Focaccia Sandwiches
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more speical. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Fresh Veggie Pockets
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go. -Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars
Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make the individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Sweet Corn-Tomato Salad
I always make this for family events and parties. It reminds me of all the fun barbecues and picnics over the years. Fresh corn and basil make a huge difference in this recipe. —Jessica Kleinbaum, Plant City, Florida
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
I had a sandwich similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it.—Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake
My Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is an ode to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Ginger Green Beans
The bright, gingery sauce on these green beans is delicious and so simple to whip up. It's perfection on either hot or cold beans, but I also really love it tossed with cooked shrimp. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Flat Iron Steak Salad
My steak salad with avocado and radishes is a big plate of summer deliciousness. I sometimes add dried cranberries and cherry tomatoes, but you can customize it to suit your tastes. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad
I love using fresh vegetables straight from the garden to prepare this salad. If I pick the squash and cucumbers early enough, their skins are so tender that there's no need to remove them! Best yet, it's easily adaptable—any fresh veggie from the garden can be swapped in with delicious results! —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
South-of-the-Border Citrus Salad
Orange, grapefruit and jicama add color and texture to this out-of-the-ordinary fruit salad. Sometimes I'll toss in slices of mango and cucumber for extra fun. —Mary Fuller, SeaTac, Washington
Green Bean Pasta Salad
I like to prepare this special green bean pasta salad with fresh green beans and homegrown dill. Serve chilled or at room temperature. —Chris Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Sugar Cookie S'mores
Change up traditional s'mores with the use of sugar cookies and candy bars. The sweetness cannot be beat!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Here's a guaranteed table-brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. -Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Favorite Fruit Salad
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri
Chicken Fajita Salad
This recipe came from Texas, which is famous for its Mexican food. I love to cook, even though it's just for me and my husband now. I invite our grown kids over a lot, and they just love this chicken fajita salad. I'm happy to share it! —Lois Proudfit, Eugene, Oregon
Overnight Slaw
I love to make this recipe during the fall and winter months when salad ingredients are less abundant. I also enjoy the ease of preparation when using my food processor.
Blackberry Apple Pie
My mother made this pie so often she could do it with her eyes closed! We picked the berries ourselves, and the apples came from the trees in our orchard. I can still taste the delicious combination of fruits encased in Mother's flaky pie crust.—Fran Stanfield, Wilmington , Ohio
Kansas Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend 8 years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. -Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Roasted Red Potato Salad
I got this roasted potato salad recipe from my sister-in-law and I've made it numerous times at the request of friends and co-workers. It's quick and easy, just what I need in my busy life. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I know—my mom, Arline, and my Grandma Etta. —Ginger Cusano, Sandusky, Ohio
Potluck Antipasto Pasta Salad
I love trying new recipes, and this one for Italian pasta salad tops all other varieties I've tried. With beans, cheese, sausage and vegetables, it's a hearty complement to any meal. —Bernadette Nelson, Arcadia, California
Ambrosia Salad
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Three-Green Salad
For a crisp, refreshing side dish, this tasty salad can't be beat. The bold flavor and crunch really wake up your taste buds. It's the perfect salad to go with lasagna. —Gina Squires, Salem, Oregon
Zesty Steak Salad
Stir-fried steak and veggies give this hearty salad a cozy kick. Add any of your favorite salad ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, mushrooms or cucumber. —Leah Carrell, Quitman, Texas
Swift Strawberry Salad
A simple blend of syrup, orange juice and caramel topping forms the light dressing for the fresh berries and the crunchy cashews found in this sensational salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Frozen Cherry Salad
Pretty slices of this refreshing salad are dotted with colorful cherries for a festive look. The flavor is pleasant and not overly sweet like some frozen cherry recipes. Prepared in advance and frozen, it's a treat that fits into many different menus. I serve it throughout the year. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Israeli Pepper Tomato Salad
"This Israeli salad, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast, lends itself to endless variety...you can add foods like olives, beets or potatoes," says Sandy Long of Lees Summit, Missouri
Lavender Lemon Bars
Hints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Honey Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
Though fresh fruit steals the show in this morning medley, the subtle honey sauce makes it an especially sweet treat. "It takes just 10 minutes to assemble this easy salad, which tastes so good with brunch," says Dorothy Dinnean of Harrison, Arkansas. TIP: Don't have those fruits on hand? Try blackberries, mangoes or peaches instead.
Tomato Feta Salad
One summer I combined my love for onions with a bumper crop of tomatoes and a homemade balsamic dressing. The result was this salad that receives thumbs-up approval whenever it's served. —Robert Golus, Greer, South Carolina
Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad
My husband loves this, especially during summertime. He says he feels like he's eating a healthy salad and getting his steak, too! I always serve it with some homemade bread." More Mushroom Salad Recipes »
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
This recipe has a real kick and is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s ready in a flash, is easily doubled and the closest thing to restaurant Buffalo wings I’ve ever tasted in a light version. —Jennifer Beck, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese
The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
Fast Macaroni Salad
Chopped veggies give this side crunch, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color. —Frankiee Bush, Freedom, Indiana
Meatless Taco Salad
This colorful salad blends together all your favorite taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! The guacamole dressing is thick and creamy. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas
Chinese Spinach-Almond Salad
This recipe combines power-packed spinach, a good source of vitamins A and K, with other veggies, lean meat and crunchy, heart-healthy almonds. Reduced-fat dressing adds a light Asian flavor and touch to each hearty serving. Mary Ann Kieffer - Lawrence, Kansas
Chicken Caesar Wraps
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. Nancy Pratt - Longview, TX
Rotisserie Chicken Panini
This ooey-gooey, melty delight is packed with bacon, chicken, cheese and just enough lemon to tickle your taste buds. —Terri McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Watermelon-Blueberry Salad
People love the unique combination of flavors in the dressing that tops the fresh fruit in this salad. It's so refreshing on a hot summer evening. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Big & Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies
My take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Couscous Tabbouleh with Fresh Mint & Feta
Using couscous instead of bulgur for tabbouleh really speeds up the process of making this colorful salad. Other quick-cooking grains such as barley or quinoa work well too. —Elodie Rosinovsky, Brighton, Massachusetts
Kale Quinoa Salad
Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, Washington DC
Nutella Hand Pies
These pint-size Nutella hand pies made with puff pastry are too good to keep to yourself! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Summer Orzo
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kale Slaw Spring Salad
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
This recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It's easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Sicilian Potato Salad
Fresh basil is the star of this mayo-free, Italian-inspired take on potato salad. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
Copycat Berger Cookies
After a friend who had recently traveled to Baltimore sent me a package of Berger cookies, I was hooked. They disappeared so quickly, I decided to try to re-create them at home. After many tests and tweaks, my husband and I gained 6 pounds between the two of us, but it was worth it—I landed on a reproduction of the famous cookie I'm so proud of. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Blackberry Balsamic Spinach Salad
Blackberries are a great super food, and there are plenty of them in this juicy, colorful salad. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
The post 50 Cold Picnic Foods That Don’t Need To Be Heated Up appeared first on Taste of Home.
Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor