June 1: Matt's Jerk Chicken
Get ready for a trip to the Islands. You may think jerk chicken is complicated, but really, all it takes is time. Throw on some tunes, grab an icy drink and prepare to be transported. Have a smoker? You can smoke the chicken first and finish it on the grill. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
June 2: Slow Cooker Cassoulet with Crumb Topping
Classically inspired, this dish is loaded with chicken thighs, pork and smoked sausage. Tomatoes, beans and wine round out the hearty French stew, and bread crumbs thicken it slightly. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
June 3: Turkey Salsa Bowls with Tortilla Wedges
Delicious and nutritious, this dish was a favorite of the kids who participated in the junior chef classes I taught at my church. The recipe encouraged creativity and healthy eating as students designed their own salsa bowls using whole grains, vegetables and lean protein . —Jean Gottfried, Upper Sandusky, Ohio
June 4: Spicy Plum Salmon
I created this sweet and spicy salmon after being challenged to use healthier ingredients. The fresh plum sauce really complements the smoky grilled fish. —Cheryl Hochstettler, Richmond, Texas
June 5: Sausage-Topped White Pizza
I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New Jersey
June 6: Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Everyone needs an easy meal. This sheet pan chicken with marble potatoes is easy, tasty and guaranteed to please the whole family. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
June 7: Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Smoked Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are so delicious and so easy to make. My husband loves them. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
June 8: Turkey Shrimp Gumbo
This slimmed-down version of gumbo tastes just as hearty as the classic version. —Michael Williams, Westfield, New York
June 9: Slow-Cooked Beef Burritos with Green Chiles
I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty and flavorful, easy to prepare and uses the long slow cook that truly defines comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado
June 10: Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
I created this recipe years ago, after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I "bruise" the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding to the buttermilk mixture; this releases the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
June 11: Cajun Grilled Shrimp
The kicked-up marinade on these shrimp makes this a flavor-packed dish. Serve over rice, and make sure to squeeze those charred lemons over top—that makes them taste extra bright and delicious. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 12: Vegetable, Steak and Eggs
Low-carb doesn't have to be skimpy with this lighter take on steak and eggs. I love cooking with squash, but feel free to toss in any vegetable combination you like. —Robert Deskin, Plantation, Florida
June 13: Pepper Ricotta Primavera
Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
June 14: Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family, while not sacrificing on health or flavor. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
June 15: Deconstructed Wonton Soup
Wonton is one of my favorite types of soup. When I wanted to whip up a homemade version, I decided to take a shortcut and combined pork meatballs with wide egg noodles. If I have them on hand, I'll add sliced water chestnuts, barbecued pork or sesame seeds to switch it up. —Joanne Neidhamer, Tuolumne, California
June 16: Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
June 17: The Ultimate Fish Tacos
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
June 18: Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
June 19: Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
June 20: Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These boats are not only healthy, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases—just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
June 21: Flank Steak Pinwheels
The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Because the steaks are flattened, marinade isn’t need. Instead, they’re filled with a colorful stuffing of red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
June 22: Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Everyone in my family loves this recipe and its sweet marinade with ginger, pineapple and a splash of whiskey. Want even more intense flavor? Let the chicken marinate for two full days. Wow! —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California
June 23: Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
June 24: Grilled Ham Burgers
My family loves my ham loaf, so I decided to make the ham loaf mixture into patties and grill them—it was an instant hit. Adding the arugula gives these burgers a peppery bite and honey mustard dressing adds just the right sweet and sour flavor. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
June 25: Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
My husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
June 26: Fajita in a Bowl
Pull out the skewers and take a stab at grilling peppers, onions and corn for an awesome steak salad that’s all summer and smoke. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 27: One-Pot Salsa Chicken
This skillet recipe is a colorful and healthy main dish that can be on the table in just over an hour. The subtle, sweet-spicy flavor is a nice surprise. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
June 28: Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
This salad is really summery and comes together very, very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I've tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren't overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
