Summer is here and it’s time to dust off the grill, get out the fresh berries and tomatoes, and keep the oven off (most of the time). This summer, we’re revisiting old-fashioned classic recipes like potato salad, corn on the cob, fragrant sandwiches, and every no-bake dessert we can whip up!
Read on for our favorite old fashioned summer recipes that will take you back to your childhood and help you make new food memories with your own family.
This classic southern dish is perfect for using delicious summer tomatoes. Make this savory pie with chopped fresh tomatoes and basil, topped with a creamy mayonnaise-cheese mixture, and bake in a store-bought dish.
Get the recipe from The Hungry Blue Bird†
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If you’re an 80s kid, your parents certainly served this up on the back deck on a summer night when it was too hot to cook. You’ll need ground beef (or shredded chicken), fresh lettuce, chili beans, and Fritos or Doritos mixed with a sweet and spicy dressing for this easy throwback.
Get the recipe from Cooking at the Ranch†
Your grandmother’s secret ingredient for that perfect creamy potato salad? Evaporated milk! This recipe combines the creaminess of evaporated milk (this recipe is extremely unhealthy!) and sour vinegar for that taste you remember.
Get the recipe from City and Country Life†
This salad takes some work, but if you don’t mind peeling a few eggs, you can enjoy this family-friendly, budget-conscious savory salad. Mustard and paprika give it that little bit extra.
Get the recipe from Love bakes delicious cakes†
You may still be making this classic recipe, but the combination of grilled corn with lime and chili is a real summer slam dunk. Wrap the cob in foil with butter and season with chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest and juice, then simply throw it on the grill.
Get the recipe from serious food†
Hearty lima beans and fresh summer corn have made this light salad a favorite side dish for decades.
Get the recipe from Better homes and gardens†
Use up all those extra tomatoes with this easy recipe to get ahead — just shake the ingredients in a jar and pour over the fruit to marinate.
Get the recipe from Taste of Home†
There are so many ways to make cucumber salad this summer, but this classic dill and vinegar recipe will taste like summer at grandma’s house. This mayo-based, slightly sour salad is a perfect accompaniment to cooking.
Get the recipe from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen†
You’ve probably had this at a summer party in the past, and we think it’s time to bring it back — this dip with hummus, feta, olives, and fresh veggies isn’t just tasty — but it’s a showstopper when you put the layers together. gets just right. It’s also easy to make ahead of time and the flavors are layered to make the dip so savory!
Get the recipe from Better homes and gardens†
If you’ve never tried this old-fashioned recipe of thick juicy grapes with a tangy sour cream dressing and candied pecans, now is the summer to start with these fresh and classic flavors.
Get the recipe from Taste of Home†
Keep the kitchen cool and get ready to cook with classic slow cooker spare ribs. Simmer for five hours in honey, soy, ketchup and ginger for that favorite childhood flavor.
Get the recipe from All recipes†
Midwesterners know that the best burger is topped with a dollop of butter. It gives the meat some extra umami and juiciness. You don’t really need a full recipe, just add a teaspoon of butter while the meat is resting and let it set.
Get the recipe from food network†
Baked in buttermilk and coated in fine cornmeal (don’t use the coarse stuff!), fried catfish is a classic Southern summer dish that appeals to fish lovers and unwilling fish alike. Just tell your kids it’s chicken, they’ll never know.
Get the recipe from Simple Recipes†
Something about sitting outside with a plate of Chicken Fried Steak and a tasty slaw certainly reminds us of summer at grandma’s house. While it’s a labor-intensive meal to make, the crowd-pleasing crunch is worth it.
Get the recipe from food network†
Sure, hot dogs are classic summer dishes, but this classic half-moon and small dog recipe is perfect for getting the party started. Prepare a selection of dips such as mustard, ketchup and barbecue sauce and watch the dogs disappear.
Get the recipe from lovely†
Easy to make ahead and keep fresh, nothing beats grilled meats, slaw, and beans as delicious as a pile of sweet cornbread on the table.
Get the recipe from food network†
This cake first appeared about 100 years ago, during the dawn of the cool box (a precursor to our modern refrigerator). Made by layering ingredients such as wafer cookies, cream, condensed milk, and fruits that have been placed in the refrigerator, this simple dessert is a certified classic.
Get the recipe from The kitchen magpie†
If you’ve ever visited a beach or lakeside town and picked fudge to take home for dessert, you should try making it at home. Why? The secret is that it’s super easy to make and really only has three ingredients — unless you want to add nuts or peanut butter chips!
Get the recipe from All recipes†
This classic recipe is just like a snack or cake from a freezer box, so it’s perfect for summer when you want to keep your house cool. Simply layer bananas, wafers and the pudding mixture for a fruity treat.
Get the recipe from All recipes†
Sure you can go to the ice cream parlor this summer, but what could be more fun than mixing custom flavors at home in the past? Try a custard style recipe and you don’t need an ice cream maker.
Get the recipe from Taste of Home†
This delicious wiggle treat is perfect for kids parties, Pride events or any other celebration. While it’s a bit time consuming to layer and chill, it’s not difficult and if you follow the directions (it’s all about patience!) you’ll have a showstopper dessert that everyone will love.
Get the recipe from House of Nash Eats†
This treat has grown in popularity over the past decade, but we’re here to bring back the classic version of the plain graham cracker, marshmallow, and milk chocolate. Try it this summer, we promise it’s as good as you remember!
Get the recipe from food network†
Berries in sugar and lemon, topped with fresh whipped cream and a slice of shortbread take us back to lazy summer days. Bring back those childhood memories with this classic.
Get the recipe from Martha Stewart†
