggs on top is perfect for egg fans who want to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spinach Sunny Side Up Omelette

Scallop Skewers

Grilled scallop skewers are a versatile dish that can be served at any occasion, with a delicate blend of garlic, cilantro and orange flavors, and a delightful smoked butter sauce. This BBQ seafood kebab recipe is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Scallop Skewers

Fall off the Bone Hawaiian Ribs

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for your family, slow cooker Hawaiian ribs are a surefire way to impress everyone with their tender texture and exotic flavors. With a range of side dishes that pair perfectly, this meal is an excellent choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Fall off the Bone Hawaiian Ribs

Pepper Steak

Pepper steak over rice or noodles makes for a great take out fake out that you can cook in just a couple of minutes. This is a fresh and flavorful dish you are going to love from the first bite. This is one of the best quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders

This smoked blackened salmon sliders recipe should definitely be added to your must-make list! These summer BBQ salmon burgers feature pickled red onions and wasabi mayo for maximum flavour.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders

Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat

This Chili’s copycat chicken enchilada soup recipe is easy, tasty, and perfect for any night of the week. It can be made with rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat

Hot Italian Sliders

Spice up your next gathering with hot Italian sliders – the perfect appetizer for tailgating or backyard picnics! Made with slider rolls, deli meats, and cheeses, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Loaded deviled eggs such as these Bloody Mary eggs are always a welcome part of the BBQ, cookout, or picnic table. They’re also a handy snack at any time since you can make these unique gourmet deviled eggs ahead.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi

Many easy garlic tomato shrimp scampi recipes call for wine, but do you really need to add it? Is there a wine substitute you can add to this seafood pasta dinner recipe instead? The following recipe proves you don’t need to add wine for a delicious shrimp and tomato dish served with pappardelle pasta.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi

Fruity Pebbles Meringue Cookies

These Fruity Pebbles meringue cookies are fluffy, sweet and easy to make. The signature meringue crunch makes these perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The kids will love them, and so will the grownups!
Get the Recipe: Fruity Pebbles Meringue Cookies

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Gochujang chicken is sweet, spicy and very savoury. It’s a typical Korean inspired stir fry which looks so appetizing served in butter lettuce leaves with rice and Korean garnishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Italian Frittata Recipe

Straightforward to make and a treat to eat, this Italian vegetable frittata recipe is definitely a winning recipe. It’s simple to prepare, and you can mix and match the fillings depending on what you have in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect way to use up any vegetables or cooked meats you need to use up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Frittata Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

These air fryer bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, with a quick and easy preparation. Whether you call them bacon wrapped meatballs or meatloaf balls, you’re sure to love their amazing taste!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort. It’s a Mediterranean inspired dip with bell peppers, basil, garlic, shallot, and more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

These homemade mini pizza bagel bites are just as more-ish as they sound! That’s right – one is never enough. Once you know how to make bagel bites, you’ll want to rustle up this bite size pizza snack all the time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Bacon Steak Wraps

Enjoy a rich and hearty lunch with these bacon steak wraps featuring a homemade blue cheese dressing. Add add your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch to this easy-to-make lunch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Steak Wraps

Watermelon Paloma

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing? Try this mouth-watering watermelon Paloma with tequila, citrus, and fresh watermelon juice! With its tangy and sweet flavors, it’s the perfect drink to sip on a hot day and unwind with friends.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Paloma

Brownie S’mores Dip

The Brownie S’mores Dip Recipe is the perfect indulgent treat for summertime gatherings, combining the delicious flavors of classic s’mores with a rich, chocolatey brownie base. Baking the dip in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic charm, while the gooey marshmallow layer and melted chocolate chunks are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Brownie S’mores Dip

Strawberry Sorbet

This strawberry sorbet is perfect with only four ingredients. The deep strawberry flavor of this frozen dessert makes it a favorite summer treat that can be made quickly and easily using either frozen or fresh strawberries.

Giardiniera

An authentic Italian giardiniera recipe consists of Italian pickled vegetables, making it the perfect condiment for Italian sandwiches, cured meats, cheese, grilled meats, pasta salads, and charcuterie boards. Fresh peppers and veggies add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Giardiniera

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Indulge in a delicious homemade Italian pasta dinner with pesto fettuccini and Bolognese sauce, bursting with fresh veggies in every bite. This hearty dish, featuring a homemade beef Bolognese meat sauce and fettuccine pasta, will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Smoked Elote

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular corn on the cob dish served with lime juice, chili lime powder, herbs, and cheese in Mexico. This simple recipe is perfect as a side dish with any grilled protein, and the smoky flavor of the corn adds a delicious touch.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Elote

Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Despite its name, this Texan recipe doesn’t actually contain any fish or caviar, but it’s a delicious and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for summer barbecues, and a great option for those looking for a vegan Southwest-style dip or a bean and corn salsa.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Prepare an amazing appetizer with these air fryer crab cake egg rolls that are easy to make and bursting with flavors of Old Bay, lemon, and sriracha. Dip them in the fire sauce for an extra kick and enjoy the perfectly crispy texture achieved by air frying.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Whether you want to dip veggie sticks, melba toast, chips, crackers, or something else, this avocado herb green goddess dip is really good. Pair it with a vegetable board or charcuterie platter and enjoy the fresh flavours in every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Italian Pignoli Cookies

These delicious naturally gluten free Italian Pignoli cookies, also known as Amaretti con Pignoli, are a perfect addition to your cookie baking list. With only 5 ingredients, these Italian almond and pine nut cookies are easy to make and will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pignoli Cookies

Italian Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad is a refreshing summer side dish that combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and chunks of crusty bread, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Panzanella Salad

Asian Zoodle Salad

Asian zoodles salad is a wonderful blend of zoodle, or spiralized zucchini noodles along with other vegetables and an Asian inspired dressing. Have it for lunch or pair it with your preferred protein as a side dish. Add this salad to your list of favorite summer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Asian Zoodle Salad

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

This slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms is the ultimate winter comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. With a delicious combination of beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy mushroom soup sauce, this easy crockpot recipe is a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Strawberry Watermelon White Claw Slushie

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail? Try the delicious combination of watermelon rum and White Claw in this easy-to-make slushie, perfect for sipping on a hot day. The fruity flavors of strawberry and watermelon, paired with the sweetness of agave nectar, make for a deliciously satisfying frozen drink.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Watermelon White Claw Slushie

Chunky Guacamole

This chunky guacamole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Made with avocados, tomatoes, green onions, chilies, lime juice, and cilantro, it is a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Tasty Tangerine Chicken Stir Fry

This tangerine chicken stir fry pairs juicy, succulent chicken breast with a sweet, delicious Asian tangerine sauce. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet and a little savoury, for the perfect flavour balance. This will be one of your favorite summer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Tasty Tangerine Chicken Stir Fry

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Chocolate cherry blossom cookies pair the sweet, fruity taste of cherries with the timeless appeal of chocolate. This chocolate cherry cookie recipe makes a batch of cute pink cookies and each one is topped with a Hershey’s kiss.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Pasta Da Vinci

Make this delicious Cheesecake Factory copycat pasta da vinci at home with your Instant Pot. You won’t be disappointed with this simple chicken-based pasta dish that tastes just like the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Da Vinci

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Prepare a crowd-pleasing BBQ side dish with this flavorful recipe for baked beans with ground beef. Infused with delicious spices and enhanced by the addition of ground beef, these southern-style baked beans are a hit at any gathering, earning you requests for the recipe. Whether it’s a cookout, family reunion, holiday party, or any occasion, these easy-to-make baked beans can be enjoyed as a side and need to be on your list of the best BBQ side dish recipes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

If you’re a seafood lover, you have to give Mexican shrimp ceviche a try. With its fresh ingredients and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Chopped Italian Sandwich

A chopped Italian sub is sure to satisfy even the strongest hunger pangs. This Italian bread sub with deli meats, cheese, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, and more make a great lunch. Add this to your list of favorite summer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Simple ingredients combine to make this Tuscan classic. Juicy fresh tuna pairs with beans for a Tuscan tuna white bean salad everyone will enjoy. It makes a tasty meal, whatever the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Cajun Seafood Boil

Cajun seafood boil always gets rave reviews. With such a succulent variety of ingredients like shrimp, corn, clams and potatoes. Drizzle with garlic butter liberally for the ultimate family meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Boil

Strawberry Shortcake

Looking for a sweet and refreshing treat to enjoy on your next picnic? These individual strawberry shortcakes are the perfect choice! With their fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, they’re a delicious and portable dessert. This will be one of your favorite summer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

This recipe for smoked potato salad with bacon combines the smoky flavors of potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings and barbecues that will surely impress your guests. This will become one of your favorite summer salad recipes!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Hawaiian Fruity Lava Flow Cocktail

Get whisked away to a tropical paradise with this refreshing lava flow drink! This colourful drink combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the creaminess of coconut, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Fruity Lava Flow Cocktail

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

For a colorful and healthy lunch or side dish, try this garden veggie macaroni salad with a creamy avocado dressing. The garlic, horseradish, and avocado dressing pairs perfectly with the pasta and veggies, creating a fresh and flavorful salad that is sure to impress. Add this to your list of favorite summer salad recipes!
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

The Best Steak Kebabs

Peppers, onions and tender, juicy steak come together to make the best ever kebabs! Make these on the grill for fresh flavors that everyone will find irresistible.
Get the Recipe: The Best Steak Kebabs