Monthly Meal Plan: Recipes to Make in July
Looking for recipes to make during the month of July? Look no farther than this July menu, which highlights recipes to enjoy throughout the month. Featuring July 4th inspiration, as well as no bake treats, easy summertime dinners and more, this monthly meal plan has something for everyone.
2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was originally shared in July 2018. It has been updated to include more information about what’s in season, as well as a larger variety of recipes. I hope you love it and find it helpful!
Happy July, y’all! How are we this far into the year?!?
What are you planning for the Fourth of July? Do you have any big plans for the rest of the month?
Whether you’re freaking out over what to serve to guests outdoors for July 4th, looking for an easy (and fuss-free) meal to make for the family during the warm months that features summer produce, in search of a homemade frozen dessert or want to serve up a colorful cocktail or mocktail, I’ve got it all covered in this monthly meal plan.
Please note that I won’t break it down by the day and a specific meal every week, so if you’re looking for a menu planning resource that’s going to give you three complete meals for every day of the month, this isn’t for you.
What should I cook in the month of July?
Well, that depends on you and what you plan to do during this month. It also depends on where you live.
Since I live in the South, I am looking for things that are cold and require little work in a hot kitchen (or can be cooked quickly on the grill), as it’s scorching outside. I’m always looking for items from my local farmers markets.
No matter where you live or what you’re looking for, I’ve got lots of different options for you with these eclectic and seasonal July recipes.
As always, we love seasonal produce, sweet treats and super easy summer dinners that are full of flavor, so I’m sharing a lot of those to serve as inspiration for you.
What is in season in the month of July?
There are so many delicious fruits and veggies that are in season during July, though many of these products are determined by where you live. (After all, lots of things burn up in Texas during the summer heat, but they might thrive during summer temps farther north.)
All kinds of tomatoes should be available in stores and at markets. I’m talking beefsteak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes… you name the varietal, and it’s probably available now.
Peppers tend to love the heat of summer, so it’s easy to find sweet peppers (like bell peppers) and hot peppers, like jalapeños.
Culinary herbs love the summer months, too. Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, mint should be celebrated and used in various dishes. (After all, who can say no to anything garnished with fresh herbs?)
Corn, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber and okra should also be widely available now.
Melons, like watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc., are perfectly ripe and sweet throughout the month of July, too.
Stone fruits, like cherries, peaches, plums and apricots should be delicious and sweet. Berries (like blueberries, blackberries, etc.) are also in season, though local availability depends on where you live and how hot it is right now.
Y’all ready to get started? Check out my BEST recipes for July below…
July 4th Picnic Inspiration
Hosting a picnic for the Fourth? (This could also be called a barbecue or a pool party or ANY outdoor gathering.) Here are some amazingly wonderful dishes to serve to your people while y’all are enjoying the sunshine and the company of your guests.
1
Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs
Summertime is the season of barbecue… so it’s time to learn how to make a barbecue classic. Even though ribs take time, they’re well worth the effort, and these Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs are PERFECT for any summer get-together. Seasoned with homemade barbecue dry rub, these ribs cook low and slow for hours. Finish this nod to the Memphis dry rib on the grill or in the broiler, and serve with traditional barbecue sides to complete the feast!
Check out this recipe!
2
Juicy Lucy Burgers
Ground beef burgers, stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, are the perfect compliment to a summertime celebration. These Juicy Lucy Burgers are a showstopper, whether you're hosting folks for a barbecue or rained out indoors.
Check out this recipe!
3
Hot Dogs with Caramelized Onions and Pretzel Buns
Today, we’re making Hot Dogs with Caramelized Onions on Homemade Pretzel Buns, which are perfect for any July 4th celebration and get-together.
Check out this recipe!
4
BBQ Chicken Burger Bites with Avocado Slaw
These easy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of smoky, tangy and savory flavors packed into a bite-sized sandwich. Juicy chicken patties coated in a lightly spicy sauce pair beautifully with a crisp, creamy slaw — all tucked into a soft, toasted bun. Whether you're making them as appetizers for a party or game day, or as an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Check out this recipe!
