Pack It Up and Go: Great Food for the Cooler

An American take on the samosa (a stuffed pastry snack popular in Asia), these hand pies are a delicious main course for dinner, but are also party-perfect. Simply cut them into smaller triangles and stuff and bake as directed.

Recipe: Turkey-Potato Hand Pies

The perfect fried-chicken sidekick: this spicy-sweet raspberry dipping sauce. To save two hours, serve wings only (they marinate faster).

Recipe: Fried Chicken with Spicy Raspberry Honey

This colorful, veggie-rich pasta salad features a vegetarian Caesar dressing that's sure to please everyone — perfect for a spring or summer picnic.

Recipe: Caesar Pasta Salad

Related: Don't Sweat It: Cold Noodle Salads for Hot Summer Days

Cool and velvety smooth, this delicious soup is the perfect way to start a leisurely summer dinner. It even packs well for a picnic. For an extra fillip of taste (and panache), top the dish with a colorful sprinkle of watermelon-radish and mint sprigs. Or stir in fresh lump crabmeat or strips of toasted tortillas with a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe: Cold Avocado Soup

Sweet and tender sundried tomatoes, crisp veggies, and salty proscuitto compliment each other perfectly in this classic recipe for an antipasto-inspired pasta salad.

Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad

A creamy scoop of Blue-Ribbon Potato Salad goes well with any straightforward diner-style sandwich. We used russet potatoes in this salad, but you can use a mix of small red new and baby Yukon Gold potatoes for a colorful alternative.

Recipe: Blue-Ribbon Potato Salad

Related: The Almighty Potato: A History and Recipes

Dishes like this herbed chicken and hot-pepper sandwich are perfect for tailgating or a picnic because they're easy to eat — no need for utensils.

Recipe: Herbed Chicken and Hot-Pepper Sandwiches

This easy-to-hold dessert combines strawberries, confectioners' sugar, and jam to create a sweet and fruity taste.

Recipe: Strawberry Hand Pies

Related: Gorgeous, Mouthwatering Summer Pies

These 5-inch mini cherry pies are perfect for a summer picnic or dinner party.

Recipe: Little Cherry Pies

Serve a refreshing white wine sangria at your summer party. Apricot nectar sets this punch apart from traditional sangria.

Recipe: Greek White Sangria