Beat the winter blues, tell Jack Frost to take a hike and surprise your family with these fun-loving summer bites! They're the perfect way to brighten up dinner and put smiles on everyone's faces.
58 Cabin Fever Foods
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Mushroom-Stuffed Cheeseburgers
No need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
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Fruit Salsa
If you need inspiration for a fun kid's birthday party snack, or a fresh appetizer at a baby shower, here's a fun take on salsa. Instead of tomatoes and savory flavors, this fruit salsa is sweet and bright, with cinnamon-and-sugar-dusted chips for dipping.
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Honey Chipotle Ribs
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
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Key Lime Marshmallow Meringue Tarts
After spending time last winter in Key West, my husband and I became obsessed with Key lime pie. This is my downsized version of one we tried while spending time in that area. Marshmallow creme is the extra special touch. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
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Kumquat Margaritas
These golden margaritas bring a bit of sunshine to a winter table. Eye-catching kumquats are the secret ingredient. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Linda's Best Marinated Chicken
I have been using this grilled chicken recipe since I was 12 years old. That's 40-plus years! It is so moist and delicious, it will melt in your mouth. —Linda Pace, Lees Summit, Missouri
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Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Orange Lemonade
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
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Pina Colada Carrot Salad
This sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Avocado Crab Boats
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
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Breezy Lemon-Berry Dessert
I love the combination of berries and lemon, and wanted to come up with a light, refreshing and tasty dessert that used them both. —Anna Ginsberg, Austin, Texas.
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Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
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Chili Cornbread Salad
A co-worker brought this wonderful dish to a potluck several years ago. She had copies of the recipe next to the pan. Now I make it for get-togethers and also supply copies of the recipe. I never have any leftover salad or recipes. —Kelly Newsom, Jenks, Oklahoma
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Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Chances are, serving these ice cream cone cupcakes to kids will create a core memory for them. They mimic the look of a cone of ice cream but—surprise!—are filled with all the delicious components of a cupcake.
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Caribbean Wontons
I first served these fresh and fruity treats as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy them as a dessert for occasions throughout the year.—Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
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Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork
Cranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish conveniently portable. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
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Croissant Pudding with Chocolate Kahlua Sauce
These custards puff up slightly while baking, creating beautiful, golden crowns. Kahlua brings a mild coffee flavor to the heavenly chocolate sauce.—Cheryl Tucker, Houston, Texas
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Favorite Banana Split Smoothies
I try to get as many fruits and veggies into our menus as possible. A smoothie is a great way to load up on nutrients. This banana one is a favorite! —Tiffany Van Zee, Pella, Iowa
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Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
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Fluffy Green Grape Salad
I received this recipe from a cousin-in-law at a family reunion. Since then, I've brought it to many gatherings myself. We also like to eat it as a dessert.—Kelli Giffen, Barrie, Ontario
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Garden Risotto
With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular flavor and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you've got one delectable dish! —Kendra Doss, Kansas City, Missouri
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Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
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Hoisin Meatball Lettuce Wraps
I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
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Lemon Curd
A classic lemon curd recipe belongs in every bakers repertoire. Five basic ingredients turn your favorite citrus into a creamy, sweet spread you can use in almost any recipe, from buttered toast to layered cake.
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Honey-Melon Salad with Basil
Put the taste of summer in your salad! Loaded with juicy cantaloupe and honeydew, and glazed with a sweet honey dressing, this dish will be gone in minutes. Watermelon is a tasty addition, too. —Khurshid Shaik, Omaha, Nebraska
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Lime Angel Food Cake
For my husband's family reunion, I took a store-bought angel food cake and turned it into this special dessert with a lovely lime cream frosting topped with toasted coconut. It went over big! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, PennsylvaniaPineapple Chicken Sliders
For fun appetizers that tide over even the hungriest of guests, try these mini sandwiches. My youngest daughter likes their small size and the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.—Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California
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Lemon Curd Tartlets
This has been in my party recipe collection for over 30 years and never fails to satisfy my guests. I can always rely on these fancy treats to please even the fussiest in the crowdt. —Jessica Feist, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea
I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Marshmallow Fruit Dip
You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Northwest Salmon Salad
I love that I can use my favorite Northwest ingredients—salmon, blueberries and hazelnuts—all in one recipe. The salmon and dressing make a tasty sandwich too. —Davis Clevenger, Dexter, Oregon
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Orange Shrimp Mojo
With jalapeno, orange and avocado, this enticing entree is spicy, tangy and fresh with every bite. The sauce beautifully glazes the shrimp. —Don Thompson, Houston, Ohio
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Pina Colada Fruit Salad
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
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Pineapple Coleslaw
It’s rich. It’s juicy. It’s sweet. Pineapple coleslaw is the tropical twist that has been missing from picnics and backyard barbecues.
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Fresh Spring Rolls
Learn how to make rice paper-wrapped spring rolls that are fresh, crunchy and delicious. It is easier than you think!
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Quick Barbecued Beans
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
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Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Beer Margarita
A beer margarita gives you the casual ease of a beer with the citrusy pop of a margarita. Cheers!
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Refreshing Mojito
The great mint flavor of mojitos helps balance the spiciness of Cuban food. My recipe calls for apple rum and a purchased mix.—Eric Brill, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Salsa Rice
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
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Sherbet Cream Cake
For a show-stopping spring or summer dessert, serve this colorful, refreshing "cake." This recipe takes a little time to prepare, but it's a beautiful and delicious creation. Family members often request it for their birthdays. —Paula Wipf, Arlington, Virginia
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Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
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Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops
Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Southwest Steak
Lime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes kick things up. My husband and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. —Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia
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Mango Sticky Rice
As a nice contrast to traditional desserts, this Thai mango sticky rice recipe is a refreshing treat with a sweet and simple sauce that perks up your post-dinner taste buds.—Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
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Strawberry Melon Fizz
Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. I came up with this recipe by I combining two different recipes, one for a melon ball basket and another for a sparkling beverage. —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama
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Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
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Summer Dessert Pizza
Especially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Tropical Guacamole
Fresh pineapple stars in this fruity guacamole that sure hits the spot! Both kids and adults have enjoyed it as a poolside snack or as a satisfying appetizer at a summer barbecue. —Sarah White, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Summer Garden Fish Tacos
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
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Creamy Macaroni Salad
This creamy macaroni salad recipe is a classic cold noodle dish with oodles of crowd appeal. It features tender macaroni and crisp, colorful veggies tossed with an ultra-creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing.
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Tortellini & Chicken Caesar Salad
My family loved this pasta salad right from the start, so these days I serve it a lot. When grilling season hits, I grill the chicken as a special treat. —Lee Reese, Rolla, Missouri
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Tropical Beef Wrap
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
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Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
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Tropical Compote Dessert
To make a more adult version of this recipe, use brandy instead of the extra tropical fruit juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Tropical Layered Chicken Salad
This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it's always the first to go! —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
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