Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of the season. From light and refreshing salads to mouthwatering grilled dishes, our favorite summer recipes are all about celebrating the bounty of fresh produce and the joy of outdoor dining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a beach picnic, or a simple family dinner, these recipes will add a delicious touch to your summer gatherings.
Join us as we share our favorite summer recipes that are sure to impress and find helpful tips and even more food inspiration from Real Food with Sarah, here.

Grilled Peach Salad
This Grilled Peach Salad is perfect for your summer parties. Sweet peaches, salty prosciutto, and creamy burrata are served over arugula or your favorite greens for a delicious summer salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ripe peaches, cut into slices
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 4-6 slices prosciutto
- 1-2 balls of burrata cheese, depending on their size
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss the sliced peaches in a bowl with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely charred.
- Remove peaches from the grill, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, and place on a platter full of arugula.
- Use your hands to tear open the burrata and spread it around the salad. Top with prosciutto slices.
- Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil and the balsamic glaze. Serve and enjoy!

BBQ Chicken Sliders
This 30-minute BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe is the best way to feed a crowd. A perfect game day recipe the whole family will enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups cooked chicken
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- Slider rolls
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix chicken in a large bowl with the spices and barbecue sauce.
- In a large baking dish or sheet pan, add the bottoms of the slider rolls. Top each roll with some of the chicken.
- Next, add the mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Add the top buns and brush them with melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden. Let cool for a few minutes, serve and enjoy!

St. Louis Ribs Recipe
Fire up your grill and elevate your BBQ game with perfectly cooked St. Louis Ribs. Juicy, tender, and charred to perfection, these ribs are a true crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS
- 3-4 pounds St. Louis Ribs or spare ribs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, (optional)
- ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. If using spare ribs, remove the skirt (skirt meat) from the back side of the ribs. The skirt is the flap that sits in the middle of the back.
- Next, remove the membrane. Slide a knife underneath the membrane, and then use your fingers to pull it away from the bones. If it is difficult to remove, use a paper towel to pull it off.
- Mix all of the spices and brown sugar together in a bowl and season the ribs on all sides with the dry rub seasoning.
- Place the steam basket in the Instant Pot and pour in the apple cider vinegar and water. Add the ribs on top of the steam basket.
- Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Manually release the pressure.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, 450 degrees F.
- Place the ribs facedown on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Flip the rack, use a pastry brush to rub the ribs with BBQ sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes, serve and enjoy!

Spicy Watermelon Margaritas
These Spicy Watermelon Margaritas are super refreshing. Made with fresh fruit and only 5 ingredients, it will be your new favorite summer cocktail!
INGREDIENTS
Salted Rim
- lime wedges
- Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning or a mixture of sea salt and cayenne pepper
Margaritas
- 3 ounces tequila
- 1-2 teaspoons habanero or jalapeño infused tequila
- 1 cup watermelon juice
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 2-3 limes, juiced
- ice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rub lime wedges over the rim of two cocktail glasses.
- Pour some chili lime seasoning or a mixture of salt and cayenne pepper onto a small plate.
- Dip the cup upside down onto the plate of salt and press down, ensuring the entire rim is covered.
- Add ice, tequila, lime juice, infused tequila, triple sec, and watermelon juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir until combined.
- Fill the glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the rocks.
- Serve immediately and garnish with a lime wedge and watermelon cube if desired. Enjoy!
As you embrace the warmth and joy of the season, let our favorite summer recipes become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Each dish reflects the vibrant flavors and ease of preparation that define the season, allowing you to focus more on enjoying time with loved ones and less on complicated cooking. Remember, the beauty of summer cuisine lies in its simplicity and freshness. Happy cooking, and may your summer be filled with delicious memories and joyful gatherings.
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