Your guests are sure to love our collection of low-maintenance summer party recipes.
The best part: You’ll have time to enjoy your bash!
We include a range of recipes for every palatekids and adults alike.
Photo: VICTOR PROTASIO
Serve these simple recipes at your backyard barbecue or whip them up after work for aneasy weeknight dinner.
(Any chicken drippings will be welcome on the pilaf.)
Pay homage to the Moroccan-inspired flavors by serving fresh mint tea alongside dessert.
Greg DuPree
Lacinato kale is sometimes called dinosaur or Tuscan kale.
In a pinch, curly kale will work, but Lacinato’s flat leaves make grilling easier.
Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love a goodpasta salad recipe?
Greg DuPree
The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so make ahead for your get-together.
The base is romaine lettuce heartsthe crispiest of lettuceswith chopped cucumber, snap peas, and edamame mixed in.
The dressing’s a creamy avocado and yogurt mixture with a Caesar-esque twist.
Greg DuPree
Adding pickle relish adds a tangy flavor to classic corn muffins, while grated Parmesan cheese boosts the flavor.
(Try using penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti noodles.)
Roasting the vegetables before mixing them into the pasta gives them extra flavor.
Caitlin Bensel
The patties are a mixture of lamb, feta, and onion, topped with a cucumber-and-onion yogurt sauce.
Alongside are crispy eggplant fries.
It’s easy, but with complex flavors, this is the best kind of entertaining recipe.
Marcus Nilsson
Tomato-Watermelon Granita
A great dessert hits many different flavor notes.
Case in point: this refreshing granita recipe.
Plus, there’s nothing like a cold treat to help with the summer heatyour guests will be thrilled.
Greg DuPree
If you’ve never had a granita, think of it like a grown-up snow cone.
Raspberry S’mores
The classics’mores recipegets an upgrade with fresh raspberries.
Try setting up a s’mores bar with ingredients for party attendees to assemble their own.
Greg DuPree
You get a tasty summer dessert and activity in one.
Plus, kids are sure to love it!
Make ahead with just 15 minutes of hands-on time, then freeze overnight for your get-together.
James Baigrie
This particular recipe calls forsummer fruitslike bananas and raspberries.
For parties, set up a DIY smoothie bar with various toppings so guests can customize their bowls.
It’s a perfectsummer party appetizer.
Emily Kinni
Make ahead and refrigerate for easy party prep.
The sweet and salty flavors complement each other wonderfully, ensuring all enjoy.
Watermelon Salad With Pickled Rind
This refreshingsummer saladfeatures juicy watermelon, arugula, and pickled watermelon rind.
Fred Hardy
This unique addition adds tartness to complement the melon’s sweetness.
It’s a delicious and beautiful salad to serve at your poolside party.
Ripe, fresh nectarines combine with quick-pickled onions and burrata cheese for a flavorful summer meal.
Christopher Testani
If unable to find nectarines, try using other stone fruits, like peaches or apricots.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer party dessert.
Substitute a mix of plums and apricots for pluots if not available at your local market.
Greg DuPree
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an added treat.
Try serving withhomemade potato chipsfor the perfectsummer lunch.
Honeydew Mojitos
Refreshing summer cocktailsare ideal for an evening summer soiree.
Victor Protasio
Guests will love the unique addition as they sip and mingle.
It’s an easy dessert recipe since most of the work is done by your oven.
Canned tuna, chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese are deliciously combined and served over arugula.
Victor Protasio
Top with pita chips for a crunchy texture that everyone will love.
Cherry Gin Rickey
Enjoy this delightful cocktail poolside with friends.
The combination of cherries and lime gives the perfect amount of tartness to this refreshing drink.
Greg DuPree
It’s easy to make, and if you skip the gin makes a wonderfulalcohol-free beverageall can enjoyeven kids!
It’s an easy dessert option for a brunch ordinner partythat features refreshingly sweet strawberries.
Serve individually or let guests assemble their own for a fun, customized experience.
Heami Lee
Summer couldn’t be more delicious.
Lemon Blueberry Cake
Lemon and blueberry flavors are the stars of this no-bake cake.
It’s a beautiful dessert that will delight guests without much kitchen time.
Christopher Baker
If you’re not a fan of couscous, try substituting it with farro or brown rice.
Featuring juicy steak,goat cheese, and fresh blackberries, you get elegant summer flavors in one dish.
Crunchy pistachios add texture and another layer of flavor for a tasty meal.
Greg DuPree
You only need a few ingredients and 20 minutes.
