Summer Recipes that are Easy and Fun for the Entire Family

It’s time to plan for summer meals! Summer time is a fun time to make meals in the Instant Pot or Air Fryer, to avoid heating up the entire house. That’s why I’m sharing some of the best Instant Pot summer recipes and Air Fryer summer recipes! I’m also sharing some amazing Summer salad recipes because I don’t know about you but I love love love summer salads! I’ve also included some fun summer desserts because duh!

We all know summer is the best time for family dinners, picnics by the lake or beach, and late night BBQs. From easy-to-make dips and refreshing salads, these exciting summer recipes will have everyone begging for seconds! These family favorite recipes are perfect for your next family dinner or potluck.

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Fun and Easy Summer Recipes for Dinner, Brunch, and Picnics

In this post, we’ll share our favorite recipes perfect for a hot summer day. So get your favorites from this list and it will get you set up for all your fun summer picnics and summer celebrations like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and other family gatherings!

These summarize your summer recipes idea categories and you’ll find the full list below.

Summer Salads Recipes

It’s summertime and it’s time to ditch the heavy salads for lighter, fresher fare. A summer salad is a perfect meal or side dish that will quench your thirst while also satisfying your hunger. If you’re looking for an easy way to stay cool in the summer heat, look no further!

We love a fun summer fruit salad because of the variety of fruits, color, and texture allows each person to have their own personal favorite, whether it be apples, strawberries, or grapes. Fruit salads can range from healthy to decadent depending on what you add into the mix. What do you like more: honey or chocolate? It’s your choice!

Summer Recipes for BBQ / Cookout

An Air Fryer chicken dish would be the perfect dish to bring to a potluck. Pretty easy to transport if you put the chicken in a Pyrex dish with a lid.

One-pot dishes are so easy, because it means less clean-up. So pick some of your favorite one-pot meals and be ready for a fun time with friends. Also, what’s a cookout with a flavorful dip? I can promise you, one batch of chicken dip isn’t enough!

Summer Recipes – Desserts

I’m all about whipping up the most impressive desserts, with minimal work. What about you? Did you know you can make dessert in the Air Fryer? Check out the idea in the list below!

If you love cheesecake, you can prep it the night before and freeze overnight to have a delicious treat! The recipe is easy to follow and budget friendly. I shared another overnight dessert that you refrigerate to set, and it is full of creamy chocolatey goodness.

Since cooking with kids is a must in the summer, I’ve shared 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.

Don’t forget to make popsicles with your kids this summer too – I shared a fun list of ideas below.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Lemonade iced tea is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cold. And since it has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, this drink can also be enjoyed by anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences.

When it’s hot outside, nothing beats a cold glass of lemonade. It has the sweetness you need to offset the heat and thirst that comes from being outdoors in the summer.

I also shared a collection of fun drinks your kids will love so they quit stealing yours. And that allows you to have an adult beverage!

Alcoholic Drinks

Enjoy a super refreshing adult beverage to quench your thirst while cooling you down.

If you’re looking for a delicious drink that won’t break the calorie bank, there is a huge list of low calorie alcoholic drinks. 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!

Summer Recipes that are Easy and Fun for the Entire Family

Serve these dishes up on a picnic blanket under a shady tree or in front of an air conditioner; they're guaranteed to satisfy. I hope you enjoy them!

Strawberry Cucumber Mint Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.wickedspatula.com

This dish has all the flavors of a traditional caprese salad but with no cheese and less oil.

Easy Recipe for Fruit Salad

Photo Credit: moneywisemoms.com

The variety of fruits that are in this dish allows for each person to have their own personal favorite, whether it be apples, strawberries, or grapes.