The 20 Best Recipes To Make This Summer, According To Our Readers

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Published on June 2, 2024

Southern Living Lemon Icebox Pie — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We recently asked our Facebook followers what they love to make during summer in the South. Based on the very enthusiastic responses, it's clear that this is prime time for home cooks to make the freshest most flavorful recipes. While it might be hot, it's also the ideal time to shop farm stands, farmer's markets, and local markets for in season fruits and vegetables. Here are the top recipes our readers like to make with summer's bounty.

01 of 20

Tomato Sandwich

southern tomato sandwich halves on plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

There is no surprise that the tomato sandwich popped up in numerous responses. How do you like yours? We say tomatoes, squishy white bread, and lots of mayonnaise.

02 of 20

Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes stacked — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

They come and go so anytime fried green tomatoes show up on menus, our editors always order them. But if you have time and a bounty of green tomatoes, they are worth making from scratch.

03 of 20

Blueberry Pancakes

Southern Living Blueberry Pancakes pouring the blueberry maple syrup on the pancakes — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Breakfast in the summer is all the more sweeter with a fresh twist. Enter sweet and juicy blueberries for taking pancakes to the next level.

04 of 20

Texas Caviar

texas caviar in a bowl — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Perhaps it is the no-cook element of this cookout staple that has our readers making this recipe on repeat. It is a fresh and flavorful combination of black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.

05 of 20

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry Cobbler with a scoop of ice cream — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We always save room for dessert. And in the summer that means saving room for cobblers. Fresh blueberries and a scoop of ice cream turn this refreshing recipe into a reward when it's extra hot and balmy.

06 of 20

Heirloom Tomato Pie

Southern Living Heirloom Tomato Pie finished in the pan and ready to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Your first slice of homemade tomato pie is a sign that summer has arrived. While this recipe is not a cinch to make, our readers believe it's an essential to Southern entertaining season.

07 of 20

Grilled Peaches With Spiced Whipped Cream

Grilled Peaches with Spiced Whipped Cream — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We love peaches in every form. And our readers agree that this simple idea is also a perfect one for when you're hosting and don't want a hassle.

08 of 20

BLT Sandwich

southern blt stacked on top of each other — Monica Farber/Southern Living

While many are quite content with good old-fashioned tomato sandwiches, some really can't resist the addition of bacon. Well, bacon just makes everything better. Period.

09 of 20

Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad in a white bowl with golden spoon — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Pasta salad is a staple at every potluck, backyard barbecue, picnic, or family reunion. Bring back one of Mama's favorite recipes that combines pasta, broccoli, grapes, and nuts all together.

10 of 20

Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad Southern Living — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Eggs? Mayo? There are a lot of opinions on what should and should not go into a classic potato salad. And while we all have different ideas for what makes the best potato salad, we can all agree that potato salad is a summer must-have.

11 of 20

Pan-Fried Okra

pan fried okra with cornmeal in a skillet with wooden spoon — Alison Miksch; Prop Stylist: Kay Clark; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It would not be a summer get-together in the South without okra making a grand appearance. Ignore the haters and embrace our cooking tips for enjoying the classic without any slime. This recipe will always be a summer must-make.

12 of 20

Old-School Squash Casserole

Old-School Squash Casserole in a green casserole dish — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Put that bounty of summer squash to delicious use in this easy, creamy casserole, which is perfect for making ahead and freezing for later. Squash casserole may top our list of summer favorites, but it is great anytime of year. (Yes, we love seeing you at Christmas too.)

13 of 20

Lemon Icebox Cake

Southern Living Lemon Icebox Pie — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Say hello to summer with a slice of refreshing lemon icebox pie. This creamy, tangy, zesty pie is perfect for potlucks and picnics.

14 of 20

Fresh Peach Cobbler

Southern Living Fresh Peach Cobbler in a bowl to serve with ice cream — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Cobbler didn't just make your list once – but twice – and this time peaches play the starring role. No matter the fruit, be sure to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

15 of 20

Sea Salt Ice Cream

Sea Salt Ice Cream — Photograher: Greg DuPree Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Summertime and ice cream go hand in hand. We will always make a stop at our local ice cream parlor for a scoop of our favorite flavors, but don't underestimate the rich and creamy taste of homemade ice cream.

16 of 20

Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Creamy Broccoli Slaw — Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

We welcome all different types of salads at our potlucks and picnics. According to you, our readers, there is no going wrong with pasta salad, potato salad, or a creamy broccoli slaw.

17 of 20

Baked Beans

a casserole dish of baked beans — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

It would not be a Grandma-approved Southern occasion without a pan of tasty baked beans. This all-time favorite recipe is made with bacon, onions, and canned pork and beans.

18 of 20

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad — HANNAH ZIMMERMAN/SOUTHERN LIVING

In the South, some of our best salads don't include lettuce. Case in point: a bowl of cucumbers and dill dressed in a sweet and sour vinegar-based brine.

19 of 20

Strawberry Shortcake

Southern Living Classic Strawberry Shortcake on plates to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Of course it would not be a summer affair without the beloved strawberry shortcake showing up in all its sweet glory. This classic recipe starts making its appearance around Mother's Day and hangs around all season long.

20 of 20

Cornbread Salad

Southern Living Cornbread Salad in a trifle bowl ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Want to impress every guest at the potluck? Volunteer to bring this layered cornbread salad that's filled with bacon, cornbread, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and so much more. It's blue-ribbon-worthy and a real crowd-pleaser.

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