Southern Summer Desserts & Light Dishes
Jun 05, 2025
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Warm evenings call for a table loaded with contrast—think Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe flanked by Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings, a scoop of Creamy Southern Coleslaw cooling the bite of Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce – Mardi Gras Louisiana Shrimp Recipes, and just enough sweet-talk courtesy of Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe and the lightning-fast Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie. Refreshing, satisfying, and unmistakably Southern, this lineup keeps summer light without skimping on flavor.
Table of Contents
- Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings
- A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad
- Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting
- Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze
- Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
- Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili
- Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe
- Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe
- Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce – Mardi Gras Louisiana Shrimp Recipes
- Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

These Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings are the perfect appetizer or side dish! The tangy buttermilk batter and blend of spices create a flavorful, crunchy coating that’s simply irresistible. Get ready for a taste of the South in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings
A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

This Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad is a tangy and crunchy twist on a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. The kid-friendly recipe combines elbow macaroni with a flavorful mix of dill pickle relish, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad
Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

If you love banana bread, you’ll obsess over this snackable gluten-free banana cake! The real star is the maple walnut cream cheese frosting that takes this cake to the next level. It’s perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting
Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

This apple and butternut squash cake is the perfect dessert to welcome the autumn season. The cake is topped with a sweet buttermilk glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite every time. Enjoy this Southern classic with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze
Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Penna Dutch Potato Salad brings Amish-style comfort with a creamy, crunchy twist—its signature hot dressing makes this nostalgic side truly unforgettable!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This pumpkin spice cream cheese pound cake is bursting with fall flavors! Tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, and aromatic cardamom complement the rich cream cheese center of this moist cake, making it the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

This Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili recipe elevates the classic snack into a hearty and flavorful main dish. Featuring layers of Fritos, rich cowgirl chili, and plenty of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner. Top with your favorite fixings such as sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for a Tex-Mex treat that will become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili
Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie

This easy 15-minute peanut butter and chocolate cream pie is a ridiculously easy dessert that requires only a handful of ingredients. It’s no-bake and features layers of peanut butter and chocolate cream over a graham cracker crust. Garnish with nuts and chocolate for an impressive and delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie
Creamy Southern Coleslaw

This Creamy Southern Coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s perfect for barbecues and cookouts. The recipe uses an uncommon ingredient that seriously enhances the flavor and creaminess! Make it ahead of time and let it hang out overnight for the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Coleslaw
Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

This pesto salmon recipe is a healthy and delicious dish that’s easy to make. Bright parsley and sweet roasted garlic combine with salmon fillets for a quick, elegant meal. It’s perfect for Easter or any seafood dinner!
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe
Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe

This Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe combines a few simple ingredients for a dessert that is simply divine! Fresh peaches are wrapped in crescent roll dough, then baked in a spiced rum and brown sugar sauce. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe
Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce – Mardi Gras Louisiana Shrimp Recipes

These citrus-marinated shrimp are perfect for any occasion, especially Mardi Gras! Serve them with a delicious French Quarter Louis sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Garnish with lettuce leaves and citrus for a beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce – Mardi Gras Louisiana Shrimp Recipes
Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy and decadent brownie mix chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat to whip up when you can’t decide between cookies or brownies. Using a brownie mix as the base makes them incredibly easy to make and customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate morsels, pecans, and toffee bits. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any cookie exchange or holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe: Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies


