Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More
    • The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More
    • 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
    • 45-Minute Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Budget-Friendly Recipes
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Videos
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Summer Entertaining
  3. 28 Nostalgia-Worthy Retro Summer Recipes

28 Nostalgia-Worthy Retro Summer Recipes

July 20, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Summertime Peach Ice Cream

Pool days, catching fireflies after dark, pickup baseball games, picnics--after the holidays, summertime might be the season that most inspires all the nostalgic feels.  The foods we traditionally associate with summertime are no different.  Juicy peaches, cold fruit salads, succulent ribs, homemade ice cream, creamy coleslaws and potato salads--these delicious summer dishes (and more) make us feel all the warm (and often hot and humid) fuzzies.  Take a trip down memory lane with this collection of retro summer recipes that deserve a comeback in 2021.  

Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

Strawberry Pretzel Squares
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy center, a tangy strawberry layer—whatever you're in the mood for, here it is.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email
<p>Nothing says "summer"—or shows off summertime's best produce—like a classic tomato pie. Old-fashioned Tomato Pie is summer perfection thanks to garden fresh tomatoes and chopped herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley, or chives. When you serve Old-fashioned Tomato Pie, this plate of goodness is always a home run.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Nothing says "summer"—or shows off summertime's best produce—like a classic tomato pie. Old-fashioned Tomato Pie is summer perfection thanks to garden fresh tomatoes and chopped herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley, or chives. When you serve Old-fashioned Tomato Pie, this plate of goodness is always a home run.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Almond Jelly Roll with Raspberry Filling

Almond Jelly Roll with Raspberry Filling
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Almond paste makes the cake a bit sticky, so be sure to coat the wax paper in the pan with cooking spray and dust with flour before spooning in the batter. Combining the almond paste and sugar in a blender or food processor helps incorporate the paste into the batter without lumps. This cake can be made a day in advance; just wrap it in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Get back to basics with a traditional potato salad featuring chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, and eggs combined with a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing flavored with mustard and vinegar.

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Texas caviar makes a perfect side for barbecue but is equally delicious as a starter salad or a dip for tortilla chips.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Banana Fluffer Nutters

Banana Fluffer Nutters
Credit: Grant Cornett; Styling: Alistair Turnbull
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a lightly sweetened late-night treat, bite into Banana Fluffer Nutters.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Macaroni Salad

mr-Macaroni Salad image
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Robin Bashinsky
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For the perfect, all-purpose macaroni salad, look no further than this easy recipe. Our version of the staple summertime side dish delivers everything you love about a classic, creamy pasta salad, but with an extra touch of vibrancy. Chopped bell peppers deliver colorful, sweet crunch, while cream cheese provides a tangy depth and fresh dill lends a flavorful kick of freshness. Whether you're heading to a picnic or potluck-style barbecue, a large bowl of this macaroni salad will always be more than welcome. 

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Jack's Fried Catfish

Jack's Fried Catfish
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Catfish were readily abundant in the Antebellum South and, due to their status as "bottom feeders," weren't deemed the most stylish dinner staples. Once the South's seafood secret, mild-flavored catfish has gained popularity nationwide. Simply soak the catfish in milk for an hour before frying to eliminate any leftover fishy taste. The cornmeal crust creates a perfect light and crispy texture.  The catfish are done when "most of the bubbling stops and the fillets begin to float."

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Real Banana Pudding

mr - Real Banana Pudding Reshoot
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You've never had homemade banana pudding like this before. It's a simple, from-scratch dessert that'll leave your guests speechless: homemade vanilla pudding layered with vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices and topped with a cloud of meringue. Some like it warm. Others prefer it nice and cold. The hardest part is waiting for it to fully chill.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This old-fashioned upside-down cake recipe features pineapple slices that are browned in butter in the bottom of the skillet and then topped with a rich cake batter.  This recipe also offers an "express" version that uses cake mix.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Summertime Peach Ice Cream

Summertime Peach Ice Cream
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cool off this summer with a refreshing scoop (or a few) of our homemade peach ice cream. Offering the classic peaches-and-cream combo in every bite, this fruit-based ice cream is the perfect way to showcase bright summer flavors. If you're able to use fresh Georgia peaches, you're one of the lucky ones. Make a batch while peaches are in season, and enjoy the silky-smooth treat all summer long. Pair it with a fresh slice of peach pie, a toasted pecan topping, or just a warm evening outdoors. This delightfully creamy dessert is sure to become a summertime favorite.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Lemony Cucumber Salad

Lemony Cucumber Salad
Credit: Quentin Bacon; Styling: Anghard Bailey
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't forget that something fresh, vibrant, and crunchy is often missing from potluck gatherings.  This easy salad will get gobbled up quickly because it satisfies on those levels.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Classic Chess Pie

MR_051019_chesspie27.jpg
Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Tori Cox and Gordon Sawyer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you've got baking staples in your kitchen, then you probably have everything you need for a classic chess pie. This old-fashioned pie typically has two distinctive ingredients, cornmeal and vinegar, plus other on-hand ingredients such as sugar, flour, eggs, milk and vanilla. This version is made easy with the use of refrigerated pie crusts.

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Easy Peach Cobbler

Photographer Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist Mindi Shapiro; Food Stylist Torie C
Credit: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

What could be a more perfect ending to a summertime meal than easy peach cobbler? Savor the flavors of summer with sliced fresh peaches cooking away with butter and spices. The topping can made from pantry ingredients you have on hand and peaches can easily be substituted with any fruit you have depending on the time of year. The tang of the lemon juice paired with the sweetness of the peaches is perfectly balanced with the crisp topping. Want to make dessert even better? A dollop of fresh whipped cream or cold vanilla ice cream truly makes it the perfect way to end a summer night.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Barbecue Chicken

Barbecue Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thighs and drumsticks are often cheaper than breasts, making this a budget-friendly barbecue choice. The spice rub is a mixture of spices you probably already have in your pantry.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Millionaire Salad

Millionaire Salad
Credit: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sometimes known as five-cup salad, this sweet, creamy dish is a recipe that many Americans grew up with.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

No one does Fried Green Tomatoes like Southern Living. The cornmeal and flour crust is what sets this recipe apart from others. In only a matter of minutes, your tomatoes will be battered, fried and perfectly crispy. Not only can you enjoy these as a perfect summer appetizer paired with Buttermilk Herb Ranch Sauce, you can also try sandwiching them with lettuce and bacon for an elevated BLT,or scattering them in between fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for crunch and flavor in a caprese salad.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Tuna Melt

Tuna Melt image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The tuna melt--you either love it or hate it. However, if you happen to be one of the few on the fence, you should definitely give this one a try. Our take on a classic tuna melt offers an element of childhood nostalgia, but with a layer of grown-up flavor. The incorporation of capers, Dijon, and fresh lemon juice give the tuna salad brightness and complexity to balance the buttery, toasted bread and rich, melty Swiss cheese. This classic sandwich is also delightful when served open-faced, so feel free to lose the second slice of bread if you'd prefer. 

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Mixed Herb-and-Tomato Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this simple yet memorable tomato salad in the height of summer, when tomatoes and fresh herbs abound. It doesn't matter what variety of tomatoes you use, or the type of herbs (choose soft herbs, not woody ones like rosemary or thyme), as long as you mix them up—any combination will look beautiful and taste great. Be sure to let the tomatoes stand for at least 10 minutes, to allow them to marinate in the dressing and fully release their juices into the vinaigrette. Serve the salad at room temperature alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even a simple piece of fish. It also makes a colorful (and portable!) addition to a summer potluck or cookout. 

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Amy Burke
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Why limit French fried onions to green bean casserole?  We love them on this cheesy squash casserole, too.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Crunchy, Creamy Coleslaw

Crunchy, Creamy Coleslaw
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With a combination of red and green cabbage, this yummy coleslaw dish will win anyone over! Serve with your favorite barbecue or taco meals.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Cheddar-and-Corn Spoon Bread

Cheddar-and-Corn Spoon Bread
Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Andrea Steinberg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While a close cousin to cornbread, Southern spoon bread is a moister, denser dish that's closer to a corn souffle or corn pudding.  