5
Grilled Turkey Burgers
Fire up the grill and make the BEST Turkey Burgers today!These grilled turkey burgers are delicious year-round and incredibly easy to make if you know what you’re doing! Top them with lettuce, tomatoes, condiments and more and serve ‘em to your favorite people for any occasion.
Check out this recipe!
6
No Mayo Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a favorite summertime side… but oftentimes, it's weighed down by too much mayonnaise. This No Mayo Potato Salad is a lighter rendition of the classic, and is just as scrumptious. Red potatoes serve as the base, and they, along with hardboiled eggs, celery and green onions, are tossed in a light, flavorful dill vinaigrette. Serve at any picnic or cookout this summer and expect compliments on this surprisingly creamy potato salad.
Check out this recipe!
7
Ramen Noodle and Clementine Salad
Ramen Noodle and Clementine Salad is a favorite side dish that’s perfect for all seasons! Toss crunchy romaine lettuce with fresh clementines, broccoli, scallions and crisped ramen noodles, then top with a homemade honey vinaigrette to make the perfect salad. This recipe makes an outstanding and complementary side dish or a delicious entrée on its own.
Check out this recipe!
8
Cucumber Caprese Salad
Looking for the best cucumber recipe to make and share this season? Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fun twist on the classic summertime appetizer and side. All you need are four ingredients and about 10 minutes to make Caprese Salad with Cucumber!
Check out this recipe!
9
No Mayo Honey Mustard Coleslaw
Tired of coleslaw slathered in a thick mayonnaise sauce? Change up your coleslaw game by making this sweet and spicy Honey Mustard Coleslaw. Instead of a heavy dressing, the coleslaw is dressed lightly and perfect as a barbecue side dish or on top of a barbecue sandwich.
Check out this recipe!
10
Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a potluck or a backyard barbecue, Instant Pot BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect side to serve! Spicier and less sweet than the canned version, these vegetarian baked beans burst with flavor.
Check out this recipe!
11
Summer Fruit Salad with Watermelon
Celebrate summertime produce by making a Summer Fruit Salad with Watermelon! This easy side dish calls for fresh watermelon, berries and more. And it’s got a zesty fruit salad dressing to bring it all together. This watermelon fruit salad recipe is great to serve alongside breakfast and brunch or even at a potluck!
Check out this recipe!
12
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches is a perfect sweet appetizer or dessert for the summertime. Fire up the grill and grill your peaches until the sugars in the fruit caramelizes. Grill the crostini, too. Place the peach slices on top of the cheese, then drizzle with a balsamic vinegar reduction for the final touch. Perfect!
Check out this recipe!
13
Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Easy Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette is the PERFECT summertime side. With minimal ingredients and an easy homemade vinaigrette, this salad is delicious and super easy to make!
Check out this recipe!
Frozen Sweet Treats
It’s too hot to turn on the oven, y’all. What better way to celebrate the goodness of summer than by making desserts that don’t heat up the house?
14
Red White and Blue Popsicles
Red White and Blue Popsicles are a colorful, naturally sweet dessert to make for the hot months ahead. This healthy popsicle recipe is made with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for any patriotic gathering or a backyard barbecue!
Check out this recipe!
15
No Churn Peanut Butter Pecan Chip Ice Cream
Creamy, rich peanut butter ice cream, studded with pecans and dark chocolate chips, makes the perfect dessert. Even better? This No Churn Peanut Butter Pecan Chip Ice Cream requires no ice cream maker, so anyone can make this at home!
Check out this recipe!
16
Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops
These tangy, naturally sweet Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops make a refreshing sweet treat for a hot summer day. Roast strawberries in the oven with maple syrup, then toss with lemon zest, cream cheese, yogurt and maple syrup. When combined, pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. Once frozen, sprinkle with Graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy! These naturally sweetened Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops are the perfect summer dessert!
Check out this recipe!
17
No Churn Guinness Brownie Ice Cream
Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day, a birthday or any day, rich No Churn Guinness Brownie Ice Cream is sure to become a new favorite! Studded with homemade Guinness brownie chunks, this easy ice cream that doesn't require an ice cream maker is perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe!
18
Peach Julep Popsicles
Step up your adult popsicle game this summer by making Peach Julep Popsicles! These bourbon-y, peachy, minty and oh-so-refreshing pops are what you’ll want to enjoy on a hot summer day! Homemade mint simple syrup serves as the base, and that’s blended with fresh (or frozen) peaches and bourbon. Freeze until solid, put in the popsicle sticks, then enjoy! If you’re a fan of traditional juleps and enjoy a stiff drink, these popsicles are for you!
Check out this recipe!
19
Pimm’s Pops
Pimm’s Cups are refreshing summertime cocktails that go down easy on hot days. Why not take a classic Pimm’s Cup… and transform it into a popsicle? Pimm’s No. 1, ginger ale, lemon juice and agave nectar are blended together to create the base of these popsicles. The mixture is then poured into popsicle molds! Add a slice of cucumber once the pops begin firming up, and voila! You’ve got the perfect boozy popsicles for summer AND #popsicleweek!
Check out this recipe!
20
Chocolate Banana “Ice Cream”
Celebrate with vegan, healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream! Instead of using heavy cream and whole milk, freeze a banana, then blend it until smooth with cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract. This creamy, dreamy “ice cream” is the perfect dessert to enjoy for a birthday!
Check out this recipe!
21
Spiced Rum Horchata Popsicles
Cool down on a hot day with Spiced Rum Horchata Popsicles! Dairy free and refined sugar free, these vegan popsicles are creamy, flavorful and simple to make. A twist on a paleta (a Mexican popsicle), this Horchata Popsicle recipe is the perfect summertime treat for adults.
Check out this recipe!
22
Boozy Stracciatella and Raspberry Gelato
Dark chocolate, raspberry and bourbon, oh my! This Boozy Stracciatella and Raspberry Gelato is the perfect combination of decadent flavors and scoops up beautifully for a summer dessert.
Check out this recipe!
23
Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicles
Step up your summertime dessert game by making Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicles! These creamy popsicles start with a base of Dannon® Light & Fit Greek® Yogurt. Swirl the blueberry and vanilla yogurts together, then combine with juicy, roasted blueberries, vanilla wafer crumbles and lemon zest and juice. Freeze for 4-6 hours, then dip in additional wafer crumbles for the perfect summertime sweet! The whole family is going to love these popsicles!
Check out this recipe!
Easy Summer Meals for the Whole Family
I’m always looking for an easy, delicious recipe to serve to the family during the summertime. The only requirements is that it doesn’t take half the day to make and is wonderfully delicious.
24
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates
Satisfy a TexMex craving with Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates. This paleo-friendly recipe feeds a crowd and makes a delicious party entree. Roast pork in the slow cooker, then shred. Roast sweet potato cubes until crispy and whip up a simple homemade guacamole. Make the plates, adding the hash first, then the carnitas and guac. Bursting with flavor and perfect for entertaining, Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates are a new favorite!
Check out this recipe!
25
Turkey Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Peppers
Turkey Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Peppers makes a delicious dinner year-round, but especially when you’re looking for a lighter meal. This Cajun twist on a classic entree, which consists of rice, the trinity (of onion, celery and bell pepper) and ground turkey, is baked inside a bell pepper.
Check out this recipe!
26
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
No time to prep dinner at night? Get your start the morning of with this delightful, easy and delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf. Browned before it’s placed in the slow cooker with classic tomato soup, this meatloaf has great texture and flavor for a fast weeknight meal!
Check out this recipe!
27
Whole30 Taco Zucchini Boats
Bursting with flavor and summertime goodness, Taco Zucchini Boats are a dinner the whole family will adore! Hollow out fresh zucchini and fill with a ground beef-onion-zucchini-salsa filling before baking to perfection. Insanely flavorful with just the right amount of heat, these satisfying Taco Zucchini Boats bring taco flavors to the table without wheat, corn OR dairy! These zucchini boats are one of our favorite meals!
Check out this recipe!
