Summer brings warmer days and a desire for lighter meals.
We love gathering for dinner in the long summer evenings.
It’s a time to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
Summer is full of fresh ingredients for amazing dinners.
You can grill or make refreshing salads.
We’ll share 10 tasty dinner recipes for summer, using the best ingredients and easy steps.
Here are the top 10 mouth-watering dinner ideas we’ll be covering:
The Joy of Summer Cooking
Summer cooking is a joy, filled with fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients.
As we enter the warmer months, we find an abundance of seasonal produce.
This makes it easy to create delicious and healthy meals.
Seasonal Ingredients That Make Summer Meals Special
Summer is the perfect time for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet corn are at their best.
They’re perfect for salads, grilling, or sautéing.
Using these seasonal ingredients in your meals boosts flavor and nutrition.
It’s a win-win for your taste buds and health.
Cooking Methods That Keep Your Kitchen Cool
Summer is the time to keep your kitchen cool.
Grilling outdoors, using a slow cooker, or making cold dishes like salads or chilled soups are great.
They help keep your kitchen comfortable while you enjoy home-cooked meals.
10 Summer Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love
Looking for inspiration for your summer dinner gatherings?
We’ve got you covered with our curated list of 10 mouth-watering recipes.
Recipe Selection Criteria
We picked summer dinner recipes based on a few key things.
We looked for recipes that use seasonal ingredients and offer different cooking methods.
We also wanted recipes that are easy to make and look good.
Summer Dinner Recipe Table
Below is a summary of our top 10 summer dinner recipes.
It shows their main ingredients, how long they take to prepare and cook, their difficulty level, and what to serve with them.
Recipe Name and Main Ingredients
Prep Time and Cook Time
Difficulty Level
Best Served With
| Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – Chicken breast, lemon, herbs | 20min prep, 30min cook | Easy | Roasted vegetables |
| Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Chickpeas, feta, cucumber | 15min prep, 0min cook | Easy | Grilled pita bread |
| Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Shrimp, pasta, lemon, garlic | 25min prep, 15min cook | Moderate | Garlic bread |
| Fish Tacos – Fish, taco seasoning, avocado | 20min prep, 10min cook | Easy | Salsa, sour cream |
| Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers – Mushrooms, burger seasoning | 15min prep, 10min cook | Easy | Buns, toppings |
| Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad – Watermelon, cucumber, feta | 10min prep, 0min cook | Easy | Grilled chicken |
| Cedar Plank Salmon – Salmon, cedar plank | 15min prep, 20min cook | Moderate | Roasted asparagus |
| Summer Vegetable Primavera – Mixed vegetables, pasta | 20min prep, 15min cook | Moderate | Garlic bread |
| Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – Chicken, BBQ sauce | 10min prep, 6hr cook | Easy | Buns, coleslaw |
| Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri – Flank steak, parsley, oregano | 20min prep, 15min cook | Moderate | Roasted potatoes |
Recipe #1: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables is a great summer dinner.
It mixes fresh tastes and bright colors.
It’s perfect for family dinners or parties with friends, being both healthy and tasty.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary) | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Summer vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions) | 2 cups sliced |
First, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Then, grill it with the summer vegetables until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results. Serve the chicken and vegetables with quinoa or couscous for a complete meal. Add tzatziki sauce or feta cheese for extra taste.
This dish is flexible and can be tailored to your liking. You can change it up based on what summer vegetables you have.
Recipe #2: Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad
Looking for a light and flavorful summer dinner recipe? Try a Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad. It mixes the tangy feta with the earthy chickpeas, all in a tasty Mediterranean dressing.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 block feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpeas | 1 can | Drained and rinsed |
| Feta Cheese | 1 block | Crumbled |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled. You can make it ahead and chill it for up to 2 hours. For extra flavor, marinate the chickpeas in olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for 30 minutes before you assemble the salad.
Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad as a main dish or a side at your next summer event. Its refreshing taste and healthy ingredients make it a great choice for a light and fulfilling meal.
Recipe #3: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
For a quick and delicious summer dinner, try Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. It’s full of flavor. It’s great for those warm evenings when you want something light yet satisfying.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this refreshing pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Pasta | 8 oz |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 pint |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
Start by cooking the pasta as the package says.
While that cooks, sauté the garlic and shrimp in olive oil until the shrimp are pink.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve over the cooked pasta.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance flavors.
Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender. Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra burst of flavor.
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is versatile.
It can be served as a main course or a side.
It’s perfect for a summer dinner party or a quick weeknight meal, fitting well into your list of 10 summer dinner ideas.
Recipe #4: Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Get ready to dive into the flavors of summer with our Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa recipe.
This dish is a perfect blend of the freshness of the sea and the vibrancy of summer fruits.
It’s an ideal choice for a warm evening dinner.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of white fish fillet (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
Start by preparing the Mango Avocado Salsa. In a bowl, combine mango, avocado, red
onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the fish, season the fillet with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
To assemble the fish tacos, warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
Place a portion of the cooked fish onto a tortilla, top with Mango Avocado Salsa, and serve immediately.
Some serving suggestions include adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of queso fresco, or a few slices of radish.
These add to the flavors and textures.
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust the level of spiciness and the toppings to your liking.
Recipe #5: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Try grilled Portobello mushroom burgers for a tasty twist on a summer classic.
They’re not only delicious but also a great choice for vegetarians at your summer dinners.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make these burgers, you’ll need 4 large Portobello mushrooms, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Plus, you’ll need 4 hamburger buns.
First, clean the mushrooms and remove their stems. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Brush this mixture on both sides of the mushroom caps.
