Food Network Staffers' Favorite Nostalgic Summer Eats

Summer is a nostalgic time of year. When the weather turns warmer and school lets out, it's easy to think back to those road trips, afternoons at the beach or weekends spent camping when we were younger. We asked Food Network staffers for the recipes that remind them of their childhood summers. Whether you're looking for grilled dinner ideas or a frozen dessert, these dishes are guaranteed to brighten your day.

One of my favorite childhood memories is watching cartoons with my brother and sneaking the orange creamsicles my mom hid in the garage freezer after a long day of running around outside. To me, orange creamsicles are the quintessential summer treat: combining the best parts of ice cream and a popsicle. They remind me of my carefree childhood summers. In this recipe, they're all grown up as a sundae paired with dark chocolate-dipped clementines for a more sophisticated take on my classic favorite that still takes me back.

–Chelsea Collier, Digital Editor

Growing up, grilled chicken and pasta salad were a menu staple in the summer. It was the perfect dinner to whip up for a big family with a variety of food preferences. Don’t like black olives? Pick around them! Only like the orange and white noodles? No problem, there are three colors to choose from, after all. Plus, there’s no limit to the veggies and extras you can mix in, so it’s never boring. In fact, I’m adding it to my weekly meal plan as we speak.

–Ellie Sanders, Newsletter Editor

One dessert that instantly takes me back to childhood summers is these Very Berry Ice Cream Bars. There was something magical about berry-flavored frozen treats on a hot afternoon, whether from an ice cream truck or enjoyed poolside after a long day outside. This recipe captures that same nostalgic feeling with layers of creamy no-churn strawberry ice cream, blueberry preserves and crunchy vanilla cookie crumbs. It's bright, refreshing and exactly the kind of dessert that feels like summer vacation in every bite.

–Amanda Neal, Lead Recipe Developer

Growing up, summers meant tons of backyard barbecues with family friends. My dad always grilled a filet mignon, keeping the seasoning simple with just salt and pepper. My best friend and I once notoriously polished off a whole one meant for sharing (whoops). If I'm eating a steak outside on a warm summer day, it takes me right back.

–Sabrina Choudhary, Online Editorial Coordinator

One of the most nostalgic summer foods for me, oddly, is Smucker’s Goober Grape, with peanut butter and grape jelly combined in the same jar. My mom only allowed us to get it while on summer vacation, so it held a kind of “forbidden fruit” status for me. My tastes have changed, but I still love those classic flavors, and these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine all the best aspects of a swirled jar of creamy peanut butter and gooey grape jelly — but in a grown-up version.

–Kelly Smith Trimble, VP, Editorial

My go-to order at the ice cream truck has been the same since childhood: the Chipwich. With this recipe, I can make my own version at home and keep my freezer stocked for hot summer days or an after-dinner treat for backyard parties. You can use any ice cream flavor you love, but I like to keep it classic. I even roll the edges in mini chips for peak nostalgia.

–Noelle Paredes, Digital Editor

I’ll never forget the first time my mom pulled this ice cream cake out of the freezer for a neighborhood get-together. Before that, ice cream cakes were something you left to the professionals, but once she made this cake, my family never went back. I’m not going to say it’s the easiest recipe to make (managing the ice cream melt is more involved than you might think), but the finished result is worth every drip. Good luck not finishing the whole thing, but if you can save some leftovers, it’s somehow even better the next day. (Pro tip: Don't like mint chocolate chip ice cream? Substitute with vanilla for a cookies-and-cream-style treat.)

–Ellie Sanders, Newsletter Editor

My favorite summer recipe growing up was my grandma’s macaroni salad — it’s the perfect mix of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies and a touch of acidity from apple cider vinegar. I don’t think she has a specific recipe that she follows, but Molly’s looks like a pretty close match, and Food Network fans rave about it. I need to add it to my recipe rotation for the summer!

–Shannon Phillips, Managing Editor, Digital