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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Southern Summer Delights That Will Make You Swoon

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 27, 2025, updated June 16, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer in the South brings a bounty of flavors that are simply irresistible. From refreshing drinks to sweet treats, these 21 delights capture the essence of warm days and backyard gatherings. Each dish is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and cherished traditions, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

    Refreshing Southern Sweet Tea

    Refreshing Southern Sweet Tea.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    Sweet tea is a classic Southern drink that’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe shows you how to create a refreshing glass of sweet tea from scratch. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family with a taste of the South.

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    Bisquick Cornbread without Cornmeal

    Bisquick Cornbread without Cornmeal.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Bisquick cornbread is a fantastic choice for a Southern-style meal. This cornbread is really moist and doesn’t require cornmeal or dairy, making it simple to whip up with just five ingredients. With a hint of sweetness and a touch of savory flavor, it pairs well with many of our favorite dishes.

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    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad

    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures.

    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad brings together a classic southern macaroni salad with the rich flavors of egg and pimento cheese. The result is a creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. This salad is a great side for barbecues or a light meal on its own.

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    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that's both creamy and cheesy. With sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese blended into a smooth sauce, it’s a classic favorite. The crispy, buttery breadcrumbs on top add a nice crunch, making this a satisfying meal for any occasion.

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    Smoked Beef Brisket

    Smoked Beef Brisket.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Smoked Beef Brisket is a delicious dish that's both juicy and tender, with just the right amount of chewiness. It's simpler to prepare than many people think, making it a great choice for summer gatherings. This recipe shows you how to smoke a fantastic brisket with minimal effort, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

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    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.

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    Jiffy Cornbread

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

    Jiffy Cornbread is already tasty 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 dish that pairs well with many summer meals.

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    The Best Deviled Eggs

    The Best Deviled Eggs.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Deviled Eggs are always a favorite at parties and gatherings. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made without much effort. With the right boiling technique, peeling the eggs becomes easy, and they can be transported safely to any event.

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    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon are a classic Southern dish that combines the rich flavor of molasses with crispy bacon. This hearty meal is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a deliciously smoky taste. It's perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

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    Crispy Baja Fish Tacos

    Crispy Baja Fish Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Crispy Baja Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Sauce are a delicious option that everyone in the family will love. These tacos are a great way to enjoy a healthy meal while adding some Tex-Mex flair to your dinner table. Perfect for summer, they bring a refreshing twist to your usual taco night.

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    Strawberry Sweet Tea

    Strawberry Sweet Tea.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    Fresh strawberries and sweet tea come together in this delightful Strawberry Sweet Tea. It's easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying on a warm spring or summer day.

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    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Southern Tomato Pie features fresh tomatoes, basil, thyme, mayo, and a blend of three cheeses all nestled in a buttery cracker crust. This dish is a true taste of summer in the South and can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even for brunch. It's a delicious way to celebrate the season's bounty.

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    Pimento Cheese Appetizer

    Pimento Cheese Appetizer.
    Photo Credit: G-Free Foodie.

    This Pimento Cheese Appetizer is perfect for your next gathering. It's made with a classic recipe that everyone loves. Easy to prepare, it’s a great addition to any party spread.

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    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.

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    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

    Shrimp boil
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This keto sheet pan seafood boil is loaded with Cajun flavors and is super easy to make in the oven. Featuring shrimp and Creole spiced andouille sausages, it’s a great dish for summer get-togethers and festive occasions. Enjoy a taste of the South with this simple yet delicious meal.

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    Strawberry Pancakes

    Strawberry Pancakes.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Strawberry pancakes are fluffy and full of fresh strawberry goodness. They’re perfect for a summer breakfast, especially when you add a simple homemade strawberry compote on top. This dish is a delightful way to start your day with a taste of summer.

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    BLFGT Sandwich

    BLFGT Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures.

    The BLFGT Sandwich features crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and flavorful fried green tomatoes. It's a delicious option for a summer meal. Perfect for enjoying on a warm day, this sandwich brings together great textures and tastes.

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    The BEST Potato Salad

    The BEST Potato Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Classic Potato Salad features Russet potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. This dish is a staple at family gatherings and summer barbecues, loved for its simplicity and flavor. It's a go-to side that pairs well with just about anything, making it perfect for warm weather meals.

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    Southern Coleslaw

    Southern Coleslaw.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This Southern coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy side dish with a touch of sweetness. It's a great addition to summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats and is sure to be a hit at any outdoor event.

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    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 with crunchy roasted pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar, this salad is a delightful addition to any summer meal.

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    Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes

    Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    Crispy fried green tomatoes are a classic southern dish that’s perfect for summer. They’re a great side or appetizer that everyone will enjoy. This simple recipe lets you whip them up without much effort, making it easy to add a tasty touch to your meals.

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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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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