Discover a variety of quick and easy summer dinner recipes perfect for warm evenings. From grilled dishes to fresh salads, find simple meal ideas to enjoy with family and friends.
Easy Summer Dinner Recipes: Perfect Recipes for Warm Evenings and Busy Days!
The last thing you want to do during hot summer nights is spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing dinner. So, here’s a collection of easy summer dinner recipes to your rescue!
All these recipes are with minimal prep time and ingredients, perfect for those busy weeknights and laid-back weekends.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Light and Fresh: All these recipes are made of fresh and seasonal ingredients that will let you have a taste of summer.
- Quick and Convenient: These recipes don’t require hours to cook, some dishes even come together under 20-30 minutes.
- Easily Customizable: All the recipes are flexible, you can swap or add ingredients of your choice, making it suitable to your taste and diet.
- Healthy and Nutritious: These summer dinner recipes are made with wholesome and light ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied without being overly heavy.
- Crowd Pleasers: All these summer dishes are easy to scale up for larger groups and work well for potlucks. Perfect for your next summer cookout!
So go ahead and give these easy summer dinner ideas a try. Here’s to a summer filled with good food, great times, and unforgettable memories!
Happy Summer! 🌞
Whip Up a Tasty Summer Dinner in No Time with These Easy Recipes!
1. Abundance Kale Salad with Savory Tahini Dressing
Recipe by Minimalist Baker
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- packed with a variety of colorful vegetables
- a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals
- perfect 30-minute meal or side
- family-friendly and a crowd-pleaser
Nutritional Info
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 27.6g
Protein: 12g
Get the Recipe for Abundance Kale Salad!
2. Spring Pea Risotto
Recipe by Feasting at Home
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- lemony and minty flavor
- can be served as a vegetarian dinner or
- with seared scallops or fish
- easy to make in about 30 minutes
Nutritional Info for 1 ½ cups
Calories: 357kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 11.7g
Get the Recipe for Spring Pea Risotto!
3. 20-Minute Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce
Recipe by Rainbow Plant Life
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 2 or 3 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a well-balanced meal
- an attractive and appetizing plate of food
- a unique and savory flavor
- plenty of punchy flavors, veggies, and protein
- a satisfying vegetarian protein option
Nutritional Info
Calories: 570kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 18g
Get the Recipe for 20-Minute Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas!
4. Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Recipe by Feasting at Home
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- easy to whip up with minimal ingredients
- keto, and low-carb meal
- full of fresh summer produce
- a sophisticated and healthy option
- perfect for summer BBQs and outdoor gatherings
Nutritional Info
Calories: 585kcal
Carbohydrates: 20.8g
Protein: 33.7g
Get the Recipe for Grilled Salmon Salad!
5. 30 Minute Creamy Salmon Pasta
Recipe by Mid West Foodie
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a satisfying and comforting meal
- requires only 8 simple ingredients
- flaky and tender salmon perfectly paired with linguine
- with simple herb lemon cream sauce
- a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 362kcal
Carbohydrates: 45.1g
Protein: 20.6g
Get the Recipe for 30 Minute Creamy Salmon Pasta!
6. BBQ Vegan Black Bean Meatballs
Recipe by Food by Maria
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 40 mins
Yields ~ 12-14 balls
Why You’ll Love It ~
- completely plant-based dinner
- lighter and healthier version of traditional meatballs
- great recipe for meal prep
- perfect for any vegetarian or vegan meal!
- will be loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike
Get the Recipe for BBQ Vegan Black Bean Meatballs!
7. Korean Chicken Bowls
Recipe by Damn Delicious
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 2 hours 25 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor
- made with the easiest marinade ever!
- enjoy with your choice of grain/rice and desired toppings
- perfectly hearty and filling meal
Get the Recipe for Korean Chicken Bowls!
8. Crunchy Vegetable Rice Noodle Salad
Recipe by Family Style Food
Ready in ~ 25 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- fresh and totally delish healthy vegetarian noodle bowl
- made with gluten-free noodles
- full of summer veggies
- comes together in 25 minutes
Nutritional Info
Calories: 585kcal
Carbohydrates: 86g
Protein: 12g
Get the Recipe for Crunchy Vegetable Rice Noodle Salad!
9. Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables
Recipe by Well Plated
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings about 8 cups
Why You’ll Love It ~
- healthy one-pan meal with a mix of veggies
- fun colors and simple flavors
- easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients
- can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days or
- frozen for up to 3 months
Nutritional Info
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 39g
Get the Recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables!
10. Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 30 mins
Yields ~ 2 generous salad servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a flavorful, aromatic, and zesty salad
- full of flavor, texture, color, and insanely delicious
- something unique and comes together in under 30 minutes
- crispy, golden rice with a delightful crunch
- easy to serve in portions
Nutritional Info
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 8.4g
Get the Recipe for Crispy Rice Salad!
11. Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Recipe by I Food Real
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a healthy alternative to traditional finger foods
- low carb appetizer or lighter main dish
- a perfect recipe for meal prep
- enjoy on its own or over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice
- ideal for parties and gatherings,
Nutritional Info
Calories: 301kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 30g
Get the Recipe for Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
12. Spanish Rice and Beans
Recipe by Dishing Out Health
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 40 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- one pot meal, vegetarian, gluten-free
- healthy and nutritious meal made with affordable ingredients
- protein-packed, high in fiber, and essential nutrients
- super easy to make in one pot
- ideal for feeding a family or a large crowd
Nutritional Info for 1 cup
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 12g
Get the Recipe for Spanish Rice and Beans!
13. Summertime Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 1 hour
Yields ~ 4–6 chicken sandwiches
Why You’ll Love It ~
- crispy, tangy, and fresh flavors
- perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- loaded with Swiss cheese, bacon, and honey dijonnaise
- can be prepared ahead of time
- easily scalable for larger groups or gatherings
Nutritional Info
Calories: 743kcal
Carbohydrates: 41.5g
Protein: 23.7g
Get the Recipe for Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw!
14. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Recipe by Damn Delicious
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- mess-free dinner using a single-sheet pan
- blend of spices and fresh ingredients
- a crowd-pleaser recipe
- great for gatherings and parties
- perfect for busy weeknights
Get the Recipe for Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil!
15. Middle Eastern Inspired Ground Beef Bowls
Recipe by Table for Two Blog
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 bowls
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a well-balanced meal
- simply mouthwatering with Moroccan spices
- deliciously savory with the fresh ingredients
- packed with protein and colorful veggies
- comes together in 25 minutes.
Nutritional Info for 1 bowl
Calories: 258 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Get the Recipe for Ground Beef Bowls!
16. Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon
Recipe by Cafe Delites
Ready in ~ approx 30 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a single sheet pan meal
- combination of chili, lime, and garlic
- a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables
- made with fajita flavors and smoky, charred bell peppers
- an easy and healthy weeknight meal!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 560kcal
Carbohydrates: 7.8g
Protein: 46.7g
Get the Recipe for Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon!
17. Cilantro Lime Chicken
Recipe by Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 25 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing meal
- both simple and flavorful!
- simple, affordable ingredients
- can be served in various ways – with rice, in tacos, or in wraps, salad
- perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch
Nutritional Info
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 27g
Get the Recipe for Cilantro Lime Chicken!
18. Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
Recipe by Cookie and Kate
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 2 large or 3 moderate servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a simple and satisfying dinner!
- simple, inexpensive ingredients
- loaded with colorful veggies
- everything cooks in one pan
- a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 54.4g
Protein: 11.5g
Get the Recipe For Extra Vegetable Fried Rice!
19. Whole30 Chipotle Beef & Avocado Bowls
Recipe by 40 Aprons
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- loaded with veggies, protein, and healthy fats
- topped with a saucy, smoky beef & mushroom mixture
- served with tons of a quick guacamole
- a Sofritas Copycat recipe!
Nutritional Info for 1 bowl
Calories: 301cal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 17g
Get the Recipe for Whole30 Chipotle Beef & Avocado Bowls!
20. Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
Recipe by Slimming Eats
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 45 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- well-balanced meal for the entire family
- bursting with bold, savory flavors
- simple, affordable ingredients
- cooks together in one pan
- a comforting, satisfying dish!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: 33.6g
Protein: 23.2g
Get the Recipe for Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake!
21. Chopped Salad Pizza
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 35 mins
Yields ~ 4–6 servings (2 whole pizzas)
Why You’ll Love It ~
- the perfect recipe to enjoy both salad and pizza
- a crispy flatbread pizza with tomato and mozzarella
- tangy Italian chopped salad
- the taste of summer in every bite
Nutritional Info
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: 33.6g
Protein: 23.2g
Get the Recipe for Chopped Salad Pizza!
22. Summertime Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Recipe by Cookie and Kate
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 2 to 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a simple summer weeknight meal
- made with a light and refreshing tomato sauce
- a nutritious option that’s low in calories
- a hit with both kids and adults like
Nutritional Info Per Serving
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 40.1g
Protein: 11.4g
Get the Recipe for Summertime Spaghetti!
23. Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken
Recipe by Chew Out Loud
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- fresh, light, and simple weeknight dinner
- quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious
- the ultimate spring-summer meal
- can be made meatless!
Nutritional Info Per Serving
Calories: 675kcal
Carbohydrates: 57.5g
Protein: 67.4g
Get the Recipe for Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken!
24. Zucchini Shrimp Scampi
Recipe by Damn Delicious
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a low-carb and low-calorie dish
- unbelievably easy, quick & healthy
- buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi
- 214.3 calories only!
- a guilt-free indulgence
Nutritional Info
Calories: 214.3kcal
Get the Recipe for Zucchini Shrimp Scampi!
25. Summer Bliss Bowls with Sweet Potato Fritters
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 30 mins
Yields ~ 4-6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- 5 ingredients, 5-minute prep for fritters
- the best jalapeño ranch ever
- can be prepped ahead of time
- easy to customize with your favorite veggies
- perfect summer meal prep recipe!
Nutritional Info for 3-4 pieces of bliss balls
Calories: 289kcal
Carbohydrates: 31.1g
Protein: 8.3g
Get the Recipe for Summer Bliss Bowls!
26. Summer Zucchini Bolognese
Recipe by Lazy Cat Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 45 mins
Yields ~ 2-3 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- light and fresh unlike traditional bolognese
- packed with seasonal summer veggies
- ideal for a quick weeknight dinner
- high-volume, low-calorie summer dinner!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 241kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 6g
Get the Recipe by Summer Zucchini Bolognese!
27. Summer Minestrone Soup
Recipe by Simply Recipes
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- easy, quick, and nutritious
- abundance of seasonal summer veggies
- stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge
- can be frozen for up to 3 months
- great recipe for meal prep!
Nutritional Info for One Serving
Calories: 337 kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 17g
Get the Recipe for Summer Minestrone Soup!
28. Quinoa Spinach Power Salad
Recipe by Simply Recipes
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 1 large salad
Why You’ll Love It ~
- gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free
- refreshing, colorful, and nutritious
- made from good for you ingredients
- bursting with an array of veggies
- stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge
- great recipe for meal prep!
Nutritional Info for One Side Salad
Calories: 168kcal
Carbohydrates: 24.8g
Protein: 4.2g
Get the Recipe for Quinoa Spinach Power Salad!
29. Pineapple Fried Rice
Recipe by Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 18 mins, Cook Time: 12 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- sweet, earthy, and savory flavored rice
- works well with frozen vegetables
- seasoned with turmeric and coriander
- a great leftover rice recipe
Nutritional Info for One Serving
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 93g
Protein: 16g
Get the Recipe for Pineapple Fried Rice!
30. Vegetarian Summer Chili
Recipe by Jar of Lemons
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a quick and delicious meal
- great way to get a daily dose of colorful veggies
- vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- easily customizable and scalable
- perfect summer weeknight dinner!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 236kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 10g
Get the Recipe for Vegetarian Summer Chili!
31. Crunchy Garbanzo Summer Salad
Recipe by Vanilla and Bean
Ready in ~ 1 hour
Yields ~ 4-5 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~
- a delicious and filling no-cook salad
- vegetarian, vegan, and easily gluten-free
- travels with ease for picnics, potlucks, or lunch boxes
- ideal for meal prep
Nutritional Info
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Get the Recipe for Crunchy Garbanzo Summer Salad!
And there you have it—easy summer dinner recipes for you to try!
Thank you for taking the time to read the post!
I really hope you give one of the recipes a try, and love it! Don’t forget to leave a star rating ★ in the comment section below. Your feedback will help others and also means a lot!
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Happy cooking!
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