Quick and Easy Summer Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights!

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

1. Abundance Kale Salad with Savory Tahini Dressing by Minimalist Baker
Photo by Minimalist Baker

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

2. Spring Pea Risotto by Feasting at Home
Photo by Feasting at Home

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

3. 20-Minute Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce by Rainbow Plant Life
Photo by Rainbow Plant Life

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

4. Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing by Feasting at Home
Photo by Feasting at Home

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

5. 30 Minute Creamy Salmon Pasta by Mid West Foodie
Photo by Mid West Foodie

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

6. BBQ Vegan Black Bean Meatballs by Food by Maria
Photo by Food by Maria

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

7. Korean Chicken Bowls by Damn Delicious
Photo by Damn Delicious

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

8. Crunchy Vegetable Rice Noodle Salad by Family Style Food
Photo by Family Style Food

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

9. Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables by Well Plated
Photo by Well Plated

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

10. Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs by Pinch of Yum
Photo by Pinch of Yum

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

11. Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps by I Food Real
Photo by I Food Real

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

12. Spanish Rice and Beans by Dishing Out Health
Photo by Dishing Out Health

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

13. Summertime Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw by Pinch of Yum
Photo by Pinch of Yum

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

14. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil by Damn Delicious (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Damn Delicious

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

15. Middle Eastern Inspired Ground Beef Bowls by Table for Two Blog (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Table for Two Blog

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

3. Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon by Cafe Delites
Photo by Cafe Delites

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

17. Cilantro Lime Chicken by Chelsea’s Messy Apron (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Chelsea’s Messy Apron

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

18. Extra Vegetable Fried Rice by Cookie and Kate (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Cookie and Kate

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

19. Whole30 Chipotle Beef & Avocado Bowls by 40 Aprons
Photo by 40 Aprons

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

20. Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake by Slimming Eats
Photo by Slimming Eats

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

21. Chopped Salad Pizza by Pinch of Yum
Photo by Pinch of Yum

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

22. Summertime Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce by Cookie and Kate
Photo by Cookie and Kate

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

23. Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken by Chew Out Loud
Photo by Chew Out Loud

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

24. Zucchini Shrimp Scampi by Damn Delicious
Photo by Damn Delicious

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

25. Summer Bliss Bowls with Sweet Potato Fritters by Pinch of Yum
Photo by Pinch of Yum

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

26. Summer Zucchini Bolognese by Lazy Cat Kitchen (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Lazy Cat Kitchen

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

27. Summer Minestrone Soup by Simply Recipes (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Simply Recipes

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

28. Quinoa Spinach Power Salad by Ahead of Time (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Simply Recipes

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

29. Pineapple Fried Rice by Healthy Nibbles and Bits (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Healthy Nibbles and Bits

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

30. Vegetarian Summer Chili by Jar of Lemons (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Simply Recipes

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

31. Crunchy Garbanzo Summer Salad by Vanilla and Bean (Easy Summer Dinner Recipes)
Photo by Vanilla and Bean

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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