![Creamy Crab Dip Recipe](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/h2JI9gcgsSzk9Sg6bBvjn4CzQ2w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creamy-Crab-Dip-Recipe-306311bfeff543099a15a1a6aa878bb5.jpeg)
During summertime in the South, it can get too hot to even think of turning your oven or stovetop on. Luckily, hot summer temps don't have to hold you back from exploring delicious new recipes. These no-cook appetizers and salads showcase the best of summer's gorgeous produce. Without having to put much work in, you can still show up at the church potluck or neighborhood cookout with the prettiest appetizer or salad in sight.
Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread
![Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VIFqqEIhpR4x62MYRvXWlg_kBIk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2645501_HerbA_Focaccia_028-1-2000-909244236bf245198074d822b7f3d075.jpg)
You're just 5 minutes and a few stirs away from setting this easy goat cheese spread out for your guests.
Texas Caviar
![Texas Caviar](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hR4SOSjmKVtij34TjnPks58P7pY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen20Shot202018-06-1520at202.24.4220PM_0-8ddcf247f4a24642bc0db79f3699eedf.png)
This tailgate-favorite dip is actually pretty healthy, so go ahead and dig in.
Classic Pimiento Cheese
![Basic Pimiento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1fgNFb0ckJ1vs8zcB3kY_-0KQAM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0494_brighter_0_0_0-2000-dada836938ef4216beb47932f3d78fe9.jpg)
This might be a simple pimiento cheese recipe with very few ingredients, but it surely doesn't taste basic. Set it up with crackers and crudité or make tea sandwiches with it for easy grab-and-go access.
Creamy Avocado Dip
![Creamy Avocado Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZjLx44cBVPDpJuGy5IpZhRNrHJo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2639101_hospi_creamy-avocado-dip-2000-604cb3f77fcd433889ad350bf7f7aca3.jpg)
Mayonnaise transforms avocados into a creamier version of guacamole. Serve alongside chips and veggies of your choice.
Fresh Fruit Salad
![Fresh Fruit Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/e4wycYPMN8rT6HbldwtmKQEyF5Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sldigi_fruitsalad58_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_0_0_1_0_0-2000-0f600661578c412d8cf862ec1c2ef1f1.jpg)
Every luncheon, potluck, and brunch spread could use a simple, delicious fruit salad, like this lightly dressed one.
Pineapple-Pepper Slaw
![Pineapple-Pepper Slaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JG6siUSX5qq-d-vGl3bIE4pVlG0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2610901_wcibf_pineapple_pepperslaw_003-2000-a6a3f4d4cecc44bb82ee14cb5e82a1b8.jpg)
Fresh pineapple and peppers create a colorful coleslaw that just may become your family's new favorite slaw.
Creamy Broccoli Slaw
![Creamy Broccoli Slaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/m8F2rzblb43J0HGwybHtea8Jyxg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/slcreamybroccolislaw_52_1-2000-efb1c3a4f5694828bfa011328a40a3af.jpg)
Follow this simple recipe to upgrade bagged broccoli slaw and turn it into a refreshing summer dish.
Tomato Sandwiches
![Tomato Tea Sandwiches](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ApTSLRdWK76bj0_WWnpAcxba8FI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tomato_tea_sandwiches_2499901_09_0_0_0_1_0_0_0-539201ca90224b28a359599e6c6b4f82.jpg)
What's a shower or luncheon without an arrangement of tea sandwiches? This recipe takes a Southern classic and makes it portable for parties.
Spicy Pineapple Slaw
![Spicy Pineapple Slaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8HDQT8qdS7f-CWp6eILiYGq-mVI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bbq-sides-2493901_webon_025_0_0_0_0-efdc120975784a45a28bf6c9c96943f1.jpg)
This crunchy, festive slaw recipe combines sweet pineapple with spicy jalapenos for a side dish that can get the party started.
Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
![Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sTn82Za6FXULIsBFLx8KwiXrHGc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tomato-watermelon-salad-x_0-0f55d1db2cf04719ac90584f4af3de3f.jpg)
Combine sweet, juicy watermelon chunks with fresh tomato, onion, and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that is the essence of summer.
Creamy Crab Dip
![Creamy Crab Dip Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/h2JI9gcgsSzk9Sg6bBvjn4CzQ2w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creamy-Crab-Dip-Recipe-306311bfeff543099a15a1a6aa878bb5.jpeg)
Fresh lump crab is the star of this easy dip recipe, and the flavor of Lowcountry favorite Old Bay seasoning shines through.
Our Best Ambrosia Recipe Ever
![a plate of ambrosia salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_eTqvud9_RQ18QzRHOIEIpzuwwo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-ambrosia-ever-f68e7e8ffb254b3783197e13930b1a21.jpg)
Toasted coconut chips add a layer of crunch and tropical flair to colorful ambrosia.
Ham Salad
![Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Smoh9BCvHywFHl9-VWmI6KyFKgk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cheese_puffs_with_ham_salad_2488102_219_0_1_1_0_0-2000-45e61efe552c49f08fdedd2a95911449.jpg)
Whether with crackers, cheese puffs, croissants, or in tea sandwiches, your friends will love this old-school recipe at the luncheon or potluck.
Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans
![Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5kr5i6ATWxsMAyMFUFBDKO1pSWw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/january-recipes-2503001_virgi_06_0_0_0_0_0_1-cb4da1fa1d9b4651b4b30f117e7b851d.jpg)
This fresh, crunchy slaw has everything you could want in a side dish, and the presentation is much prettier than the time you spent on it would let on.
Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
![Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WR4oFlQvxPs2noIYk1Lr5Z3tnVQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2549001_summe_207_0_0_1_0-e96922eb5369413f9b467a3962958ac7.jpg)
Summer produce shines in this simple salad that will start the meal off on a bright note.
Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
![Whipped-Cream Corn Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iwA1ViH4OB0PENFC0nhEotHzNzI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/24160-whipped-cream-corn-salad_0_1-29b92cb86f374a7fa96ebbbea7f0f07a.jpg)
If you don't have time to make corn pudding before the potluck, no worries! This no-cook salad has all the fluffy goodness you crave.
Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad
![Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UAexgfL-d1IPEAi0OVizGWlW3kM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/herbed_shrimp-and-rice_salad_0_0_0_0-15e37fc604144f7aba4ca6e3283d5754.jpg)
Your guests will never know this colorful, light salad was made with shrimp you didn't cook yourself and microwaveable rice, but they don't have to.
Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
![Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OO6OwKMO1BnPB49TyREOSBd4vFM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tomato_peach_and_corn_salad_2499901_06_0_1_0_0-59901ab9cce145239725323b8e0c04e9.jpg)
This summer stunner showcases all those gorgeously fresh fruits and veggies you picked up at the local farmers' market.
Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
![Collard Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-3IRlvAhnaJUyqR3MwotXJh04Z4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/super-bowl-dips-2504201_wcibf_11_4_2_0_0_0_0_0-2000-c8c6d87df1504301ab550fd160d94e4d.jpg)
You can make a gorgeous platter of crudité and homemade pita chips to surround this Southern spin on classic hummus.
Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad
![Southern Living Old Fashioned Chicken Salad on plates to serve with lettuce and crackers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SNtYRyyiRXA3utFXoeooRrZVQDU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Old-Fashioned-Chicken-Salad_beauty_Audit7727-19-9f107d355e5d46b9baefb16d82c2bad1.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
There's no need for fuss: This simple chicken salad recipe will do the trick at any luncheon.
Mini Caprese Bites
![Mini Caprese Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/D3iWTznYjzphbp4BNuhsafGXBmg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mini_caprese_bites_0_0_0_0_0_0-43416b51ef3a4c47b0713a905f43b10a.jpg)
These savory bites are the easiest appetizer for guests (and hosts) on the move.
West Indies Crab Salad
![West Indies Crab Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/G0o26Fz2t3gX2Kw1wWQhGh5rkl8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2536001_crabf_38_0_0_0_0_0_0-18fc28c010c443b2917f90734e37a64f.jpg)
Showcase fresh lump crabmeat with this old-school recipe from Mobile, Alabama. Guests who haven't had it before will fall in love.
Caesar Salad Bites
![Caesar Salad Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jPSE7JG95kZo_WMfCTvtNNuUVyE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_ec046f498f5e826d_spcms-2000-40b62e4debe3442a9d7b1cf3e32bec89.jpg)
Everything you love about Caesar salad, in pick-up form! Don't fuss with tossing a salad (or said salad getting wilted and soggy during the party) with this colorful starter.
Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad
![Spiced Beef Kabobs with Herbed Cucumber and Tomato Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LDYhbAKvX8-qnuMjJaYT5IBZlb8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2419801_wtcnc_001_1-fd476461181e4e94bbe0451384a3465b.jpg)
This Greek-inspired side dish is fresh, easy, and only gets better the longer it marinates.
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
![Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hJUTKSNR4zWXBIfXOSp96jIso6w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2549001_summe_123_0_0_1_0-2000-bccdb38e6d134a99888937fc767dae4b.jpg)
We updated the classic caprese with farm-fresh cherry tomatoes for easy big-batch serving.
Southern Tomato Sandwich
![tomato sandwich halves stacked on top of one another](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sjsWaGHRE_6F3UkZV_r_sHjGRYo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tomato_Sandwich_011_4x3-2000-406cfcc69296452bad051f2c4a806cab.jpg)
Anything but basic. This is the quintessential Southern sandwich that allows the juicy, garden ripe tomatoes to shine. Just some white bread and a slab of mayo will make this an unexpected but welcome dish.
Corn And Tomato Salad
![Southern Living Corn and Tomato Salad in a serving bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Cf4n5gLCdjQbWspey4TjUU3AKDU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Corn_Tomato_Salad_005-35cba4f69f8d436ca5ceaf6d3f93debc.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Corn and tomatoes are a match in summertime heaven. Both sweet, juicy, and perfect for tossing together in a fresh and flavorful recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Cheese Slaw
![Southern Living Cheese Slaw in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/noymsuw32lC2fj6pzgVyUJeGaXM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheese_Slaw_006-a8d79b13cf8c4b2ebe96d56f37a7a60f.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While you may have never heard of Cheese Slaw, one taste of this delicious salad and you'll wonder where it has been hiding all of your life. Swiss cheese, banana peppers. scallions, and lime come together to make this perfect for munching on recipe.