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Credit: Karry Hosford
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this light broccoli salad with creamy dressing, grapes, celery, and raisins. This quick and easy green salad is perfect for making ahead to enjoy for lunches to come. It is also a delicious side for entertaining. The salad is sweet and light, but still filling. This is a classic recipe, but you can add an original twist with toppings like cranberries, pistachios, or almonds. Pair it with a nice grilled chicken recipe for lunch or dinner.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Ambrosia with Chantilly Cream

Ambrosia with Chantilly Cream
Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The original ambrosia recipe is simply a layering of orange slices, sugar, and toasted unsweetened coconut. Over the years, folks began to add pineapple, maraschino cherries, and whipped cream to create more of a fruit salad, but the name stuck.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Best-Ever Succotash

Best-Ever Succotash
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There are three must-have ingredients in a good pan of succotash: fresh tomatoes, cream or butter, and fresh herbs. We prefer cherry tomatoes to slicing to boost the sweetness of the dish and add a little acidity for balance. Instead of the more traditional heavy cream, this recipe calls for salted butter to give the colorful vegetables richness without turning them gray. And where many succotash recipes call for soft herbs, such as tarragon, chives, and parsley, we prefer basil. Its classic flavor and aroma just says "summer". 

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email
<p>Barbecue season is here, but we'll let you in on a secret: All you really need for crowd-pleasing ribs is the right recipe and a slow cooker. Savory, tender, juicy, and slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe for Easy BBQ Ribs is our newest and best. And just because it's easy doesn't mean this recipe lacks character. Add our homemade Rib Rub and Fancy Barbecue Sauce for a foolproof meal that's truly special. </p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Barbecue season is here, but we'll let you in on a secret: All you really need for crowd-pleasing ribs is the right recipe and a slow cooker. Savory, tender, juicy, and slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe for Easy BBQ Ribs is our newest and best. And just because it's easy doesn't mean this recipe lacks character. Add our homemade Rib Rub and Fancy Barbecue Sauce for a foolproof meal that's truly special. 

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Layered Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Layered Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The various colors and textures of Layered Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing make for a pretty presentation in a clear glass bowl. You can even prepare this layered salad a few hours in advance up until the point at which you add the dressing. Dress the layered salad no more than 10 minutes before serving.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email
<p>When life gives you lemons, use it to make this pie! The filling is pure heaven, not too sweet, and full of tartness from lemon juice and zest. If you like, you can speed things up with a premade graham cracker crust, but don't compromise when it comes to using fresh lemons. </p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When life gives you lemons, use it to make this pie! The filling is pure heaven, not too sweet, and full of tartness from lemon juice and zest. If you like, you can speed things up with a premade graham cracker crust, but don't compromise when it comes to using fresh lemons. 

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28 Strawberry Pretzel Squares
    2 of 28
    3 of 28 Almond Jelly Roll with Raspberry Filling
    4 of 28 Classic Potato Salad
    5 of 28 Texas Caviar
    6 of 28 Banana Fluffer Nutters
    7 of 28 Macaroni Salad
    8 of 28 Jack's Fried Catfish
    9 of 28 Real Banana Pudding
    10 of 28 Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
    11 of 28 Summertime Peach Ice Cream
    12 of 28 Lemony Cucumber Salad
    13 of 28 Classic Chess Pie
    14 of 28 Easy Peach Cobbler
    15 of 28 Barbecue Chicken
    16 of 28 Millionaire Salad
    17 of 28 Fried Green Tomatoes
    18 of 28 Tuna Melt
    19 of 28 Mixed Herb-and-Tomato Salad
    20 of 28 Squash Casserole
    21 of 28 Crunchy, Creamy Coleslaw
    22 of 28 Cheddar-and-Corn Spoon Bread
    23 of 28 Broccoli Salad
    24 of 28 Ambrosia with Chantilly Cream
    25 of 28 Best-Ever Succotash
    26 of 28
    27 of 28 Layered Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
    28 of 28

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email
    MyRecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright MyRecipes. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

    Sign in

    View image

    28 Nostalgia-Worthy Retro Summer Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.