Late-summer recipes might sound like a last-ditch effort to cling to sunshine and freedom before school schedules and tailgates take over your life. But these are the ones you haven’t tried yet and definitely should. Think of them as the antidote to the chaos of back-to-school madness and the endless loop of weekend gatherings. It’s time to break out of the usual recipe rut and surprise everyone with something fresh and exciting.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
A Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is a great way to enjoy a classic summer meal. With shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage all baked together on one sheet pan, it’s easy and quick to prepare. Perfect for gatherings, giving you all the flavors without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado is great for late-summer meals. It features chicken thighs marinated with cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice. You can cook it on the grill, a grill pan, or in the oven. This dish brings vibrant flavors to your menu and is easy to prepare. The citrus marinade not only adds a refreshing taste but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Perfect for barbecues or quick family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for family dinners or barbecues. Cook the orzo, mix it with vegetables and a homemade dressing, and let it chill in the fridge. This salad keeps well, so it’s great for meal prep and stays fresh for days.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Loaded Zucchini Boats
These Loaded Zucchini Boats are a fun take on loaded potato skins. These are great as an appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s a party, game day, or holiday gathering. Prep, bake, and enjoy in under an hour. Perfect when you want something flavorful and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are perfect for meal prepping and come together in just 30 minutes. They are customizable, high in protein, and surprisingly filling. Great for busy mornings, especially when school is starting and you need a quick, nutritious breakfast to keep everyone going.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great one-pot weeknight dinner idea that’s easy enough for beginner cooks. No need to stuff vegetables; it comes together in just 45 minutes and makes a flavorful family meal. Perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad comes together in just 25 minutes using budget-friendly ingredients. It’s great for meal-prepping work lunches, a quick dinner, or bringing to potluck events. With pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, you save time in the kitchen, making it an easy and convenient option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Baked Sliced Zucchini
This Baked Sliced Zucchini is great for late-summer and early fall when zucchinis are at their peak. This simple side dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick addition to your meal. Roasting the zucchini in the oven brings out its natural flavors, while the Parmesan cheese adds a crispy touch. It’s an easy and effective way to enjoy fresh, seasonal zucchini with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Tuna Egg Salad
This Tuna Egg Salad is an easy-to-make meal ready in only 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this salad combines hard-boiled eggs, canned albacore tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings. It’s a creamy, protein-packed option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad
Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer
Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizers are perfect for a light snack or a party platter. They’re easy to assemble and packed with flavor, coming together in just 20 minutes. Simply slice the cucumbers, mix the cream cheese and dill filling, and top with smoked salmon and optional garnishes like fresh dill, capers, and cracked pepper.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is great for hearty, comforting dishes. Popular in the Midwest, especially at potlucks and family gatherings, it features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing. Ready in under an hour, this salad is served warm with a vinegar-based dressing instead of the usual cold mayo-based version. Just boil the potatoes, cook the bacon, and toss with apple cider vinegar, mustard, and bacon drippings. Perfect for dinner or a family barbecue, and leftovers keep well for days. It’s a great choice for late-summer get-togethers when you want something filling and flavorful.v
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a great option for a quick and flavorful meal that you can prepare in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for late summer and early fall evenings when the weather starts to cool down, offering a comforting and warm meal to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a budget-friendly and straightforward meal option ready in only 40 minutes. With ingredients you may already have, it’s great for beginner cooks. Meal prep it for workday lunches, make it for weeknight dinners, or bring it to a potluck. Cook some elbow macaroni, mix it with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. You can customize it with different types of mustard or swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This salad is perfect for late summer when you need a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed cold.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are great for using those ripe, late-summer tomatoes. With Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy juicy tomatoes in a cheesy bake, perfect for a quick and simple side dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Reuben Bowls
Reuben Bowls are a delicious, easy-to-make meal ready in only 30 minutes. Great for a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch. Brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, then drizzle homemade Thousand Island dressing on top (or use store-bought dressing). These bowls are perfect for late-summer nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe is made in one pan and comes together in only 30 minutes. Featuring shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk, every bite is packed with flavor. This meal is impressive yet straightforward to prepare, making it a great choice for late-summer dinners when you want something quick but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats can be made in just 10 minutes and feature fresh cucumbers stuffed with softened cream cheese and mashed avocado. Top them off with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning for a light, refreshing, and crunchy snack. Perfect for late-summer days when you need a quick and refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is an easy option that comes together in 30 minutes. This straightforward recipe doesn’t need much prep or cooking time, making it perfect for last-minute guests and casual get-togethers. Great for late-summer gatherings when you want something cool and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
