Food and Recipes No-Cook Recipes The 20 Best Recipes To Make This Summer, According To Our Readers By Krissy Tiglias Krissy Tiglias Krissy Tiglias is the General Manager of Southern Living. She joined the team in 2015 as Executive Editor, and has been working on both both print and digital content ever since. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 2, 2024 Close Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox We recently asked our Facebook followers what they love to make during summer in the South. Based on the very enthusiastic responses, it's clear that this is prime time for home cooks to make the freshest most flavorful recipes. While it might be hot, it's also the ideal time to shop farm stands, farmer's markets, and local markets for in season fruits and vegetables. Here are the top recipes our readers like to make with summer's bounty. 8 Of Our Editors' Favorite Summer Recipes 01 of 20 Tomato Sandwich Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox There is no surprise that the tomato sandwich popped up in numerous responses. How do you like yours? We say tomatoes, squishy white bread, and lots of mayonnaise. get the recipe 02 of 20 Fried Green Tomatoes Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins They come and go so anytime fried green tomatoes show up on menus, our editors always order them. But if you have time and a bounty of green tomatoes, they are worth making from scratch. get the recipe 03 of 20 Blueberry Pancakes Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Breakfast in the summer is all the more sweeter with a fresh twist. Enter sweet and juicy blueberries for taking pancakes to the next level. get the recipe 04 of 20 Texas Caviar Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Perhaps it is the no-cook element of this cookout staple that has our readers making this recipe on repeat. It is a fresh and flavorful combination of black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. get the recipe 05 of 20 Blueberry Cobbler Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox We always save room for dessert. And in the summer that means saving room for cobblers. Fresh blueberries and a scoop of ice cream turn this refreshing recipe into a reward when it's extra hot and balmy. get the recipe 06 of 20 Heirloom Tomato Pie Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Your first slice of homemade tomato pie is a sign that summer has arrived. While this recipe is not a cinch to make, our readers believe it's an essential to Southern entertaining season. get the recipe 07 of 20 Grilled Peaches With Spiced Whipped Cream Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox We love peaches in every form. And our readers agree that this simple idea is also a perfect one for when you're hosting and don't want a hassle. get the recipe 08 of 20 BLT Sandwich Monica Farber/Southern Living While many are quite content with good old-fashioned tomato sandwiches, some really can't resist the addition of bacon. Well, bacon just makes everything better. Period. get the recipe 09 of 20 Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Pasta salad is a staple at every potluck, backyard barbecue, picnic, or family reunion. Bring back one of Mama's favorite recipes that combines pasta, broccoli, grapes, and nuts all together. get the recipe 10 of 20 Classic Potato Salad Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood Eggs? Mayo? There are a lot of opinions on what should and should not go into a classic potato salad. And while we all have different ideas for what makes the best potato salad, we can all agree that potato salad is a summer must-have. get the recipe 11 of 20 Pan-Fried Okra Alison Miksch; Prop Stylist: Kay Clark; Food Stylist: Torie Cox It would not be a summer get-together in the South without okra making a grand appearance. Ignore the haters and embrace our cooking tips for enjoying the classic without any slime. This recipe will always be a summer must-make. get the recipe 12 of 20 Old-School Squash Casserole Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman Put that bounty of summer squash to delicious use in this easy, creamy casserole, which is perfect for making ahead and freezing for later. Squash casserole may top our list of summer favorites, but it is great anytime of year. (Yes, we love seeing you at Christmas too.) get the recipe 13 of 20 Lemon Icebox Cake Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Say hello to summer with a slice of refreshing lemon icebox pie. This creamy, tangy, zesty pie is perfect for potlucks and picnics. get the recipe 14 of 20 Fresh Peach Cobbler Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman Cobbler didn't just make your list once – but twice – and this time peaches play the starring role. No matter the fruit, be sure to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. get the recipe 15 of 20 Sea Salt Ice Cream Photograher: Greg DuPree Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey Summertime and ice cream go hand in hand. We will always make a stop at our local ice cream parlor for a scoop of our favorite flavors, but don't underestimate the rich and creamy taste of homemade ice cream. get the recipe 16 of 20 Creamy Broccoli Slaw Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee We welcome all different types of salads at our potlucks and picnics. According to you, our readers, there is no going wrong with pasta salad, potato salad, or a creamy broccoli slaw. get the recipe 17 of 20 Baked Beans Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman It would not be a Grandma-approved Southern occasion without a pan of tasty baked beans. This all-time favorite recipe is made with bacon, onions, and canned pork and beans. get the recipe 18 of 20 Creamy Cucumber Salad HANNAH ZIMMERMAN/SOUTHERN LIVING In the South, some of our best salads don't include lettuce. Case in point: a bowl of cucumbers and dill dressed in a sweet and sour vinegar-based brine. get the recipe 19 of 20 Strawberry Shortcake Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Of course it would not be a summer affair without the beloved strawberry shortcake showing up in all its sweet glory. This classic recipe starts making its appearance around Mother's Day and hangs around all season long. get the recipe 20 of 20 Cornbread Salad Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Want to impress every guest at the potluck? Volunteer to bring this layered cornbread salad that's filled with bacon, cornbread, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and so much more. It's blue-ribbon-worthy and a real crowd-pleaser. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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