Summer is here, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious dinners under the warm sun. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, summer is the perfect time to explore new flavors and indulge in fresh, seasonal ingredients.
In this blog post, we'll share some of the best summer dinner recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and make your summer nights even more memorable. From mouthwatering grilled dishes to refreshing salads and light pasta recipes, get ready to take your summer dining experience to a whole new level. So, grab your apron, prepare your appetite, and let's dive into the world of sensational summer dinners!
1. Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad
Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad is a colorful and healthy option for a summer dinner. It features juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tender greens, all topped with chopped or shredded chicken.
The homemade poppy seed dressing adds a delightful tanginess to the salad. It's a satisfying and refreshing meal that can be easily prepared with leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store. Serve it with cornbread on the side for a complete dinner.
2. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy option for a summer dinner. These red bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, black beans, corn, and spices. The dish is topped with melted white cheddar cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
For a vegan variation, skip the cheese and serve with guacamole or chipotle sauce. Stuffed Peppers are a satisfying and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
3. Ground Turkey Burgers
The Ground Turkey Burgers recipe is a delicious and healthy option for summer dinners. Made with ground turkey, zucchini, spinach, and flavorful seasonings, these burgers are juicy and packed with hidden veggies. They can be grilled, pan-fried, oven-baked, or even cooked in an air fryer.
Serve them on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal. Reheating leftovers is quick and easy in the oven. Overall, these turkey burgers are a tasty and refreshing choice for summer dining.
4. Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and healthy summer dinner option. The marinade, made with fresh lemon, herbs, and garlic, adds a burst of flavor to the chicken.
The skewers also include vibrant summer veggies like zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion. With only 197 calories per serving, this dish is both delicious and low in calories. Perfect for grilling, these skewers are a quick and easy meal option that the whole family will enjoy.
5. Tortellini
Tortellini with Roasted Veggies and Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful summer dinner recipe. It combines tender roasted vegetables, cheese-filled tortellini, and a refreshing basil vinaigrette. The dish is versatile and can be served as a complete meal or paired with garlic bread or Italian-marinated chicken.
The recipe allows for customization with different vegetables, making it a great way to use up fresh produce. The basil vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor and can be addictive. Overall, Tortellini with Roasted Veggies and Basil Vinaigrette is a must-try dish for the summer season.
6. Sausage and Veggies Skillet
Sausage and Veggies Skillet is a simple and colorful one-pan meal that takes only 30 minutes to make. With bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and fresh cilantro, it's a delicious combination of flavors.
This protein-rich and gluten-free recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. The clean-up is minimal, and it can be easily adjusted to fit your preferences. Overall, it's a quick and tasty option for a summer dinner.
7. Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Satay Sauce
Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Satay Sauce is a light and healthy summer dinner option. The combination of grilled halloumi cheese, creamy satay sauce, and fresh cucumber salad creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serve it with rice for a complete and flavorful dish. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be made on a griddle pan or barbecue. The satay sauce is particularly tasty and can be used for other dishes as well. Overall, this recipe is a great choice for a summer dinner.
8. Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets
Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets are a delicious and easy summer dinner recipe. The combination of tender steak, flavorful potatoes, and a buttery garlic sauce is simply mouthwatering.
Whether cooked on the grill, campfire, or in the oven, these foil packets are a convenient and tasty option for a family meal. Add in some vegetables like green peppers or asparagus for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe is a definite winner for summer dining.
9. Summer Salmon Tacos
These smoky and sweet salmon tacos are topped with a grilled corn poblano pepper salsa, creating a flavorful and refreshing dish. The combination of the seasoned salmon and the savory-sweet salsa is absolutely incredible. The tacos are light, fresh, and satisfying, making them perfect for a warm summer evening.
The key is to cook the salmon just right, so it's buttery, flaky, and melts in your mouth. The salsa adds a refreshing crunch and a great bite to the tacos. Overall, these summer salmon tacos are a must-try for a delicious summer dinner.
10. Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta
Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delicious and flavorful summer dinner option. The combination of grilled chicken, asparagus, and a pesto lemon sauce creates a refreshing and satisfying dish.
It can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a healthy and tasty meal.
11. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious and refreshing summer dinner recipe. It features juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in BBQ sauce, served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, with grilled corn, tomatoes, black beans, and avocado.
The salad is tossed in a homemade herby ranch dressing that adds a tangy and creamy flavor. This recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal on a warm summer evening.
12. Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a delicious and comforting summer dinner option. The burst tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, basil, and melty burrata create a flavorful combination that is perfect for warm evenings. The dish is simple to make and can be enjoyed year-round.
