Stay cool this summer and enjoy these delicious vintage summer recipes. Everything from refreshing drinks to recipes featuring seasonal produce.
I’m in southern Oklahoma and that means summers are HOT and often long. When the hot days start to hit us I’m ready for summer recipes that don’t heat the kitchen as much and just taste good on a hot day.
We grill a lot during the summer months so that’s one kind of summer recipe I’m always on the lookout for and outdoor cooking did become more popular post-WWII. I have an article here on the site all about outdoor cooking in the 1950s if you want to learn more.
But I also like cool desserts, recipes using seasonal ingredients, and often a little bit lighter recipes. I’ve gathered all of those kinds of recipes here so you can also enjoy vintage summer recipes this year.
And a little note, when I’m talking about vintage recipes I generally mean from the 1920s-1970s since that’s what I share the most here (though mostly 1940s-1960s). Of course, often when you find recipes from that time they could be from even earlier but were just still popular at that time.
Now enjoy these vintage summer recipes and stay cool!
The Best Vintage Summer Recipes
First, this list will share the best vintage savory summer recipes and move to the best vintage summer sweets.
Burgers are a classic summer dish and these Oklahoma onion burgers are a favorite in my house. They were created during the Great Depression here in Oklahoma to help stretch beef. They are my favorite burgers!
These may sound weird but they are so perfect for a hot summer day. It's a recipe that was popular throughout the mid-century but this recipe is from the 1940s.
This easy old-fashioned pea salad recipe is the perfect chilled side dish for any summer gathering.
This is an updated version of 1979 recipe from Weight Watchers. It is perfect for spring and summer when tomatoes are the sweetest. 
Delight in a taste of nostalgia with Tomato Aspic. This vintage recipe features a captivating combination of tomato sauce, lemon Jello, a touch of spice, and a tasty shrimp salad center. Perfect for a charmingly retro culinary experience.
This Curried Tuna Tomato Salad makes a healthy, tasty lunch that’s been a favorite since the 1970s.
This salmon mousse from the '70s is smooth, smokey, and so flavorful! It's an easy appetizer dish and perfect for a brunch spread.
This is one of my favorite cake recipes and the lemon flavor is perfect for summer.
A cold glass of punch on a hot day is a nice treat and this vintage punch recipe is easy to make and delicious.
Ice cream has to make this list and this chocolate coffee ice cream is delicious! It's a 1950s recipe that can be made with or without an ice cream maker.
A vintage ice cream bread recipe straight from the 1970s! This delicious dessert quick bread recipe can be made with any ice cream.
A moist, lemon-lime-infused all-butter cake with a hit of the popular citrus soda straight out of the 1950s.
This no-bake banana breeze pie is a breeze to make. It is a vintage recipe that is perfect for banana lovers!
Vintage Strawberry Cake is rich, dense, and packed full of fresh strawberries from top to bottom. However, the strawberry cream cheese icing steals the show!
More Vintage Recipes to Try
After checking out these recipes I have more on the site for you to enjoy!
giulia lombardo says
All great ideas!!!