Grill them over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Grill the mushrooms over medium heat to avoid burning. Serve them on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and avocado.
Add grilled vegetables or a fresh salad on the side for a complete summer dinner.
These grilled Portobello mushroom burgers are a great choice for your 10 summer dinner ideas.
They offer a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional burgers.
Recipe #6: Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad with Grilled Shrimp
The sweetness of watermelon, the tang of feta, and the succulence of grilled shrimp come together in a salad that’s perfect for summer.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this refreshing salad, you’ll need fresh watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, grilled shrimp, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Start by grilling the shrimp with some olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re pink and cooked through.
While the shrimp are grilling, combine diced watermelon and cucumber in a bowl.
Crumble feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
- 1 cup watermelon, diced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients possible, like the watermelon and herbs. Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor that complements the salad nicely.
Serve immediately after assembling to keep the salad fresh and the shrimp warm.
You can also chill the salad ingredients ahead of time and grill the shrimp just before serving.
Recipe #7: Cedar Plank Salmon with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your summer dinner with cedar plank salmon and grilled pineapple salsa.
This dish combines salmon’s rich flavor with grilled pineapple’s sweetness. It makes for an unforgettable summer meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 4 |
| Cedar planks | 4 |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped | 1 |
| Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp |
Soak the cedar planks in water. Season the salmon and grill it on the planks. Grill the pineapple chunks until caramelized. Then, mix them with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for the salsa.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Make sure the cedar planks are fully soaked to avoid catching fire.
Season the salmon with your favorite herbs and spices.
Serve the salmon with a generous helping of grilled pineapple salsa on top.
This dish is perfect for a summer dinner party. It offers a unique and flavorful experience for your guests.
The combination of cedar plank salmon and grilled pineapple salsa will be a hit.
Recipe #8: Summer Vegetable Primavera with Fresh Herbs
Summer brings us dishes like Summer Vegetable Primavera, full of fresh tastes.
This colorful dish is great for a summer night. It celebrates the season with a mix of vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make Summer Vegetable Primavera, you need summer veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Add fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Sauté them in olive oil with garlic and lemon juice, then mix with cooked pasta.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 1 medium |
| Bell Peppers | 2 |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Fresh Basil | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Fresh Parsley | 1/4 cup chopped |
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Use the freshest ingredients for the best taste. Cook the veggies quickly to keep their color and texture. Serve hot, topped with more herbs and parmesan cheese.
Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein. Use different pasta like linguine or fettuccine. You can also pick your favorite veggies based on what’s in season.
Recipe #9: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are easy, flavorful, and great for summer.
They’re perfect for family and friends gatherings.
The mix of slow cooker convenience and BBQ sauce’s tangy sweetness makes them a summer favorite.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make these tasty pulled chicken sandwiches, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw, for serving
It’s easy to prepare: Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Pour this over the chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw.
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.
If you want thicker BBQ sauce, reduce the chicken broth or simmer the sauce before adding it to the chicken.
Serve on a toasted bun for extra texture. Offer toppings like diced onions or pickles.
These slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are delicious and versatile.
They’re great for summer dinners, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just need a simple meal.
This recipe is sure to be a hit.
Recipe #10: Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Make your summer dinner bold and tender with Marinated Flank Steak and Chimichurri. It’s a mix of Argentinean taste and summer freshness. It’s great for outdoor events or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
The marinade is key for a delicious Flank Steak. You’ll need:
- 1 flank steak (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichurri sauce, mix:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Flank Steak | 1.5 lbs | Main protein |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup | Marinade base |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Flavor enhancer |
Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Marinate the steak for 2 hours or overnight. Grill it to your liking. Let it rest before slicing thinly. Serve with Chimichurri sauce on top.
This dish is perfect for summer. It’s a refreshing twist on grilled meats. The Chimichurri sauce adds a burst of fresh flavor that complements the steak.
Conclusion
As the weather warms up, cooking outdoors becomes a joy.
This article showcases 10 summer dinner recipes with a variety of flavors. These dishes are perfect for the season, from grilled meats to refreshing salads.
Looking for a quick dinner or a weekend feast? These recipes offer inspiration for tasty meals.
Try the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad, or Cedar Plank Salmon with Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
They’ll add excitement to your summer cooking.
These dinner ideas are not only tasty but also flexible.
They let you try new ingredients and cooking methods.
So, fire up the grill, explore new flavors, and enjoy your summer with these great dinner recipes.
FAQ
What are some easy summer dinner ideas?
Easy summer dinners include grilled chicken and fish tacos. Salads like watermelon and feta are also great. Try slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or grilled portobello mushroom burgers too.
How can I keep my kitchen cool while cooking in the summer?
Use grilling or a slow cooker to keep your kitchen cool. Prepare meals that cook quickly, like salads or cold soups.
What are some seasonal ingredients that are great for summer dinner recipes?
Use fresh veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Fruits like watermelon, mango, and berries are also good. Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley for flavor.
Can I make summer dinner recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many summer dinners can be made ahead. Prepare salads, marinate meats, or make sauces. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
What are some 10 summer dinner ideas?
Here are 10 summer dinner ideas: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta and Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa are also great. Don’t forget Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers and Watermelon and Feta Salad with Grilled Shrimp. Cedar Plank Salmon and Summer Vegetable Primavera are perfect too. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches and Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri round out the list.
Are summer dinner recipes healthy?
Yes, many summer dinners are healthy. They use seasonal ingredients like grilled meats, veggies, and fruits. These are all great for a healthy summer meal.
