Summer is here, and that means you're looking for new recipes to make with your family. The best part of summer cooking? All the fresh ingredients! 

In this post, we'll share our favorite recipes perfect for a hot summer day-perfect as an afternoon snack or dinner served up on a picnic blanket under shady trees. Whether it's in front of air conditioner windows or from the comfort of one's own home, these dishes are guaranteed to satisfy! I hope you enjoy them too...

Salads

If you're looking for a refreshing dish that's as satisfying as it is light, then this strawberry mint cucumber salad will do the trick. This meal or side has all of the flavors and textures of your favorite Caprese but with less cheese and oil to make it perfect in these summertime high temps!

This easy fruit salad is a dish that anyone can enjoy. The colors and textures of the fruits are enough to make you feel happy, but there's more than just taste alone! A variety of different types will allow everyone at your table to have their own personal favorite--whether it be apples or grapes-and with so many options like honeydew melon and strawberries. 

BBQ / Cookout

Whew, this bang bang chicken made in the Air Fryer will make your mouth water! It would be the perfect dish to bring to a potluck. Pretty easy to transport if you put it in a Pyrex dish. 

One-pot dishes are so easy because they mean less clean-up. This one-pot broccoli and rice sound like an ideal meal for your next cookout; even though it has broccoli, the flavors seem kid-friendly.  

What's more fun than buffalo chicken dip? And I can guarantee that "one batch" of this delicious recipe isn't enough!

Desserts

I’m all about whipping up the most impressive desserts with minimal work. What about you?

I bet we can agree on this one thing: less is more when it comes to cooking and baking! And if your goal is a quality dessert that will impress without much effort, then I have just what you need for your next dinner party or potluck.

The Instant Pot is an amazing invention. It can cook a whole roast in less than 1 hour, saving you so much time and energy! This electric pressure cooker makes cakes, too- try Instant Pot pound cake, and I promise your socks will be knocked right off with delight.

Looking for something a little fruitier? This peach dump cake is on my “must make in the Air Fryer” list.

I've got an easy dessert idea for all you moms out there. These cheesecake cups are perfect, and your kids will love them! They're made in a jiffy, so they can be whipped up any time of the day or night and taste great because they use ingredients that any budget-friendly person would have on hand at home. What more could you ask for?

This melting ice cream cone cupcake recipe is a fun (and messy) way to make ice cream in cupcake form. You can use any flavor of cake mix and frosting you want, so these are perfect for any occasion. These cupcakes take only 30 minutes to make, and they only need a few ingredients.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

The refreshing blueberry pomegranate lemonade iced tea is tangy and sweet, perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cold. With no added sugar or artificial additives, this drink can be enjoyed by anyone with dietary preferences. The best part? You'll have plenty of time left over to play outside with your family.

When it's hot outside, nothing beats a cold glass of cherry lemonade. It has the sweetness you need to offset the heat and thirst that comes from being outdoors in the summer. I love how tart and tangy this drink is!

Alcoholic Drinks

Not just alcoholic, but also super refreshing, Prosecco Pops are sure to quench your thirst while cooling you down.

If you're looking for a delicious drink that won't break the calorie bank; this huge list of low-calorie alcoholic drinks is just for you. These low-calorie alcoholic drinks are perfect for those trying to watch their weight or who want an occasional drink without going overboard. This list includes wine, beer, and more!