11 Delicious Recipes for Creating Magical Moments This Summer

Summer is synonymous with state fairs, beach days, camping, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family, but the food is really what helps create these beautiful summer moments we turn to again and again. Whether it’s that weekly routine of going to the local ice cream parlor, or loading up the car with a cooler packed with the same snacks that scream summer vacation, creating moments around the food you eat all summer long can turn into memories that last a lifetime. These ideas to create magical moments this summer and the recipes to go along with them promise to make this summer truly unforgettable for years to come.  

Serve a Simple Summer Lunch  

Avocado Ranch Salad   

This recipe is low-lift during vacations, leaning on store-bought salad mixes to provide perfect proportions of greens and toppings everyone will love, with very little work. Then, you can simply add your favorite protein of choice to the mix for a well-rounded meal that’s ready to eat in just a few minutes no matter where your summer takes you. 

Pack the Right Road Trip Snack   

BBQ Snack Mix 

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure you’re stocked up on snacks for long drives.  Making your own snack mix at home lets you choose your personal favorite snack mix ingredients. This DIY BBQ Snack Mix recipe uses BBQ rub for the main seasoning, which you can also use later for grilling. Store your snack mix in air-tight bags or containers to keep it fresh; bonus points for storing it in individual portions for grab-and-go ease.

Schedule a Summer Picnic 

Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Olive Butter

Take advantage of warm, sunny weather and head to your local park for a fun picnic lunch. Pack up your blanket and fill your picnic basket or cooler with snacks, drinks, and an easy, flavorful sandwich like this Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Olive Butter. Butter, sundried tomatoes, and olives come together for an Italian deli-inspired spread that makes this sandwich extra special.   

Enjoy a Campfire Breakfast  

Mountain Pie Apple-Cinnamon Rolls   

There’s nothing like camping in the summer and waking up to breakfast around the fire. Try something new with easy Mountain Pie Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Just two simple store-bought ingredients cook in your trusty pie iron and you’ll have a sweet breakfast ready in no time. They make the perfect campfire dessert, too.   

Prepare a Patriotic Treat  

Red, White, and Blue Cupcake Cones  

Make your July Fourth gathering extra special this year with a fun and colorful patriotic treat—that’s retro, too. These adorable cupcake ice cream cones lean into nostalgic treats, so they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re also super easy to make: store-bought cupcake mix pours right into the ice cream cones before baking in the oven. Then all you have to do is decorate them with icing and sprinkles and serve.  

Elevate Beach Meals  

Ultimate Italian Subs

Few things are as nostalgic as enjoying a sandwich on the beach. Before you spend your day in the sand and sun, prep some delicious Italian sub sandwiches for when lunchtime hunger hits. Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper and adding them to your cooler. This way you don’t have to leave your beach blanket behind and can keep enjoying your scenic view of the waves while you enjoy a delicious lunch.  

Grill the Ultimate Grilled Burger

Ultimate Grilled Burger

Nothing brings back memories of summer better than the smell of burgers on the grill. These BBQ Smash Burgers are the ultimate summer burger you’ll want to share with everyone at your next summer cookout. The flavorful char of the smash burger, the melty cheese, the crispy fried onions, and the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce all come together for a flavor combination you’ll want to come back to summer after summer.  

Get a Hiking Energy Boost  

Energy Trail Mix Cookies

Head out on the trails this summer with an easy and delicious hiking snack. Inspired by the flavors of trail mix, these Energy Trail Mix Cookies provide a boost of protein to keep you going on long hikes and are packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Baking them into cookie form makes them even easier to store, carry, and eat on your next adventure. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.  

Built the Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae 

Ice Cream Sundaes with Two-Ingredient Hard Shell

An ice cream sundae is truly a timeless summer treat, and making your own sundaes at home, complete with your own DIY chocolate shell, will be a true family affair. All you need to make your hard chocolate shell is chocolate morsels and coconut oil. Then, you can go all out with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries, and more. Kids will love the chance to make their sundae creation and some fun memories along the way.  

Cool off With an Easy Treat

Chocolate Pudding Pops 

Making these chocolatey ice pops at home is the perfect activity to do with your kids on a hot summer day. Combine instant pudding mix, whipped topping, cocoa powder, and milk, pour the mixture into an ice pop mold, and place them in the freezer. Kids will love creating their own frozen sweet treat and be even more excited to enjoy it when it’s ready.  

Sip on Poolside Mocktails

Pineapple Coolers

After enjoying a dip in the pool with friends or family, try serving up a frosty mocktail for an extra fun touch. These simple pineapple coolers use frozen pineapple chunks, orange juice, and seltzer for a tropical drink your guests will love. And, since it’s alcohol-free, kids can join in on the fun too. Serving a fun mocktail is an easy way to take your pool day from a casual hangout to a special moment you and your guests will remember.