June 29: Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but the bread isn't diet friendly for me, so I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina M. Howells, Salem, Ohio
June 30: Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops
These sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes, but definitely don't taste like it. Serve it with a side of jasmine rice and you'll feel like you're on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas
July 1: Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
July 2: Asian Salmon Tacos
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect for on-the-run-meals! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking through. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
July 3: Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
July 4: All-American Hamburgers
We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
July 5: Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken
A few pantry items inspired this recipe, which I've since made for small weeknight meals or for big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
July 6: Summertime Spaghetti with Grilled Meatballs
After Hurricane Sandy, we were without power for two weeks. I learned what you can make on a grill, such as these smoky meatballs and tomato sauce. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
July 7: Strawberry-Quinoa Spinach Salad
We make quinoa with spinach and strawberries year-round, but it's most fun when we go to the farmers market to get the season’s first berries. —Sarah Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
July 8: Texas-Style Brisket
This is the quintessential Texas-style brisket. Even my husband’s sixth generation Texas family is impressed! I promise, it will be worth the extra effort, because it tastes like a slice of heaven on a plate.—Renee Morgan, Liberty Hill, Texas
July 9: Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
July 10: Sweet Ginger Ribs
People ask what’s in the marinade of my glazed sweet ginger ribs with ginger, garlic and peach preserves. Now you know! Psst: It works on steaks and chicken, too. —Grace McKeone, Schenectady, New York
July 11: German Brat Seafood Boil
The grilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
July 12: Asian-Style Salmon Packets
My husband and I love salmon, so I'm always looking for fun ways to change it up. We both love the blend of heat and citrus, plus the foil packet makes for easy cooking and cleanup! —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
July 13: Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
July 14: Asian Slaw with Steak
Main-dish salads are so perfect for summer, especially this one with its Asian-inspired dressing—my favorite's favorite flavor. The colorful slaw and juicy steak combo is super quick and wonderful for breezy weeknight dinners. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
July 15: Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp is a great way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
July 16: Garden-Fresh Grilled Veggie Pizza
I have four gardens and, between them, I grow a pretty good spread of veggies. I created this loaded-up pizza as a fun summer appetizer using some of my best garden goodies. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois
July 17: Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to add tea to perk up a barbecue sauce.—Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
July 18: Summer Turkey Kabobs
These kabobs let you enjoy Thanksgiving flavors any time of year! We enjoy grilling them in the summer. —Angela Mathews, Fayetteville, New York
July 19: California Burger Wraps
I love the way these fresh flavors blend together. It's a snap to throw this together using leftover burgers for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
July 20: Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs
For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous ribs recipe a secret, much to the chagrin of my husband, Dennis. When he finally came around to sharing it, we loved it so much we just had to pass it along. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
July 21: Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken
Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California
July 22: Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce
In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill! —Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio
July 23: Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
July 24: Sausage and Kraut Buns
This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm "in trouble" if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausages and kraut over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas
July 25: Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
This recipe was inspired by eating charbroiled chicken skewers while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. I like to garnish mine with sesame seeds. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
July 26: Tuscan Fish Packets
My husband does a lot of fishing and I'm always looking for different ways to serve it. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
July 27: Bruschetta Steak
My husband and I love bruschetta, especially in the summertime with fresh tomatoes and herbs from our garden. —Kristy Still, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
July 28: Shrimp Scampi Spinach Salad
My husband and I really enjoy shrimp scampi and fresh spinach salad, so I put the two together. My oldest son loves it, too, and he's only three! —Jamie Porter, Garnett, Kansas
July 29: Grilled Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers get a delicious hint of sweetness with tart apples mixed right into the patties. The cranberry-mayo spread takes it up a notch even further. —Debbie Gauthier, Timmins, Ontario
July 30: Chickpea Mint Tabbouleh
You’ll love this salad warm or chilled. For variety, add feta cheese or use this as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms. —Brian Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
July 31: Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
The spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
August 1: Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
August 2: Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
August 3: Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls
This speedy salmon recipe couldn't be any easier. The store-bought ginger-sesame dressing saves times and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
August 4: Chicken Cucumber Pitas
I wanted a good recipe for pita stuffing. Seeing the large stack of garden-fresh cucumbers on my counter, I decided to improvise and create my own recipe. It was a huge hit. —Sheena Wellard, Nampa, Idaho
August 5: Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren't too far off. If strawberries aren't in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
August 6: Smothered Turkey Cutlets
Why have turkey just for Thanksgiving? This is an easy recipe that makes it feel like the holidays any day of the week. —Lisa Keys, Kennet Square, Pennsylvania
August 7: Lisa's All-Day Sugar & Salt Pork Roast
My family loves this tender, juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
August 8: Favorite Barbecued Chicken
What better place to find a fantastic barbecue chicken than Texas, and that’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We’ve served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
August 9: Spinach and Shrimp Fra Diavolo
This 20-minute dish is spicy, garlicky, saucy, and loaded with delicious shrimp. Plus, with the addition of spinach you’re also getting a serving of veggies. When you need a perfect low-fat weeknight meal that is quick to pull together, this is it. You can substitute arugula or kale for the spinach if you like. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
August 10: Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
August 11: Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
August 12: Chicken Ole Foil Supper
These Mexi-style chicken packets can be assembled ahead and frozen if you like. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. I like to serve them with warm tortillas and fresh fruit on the side. —Mary Peck, Salina, Kansas
August 13: Beef Brisket on Buns
With its slightly smoky flavor, this beef turns out tender and delicious every time! Plus, it slices well so it looks great on a buffet. —Deb Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
August 14: Shrimp and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
When I meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
August 15: Cheddar Bean Burritos
My family goes meatless several nights a week, and this recipe is one of our favorites. I usually puree a can or two of chipotles in adobo and freeze in ice cube trays so I can use a small amount when I need it. —Amy Bravo, Ames, Iowa
August 16: Raspberry Pork Medallions
Pork served with a luscious raspberry glaze is fancy enough for company. We bring it to the table with wild rice pilaf and steamed veggies. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
August 17: Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad
My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I'm happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah
August 18: Moo Shu Lettuce Cups
I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic with sweet and savory flavors that make this dish a new dinnertime favorite. We love them served in flour tortillas, too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California
August 19: Rhubarbecue
This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — R.D. Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 20: Pesto Shrimp Pasta
A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.
August 21: Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad
This light, refreshing salad is a show-stopper, visually and nutritionally, with fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips tossed with fresh baby spinach. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls or flax or bran muffins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 22: Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
August 23: Cucumber Salad Boats
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 24: Honey Chipotle Ribs
Nothing's better than having a sauce with the perfect consistency for slathering. Here's one that'll ensure a lip-smacking feast. Make the sauce up to a week ahead. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
August 25: Asian Noodle & Beef Salad
My Asian-inspired pasta salad is crunchy, tangy and light. If you have fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, on hand, add them to the mix. —Kelsey Casselbury, Odenton, Maryland
August 26: Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on barbecue for the theme. Even my father enjoyed this taco, and he doesn't care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
August 27: Pork Edamame Soup
My husband grew up in a traditional Asian household and gives this soup high marks for authentic taste. I think the Asian hot chili sauce is what makes the dish, but any type of hot sauce would give it a delicious kick! —Kari Sue, Bend, Oregon
August 29: Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken
We love all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. This salad is one of our favorite because it packs in so much great produce, plus it's quick and easy on a warm summer day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Day 30: Curried Shrimp Pasta
his light and spicy shrimp dish comes together easily. My favorite pasta to use is capellini, but angel hair works fine if it isn’t available. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
The post Your Ultimate Summer Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko



























































































