Photo collage of summer recipes

Warm nights, ‘skeeter bites, Truly sips, and popsicle drips – that’s what summer dreams are made of! Well, minus the mosquito bites – woof, are they biting this year!

Although Lincoln has only been out of school for a week and some change, I feel simultaneously amazed at all we’ve jam packed into a week (zoo! sprinklers! park visits! popsicles!) and horrified that we’re well into June already. There are so many things we want to do, and what feels like so little time to do them. One thing I’ve been making a priority is sitting outdoors every evening after the babies go to bed if it’s not raining. That might sound like a “duh” plan given that it’s summer and well, people sit outside in the summer, but last year I was monstrously pregnant with Gwen until mid-July and it was all I could do to make it to the couch most evenings after running around with the boys all day.

I also bought our first watermelon of the season this past week and the kids and I have been crushing it. Cam has been asking for one for months! Hot tip for ya’ – Costco has the very best ones. I’ve got a spicy-sweet recipe I’m testing to use up some of the bounty we have, but in the meantime I thought I ought to share my summer cooking bucket list with you sooner vs later seeing as how July is just two weeks away – INSANITY!

This summer recipes roundup makes me feel dizzy (and starving!) in the best possible way. Similar to our summer activities bucket list, there are so many recipes that I want to cook over the next few months and so I’ve rounded up over 60 of my freshest, juiciest, most delicious summery recipes to share with you today. From sizzling grilled steaks, to berry packed desserts, garden fresh salads, and sparkling summer drinks, I hope you find one, two, or twenty recipes to enjoy over the next few months!

60+ Summer Recipes:

Summer Dessert and Drink Recipes:

Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is a perfectly sweet, gluten-free summer dessert recipe. Just 5 ingredients and make-ahead, too! | iowagirleats.com

 

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Dirt Cake

Help anyone with a gluten intolerance or dairy allergy feel like a kid again with Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Dirt Cake! Rich and creamy, it's the perfect summertime treat. | iowagirleats.com

 

Blueberry Almond Crisp

 

Peanut Butter S’Mores Cheesecake Ball

Peanut Butter S'Mores Cheesecake Ball is ridiculously delicious and decadent - the perfect gluten-free party treat for summer or any time of year! | iowagirleats.com

 

No-Bake S’mores Icebox Cake

No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake is a gluten-free and dairy-free, summer-friendly dessert recipe that will be a hit with kids and adults alike!  | iowagirleats.com

 

Gluten-Free Zucchini Coffee Cake

Gluten-Free Zucchini Coffee Cake is dense, just sweet enough, and full of garden-fresh zucchini. Pour yourself a coffee of cup or tea and enjoy! | iowagirleats.com

 

No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake

Plate with gluten free Lemon-Blueberry Icebox Cake

 

Sugar Cookie Peach Cobbler for Two

Sugar Cookie Peach Cobbler for Two is a cozy gluten-free dessert recipe that makes just enough for you and a friend. Made in just one bowl, it's a cinch to whip up! | iowagirleats.com

 

Triple Berry Crumb Bars

Stack of Triple Berry Crumb Bars, a gluten-free dessert recipe.

 

Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas >

Photo of Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas | iowagirleats.com

 

Sangria Slushie

Sangria Slushie with a straw in it

 

Secret Ingredient Rosé Sangria

Secret Ingredient Rosé Sangria is the perfect drink to cool off with when temperatures start to rise. Not too sweet, and livened up by a secret ingredient! | iowagirleats.com

 

Boozy Frosé

Boozy Frosé is a wine-based summery slushie that's cold and refreshing - and for adults only! This easy cocktail recipe will be a hit at happy hour. | iowagirleats.com

 

Sparkling Mint Limeade

Glass of Sparkling Mint Limeade

 

Appetizer, Salad and Side Dish Recipes:

Napa Sweet Corn Salad

Bowl of Napa Sweet Corn Salad.

 

Grilled Chicken Salad

Platter with Grilled chicken Salad

 

Crock Pot Baked Beans

Crock Pot Baked Beans is a rich, sassy, and super simple crock pot recipe that's sure to become a summertime side dish staple at your house! | iowagirleats.com

 

Ultimate Red Skinned Potato Salad (Mayo Free)

 

Sweet Corn Caprese Salad

Bowl of Sweet Corn Caprese Salad

 

Summer Sweet Corn Saute

Plate of chicken, salad, and Summer Sweet Corn Saute

 

Mojito Fruit Salad (Non-Alcoholic)

Mojito Fruit Salads | iowagirleats.com

 

Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon

 

Watermelon, Feta, Basil and Pistachio Salad with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

Italian Guacamole Salad

Bowl of Italian Guacamole Salad

 

Greek Cucumber and Arugula Salad

Greek Cucumber and Arugula Salad is fresh and light. Perfect as a light side with dinner or taking to a party or pot luck! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Serving bowl of Mediterranean Pasta Salad

 

The BEST Pasta Salad

The BEST Pasta Salad is an old family recipe. Simple and simply the best (easily made gluten-free, too!) #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is light and fresh - the perfect gluten-free spring and summer potluck or picnic salad! | iowagirleats.com

 

Cucumber and Tomato Salad with BEST-EVER Italian Vinaigrette

Cucumber and Tomato Salad with BEST EVER Italian Vinaigrette | iowagirleats.com

 

Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing

Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing is an easy, gluten-free pasta salad recipe full of color and fresh flavor! | iowagirleats.com

 

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle | iowagirleats.com

 

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Marinated Vegetable Salad is a healthy salad recipe highlighting fresh summer vegetables. Toss with tangy vinaigrette then marinate overnight for a quick and easy side dish! | iowagirleats.com

 

2-Ingredient Lemon Whip Fruit Dip

2-Ingredient Lemon Whip Fruit Dip is light and mousse-like in texture, and made with just 2 ingredients. This gluten-free, dairy-free dip is a must-try! | iowagirleats.com

 

Seasoned Broiled Potatoes

Seasoned Broiled Potatoes are an easy, gluten-free side dish that's delish any month of the year, but especially tasty during grilling season. | iowagirleats.com

 

Triple Berry Summer Salad

 

Avocado and Chicken Caprese Salad

 

Cauliflower Faux-Tato Salad

 

Italian Chickpea Salad

Italian Chickpea Salad is a simple, vegetarian salad recipe that's full of fresh and healthy ingredients. It's the perfect side dish for parties and potlucks! | iowagirleats.com

 

Peach Caprese Salad

Peach Caprese Salad is a summery-sweet twist on classic Caprese Salad. Serve as a light summer supper or a side dish to any grilled dinner! | iowagirleats.com

 

Strawberry-Basil Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Strawberry-Basil Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese Balls is a fresh and flavor-packed dish - crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Loaded Strawberry Fields Salad

 

Classic Potato Salad

 

Summer Vegetable Gratin

Fresh summer vegetables are sliced, baked, and then layered under parmesan cheese in this simple and fresh Summer Vegetable Gratin! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip

 

Pickle Wrap Dip

Chip dipping into Pickle Wrap Dip

 

Grilling Recipes:

Unbelievable Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

I'm sharing my tricks for achieving the most unbelievably juicy grilled pork tenderloin, which cooks in under 15 minutes. Pair with grilled vegetables for a filling and healthy dinner! | iowagirleats.com

 

Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa

 

Root Beer Can Chicken

 

Italian Sausage and Peppers Cheeseburgers

Italian Sausage and Peppers Cheeseburger on a plate

 

Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers

Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers are spicy and savory - they'll fly off the platter! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Grilled Chili Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Grilled Chili Honey Lime Chicken Thighs are quick, flavorful and so tender - one of my favorite grilling recipes! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Grilled Caprese Chicken with Basil Vinaigrette

 

Homemade Brat Burgers with Gluten-Free Beer-Braised Caramelized Onions

Homemade Brat Burgers with Gluten-Free Beer-Braised Caramelized Onions is homemade brat mixture (just pork and spices,) topped with luscious, gluten-free beer-spiked onions. You'll be making this grilling recipe all summer long! | iowagirleats.com

 

Dijon-Brown Sugar Marinated Steak

 

Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice

 

Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter features a homemade dry rub and melty herb butter finish. Absolutely mouthwatering! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Main Dishes and More:

Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken

Plate of Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken | iowagirleats.com

 

Italian Tomato-Basil Stuffed Zucchini

Italian Tomato-Basil Stuffed Zucchini is a light and low-carb, gluten-free summer dinner recipe. Simple and satisfying. | iowagirleats.com

 

Easy Baked Ribs

 

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce

 

Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Potato Stoup

Thicker than soup but thinner than stew, Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Potato Stoup is warming and filling. You will go back for bowl after bowl! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

California Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wraps with Basil-Mayo

California Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wraps with Basil-Mayo is a fresh and filling low-carb meal that comes together in minutes! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta with Basil

Plate of Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta with Basil

 

Pasta Pomodoro

Pasta Pomodoro is the perfect recipe to highlight juicy, ripe summer tomatoes. This pasta dish is light and fresh! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins

Plate of Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins | iowagirleats.com

 

Fish Tacos with Avocado Sweet Corn Slaw

Fish Tacos with Avocado Sweet Corn Slaw are fresh and full of flavor. Feel like you're on vacation right at home! | iowagirleats.com

 

Sweet Corn Risotto

Sweet Corn Risotto is a celebration of summer. Creamy and decadent yet light and perfect for warm evenings. #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad is a fresh and filling entree salad with the sweet and savory flavors of balsamic vinegar. #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Tomato Basil Risotto

Overhead photo of bowl of tomato-basil risotto

 

Garlicky Tomato-Basil Shrimp with Zoodles

Garlicky Tomato-Basil Shrimp with Zoodles is a garden-fresh and healthy, gluten-free summer recipe. Make and enjoy often! | iowagirleats.com

 

Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage

 

Roasted Poblano Salsa Chicken Enchiladas with Cucumber Pico de Gallo

 

Chicken with Summer Succotash

Chicken with Summer Succotash is fresh, healthy, and fast. Enjoy this light and tasty dish all summer long! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com

 

Crispy Kale, Bacon and Basil Farmer’s Market Hash

 

Make-Ahead Raspberry-Peach Crisp Breakfast Parfaits

Make-Ahead Raspberry-Peach Crisp Breakfast Parfaits are gluten-free, fresh and filling. Assemble at night then grab and go for a quick and healthy breakfast in the morning. | iowagirleats.com

 

Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

 

Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie

Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie is a sippable gluten and dairy-free version of Strawberry Shortcake with no added sugar! #glutenfree | iowagirleats.com