Dinner doesn’t have to be a big deal, especially when the weather’s warm and you’ve got better things to do. These go-to summer recipes keep things simple but still taste like you put in the effort. They’re easy to make, don’t take much time, and work whether you’re cooking for one or a small crowd. If you need dinner to be fast, good, and stress-free, these are the recipes to keep on hand.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Let bright lemon flavor do the work in these juicy chicken kebabs that grill up fast and taste fresh in every bite. They’re easy to throw together and cook quickly, which makes them great when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Keep this recipe on hand for go-to summer dinners that always hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Bacon Egg Salad
Bring some extra flavor to a classic egg salad by mixing in crisp bacon that adds just the right amount of crunch and salt. It tastes great on sandwich bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps, depending on what sounds good. Try this easy summer dinner when you want something cool, fast, and full of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Turn burger night into something bold with smoky chipotle and a creamy jalapeno mayo that adds a kick to every bite. The flavor is big, the patties stay juicy, and everything comes together without much work. Make this your go-to summer dinner when you want something filling that’s not boring.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Get crispy, cheesy pizza without turning on the oven by using tortillas as your crust in the air fryer. They cook fast and can be topped with whatever you already have, like leftover meat or sliced veggies. Keep this in your dinner rotation for nights when you want something tasty with almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Skip the stirring and make this creamy risotto using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and frozen peas. It still tastes rich and comforting, but takes way less effort than the traditional version. Use this smart summer dinner idea when you want something warm, easy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Give your tuna salad a flavorful twist by mixing in pesto and sundried tomatoes for a bold and rich taste. It comes together in minutes and works well as a sandwich, in a wrap, or served over greens. Save this recipe for summer dinners that need to be fast but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Take everything you love about egg rolls and toss it in one pan without messing with wrappers or deep frying. It’s packed with ground chicken, cabbage, and a quick sauce that brings everything together. Keep this recipe close for summer dinners that are easy, filling, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Mix up your dinner routine with a salad that’s packed with bold flavor, crunchy veggies, and spicy-sweet chicken. The tangy dressing ties everything together and gives each bite a fresh and zesty punch. Try this when you want a light but exciting dinner that fits right into a summer meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Miso Glazed Chicken
Coat chicken in a miso glaze that’s both sweet and savory for a dish that’s full of deep flavor without a lot of effort. It cooks quickly and works with rice, salad, or simple vegetables, depending on what you have. Make this your weeknight go-to when you want a fast summer dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
Use a quick miso glaze to turn simple salmon into something full of flavor that’s easy to make and hard to forget. It cooks in minutes and goes great with rice, greens, or whatever else sounds good. Keep this in your rotation for summer dinners that taste great without a long prep.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Soak chicken in a quick lime marinade to bring out a fresh and tangy flavor that’s hard to beat. It grills up fast and pairs well with anything from a simple salad to warm rice or roasted corn. Keep this recipe in your summer dinner lineup for meals that feel light but still taste full.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Poached Orange Salmon
Add a citrus twist to dinner with this simple salmon recipe poached in fresh orange juice for a hint of sweetness. It’s fast to cook and goes well with grains, greens, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Try this easy summer dinner when you want something light but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Kefta Kebabs
Make dinner more exciting with these flavorful kebabs seasoned with warm spices and grilled until juicy. They’re simple to shape and quick to cook, making them great for any night when you want something different. Add this to your list of summer dinners that are easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Stir-cooked quinoa with spinach and Parmesan for a meatless meal that’s still hearty and full of flavor. It comes together in one pot and is satisfying enough to serve on its own or with something light on the side. Keep this in mind for summer dinners that are easy to make and good for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Caprese Panini
Layer fresh tomato, basil, and melty mozzarella between slices of bread and press until warm and toasty. It has just enough crunch and creaminess to feel like a treat without taking much time. Make this your go-to when you want a simple summer dinner that still feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Pulled Pork
Cook pork until it’s fall-apart tender and packed with rich, savory flavor that works in sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls. It feeds a group or makes great leftovers, so it’s a smart choice for busy weeks. Try this one when you want a satisfying summer dinner that takes care of more than one meal.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Pesto Salmon
Spread a layer of pesto over salmon and bake until flaky for a fresh dinner that’s full of herby flavor. It goes well with vegetables, pasta, or whatever is already in your kitchen. Keep this recipe close for summer dinners that feel easy and still taste great.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Mix canned tuna with a little heat and roll it up with rice and simple fillings for a sushi-style dinner that’s easy to make. It’s fast, fun, and doesn’t take a long list of ingredients to get right. Save this for summer nights when you want something light but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Lemon Butter Pasta
Combine lemon and butter to make a smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta with just the right balance of rich and bright. It cooks fast and needs only a few ingredients, but still feels like something made with care. Add this to your summer dinner plans when you want something easy that still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Orange Chicken
