Grab the best summer recipes for fun gatherings. From appetizers and refreshing drinks to main dishes and desserts, we’ve got you covered!
Summer is here, and you know what that means — it's time to fire up the grill and pack those picnic baskets! There’s something blissful about gathering with friends and family, enjoying the sunshine and indulging in some delicious, homemade food together.
Whether you're planning a laid-back picnic in the park or a lively backyard BBQ, I've got you covered with some mouth-watering summer recipes that’ll make your gatherings unforgettable.
By the way, I'm Lindsey, your health-conscious (but let’s keep it real) friend! I’m a wife, mom and lover of all things food. I’m always on the lookout for tasty and wholesome recipes to share with my tribe.
With a house full of six boys (yes, six!), I know a thing or two about feeding a crowd and keeping everyone happy. That’s why I’m so excited to share this collection of summer recipes that’ll take your seasonal feasts to the next level.
In this ultimate guide to summer BBQ and picnic recipes, you'll find dinner ideas, sides, cool treats, thirst-quenching beverages and a whole lotta desserts. What can I say? We love desserts ‘round here. Each recipe is crafted with love, keeping in mind the balance of flavors and the joy of eating natural foods.
Alright, here we go!
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can’t go wrong with a soft, chewy cookie surrounded by friends and family under the summer sun. They’ll be the perfect sweet addition to your spread.
These chocolate chip cookies bring a touch of homemade goodness to any outdoor gathering. So, as you plan your next BBQ or picnic, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these healthier chocolate chip cookies everyone will love!
These cookies aren't just a treat — they're a testament to wholesome, mindful eating.
Pear Salad With Chicken, Feta & Elderberry Vinaigrette
Elevate your BBQ or picnic spread with a refreshing and nutritious Pear Salad — with a twist. This versatile dish makes a delightful side or a satisfying main course, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Juicy pear slices, tender grilled chicken and creamy feta come together beautifully, drizzled with a unique elderberry vinaigrette that adds a burst of tangy sweetness. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a vibrant, healthy option.
Summer Fruit Pizza
A soft sugar cookie crust topped with elderberry-sweetened Greek yogurt and garnished with fresh summer fruits. Yum! If you’re anything like me, the thought of this delicious dish has you eager to whip it up right now.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for sure. This fruit pizza is stunning to look at and super simple to whip up. Get ready to have no leftovers when you show up to a BBQ, shower or potluck with this gorgeous treat.
Lemon Elderberry Poke Cake
This Lemon Elderberry Poke Cake is loaded with real and clean ingredients — from the cake to the frosting and everything in between. Imagine a moist, zesty lemon cake infused with pockets of vibrant elderberry syrup, each bite bursting with refreshing, fruity flavors.
This cake is topped with a light, creamy frosting that perfectly balances the tangy lemon and sweet elderberry. Its bright, summery flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert. You’re sure to impress your friends and family while keeping things wholesome, healthy and delicious.
Smoky & Sweet BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
This BBQ chicken flatbread pizza is full of flavor with our elderberry BBQ sauce, moist chicken, cheese, red onion and cilantro. Perfect for summer hangouts! It’s so easy to make and everyone will rave about it for weeks to come. This flatbread pizza is also very customizable, so feel free to ditch the onions or add more chicken — it’s up to you.
Elderberry Shortbread Bars
These incredible elderberry shortbread bars are made with a buttery crust, layered with elderberry gooeyness, and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie-type crumble.
This summer recipe is mouth-watering and one is never enough. You've been warned.
The elderberry shortbread bars are made 100% from scratch and are 100% delicious. Just one bar delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants and your daily dose of elderberry syrup.
Old Fashioned Elderberry Cherry Pie
Nothing says summer like a slice of old-fashioned elderberry cherry pie. It’s a perfect dessert for your BBQ or picnic. This classic pie combines the rich, tart flavors of elderberries and cherries, creating a party in your mouth with every bite.
The flaky, golden crust holds a luscious filling that’s both sweet and tangy, making it an irresistible treat for everyone. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch as it becomes the star of your outdoor gathering. This pie is not just a dessert — it's a nostalgic nod to timeless, homemade goodness.
Elderberry Fruit Salad
Meet your new summer recipe obsession! This fruit salad takes minutes to put together and is drizzled with a delicious combo of raw honey and elderberry syrup. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and this giant bowl of fruit will be the talk of the town for the entire summer.
Chocolate Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate cupcakes topped with tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and richness, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert spread. Whether you're celebrating under the summer sun or enjoying a cozy picnic in the park, these chocolate cupcakes are sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
Healthy Elderberry Popsicles
Give those summer-crazed kiddos a way to stay cool without having them hopped up on sugar! These healthy popsicles are great to keep in a cooler where the kids can grab them as they please.
These popsicles are bursting with healthy ingredients like fruit and organic elderberry syrup. So while they think they’re eating pure sugar, they’re really building their immune systems.
Thirst-Quenching Beverages
Wow your guests with these delicious summer drinks that’ll quench their thirst and leave their taste buds dancing.
ELDERBERRY LEMONADE
One of my favorite summer drinks ever! Skip the powders and pre-made lemonades. They’re usually loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. For homemade elderberry lemonade, add a splash of elderberry syrup to a cup of ice. Then, add the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon, and fill the remaining space in your glass with water.
The elderberry syrup adds the perfect touch of honey (one of the seven ingredients in my organic elderberry syrup), so there’s no need for any added sugar. If it’s not sweet enough for your tastebuds, just add more honey to suit your preference.
ELDERBERRY ICED TEA
Nothing quenches your thirst like a cup of iced tea on a warm day! Simply brew your favorite tea (or check out our teas here), and add a splash of Organic Elderberry Syrup to give it a delightful twist. Your guests will love this treat.
ELDERBERRY MOJITO
The perfect cocktail for adults on those peaceful, starry nights. This refreshing and immune-boosting Elderberry Mojito is one of those drinks you can’t just have one of.
Mix 1.5 ounces of elderberry syrup and 1.5 ounces of white rum muddled over mint leaves and lime, then top it with club soda or sparkling water. Holy moly, just you wait!
Connect With Loved Ones Through Summer Recipes
Hosting a BBQ or picnic is more than just a meal — it's an opportunity to connect with loved ones, enjoy the outdoors and savor delicious food. With the right planning, a simple and delightful menu and a willingness to let loose and have some fun, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Quick note: you might have realized many summer recipes involve elderberry syrup. That’s because I’m in love with it. Elderberry syrup is more than just a tasty ingredient — it’s how I support my family’s immune systems year-round. Adding it to recipes is a fun way to get our daily dose in!
If you’re making any of these recipes, don’t forget to grab your Elderberry Syrup by clicking here. Stock up so you’re ready to whip up these yummy treats whenever you want them!
Remember that the key to a successful gathering is to keep things relaxed and enjoyable. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing your favorite summer recipes, and don't stress about perfection.
The essence of your event lies in the shared moments and laughter. Whether you're biting into a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie, enjoying a slice of old-fashioned elderberry cherry pie or savoring a fresh and vibrant pear salad. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill and let the good times roll. Happy hosting!