We recently asked our Facebook followers what they liked to do during the summer in the South. From the very enthusiastic responses, it’s clear that now is the perfect time for home cooks to prepare the freshest and tastiest recipes. Even though it’s hot, it’s also a great time to shop at farm stands, farmers’ markets, and local markets to purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are the best recipes our readers love to make with summer’s bounty.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s no surprise that the tomato sandwich appeared in many answers. How do you like yours? We say tomatoes, soft white bread and lots of mayonnaise.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
They come and go, so whenever fried green tomatoes appear on menus, our editors always order them. But if you have time and lots of green tomatoes, they’re worth making from scratch.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Accessories Stylist: Christina Daley
In summer, breakfast is even sweeter with a touch of freshness. Enter sweet and juicy blueberries to take pancakes to the next level.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Perhaps it’s the no-cook element of this barbecue staple that keeps our readers repeating this recipe. It’s a fresh and flavorful combination of black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, onions and cilantro tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
We always save room for dessert. And in summer, that means saving space for shoemakers. Fresh blueberries and a scoop of ice cream turn this refreshing recipe into a reward when piping hot and sweet.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Accessories stylist: Christine Keely
Your first slice of homemade tomato pie is a sign that summer has arrived. While this recipe isn’t a breeze to make, our readers think it’s essential to the entertaining season in the South.
Photo: Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
We love peaches in all their forms. And our readers agree that this simple idea is also perfect when you’re hosting and don’t want the hassle.
Monica Farber/Southern Living
While many are satisfied with good old-fashioned tomato sandwiches, some really can’t resist the addition of bacon. Well, bacon makes everything better. Period.
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Pasta salad is a must-have at every potluck, backyard barbecue, picnic, or family gathering. Bring back one of Mom’s favorite recipes that combines pasta, broccoli, grapes and nuts.
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Props Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Eggs? Mayo? There are many opinions about what should and shouldn’t go into a classic potato salad. And while we all have different ideas about what constitutes the best potato salad, we can all agree that potato salad is a summer staple.
Alison Miksch; Props Stylist: Kay Clark; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It wouldn’t be a summer event in the South without okra making a notable appearance. Ignore the haters and follow our cooking tips to enjoy this classic without a trace of slime. This recipe will always be a summer staple.
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Make delicious use of that summer squash bounty in this easy, creamy casserole, perfect for making ahead and freezing for later. Squash casserole may be at the top of our list of summer favorites, but it’s great any time of year. (Yes, we love seeing you at Christmas too.)
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Say hello to summer with a slice of refreshing lemon ice cream pie. This creamy, tangy, tangy pie is perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Cobbler hasn’t been on your list just once – but twice – and this time, peaches play the starring role. Whatever the fruit, be sure to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Photographer: Greg DuPree Props Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
Summer and ice cream go hand in hand. We’ll always stop at our local ice cream parlor to enjoy a scoop of our favorite flavors, but don’t underestimate the rich, creamy taste of homemade ice cream.
Will Dickey; Props Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food stylist: Ali Ramee
We welcome all types of salads at our potlucks and picnics. According to you, our readers, there’s nothing wrong with pasta salad, potato salad, or creamy broccoli salad.
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
It wouldn’t be a grandma-approved Southern occasion without a pan of tasty baked beans. This all-time favorite recipe is made with bacon, onions, pork, and canned beans.
HANNAH ZIMMERMAN/SOUTHERN LIFE
In the South, some of our best salads don’t contain lettuce. Case in point: a bowl of cucumbers and dill dressed in a sweet-and-sour vinegar-based brine.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer affair without the beloved strawberry shortcake appearing in all its sweet glory. This classic recipe makes its appearance around Mother’s Day and lasts throughout the season.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Want to impress all the guests at the potluck? Volunteer to bring this layered cornbread salad filled with bacon, cornbread, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn and more. It’s worthy of a blue ribbon and will truly be a crowd pleaser.
