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    Home » Summer Recipes

    20 Southern Summer Recipes to Try Before Fall

    Published: Aug 27, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Summer in the South brings a bounty of fresh ingredients and flavors that are perfect for warm-weather meals. From classic barbecue dishes to refreshing salads and sweet desserts, there are so many delicious recipes to enjoy before the cooler months arrive. Here are 20 Southern summer recipes that capture the essence of the season and are sure to please everyone at your table.

    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw is quick and easy to whip up in just 15 minutes, perfect for your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing, it's a breeze to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is a great addition to any summer gathering.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Klitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders bring together smoky flavors, tangy sauce, and a nice crunch. The tender pulled pork is coated in rich barbecue sauce and served on soft buns, topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw. This dish is great for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for summer grilling. With a simple marinade that adds a nice sweet and smoky flavor, this dish is perfect for enjoying warm weather. It's an easy and tasty meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for any summer gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

    Southern Style Pickled Shrimp.
    Photo Credit: Coley Cooks.

    This Southern-style pickled shrimp is a delicious and different way to enjoy shrimp. With a tangy and fresh flavor, it works well as a make-ahead appetizer or a protein-packed snack. It's perfect for gatherings or just a simple treat at home.

    Get the Recipe

    Pulled Pork Burgers

    Pulled Pork Burgers.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    Pulled pork burgers with a special sauce bring a bit of Southern BBQ flair to your meal. This dish has a nice kick that sets it apart from regular burgers. With just a bit of prep, the slow cooker takes care of the heavy lifting, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dinner.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with steak, barbecue, or anything buffalo-flavored. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's packed with rich blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning. This coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite for summer meals.

    Get the recipe

    Cornbread Salad

    Cornbread Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    This southwest cornbread salad is a staple at Southern gatherings, featuring tasty layers of crumbled cornbread, fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and cheese, all brought together with a zesty salsa ranch dressing. It's a colorful and satisfying dish that everyone loves. Perfect for summer barbecues or family get-togethers, this salad is sure to be a hit.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk

    Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Traditional Southern-style cornbread is a staple that brings a taste of the South to your table. Made with buttermilk and stone-ground cornmeal, it has a rich corn flavor that really stands out. The crunchy crust adds a nice texture, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

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    Southern Peach Pie

    Southern Peach Pie.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Southern Peach Pie is a classic dessert that shines during the summer months. With fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, flaky crust, this pie is a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. It's a great addition to any family gathering or summer barbecue.

    Get the Recipe

    Blackberry Cobbler

    Blackberry Cobbler.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Blackberry cobbler is a delicious dessert with a sweet and tangy filling made from fresh blackberries, all covered with a buttery crumble topping. It's easy to whip up and great for any gathering. Enjoying a warm slice brings out the comforting flavors that blend together perfectly.

    Get the Recipe

    Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

    Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a simple and tasty dessert that fits any gathering. With fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb, this dish brings together the sweet and sour flavors of summer in a delightful way. It's a great choice for warm evenings or when you want to enjoy a seasonal treat.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Grape Salad

    Southern Grape Salad.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Southern Grape Salad is a refreshing dish packed with sweet, juicy grapes. It's mixed with a creamy dressing made from cream cheese and sour cream, giving it a nice tang. Topped off with crunchy roasted pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings.

    Get the Recipe

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Traeger smoked chuck roast is a great way to enjoy juicy and tender beef, and it's simple enough for anyone to make. The smoky flavor from the wood pellet smoker really brings out the best in the meat. It's a perfect dish for summer gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

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    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Chicken macaroni salad is packed with flavor while keeping the dressing light, letting all the tasty ingredients stand out. It's a great side dish that works well for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, bringing a refreshing touch to any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust

    Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust.
    Photo Credit: Little Black Skillet.

    Summer is the perfect time for a delicious green tomato pie. If you enjoy fried green tomatoes, this savory pie is sure to be a hit. It's tart and tangy, making it a great choice for a main dish, side, or even an appetizer.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp are packed with a zesty Cajun kick and a tangy barbecue sauce. They offer a burst of flavor that makes them a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is easy to prepare and brings a taste of the South right to your table.

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    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs.
    Photo Credit: Lamberts Lately.

    Air fryer BBQ chicken legs are full of flavor and slathered in zesty barbecue sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for a summer meal. Enjoy the crispy texture and delicious taste that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    These Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings are perfect for your next backyard barbecue. With a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior, they're sure to be a favorite among your guests. Just fire up your Traeger grill and enjoy a delicious dish that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Jiffy Cornbread

    Jiffy Cornbread.
    Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

    Jiffy Cornbread is a tasty dish on its own, but a few easy tweaks can take it to the next level. By adding some simple ingredients, you can enhance its flavor and texture. This is a great side for summer meals or any gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a tasty dish that elevates regular baked beans. Packed with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, and three types of beans, this recipe is all about hearty flavors. The addition of a zesty BBQ sauce brings everything together, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

    Get the Recipe

    More Summer Recipes

    • Grilled chicken skewers.
      Grill Like a Pro: 18 Easy Ideas for Your Labor Day Cookout
    • Grilled steak.
      22 Easy Grilling Recipes for a Chill Labor Day
    • Pesto tortellini.
      20 Easy Summer Pasta Recipes That Are Bursting with Flavor
    • Pulled pork burgers.
      Enjoy the Last Days of Summer with These 19 Hearty Southern Favorites
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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