Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes

Summer is the time to kick back, relax and enjoy some fun outdoor time with your family and friends. If you’ve been hesitant about having people over for a BBQ or backyard party this season, this post is for you! I’ve put together the perfect menu for your next summer gathering filled with Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes from appetizers all the way to cocktails!

Summer is in full swing over here at the lake! If your household is anything like mine at the current moment, you have a million things going on at once and are trying everything in your power to stay afloat. Between multiple vacations, a teenager at home for summer break, and a new workout and diet routine, I’ve been struggling to keep up with my responsibilities. My to-do list is continuing to grow and I’m not really crossing items off of it at the moment.

I feel like it has been forever since I’ve had people over for a party or event. I love entertaining but I haven’t been able to really squeeze it into my summer yet. The main reason is I just don’t have time and the thought of it just seems overwhelming. But I should know better! I’m the woman you turn to when YOU’RE feeling overwhelmed with entertaining. You come to me so I can reassure you how easy it really is to put together a gathering for your family and friends.

To motivate both of us to get out of our Summer Hosting Rut, I put together a full menu of Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes straight from the blog. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time too, which makes things even simpler.

So without further ado, please enjoy these Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes!

Appetizers

Dill Pickle Dip

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Cold Dill Pickle Dip is a delicious easy appetizer to make for your next bbq, 4th of July party or outdoor gathering. Try this easy dill pickle dip alongside a nice juicy burger and a yummy piece of corn on the cob.

Italian Cream Cheese Veggie Pizza

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My Italian Cream Cheese Veggie Pizza is a delicious cold appetizer that starts with a crescent roll crust and is then smeared with an Italian dressing cream cheese dip. Add an array of chopped colorful vegetables on top and you have one scrumptious easy appetizer perfect for feeding a crowd.

Main Dishes

Sweet Homemade Barbecue Sauce

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Looking for a sweet homemade barbecue sauce recipe that will take your food to the next level? Spread this delicious bbq sauce on your bbq ribs, bbq chicken or bbq brisket at your next bbq gathering and watch your guests go crazy!

Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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Crock Pot Pulled Pork is a “fix it and forget it” meal your family will love. Throw everything into a crockpot in the morning and let it work its magic.

Side Dishes

Italian-Inspired Roasted Corn on the Cob

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Italian-Inspired Roasted Corn on the Cob is the perfect way to prepare corn inside and still give it that grilled taste. This easy side dish is perfect for all your summer gatherings and BBQs. Garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese add a special touch to this corn!

My #1 Shared Recipe!

Mediterranean-Style Orzo Salad

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Mediterranean-Style Orzo Salad is an easy make-ahead salad that is packed with a ton of fresh flavors. This mayonnaise-free salad is perfect to make for BBQs, baby showers, bridal showers, luncheons, and potlucks. You’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

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Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a delicious dish that is super easy to prepare. This sweet and salty salad is the perfect addition to your next party or gathering. Everything tastes better with a little bit of parmesan cheese and bacon!

Desserts

Strawberry Orange Trifle

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Strawberry Orange Trifle is an easy, no-bake dessert that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. This cold dessert is easy to prepare. My Strawberry Orange Trifle will make the perfect BBQ dessert, 4th of July treat, or even just a Monday-Night “pick me up” after a tough day. You’ll enjoy this light and refreshing summer treat.

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

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Looking for an easy 4th of July dessert recipe to “wow” your guest this holiday? Look no further than these delicious Red, White and Blue Cupcakes guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Cocktails

Pineapple Paradise Mimosa

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With just 4 ingredients, this Pineapple Paradise Mimosa is a must-try cocktail for the hot summer months ahead. Coconut rum, pineapple juice and sherbet, topped with some bubbly make for the perfect combination for a lakeside or beach cocktail. This cocktail can be made for one or a crowd!

Mango and Banana White Wine Slushies

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Mango Banana White Wine Slushies are the ultimate summer cocktail! Blend up some frozen bananas and mangoes with a bottle of white wine and you’ll be refreshed in no time. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little bit of banana rum for an extra kick!

These Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes are all you need to create the perfect summertime gathering! Try out one, two, or all of them and let me know what you think. Happy Summer, folks!

Need additional help for your summertime gathering? Here are 5 Party Must-Haves and Patio Decorating Ideas just for you.