Summer feels just around the corner. Even though nights still dip into the 40s and I’m in the classroom each day, I can already taste warm-weather meals. Memorial Day Weekend may be the unofficial start of summer, but for many of us it’s when we officially switch to eating outdoors—picnics, barbecues, lakeside lunches, and beach blankets. Hand me a picnic basket or a grill and I’m ready.
To celebrate the season, here are some of my favorite summer recipes that travel well, shine at gatherings, and are perfect for Memorial Day cookouts. They’re easy to prepare, great for sharing, and a lovely way to enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors outside with friends and family.
- Strawberry Avocado Salsa. This combo sounds unusual but it’s a revelation: sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, bright herbs, and a pinch of salt play beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips. It’s refreshing, quick to assemble, and perfect for snacking at a picnic.
- Peach, Ricotta & Honey Crostini. Grilled bread topped with seasoned ricotta, juicy peaches, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey is summer on a plate. These crostini work as an elegant appetizer or a light snack and come together quickly if you prep the ricotta and peaches in advance.
- Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese Pie. This savory tart is excellent as an appetizer or a light meal with a side salad. It travels well and tastes great at room temperature, so it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a beachside spread. The bright tomato flavors and tangy goat cheese make it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
- Roasted Green Bean & Potato Salad. This sheet-pan salad remains one of the most popular recipes on the site, and for good reason: it’s simple, satisfying, and flavorful. Roasting develops a deeper flavor than boiling, and the minimal cleanup makes it an easy choice for busy gatherings. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Summer Kale Salad with Spicy Granola. On hot days salads are my go-to. This one combines hearty kale with roasted beets, fresh cherries, creamy goat cheese, and a crunchy, slightly spicy granola instead of croutons. It’s a bold, textured salad that holds up well outdoors and makes an impressive addition to any backyard barbecue.
- Barley Salad with Grilled Eggplant, Feta & Mint. Fire up the grill for this grain-based salad that tastes like summer in every bite. Grilled eggplant adds smoky depth while mint and feta brighten the dish. It’s substantial enough to serve as a main for vegetarians or as a hearty side at a potluck.
- How to Make Grilled Pizza. If your grill is already in use, turn it into a pizza oven. This method is perfect for a build-your-own pizza party: pre-grill dough rounds, set out toppings, and let guests assemble their pies before popping them back on the grill for a few minutes to finish. It’s fun, social, and results in charred, crispy crusts that are hard to beat.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler with Oat Flour Biscuits. Don’t forget dessert. This cobbler requires an oven, but when everyone is gathered outdoors a warm fruit cobbler with oat biscuits feels perfectly seasonal. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a comforting, nostalgic finish to a summer meal.
- Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. A scoop of creamy vanilla-style ice cream is hard to beat on a hot day. If you prefer, try other frozen treats like chocolate, banana, or strawberry for variety. Ice cream is portable in a cooler and always a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies. Cookies are a classic finish to any summer night. For a fun twist, use a cookie instead of a graham cracker to make s’mores—reduce the chocolate chips slightly and add a little extra salt in the dough. Sandwich a toasted marshmallow and a square of chocolate (or a smear of peanut butter) between two cookies for an indulgent campfire treat.
Here’s to a safe, joy-filled Memorial Day weekend and the start of many warm-weather meals shared outdoors. If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to see your photos—tag them on Instagram so I can follow along with your summer cooking adventures!