Planning food for a crowd in the summer heat can be a lot, so anything I can make ahead for summer get-togethers is a total win. It’s such a relief knowing the main dishes, sides, or even desserts are ready to go before guests show up. That way, you can actually enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. These recipes are all about keeping it easy, breezy, and stress-free.
Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers
This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great to make ahead for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers
Sweet Corn Casserole
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With its golden crust and creamy center, this corn casserole is a comforting side dish for any summer table. Prepare it in advance and serve it as a cold casserole recipe or warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Casserole
Corn And Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches, tomatoes and corn are combined for a fresh and healthy salsa. Corn and Peach Salsa is a perfect summer appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Corn And Peach Salsa
Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Fresh green beans and homemade mushroom sauce take this holiday classic to the next level. A great choice for summer casseroles that offer both freshness and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Cornbread Corn Pudding
This baked cornbread casserole features a custardy cornbread pudding base, mixed with toasted cornbread and fresh or frozen corn. Top with grated cheese!
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Corn Pudding
Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
Pull out the spiralizer and make a refreshing Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinegar with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches
This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad
With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser, the perfect summer potluck food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad
Classic Pea Salad
This creamy Southern pea salad bursts with flavors of the South, blending tender fresh or frozen peas with sharp cheddar cheese, smooth mayonnaise, and tangy sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pea Salad
Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken
Before you fire up the grill, you may want to entertain your guests with this classic appetizer, it makes for the best sliders! You can make this ahead of your summer get-together.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken
Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk
Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk
Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto
Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto
Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries
You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries
Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing
You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing
Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad
With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for summer get-togethers. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad
Southern Squash Casserole
With tender squash, a cheesy filling, and crispy topping, this is a true Southern comfort dish. It’s a standout among cold casserole recipes perfect for backyard gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole
Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise
Spicy Peach Coleslaw without Mayonnaise is a classic summer salad with peach dressing that delivers a fresh variation you’re going to love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise
Classic Southern Macaroni Salad
Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a summertime comfort food, which is great if you’re craving Southern flavors this summer.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni Salad
Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts
This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts
Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar
This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Filled with layers of chicken, peppers, and tortillas, this Tex-Mex classic is rich and comforting. Make it ahead for easy entertaining or weeknight convenience.
Get the Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Southern Broccoli Casserole with crispy bacon and cheese cracker topping—an irresistible twist on a classic everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole
Mexican Corn Casserole
Mexican Corn Casserole is Mexican Street Corn remixed! With all of the same Mexican flavors but fresh OFF the cob and oh so comforting!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Casserole
Green Pea Casserole
Green pea casserole is an old-fashioned Southern side dish with peas, celery, onion, and pimentos in mushroom soup with a breadcrumb topping.
Get the Recipe: Green Pea Casserole
Creamy Baked Corn Casserole Recipe
This golden baked corn casserole is perfect for summertime gatherings, with sweet corn kernels, creamy texture, and just 15 minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Corn Casserole Recipe
Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad
A colorful pasta salad with crisp veggies, olives, and a tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for making ahead and letting flavors meld overnight.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad
Make-Ahead Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection and can be made well in advance for easy reheating. It makes for a great summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Pulled Pork
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