Late summer meals should be easy, fresh, and full of flavor without keeping you in the kitchen too long. These 27 light and flavorful recipes are just right for nights when you want something simple but still packed with good ingredients. Each one brings bold taste without feeling heavy, and they’re all quick enough to make after a busy day.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Make dinner feel light but still filling with this easy quinoa bowl. Soft quinoa soaks up the salty Parmesan while fresh spinach adds color and flavor. It’s the kind of simple and tasty dish that feels just right on a warm summer night.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Try this cool and fresh bowl of quinoa mixed with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. A quick splash of vinaigrette pulls it all together without making it too heavy. It’s a perfect pick for those late summer nights when you want something easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Spanish Rice
Turn basic rice into something bold with garlic, tomato, and a few warm spices. This dish brings big flavor without being too heavy or hard to make. It’s a great way to add something bright to the plate on hot summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Fire up the grill for a fast and crispy veggie side that tastes fresh every time. Baby bok choy gets a quick glaze of soy, garlic, and citrus for extra punch. It’s the kind of light side dish that makes late summer dinners feel special without much work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Pesto Salmon
Keep things easy with this fast salmon recipe topped with golden pesto for flavor and moisture. The garlicky basil crust keeps each bite fresh without making it too rich. It’s perfect for warm nights when you want dinner to taste like something from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Honey Glazed Chicken
This chicken gets coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that locks in flavor without being too heavy. The honey gives each bite a touch of sweetness that works well with simple sides. It’s a great go-to when you want a light meal after a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
A quick miso glaze gives this salmon a caramelized top that’s both sweet and savory. It’s an easy way to make fish feel a little fancy without taking much time. Serve it on a summer night when you want something fresh that still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Brazilian Cheese Bread
These soft and cheesy bites are crispy outside and chewy inside, making them hard to stop eating. They’re made with simple ingredients but bring big flavor to the table. Bake a batch on a late summer evening when you want something light that still feels fun.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Skip the wrapper but keep all the flavor with this one-pan dinner full of juicy ground chicken and crunchy veggies. The bold seasoning gives it a kick while keeping things fresh and easy. It’s just the kind of fast meal that hits the spot on a warm weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa gets a colorful boost from beans, corn, and peppers in this one-skillet dinner. The mix brings sweet and spicy flavors without being too heavy or hard to cook. It’s a bright and easy meal that fits perfectly with long summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cacio e Pepe
This simple pasta is made with just cheese, pepper, and noodles, but it still tastes rich and full of flavor. It’s creamy without being too heavy, which makes it great for warm summer nights when you want something fast and comforting. Every bite feels special, even though the ingredients are basic and easy to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Juicy chicken and soft orzo cook in one pan with lemon, herbs, and garlic for a fresh, tasty meal. The bright flavors and creamy texture make it just right for nights when it’s still warm out but you want something filling. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but still feels like something you’d serve to friends.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous gets tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs for a salad that’s fresh, crisp, and full of flavor. A quick citrus dressing ties it all together without making it feel heavy. It’s a perfect light meal for late summer when you want something cool and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This easy pasta uses canned tuna and cherry tomatoes to make something quick but full of taste. A little olive oil, garlic, and herbs turn it into a simple dish that works great on hot nights. It’s pantry-friendly, fresh, and perfect when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli gets crispy in the oven, and a squeeze of lemon makes each bite pop with bright flavor. It’s simple to make and works well as a side with almost any dinner. This is the kind of easy, light dish that fits right in on a warm evening.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Tropical Fruit Salad
Sweet pineapple, mango, and berries come together for a fruit salad that tastes like summer in a bowl. A little honey or lime brings out the flavor without adding too much. It’s great for breakfast or dessert when the weather’s warm and you want something light.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Zucchini, squash, and tomatoes roast together until soft and full of deep, rich flavor. Herbs and olive oil make this simple dish feel fresh without being too heavy. It’s a great way to use late summer vegetables for a light main or easy side.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes mix with lemon, herbs, and olive oil for a salad that tastes clean and fresh. It’s full of flavor without being rich, which makes it perfect for hot days. This is a quick and easy dish you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon gets poached in fresh orange juice, which keeps it tender and brings out a soft, sweet flavor. It’s a light dish that still fills you up without feeling too heavy. Try it on a warm night when you want something simple but still full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Tomato Lime Chicken
This chicken gets cooked in a bold mix of tomato and lime, giving it a bright, tangy flavor. It stays juicy and full of taste without needing too many ingredients. Use it in tacos or salads, or serve it with rice for an easy summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Lemon Butter Pasta
Buttery lemon sauce coats each noodle in this simple pasta that feels rich but still fresh. The mix of garlic, lemon, and herbs makes every bite taste bright and bold. It’s quick to make and pairs well with whatever you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pasta uses sweet peas and herbs to keep things light without losing that rich, smooth feel. It’s easy to cook and makes a comforting dish that still works well on a warm night. Every bite has the right balance of creamy and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken soaks up the flavor of lime, garlic, and a little oil before hitting the grill for a juicy, smoky meal. The outside gets just the right char while the inside stays tender. It’s an easy dinner to make on a summer evening when you want something that tastes bold and clean.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto gets a bright boost from lemon and green peas for a dish that’s rich but still feels fresh. It’s warm and smooth, but the citrus keeps it from feeling too heavy. This is a good choice when you want something that feels like comfort food but still works in the heat.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven
Slices of zucchini get baked until they’re golden and crisp on the outside while still soft inside. It’s a simple recipe that feels fun to eat, whether as a snack or a side. Great for when you want something a little crunchy but still light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
This grilled chicken gets topped with smoky ham, juicy pineapple, and melted cheese for a mix of sweet and salty flavors. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat on a warm night. The glaze ties it all together into a meal that feels playful but still easy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Flaky salmon and sweet tomatoes mix with pasta for a dish that’s bright and satisfying. A splash of white wine and garlic adds flavor without making it too heavy. This is the kind of meal that feels fresh and fast, perfect for late summer nights when you want something light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes