The 16 Recipes We Can’t Wait To Make This July

Best Spinach Dip Ever

This is the perfect no-cook, one-bowl summer dip to bring to a picnic or barbecue. Simply mix together sour cream, mayo, spinach, chopped water chestnuts, and soup mix, allow the flavors to meld in the fridge, then serve with bread, chips, or veggies. It’s as easy as that and completely delicious—over 1,100 five-star reviews agree.

Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad

July is when peaches start popping up everywhere—and we couldn’t be more excited. This recipe is a great place to start: simply layer fresh slices of the fruit alongside tomatoes and mozzarella, then finish with good olive oil, balsamic, and fresh basil for a taste of summer perfection.

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

According to recipe creator Nicole Graham Holley, “This fruit salad is perfect for a backyard BBQ party or any occasion. There are never leftovers! This is one of my favorite fruit salad recipes, as I think the citrusy sauce really makes it. This salad is tastier the longer you can let it soak in its juices. I prefer 3 to 4 hours in the refrigerator before I serve it.”

Shredded Zucchini Casserole

There’s never a bad time for a casserole—especially the way creator Sarah Brekke sells it: “This shredded zucchini casserole is a great recipe when your garden is overflowing with zucchini. Cheesy with a crunchy panko topping, it makes a tasty side dish to any roasted meat or fish.”

Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich

Straight from the pages of our Pool Party Playbook, this is a delicious sandwich to pack in the cooler for those days spent on the beach or poolside. Chef John takes everything we love about a Greek salad and stuffs it into a fresh roll for our go-to lunch this month.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Save room in the cooler for this summer darling as well. Tangy pesto dressing gets tossed with pasta, ripe tomatoes, crunchy arugula, shredded chicken, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and rich pine nuts for an elevated side or main dish. “Will absolutely make it again,” promises plates4u.

Beer Brats

There’s never a better time for beer brats than the Fourth of July. So here’s your annual reminder to pull out this favorite recipe and fire up the grill to finish them off. They’re fun to dress up and customize, too.

Copycat Chili Crisp Shrimp

Skip the Panda Express drive-thru with this make-at-home version—a fun summer cooking project the whole family can enjoy. And take a hint from the recipe page: use store-bought chili crisp, such as Lao Gan Ma or Fly by Jing, or go all in and make your own.

Triple Seared Whiskey Burger

Take a tasty twist on the same old grilled burgers this Fourth with Chef John’s recipe, which “uses the technique from Japanese-style triple seared steak and produces the most extraordinarily delicious, juicy burger, with a whiskey-soy glazed exterior.” The method is a little more complex, but so is the flavor in the finished product.

Hot Honey Baked Beans

Hot honey is everywhere right now—and for good reason. It adds depth to the classic barbecue side. Allrecipes Allstar Christina recently tested this recipe and said, “Absolutely delicious! These are a little on the drier side, but the flavors and textures are spot on, and I actually like that they aren’t so liquid-y. I’m not into super spicy foods, and these have just the right amount of spice to not be too overpowering. I will definitely be making this simple side dish all summer long!”

Saucy Sesame Gochujang Meatballs

Dress up store-bought meatballs with an irresistible glaze packed with flavor from soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, gochujang, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and more. They’ll be the first thing gone from your next potluck.

Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers

We can thank Allstar Pat Bernitt for this gem. As she states, “These grilled marinated halloumi and vegetable skewers will be some of the most colorful, tasty, savory kabobs you’ve ever had. Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and mint if you like.” Trust us, don’t skip grilled halloumi this season.

Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad

If you need a festive dessert everyone will love, Nicole McLaughlin has you covered: “Strawberry pretzel salad walks right off the buffet table in this fun recipe, combining all the elements of pretzel salad right in a snack-size bag of mini pretzels (inspired by walking tacos). Strawberries, whipped topping, Jell-O, and pudding, plus salty pretzels, make for a winning go-anywhere snack.”

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie

Grab another box of Jell-O for this newcomer to the site. Because who can say no to a slice of sweet, tart, decadent orange creamsicle pie? Certainly not us. Besides, this flavor combo seems to be everywhere this summer. Senior Editorial Director Diana Moutsopoulos ensures this “tastes just like the childhood favorite frozen treat, creamy and rich, with a bright, punchy orange pop from fresh orange zest and juice.”

Freddo Espresso

Let your morning coffee cool you off with this satisfying and refreshing Greek-style iced coffee that is “quick and easy to make at home.” Espresso is shaken with ice and sugar, then served over more ice. Need we say more?

Big Batch Limoncello Basil Spritz

We’re all raising a glass to this four-ingredient winner from Juliana Hale. Just muddle basil in a pitcher, add Prosecco, limoncello, and chilled sparkling water, then pour over ice. So refreshing! And so easy to make a big batch to serve eight.

If you prefer to serve a mocktail, this Red, White, and Blueberry Lemonade is the perfect choice this July.