Toss crispy chicken pieces in a sweet orange sauce that brings the flavor of takeout to your kitchen in less time. It’s quick to pull together and always tastes like something more special than a regular weeknight meal. Use this when you want a dinner recipe that’s simple but still full of fun.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Let the Instant Pot do the work in this creamy risotto that’s brightened with lemon and sweetened with peas. It tastes fancy but comes together with very little effort, which makes it great for any low-key evening. Save this one for a satisfying summer dinner that feels light but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Honey Habanero Tacos
Mix ground beef with a little honey and just enough heat from habanero to make tacos that are sweet, spicy, and bold. They’re fast to make and taste great with crunchy toppings like slaw or chopped onions. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for a fun summer dinner that’s anything but plain.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Wrap chicken, vegetables, and cheese in foil and let them cook together until juicy and full of smoky flavor. It’s a hands-off meal that’s easy to prep and even easier to clean up after. Try this when you want a simple summer dinner that tastes like you spent all day on it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Mix canned chicken with mayo and seasonings for a no-cook salad that’s cool, quick, and full of flavor. It works well as a sandwich, inside a wrap, or spooned over a bed of lettuce. Use this recipe when you need a fast and easy summer dinner that doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tomato Lime Chicken
Toss chicken with tomatoes, lime juice, and seasonings in one pan and let everything cook down into something bold and juicy. It works great in tacos, over rice, or in bowls with your favorite toppings. Keep this easy summer dinner in your rotation for nights when you need something that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Taco Wraps
Skip the stove and wrap up rotisserie chicken with fresh toppings for a quick and flavorful dinner. It’s crunchy, cool, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Try this simple summer meal when you want something fast that still feels like a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Toss canned tuna and tomatoes with pasta for a quick meal that feels hearty and fresh without needing a lot of work. The sauce is simple but flavorful, and it comes together with pantry staples. Make this your go-to summer dinner when time is tight but you still want something that tastes good.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Asian Glazed Salmon
Coat salmon in a sticky glaze that’s sweet, savory, and quick to cook for a dinner that looks and tastes like more effort than it is. It’s ready in minutes and pairs well with rice or a fresh salad. Save this one for summer nights when you want something light but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Stir together quinoa, beans, salsa, corn, and spices in one skillet for a meal that’s loaded with flavor and protein. It cooks fast, fills you up, and makes cleanup easy. Keep this recipe on hand for summer dinners that are healthy, filling, and no trouble at all.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Use just a few ingredients to make a pasta dish that’s creamy from ricotta and sweet from cooked-down tomatoes. It’s quick to prepare and brings a fresh taste that feels right when you want something easy. Keep this one in your dinner plans for relaxed summer nights when simple food just hits right.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Sear salmon in a pan and finish it in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. The flavor is bold, the texture is smooth, and it all comes together in under 30 minutes. Try this easy summer dinner when you want something rich but still simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Cacio e Pepe
Boil some pasta and stir in cheese and cracked pepper for a dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. The creamy sauce comes together with just a few ingredients and tastes rich without being heavy. Save this one for a laid-back summer dinner that’s comforting and quick.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Honey Glazed Chicken
Coat chicken in a simple honey glaze and cook it until the outside is sticky and the inside is tender and juicy. It works with rice, vegetables, or salad, which makes it a flexible meal that always tastes good. Make this one of your go-to summer dinners for nights when you want something fast and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Mix ground turkey with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and a nice change from the usual. They’re quick to grill and go great with crunchy toppings or in lettuce wraps if you want something lighter. Keep this recipe on hand for summer dinners that are anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Asian Marinated Steak
Let steak soak in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for big flavor that cooks up in minutes. It tastes great with rice, noodles, or even salad if you’re keeping things light. Make this one of your go-to dinner recipes for summer nights when bold flavor meets easy prep.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Brown some ground beef and mix it with cornmeal, spices, and cheese for a dish that brings tamale flavor without all the work. Everything cooks in one skillet, which makes cleanup fast and easy. Use this for summer dinners when you want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Chicken Paprikash
Simmer chicken in a creamy paprika sauce for a dish that’s rich and comforting without being too heavy. It’s easy to make with basic pantry items and comes together in under an hour. Keep this in your summer dinner rotation for something cozy that still fits a relaxed night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Creamy Pea Pasta
Boil pasta and stir in peas, cheese, and cream for a dinner that feels like comfort food without taking much time. The sweetness of the peas balances the rich sauce and makes the whole dish feel bright and cozy. Try this one when you want a summer dinner that’s quick, creamy, and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Toss spicy cooked chicken with greens, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing for a salad that feels like a full meal. It’s bold, cool, and comes together in no time with whatever you already have in the fridge. Make this your go-to summer dinner when you want something fresh that still brings the heat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad