Southern Summer Desserts & Light Dishes

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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.

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy onion rings on parchment paper, accompanied by a small dish of ketchup. Whole onions are in the background on a wooden surface, enhancing the rustic presentation.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

Macaroni salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

a hunk of cake, with frosting and walnuts
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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

a white plate with a slice of cake
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

Creamy potato salad with diced vegetables and a sprinkle of black pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

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

a bundt cake with cranberries and coffee
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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

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

slice of pie on a white plate, with peanut butter and chocolate
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

coleslaw in a covered dish with carrots and a spoon
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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

a white baking dish, with salmon fillet and vegetables
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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

A white plate with a serving of peach cobbler topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Beside the cobbler are several slices of fresh peach. The background includes a partially visible peach and a flowery placemat.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

Poached shrimp on a platter, with lettuces and fresh citrus fruit slices.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

brownie mix cookies, with chocolate chips
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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