7-Layer Dip
This 7-Layer Dip is great for any gathering, like a game day party or potluck. It’s meat-free and quick to put together, needing only 25 minutes. Start with refried beans mixed with taco seasoning and milk. Add layers of guacamole, sour cream mixed with cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced black olives. Perfect for making ahead and easy to transport. Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Great for late-summer parties when you need a quick crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick dinner or weekend cookout. Ready in just 40 minutes, make your hot honey sauce, marinate the chicken, then grill it. The sauce can be made in advance and the chicken stays juicy, even when reheated. Ideal for late-summer cookouts when you want something flavorful and easy to grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Fresh Corn Salad
This Fresh Corn Salad is great for summer gatherings or a light meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and a lime dressing, it’s both nutritious and quick to make. Dice tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Boil the corn and cut the kernels off the cob. Mix everything with a lime dressing. Optionally add cilantro, avocado, and feta or cotija cheese. Chill for at least 15 minutes, then serve. Perfect for late-summer picnics or barbecues when fresh corn is at its peak.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are seasoned and oven-baked to perfection, making them a great choice for late-summer gatherings. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese known for its high melting point, which means it gets crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside when cooked. This easy-to-make appetizer or side dish comes together in just 25 minutes. They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, especially when you need a quick dish to serve.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded Tater Tots are ready in 35 minutes and perfect for game day parties, casual gatherings, or a fun family dinner night. They feature crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Bake the tater tots until golden and crispy, season them, top with melted cheese, then add sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Leftovers store well for the next day. Great for late-summer parties when you want something fun and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Beer Cheese Dip
Beer Cheese Dip is a go-to for a quick and easy appetizer, ready in just 25 minutes. It’s creamy and flavorful, perfect for game days or casual get-togethers. Melt some butter, make a roux with flour, then gradually add milk and beer. Season it up and melt in a trio of cheeses for a smooth, creamy finish. Make it for your next party or just because. Leftovers reheat really well. Great for late-summer gatherings when you need a quick, delicious dip.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a great snack or lunch for the late-summer season when cucumbers are fresh and plentiful. Made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, the chicken salad is scooped into hollowed-out cucumber halves. A quick and refreshing meal that highlights the crisp, cool cucumbers of the season.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Big Mac Salad
Big Mac Salad is easy to make and packed with flavor. This dish is filling and perfect for weeknight dinners and weekday lunches, especially in late summer when you want something hearty yet light. With ingredients like bacon, ground beef, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a special “Big Mac Sauce” dressing, it brings all the flavors of a classic burger without the bun. Ready in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, it’s a convenient and fun option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Bell Pepper Sandwich is great for a light lunch. Instead of bread, use a bell pepper and fill it with your favorite sandwich ingredients. Whip one up in 10 minutes for a quick and refreshing meal. Perfect when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are great for those end-of-summer evenings when you want a side dish that’s light and delicious. Cooked in the oven, these fries involve boiling, seasoning, and then baking. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy without heating up the kitchen too much.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is great for back-to-school lunches or end-of-summer parties. This dish gives a fun spin on traditional jalapeño poppers and is easy to prepare. You can make it in advance and add it to your lunch menu for those busy weekdays, making it a flavorful and convenient option for any late-summer occasion.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is made with sour cream and mayo. It’s crisp, light, and refreshing, ready in only 30 minutes. Perfect as a family dinner side dish when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Great for late-summer meals when you want something cool and easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese are a great, refreshing, and crunchy snack with a kick. Ready in just 10 minutes, fresh cucumbers are cut and de-seeded, then stuffed with softened cream cheese and tuna. Top with Everything Bagel Seasoning, coconut aminos, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is great for those end-of-summer gatherings when you need a quick and easy appetizer. This meatless dip can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for parties, holiday events, or game days. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes advantage of the season’s fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
This Quinoa Chickpea Salad is great for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and a lemon-garlic dressing, it’s healthy and filling. Best of all, it comes together with minimal effort. Cook the quinoa, toss it with fresh veggies, and drizzle with a homemade lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or potluck side. Great for late-summer when you want something light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad
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