Serve with tostadas or saltine crackers to accompany the refreshing flavors of the mixture.
Serve with fresh grilled pineapple and rice to complete this delicious meal.
Victor Protasio
Smashing the cucumbers helps draw out moisture for a crisper texture in your salad.
Serve with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a complete and tasty barbecue meal.
A rich and creamy ricotta mix pairs wonderfully with seasoned tomatoes.
Greg DuPree
Serve on a large platter for guests to enjoy as a refreshing appetizer before the main entree.
Serve with fresh fruit and a refreshing cocktail for a spectacular summer brunch.
Guests are sure to love the gooey, creamy cheese in this dish.
Greg DuPree
Swap the beef for beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Usestore-bought pizza doughto help with prep time and serve in bite-sized squares for a tasty appetizer.
Serve to guests as a side to grilled steak or chicken for a tasty meal.
Victor Protasio
If you’re unable to find Little Gem lettuce, try using romaine hearts.
Chickpeas add protein to make this a satisfying meal guests will love.
The best part is it cooks in only 20 minutes from start to finish.
Frances Janisch
Caramelizing the shallots before mixing gives the appetizer a sweeter, umami-rich flavor.
Though you may need lots of napkins when eating, it’s hard to resist the delicious combination.
The best part is you only need 30 minutes to cook and serve this tasty party appetizer.
Greg DuPree
Using frozen puff pastry and store-bought chicken sausage adds convenience and saves time.
Guests will be pleased with thebite-sized snack, and you’ll love that it took minimal effort to make.
Italian pork sausage makes the bulk of the filling, while store-bought wonton wrappers provide convenience.
Greg DuPree
Make the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for up to three months to save time.
Combine the egg yolks with mayonnaise, plain yogurt,Dijon mustard, and a bit of lemon juice.
Sprinkle with paprika after filling the egg whites with your mixture, and voilaan easy and delicious hors d’oeuvre.
Greg Dupree
Try displaying only a few at a time and refilling with fresh deviled eggs from the fridge.
And be careful wheneating leftover deviled eggs.
Chickpea and Mint Crostini
Crispy baguette bread gets topped with a flavorful mixture of chickpeas andpomegranate seeds.
Andrew Purcell
Fresh mint provides a refreshing taste and bright color.
You’ll only need 10 minutes to assemble this no-cook appetizer before serving to guests.
They only take five minutes to prepare (from start to finish) and highlight fresh summer tomatoes.
Getty Images
Drizzle them with store-bought balsamic glaze for an extra touch before serving.
Peach Iced Tea
A refreshing drink is a must for anyoutdoor party.
This peach iced tea is like summer in a glass with its use of both dried and fresh peaches.
Victor Protasio
It’s simple to make and better for you than store-bought iced tea.
Make a large batchit’s sure to be a hit with guests.
Corn on the Cob With Tarragon
This simple barbecue side dish cooks in only 10 minutes.
Victor Protasio
Fresh corn on the cob is boiled and then seasoned with tarragon, salt, and pepper before serving.
For a classic summer twist, try grilling the corn instead.
This recipe for making your own turkey burger patties infuses the meat with chopped onion for extra flavor.
Jennifer Causey
Top with avocado and creamy lime mayonnaise and serve with homemade potato wedges.
Marinated in a ginger-soy sauce mixture, watermelon cubes are then served atop sushi rice.
Top your vegetarian poke bowl with avocado, carrots, cucumbers, sriracha mayo, and other favorite toppings.
Jen Causey
Consider spreading out the toppings, rice, and other necessary ingredients so guests can customize their bowls.
Boozy Watermelon Frozen Slushie
Summer calls forrefreshing cold drinks, and this cocktail recipe delivers.
It only takes five minutes, and you could skip the alcohol for a kid-friendly drink choice.
Greg Dupree
It’s simple to make and requires only 10 minutes.
Serve with tortilla chips or as a taco bar topping so guests can indulge.
Featuring the summer flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon, guests will love this vegetarian menu option.
Sheri Giblin
Top with pita bread croutons for added crunch.
It’s easy to assemble and only needs 15 minutes of your time.
Serve as-is for a side dish, or add grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.
Jonny Valiant
It’s savory and citrusy (thanks to the lemon zest) and perfect for an outdoor gathering.
If you’re unable to find casarecce pasta, substitute with penne or another short noodle.
Prep ahead of time and store your chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Victor Protasio
Try individually wrapping before serving for an upgraded look.
Lemon-Hibiscus Italian Ice
This three-ingredient frozen dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleasing treat.
Lemon-infused hibiscus tea is frozen overnight and turned into Italian ice.
Greg DuPree
Prep them ahead of time and leave them in the freezer until ready to serve.
Sourdough bread soaked in a tomato mixture helps this soup get a smooth texture.
Top with prosciutto or thinly-sliced ham and gratedhard-boiled eggsbefore serving.
Greg DuPree
Bonus: Melon is perfect for asummer beach dayor pool party, as it’s naturally hydrating.
The cabbage and sauerkraut slaw adds crunch and a refreshing taste.
In total, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect party recipe.
John Kernick
Serve with an orange zest tomato salad, and enjoy a sweetsummer lunch.
The best part is you only need 20 minutes to prepare and cook this meal.
Burrata cheese and prosciutto add protein and extra flavor.
Greg DuPree
Top with chopped roasted almonds for crunch before serving.
Chickpea Tuna Salad
Tuna salad gets a twist with this mayo-free rendition.
Try serving with cooked farro for a dash of whole grains and a more filling meal.
Greg DuPree
Prep ahead of time and freeze until the day of your summer party.
Using pre-cooked meatballs and frozen sweet potato fries helps cut down on cook time.
Cayenne pepper and hot sauce give this recipe a kick for elevated flavor.
Greg DuPree
Caramelizing the onions before mixing adds another layer of flavor that is irresistible.
Make the dip in advance and refrigerate for up to two days until ready to serve.
Guests can enjoy dipping fresh-cut vegetables or crackers.
Quentin Bacon
Serve with farro, quinoa, or rice to complete this summer meal guests will love.
And save some fruit salsa (or make extra) for toppinggrilled fishor shrimp.
Zucchini strips tossed in lemon sauce provide extra summer vibes to the dish.
Greg DuPree
Serve with grilled pita bread for a more filling meal.
Use chili flakes if unable to find Aleppo pepper at your local market.
Sweet and Tangy Baked Beans
Baked beans are an essential part of any barbecue meal or potluck.
William Meppem
This recipe adds bacon for a smoky flavor andfresh pineapplefor a hint of sweetness to balance out the dish.
Your guests will be asking for seconds after tasting this delicious summer side dish.
Served atop a Spanish-inspired roasted red pepper romesco sauce, they’ll be a treat for any guest.
Mikkel Vang
Top with an arugula radish salad and Manchego cheese to complete the dish.
Zucchini, bell peppers, and onion work perfectly, but so would tomatoes or eggplant.
Guests will delight in eating this during an outdoor barbecue.
Getty Images
Try adding chicken or salmon for a more filling meal.
A drizzle ofhot honeysriracha spiced honeyadds a special touch before serving.
It’s a tasty appetizer or light meal that guests can truly enjoy.
Victor Protasio
Prep and cook time is under 30 minutes, so you have time to mingle with guests.
Serve thegrilled burgerswith sweet potato chips to complete the meal.
This grilled pork chop recipe cooks in just 20 minutes, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the gathering.
Kana Okada
Serve with a fresh peach arugula salad for a hint of sweetness to the savory meal.
Grilling the eggplant and breadand eventually the cheeseadds a smoky flavor, while tomatoes andfresh basilare the perfect toppings.
Cooked and assembled in just 25 minutes, you and your guests will love this vegetarian dish.
Greg DuPree
This taco recipe features grilled chili-spiced shrimp and can be topped with anyhomemade salsa.
It takes only 20 minutes to cook from start to finish and works great with a slaw.
No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna
Thisvegetarian lasagna recipefeatures tomatoes and zucchini layered with a ricotta cheese spread.
Victor Protasio
Serve right after cooking or at room temperature and pleasantly surprise party guests.
Antipasto Salad
What’s sweeter than a melon salad for the summer?
Scallions, Fresno chiles, and a sprinkle of cilantro add a refreshing touch.
Getty Images
Summer’s End Ratatouille
Ratatouille for dinner can take you straight to France in your mind.
Greg DuPree
Romulo Yanes
Victor Protasio
Caitlin Bensel
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Caitlin Bensel
Anna Wolf
Jen Causey
Jennifer Causey
Caitlin Bensel
Quentin Bacon
Greg DuPree
Photo by: Victor Protasio
Victor Protasio
Paul Sirisalee
Heather Meldrom
Jonny Valiant
Greg DuPree
Jen Causey
Greg DuPree
Victor Protasio
Jennifer Causey
Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree
Charles Masters
Marcus Nilsson
Fred Hardy.
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
Jen Causey
