23 Simple Meals to Enjoy on All Those Sunny Days

When the sun is out, you should be out, too. Not in the kitchen cooking for hours, but outside by the grill with a drink. These 23 simple dishes are perfect for keeping you out of the kitchen. No heavy ingredients or long prep times. Less cooking time just means more time out under the sun whether alone, or with family and friends.

Image shows delicious homemade kefta kebabs.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo

Image shows a Chipotle burger with grilled corn in the background.
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spice up your grill game with Chipotle Burgers and Jalapeno Mayo—a match made in burger heaven. Sink your teeth into juicy patties infused with smoky chipotle flavor, topped with a creamy and fiery jalapeno mayo that takes it to the next level. Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and irresistible burger creation.

Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salad is so much more than just lettuce and dressing, and this avocado tomato salad proves that point. It’s a plethora of veggies tossed with romaine a fresh dressing you blitz together in your blender. Summer on a fork.

Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Prepare to delight your senses with our lemon marinated kefir chicken. Succulent chicken pieces are bathed in a tangy and refreshing marinade featuring the zingy flavors of lemon and the creamy tang of kefir, resulting in tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken that will leave you craving more.

Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Beer Boiled Brats

Image shows a beer boiled brat on a bun with sweet potato fries on a plate and more brats in the background.
Beer Boiled Brats. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bratwurst is a summer classic, and it’s even better when you make beer boiled brats. They are incredibly juicy and so flavorful. It’s a grilling win every time.

Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it.
Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the creamy and flavorful world of a San Antonio tradition. This copycat Boudro’s guacamole combines ripe avocados, zesty lime, roasted tomatoes and pepper, and a medley of seasonings for a fresh and delicious dip. Perfect for sharing and enjoying in the sun.

Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A single pan, big flavors, and nourishing ingredients—this dish blends fluffy quinoa, beans, and colorful veggies with a spicy kick. Salsa adds zest, while corn and peppers lend a natural sweetness. A protein-packed meal that’s both hearty and vibrant.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Miso Glazed Chicken

Miso glazed chicken with rice on a white plate.
Miso Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A sweet and savory miso glaze transforms ordinary chicken into something special. The marinade makes the chicken tender and full of flavor, making it a standout dish among delicious grilling recipes. This dish is sure to impress at any BBQ or gathering.

Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ratatouille with an Italian flair combines fresh vegetables and herbs into a hearty and flavorful side dish. This vibrant mix adds a colorful and delicious element to your cookout. It will bring a taste of Italy and a memorable touch to your meal.

Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kefta kebabs are seasoned lamb skewers that bring a bold and savory flavor to your grill. Their aromatic spices offer a unique alternative to traditional barbecue fare, making them a standout choice for your cookout. Each skewer delivers a rich taste that will impress your guests.

Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brighten up your dinner table with the zesty appeal of lemon-roasted chicken, offering a delightful combination of citrusy flavors and juicy, tender meat. The lemon infusion adds a refreshing twist to the classic roasted chicken, creating a simple yet satisfying dish.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites

Image shows a hand holding a quarter of a Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bite with more on a white tray in the background.
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This fun and easy appetizer is heaven on an English muffin. The cheesy, boozy mixture is the perfect marriage, and they’re so quick and easy to make, too.

Get the Recipe: Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites

Asian Marinated Steak

Asian marinated steak on a plate with sides.
Asian Marinated Steak. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Asian Marinated Steak features a marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil that delivers bold, savory flavors. This steak turns out juicy and tender, making it a standout choice for grilling. It’s a delicious option that brings a touch of Asia to the BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak

Veggie Pasta Salad

Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.
Veggie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savor the taste of summer with this mayo-free pasta salad. This refreshing and light salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying side dish.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy, golden-brown chicken rests on a bed of tender orzo, soaking up the flavors of garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. A splash of olive oil adds richness, while a sprinkle of crumbled feta gives a salty, creamy contrast. The orzo cooks in the same pan, absorbing all the savory juices for a dish that’s fresh yet deeply satisfying. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Garlic Dill Pickles

Image shows an overhead shot of sliced garlic dill pickles in a small dish sitting on a wooden board.
Garlic Dill Pickles. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Garlic dill pickles made with the refrigerator method are crisp and delicious with that perfect bite of garlic flavor. Best of all, you don’t need to know how to can to enjoy these summertime treats.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Dill Pickles

Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes on a silpat baking sheet.
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your summer appetizers with the bold and vibrant flavors of slow roasted Italian tomatoes. Bursting with intense tomato goodness, these roasted beauties have a fantastic burst of flavor, and they’re great to eat by the handful alongside other veggies.

Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes

Tomato Quinoa Salad

Image shows shows a closeup of Tomato Quinoa Salad in a small white bowl.
Tomato Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato quinoa salad combines protein-rich quinoa with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, creating a refreshing and hearty side dish. Its light yet satisfying texture adds a nutritious element to your barbecue spread. This salad is an excellent choice for a wholesome addition to your meal.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad

Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Image shows a white tray filled with chipotle grilled corn on the cob sitting on green grass.
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ignite your taste buds with this chipotle grilled corn recipe. Sweet and smoky, each tender ear of corn is infused with a chipotle-compound butter, and grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering side dish bursting with bold flavors.

Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bok choy is such a fun vegetable, but it is definitley underused. It’s absolutely delicious when you toss it on the grill for just a few minutes after mixing it with an easy Asian marinade. It pairs well with anything from burgers to chicken and more.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger

Bacon cheddar stuffed burger cut in half and on a white plate.
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy beef patties stuffed with melted cheddar and crispy bacon create a flavor-packed experience. Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness, making it a memorable choice among delicious grilling recipes for any occasion. This burger is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your next BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger

Lemon Roasted Broccoli

Image shows chopped broccoli florets and stems spread on a baking sheet.
Lemon Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, etc. And kid-friendly (my son loves dipping it in teriyaki sauce). Add just a touch of Parmesan cheese to it once it’s finished roasting, and you have a little slice of heaven in your mouth.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A handful of simple pantry ingredients come together to create a pasta dish bursting with bold, fresh flavors. Flaky tuna adds richness and depth, while cherry tomatoes provide a juicy, slightly tangy contrast. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fragrant herbs, this dish is light yet hearty, making it an excellent choice for a quick, wholesome meal. It’s a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, ready in minutes but packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Get ready for a burst of zesty and refreshing flavors with our lime marinated grilled chicken recipe. Succulent chicken breasts are infused with a tangy lime marinade, resulting in tender, citrus-infused perfection that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

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