28
Chipotle Lime Spicy Beer Can Chicken
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or a regular weeknight dinner with Chipotle Lime Spicy Beer Can Chicken! Slather a whole chicken with homemade spicy Chipotle Lime Butter, then roast atop a beer can for additional flavor and moisture. When done, rest the golden brown chicken, then slice and serve. Moist and flavorful, this whole chicken pairs perfectly with a favorite beer, rice, guacamole and more! Let’s make Chipotle Lime Spicy Beer Can Chicken tonight!
Check out this recipe!
29
Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup
Fresh tomatoes are EVERYWHERE these days. Got an abundance? Make this Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup with them, and enjoy now… or freeze for later!
Check out this recipe!
30
Zucchini Chicken Enchiladas
Looking for a simple dinner that's great for a family but also for sharing? These cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas are smothered in homemade red enchilada sauce and make for an amazing, hearty meal.
Check out this recipe!
Colorful Summer Cocktails
Summertime is my favorite season for making fun drinks at home because you can make them in SO many different colors! Below are some of my most popular and searched drink recipes of the summer months… and for good reason!
31
Cucumber Margarita
Looking for a refreshing, less sweet cocktail? This 5-ingredient Cucumber Margarita recipe is for you! Made with ingredients you’ve probably already got at home, this cucumber drink is refreshing and delicious.
Check out this recipe!
32
Bourbon Peach Slush
Celebrate peach season with a refreshing Bourbon Peach Slush. Simple to make and easier to sip, this frozen cocktail is perfect for an end-of-summer party.
Check out this recipe!
33
Strawberry Honeysuckle Sparkler
The bubbly Strawberry Honeysuckle Sparkler is a 4-ingredient summertime cocktail featuring fresh strawberries and honeysuckle vodka. This strawberry cocktail recipe is made in the blender and easy to share!
Check out this recipe!
34
Vodka Lemonade with Raspberry
Enjoy a cool Vodka Lemonade with Raspberry! This refreshing warm weather cocktail calls for just three ingredients—Pinnacle® Original Vodka, DeKuyper® Razzmatazz® Liqueur and lemonade—and mixes up in a flash. While the recipe makes enough for one drink, you can easily double, triple or quadruple it for a crowd for laid back entertaining. No matter what you mix it for, this Pinnacle® Lemonade with Raspberry is a perfect summertime sipper!
Check out this recipe!
35
Frozen Moscow Mule
Cool off this summer with a gingery, refreshing Frozen Mule. Made with classic Moscow Mule ingredients, this slushy cocktail drinks easy.
Check out this recipe!
36
Pineapple Margarita
If you love a pineapple cocktail, you’ve got to try a fresh Pineapple Margarita recipe. This pineapple-forward drink is smooth and has the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Served with a salted rim or a Tajin rim, this pineapple cocktail will make any gathering an event.
Check out this recipe!
37
Blackberry Ginger White Wine Slush
Hot weather and long days calls for a Blackberry Ginger White Wine Slush! This adult slushy is what the warm months need, and it’s so simple to make! Puree fresh or frozen blackberries with white wine in the blender, then freeze overnight. Once the mixture is the correct consistency, scoop into cocktail glasses and top with ginger ale. Tart and oh-so-delicious, these Blackberry Ginger White Wine Slushes are sure to become a summertime favorite!
Check out this recipe!
38
Peach Moscow Mule
Celebrate summertime by mixing up a Peach Moscow Mule! Fresh peach puree serves as the base for this cocktail. Mix with ginger beer, vodka, a squeeze of lime and cinnamon simple syrup. Sweet, but not too sweet, this fun twist on a classic Moscow Mule tastes like a slice of peach pie on a hot day. Whether you’re serving yourself or a crowd, these Peach Moscow Mules are satisfying, well-balanced and a unique sipper to serve at any gathering!
Check out this recipe!
39
Raspberry Mango Spring Sangria
Raspberry Mango Spring Sangria sings of springtime flavors! Gather friends for this delightfully simple sangria that is oh-so-delicious, yet simple to make. In a large pitcher, muddle raspberries and mint before adding diced mango. Add lime juice and lime slices before pouring in a bottle of sauvignon blanc. Add additional raspberries to the mixture, then chill in the refrigerator overnight. This sangria is best enjoyed cold on a hot day!
Check out this recipe!