The tomatoes burst in a garlicky oil, adding extra flavor to the pasta. The addition of burrata cheese brings everything together, melting into the warm pasta. A sprinkle of parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper completes the dish. Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a must-try weeknight meal for summer.
13. Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken and Veggies
Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken and Veggies is a quick, easy, and delicious low-carb dinner option for the summer. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, while the veggies are seasoned and grilled to perfection.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.
14. Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Bowl
The Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Bowl is a delightful summer dinner recipe. It features juicy grilled shrimp and sweet pineapple, coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Served in a pineapple boat with rice, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors.
It's an easy and customizable recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether grilled in the summer or winter, this dish is sure to impress with its presentation and delicious taste.
15. Shrimp and Summer Veggie Foil Packs
Shrimp and Summer Veggie Foil Packs are a flavorful and easy summer dinner option. Packed with tender shrimp, vitamin-rich veggies, and delicious seasonings, these foil packs are perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
The best part is that everything is cooked together in individual foil packs, making cleanup a breeze. Try this recipe for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
16. Summer Quinoa Salad
Summer Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that showcases the best of summer produce. Packed with protein from quinoa and chickpeas, it offers a satisfying meal option.
The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and basil adds a burst of flavor, complemented by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch, a side dish, or a meatless dinner, this salad is a must-try for summer.
17. Coconut-Rum Grilled Shrimp
The Coconut-Rum Grilled Shrimp recipe is a must-try for summer grilling. With only 5 ingredients, it's incredibly easy to make. The marinade, made with coconut milk, brown sugar, rum, and lime juice, adds a delicious tropical flavor to the shrimp.
The glaze made from the marinade gives the shrimp a sweet and tangy finish. This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful summer dinner.
18. Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs
Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs are a must-try summer dinner recipe. The marinade is packed with flavor, combining oyster sauce, ketchup, honey, chili garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger.
The chicken is marinated for at least 2 hours, then grilled to perfection. The result is juicy, smoky, and charred kabobs that are absolutely delicious. Serve with ice-cold beer for a complete summer meal.
19. Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a light and refreshing summer dish that is bursting with flavor. Made with tender chicken seasoned with lemon zest and herbs, sautéed zucchini and squash, and tossed with butter, lemon juice, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
The addition of fresh parsley adds a delightful touch. This 20-minute meal is perfect for using seasonal vegetables and is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
20. Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls
Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are a refreshing and satisfying summer dinner option. Filled with orzo pasta, seasoned chicken breast, English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, homemade tzatziki, and feta cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between light and filling.
The homemade tzatziki adds a delightful freshness, but store-bought can be used as well. Drizzling some sriracha on top gives it an extra kick. Overall, these Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are a healthy and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
21. Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a delicious and tropical summer dinner recipe. The juicy chicken is marinated in a mango-pineapple salsa, giving it a flavorful and tender taste. The addition of mango chunks and pineapple tidbits adds a refreshing twist.
Grilled yellow bell peppers on the side provide a crisp and charred complement to the chicken. This healthy and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a summer meal that will transport you to a tropical island.
22. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a delicious and healthy summer dinner option. The seasoned and grilled chicken is topped with homemade bruschetta and a balsamic glaze, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. It's an easy recipe that can be cooked on the grill or stove, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
The combination of tender chicken, garden-fresh tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings is simply delightful. Whether you use store-bought or homemade bruschetta, this dish is sure to impress. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful. Overall, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a refreshing twist on a classic appetizer and a great addition to any summer menu.
23. BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
The BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a saucy and sticky summer dinner option that combines tender chicken with fresh pineapple, peppers, and onions. The marinade is a simple and flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Grilled to perfection, these kabobs are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these kabobs are sure to be a hit.
24. Burrata Caprese Salad
The Burrata Caprese Salad is a next-level version of the classic Caprese salad. It takes all the traditional components and elevates them to new heights. Made with fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and basil pesto, this salad is a perfect way to showcase the best of summer produce.
It's a simple yet impressive dish that can be enjoyed as a light dinner or shared at summer parties. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious, making it a go-to recipe for lazy summer days.
25. Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is a delicious and refreshing summer dinner recipe. It features marinated sirloin steak, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, and a flavorful gremolata.
The salad is tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, adding the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is perfect for those warm summer nights when you want a light and satisfying meal.
26. Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
The Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a delightful summer dinner recipe that transports you to a tropical island with its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delicious soy and pineapple juice sauce, while the grilled pineapples add a perfect balance of sweetness.
Serving it with fragrant coconut rice completes the dish, creating a culinary adventure for your taste buds. This recipe is a must-try for those who crave complex flavors and want to feel like they're on a tropical vacation.
27. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious summer dinner option. These tacos feature super crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful mixture of buttermilk, flour, and Panko breadcrumbs. They are then topped with a refreshing slaw made with shredded cabbage, sour cream, and cilantro.
The star of the dish is the sweet chili sauce, which adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. These tacos are a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a tasty and satisfying summer meal.
28. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and easy summer meal. The sweet and tangy grilled chicken, topped with melted cheese and fresh pineapple, creates a flavor-packed sandwich that the whole family will love.
It's a perfect combination of savory and sweet, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
29. Korean Spicy Pork Bowls
Korean Spicy Pork Bowls are a flavorful and unique summer dinner option. The marinated pork, rice, noodles, and toppings create a sweet and spicy experience. The gochujang-based marinade adds just the right amount of heat.
This versatile dish can be made with other meats or tofu for a meatless option. The addition of sriracha mayo, teriyaki sauce, and sesame seeds enhances the flavors. Overall, these bowls are a satisfying and addictive takeout alternative.
30. Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies
Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is a healthy and easy Mediterranean-style dinner. This recipe features sliced boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
It is then combined with asparagus, cherry tomatoes, tortellini, and basil pesto. Packed with colorful vegetables and well-balanced with protein and carbs, it's a delicious and quick weeknight meal option. Perfect for those following the Mediterranean diet.
31. Grilled Chili Peach Chicken
The Grilled Chili Peach Chicken recipe is a perfect summer dinner option. The combination of sweet peach preserves and chili garlic sauce creates a flavorful and juicy chicken dish. It is easy to prepare, healthy, and can be ready in just 10 minutes.
With zero cleanup required, it is ideal for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. The caramelized peach preserves add a sticky sweetness, while the chili sauce adds a balancing heat. Serve it with a salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal. Overall, this recipe is a winner for summer grilling.
32. Jalapeno Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Jalapeno Honey Lime Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and moist summer dinner option. The marinade, with its combination of honey, lime, jalapeno, and salt, adds the perfect balance of sweet, sour, heat, and salt to the chicken.
Grilling chicken thighs ensures tenderness and the option for smaller portions. Serve with Mexican sauteed corn, refried black beans, warm corn tortillas, and sliced avocado for a delicious meal. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for backyard BBQs.
33. Avocado Corn Salad with Grilled Shrimp
The Avocado Corn Salad with Grilled Shrimp is a simple and delicious summer dinner recipe. It features a fresh corn salad loaded with chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, and grilled shrimp seasoned with cumin and paprika.
Tossed in a cilantro lime dressing, this salad is light, filling, and bursting with flavor. It can be easily customized to be vegan or vegetarian by omitting the shrimp. Overall, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
34. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are a must-try for summer dinners. The marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and herbs creates a burst of flavor. Whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop, these juicy and garlicky chicken thighs are a winner.
Perfectly paired with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, or even crispy french fries. The addition of charred lemon juice adds an extra zing. Overall, an outstanding recipe that will leave you craving for more.
35. Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops
Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops are a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick summer dinner. The pork chops are marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice, then grilled to perfection.
The result is tender and juicy pork chops with a hint of char from the grill. Serve with grilled pineapple slices and a drizzle of the homemade sauce for a taste of the tropics.
36. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying summer dinner option. It combines crisp Romaine lettuce, rotisserie chicken, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese shavings, and rotini noodles, all tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese in the dressing gives it a delicious flavor.
This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a complete meal or as a side dish for potlucks and gatherings. It can also be customized with other protein options like salmon, shrimp, or steak. Overall, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and tasty option for summer dining.
37. Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach
Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach is a refreshing and creamy one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This vegan dish is packed with flavor from the deep lemon taste and the addition of fresh spinach.
The recipe is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients that can be found in any supermarket. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in both summer and winter, making it a great addition to any dinner menu.
38. Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn
Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn is a delicious and easy summer dinner recipe. The homemade chipotle beer BBQ sauce adds a spicy kick, while the creamed grilled corn provides a comforting side dish.
The chicken is grilled to perfection, and the sauce can be made ahead of time for convenience. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying summer meal.
39. Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a delicious summer dinner option. The juicy chicken is marinated and glazed with a sweet and sticky sauce, creating a caramelized and glossy finish.
The skewers are made with chicken, pineapple, red onion, and red bell pepper, making for a flavorful and colorful combination. Perfect for entertaining or a family meal, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser.
40. Cucumber Caprese Salad
Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing and delicious summer dish. Made with English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze, this salad is light and flavorful. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with pasta for a pasta salad variation.
The addition of diced avocado, cooked chicken, or sliced peaches can enhance the flavors even more. Overall, Cucumber Caprese Salad is a simple and versatile recipe that is perfect for summer dinners.
