It’s incredibly hot in Atlanta right now. Even though summer technically begins in a week, the heat that greets me every time I step outside makes it clear: summer has arrived early. Maybe you’re feeling it where you live too.
To kick off the season a little ahead of schedule, I gathered some of my favorite mouthwatering summer recipes. These picks are guaranteed to get you excited for sunny days, backyard gatherings, tacos, popsicles, and pool parties. Ready to dig in?
Here are 24 summer recipes to make your mouth water:
1. Acai bowl served in a coconut and garnished with edible flowers (photo above)
2. Salted watermelon margarita popsicles from How Sweet Eats
3. Grilled tropical shrimp kabob tacos
4. Grilled pineapple dessert
5. Peach sweet tea granita — a favorite granita recipe, light and refreshing
6. Watermelon, cilantro, and cotija salad — crisp, bright, and perfect for hot days
7. Homemade frozen yogurt with homemade waffle cones — creamy, tangy, and fun to make
8. Grilled lemon and herb corn on the cob — smoky, zesty, and a barbecue staple
9. Berry pizza with whipped ricotta and mascarpone — a colorful dessert that doubles as a centerpiece
10. Fruit punch pops — vibrant, fruity, and kid-friendly
11. Easy watermelon and feta salad — sweet, salty, and incredibly refreshing
12. Cherry limeade granita — a two-ingredient, icy treat that’s tart and sweet
13. Strawberry and goat cheese crostinis — elegant, easy appetizers for summer gatherings
14. Chicken salad and waffles sandwich — a playful twist on a classic comfort dish
15. Hawaiian chicken fajitas — sweet, savory, and perfect for weeknight grilling
16. Gradient “unicorn” ice cream cones — whimsical and Instagram-ready
17. Grilled fruit and veggie kabobs — colorful, smoky, and great for sharing
18. Strawberry mojito popsicles — minty, bright, and refreshing
19. Steak tacos — smoky, juicy, and a summer favorite
20. Gin and juice slushies — boozy, icy, and ideal for backyard happy hours
21. Grapefruit vanilla thyme ice cream — bright citrus balanced with aromatic thyme
22. Summer pasta for entertaining — light, fresh, and designed to serve a crowd
23. Coconut freeze pops — creamy, tropical, and kid-approved
24. Grilled peaches and cream — smoky, sweet peaches served with cool cream or ice cream
What are your favorite foods to enjoy during the summer months?