40
Peach Margarita
Homemade peach margaritas are a wonderful summertime sipper! This 5-ingredient peach margarita recipe involves real peaches (not peach-flavored liqueur) and mixes up in a blender in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe!
41
Honeysuckle Cherry Smash
The Cherry Smash with Honeysuckle Vodka is a favorite summertime cocktail. Calling for just six ingredients, this cherry vodka drink is easy to mix at home and so refreshing. Switch it up and use bourbon, rum or plain vodka in place of the honeysuckle vodka!
Check out this recipe!
42
Blackberry Gin Slush
Cool off with a Blackberry Gin Slush this summer! This cocktail mixes frozen blackberries with ginger ale, mint and gin and makes a delightful, chilled creation that's hard to stop sipping.
Check out this recipe!
Colorful Summer Mocktails
Like the recipes above, these call for those delicious, seasonal ingredients… but are without the added alcohol. These recipes are loved by the whole family!
43
Blueberry Lemonade
The thermometer is climbing as the warm summer temperatures arrive. To combat the heat, we should cool down with a glass of this large-batch Blueberry Lemonade, which strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Check out this recipe!
44
Virgin Margarita
If you’re looking how to make a nonalcoholic margarita or a virgin margarita, you’re in the right place! This 4-ingredient mocktail is simple to make at home and doesn’t require any specialty ingredients!
Check out this recipe!
45
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon Lemonade is a fresh and delicious summer drink that is perfectly balanced. Made with fresh watermelon and three other simple ingredients, this watermelon drink recipe is perfect for sharing. Mix up a batch this summer to cool off!
Check out this recipe!
46
Ginger Peach Punch
Ginger Peach Punch is the perfect refreshing sipper for summertime! This nonalcoholic drink, which calls for just three ingredients, comes together quickly and goes down easily. Perfect for afternoon sipping, baby and bridal showers and more, Ginger Peach Punch is destined to become your new summer favorite!
Check out this recipe!
47
Arnold Palmer Iced Tea
Named after the legendary golfer who invented it, the Arnold Palmer Iced Tea is a refreshing drink. A combination of homemade unsweetened tea and lightly sweetened lemonade, this mocktail sips easy on a hot day. The best part is that when you make the tea and lemonade at home, you can control the sweetness and find your favorite ratio of tea-to-lemonade! Drinking an Arnold Palmer Iced Tea is the perfect way to cool down on a summer’s day.
Check out this recipe!
48
Lavender Lemonade
Lavender Lemonade is a refreshing, floral and balanced drink to make all summer long. All you need are three ingredients, including homemade lavender simple syrup, to make this easy lemonade recipe.
Check out this recipe!
49
Strawberry Virgin Margarita
Cool down during the warm weather months by mixing up a Strawberry Virgin Margarita! This booze-free rendition of the beloved margarita has the same sweet-tart kick and packs in the flavor, only calling for five ingredients.
Check out this recipe!
50
Homemade Cherry Limeade
If you’re a Sonic Cherry Limeade fan, listen up! This homemade Cherry Limeade recipe is the real deal — no drive-through necessary. Learn how to make your own limeade, a fresh cherry syrup and more to make this summer drink.
Check out this recipe!
51
Mint Lemonade
Cool down with a glass of naturally sweetened Mint Lemonade this summer. This tart and refreshing twist on a classic calls for very few ingredients, but doesn't call for granulated sugar or a simple syrup. Including lemon juice, water and muddled mint leaves, this lemonade is incredibly refreshing to sip any warm day.
Check out this recipe!
52
Blackberry Ginger Lemon Whole30 Tea
Cool down with Blackberry Ginger Lemon Whole30 Tea! This Whole30-compliant iced tea makes the perfect sipper for the warm months ahead. This tea’s brightness comes from the fresh muddled blackberries and lemon added to the tea during an hour-long steep. Strain, chill, then serve ice cold. Perfect for summertime holidays, picnics, potlucks, barbecues and more, Blackberry Ginger Lemon Whole30 Tea is sure to become a favorite summertime drink!
Check out this recipe!
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Bring on all of the cookout food and frozen treats this month!