Summer weeknights can get busy fast, but dinner doesn’t have to be a big deal. These 15 simple recipes are quick to make, easy to clean up, and full of flavor. Whether you’re short on time or just too tired to cook much, these meals help you get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Pulled Pork
Let the slow cooker do the work while the pork turns rich, tender, and packed with savory flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls and makes enough for leftovers the next day. Put this one on repeat for summer dinners that are easy to start and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing make this salad bold, fresh, and satisfying. It feels light but still fills you up, so it works great for busy evenings. Give this one a spot in your summer dinner plans when you want flavor without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Honey Glazed Chicken
A simple honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. It pairs well with anything from a fresh salad to warm rice or grilled veggies. Try this one when you need a fast summer dinner that still tastes special.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Toss chicken, vegetables, and a bit of cheese into foil and let it all cook together for a juicy, no-mess meal. It’s easy to prep, takes little cleanup, and tastes like more than the effort it needs. Use this one when summer dinner needs to be simple, smoky, and done in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Smoky chipotle and creamy jalapeño mayo turn a regular burger into something with serious flavor. These patties stay juicy, come together fast, and bring a little heat to the table. Keep this one close when you want a bold summer dinner that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Pesto Salmon
Spread pesto over salmon and bake until tender for a dinner that’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor. It works well with pasta, veggies, or whatever else you have ready to go. Put this one on your list for easy summer dinners that always taste like you had a plan.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Use shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and frozen peas to make a creamy risotto without all the stirring. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together way faster than the traditional kind. Save this one for a satisfying summer dinner that feels warm and still stays easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Bacon Egg Salad
Stir crispy bacon into classic egg salad for a salty crunch that makes each bite feel a little more special. It’s fast to mix and works in sandwiches, wraps, or just with crackers for a cool, filling meal. Turn to this recipe when summer dinner needs to be quick but still hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground beef mixed with honey and habanero makes these tacos sweet, spicy, and full of flavor in every bite. They’re simple to make and even better with crunchy slaw or chopped onions on top. Keep this one around for summer dinners that are fun to eat and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Asian Marinated Steak
Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger give this steak bold flavor without a long marinade time or fancy prep. It sears quickly and tastes great with noodles, salad, or even rice if you want to keep it simple. Try this one when summer dinner calls for something rich that still comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Mixing pesto and sun-dried tomatoes into tuna salad makes it taste fresh, bold, and anything but plain. It’s a no-cook meal that works in wraps, over greens, or piled into a sandwich. Use this when your summer dinner needs to be fast but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Cacio e Pepe
Just a little cheese, black pepper, and hot pasta water come together to make a creamy and rich sauce. It feels fancy but takes almost no time or effort to put on the table. Let this one be your go-to when a laid-back summer dinner needs to feel like comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Bright lemon and sweet peas lift this creamy risotto into something light but still comforting. The Instant Pot makes it hands-off and way easier than the traditional version. Try this for a summer dinner that feels a little fancy but doesn’t need much work.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey gets a boost from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for burgers that cook up juicy and full of flavor. They grill quickly and taste great with fresh toppings or wrapped in lettuce. Make this one of your go-to summer dinners when you want a switch from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Lemon Butter Pasta
A silky lemon butter sauce coats each strand of pasta in something light, creamy, and full of tangy flavor. It only takes a few ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Save this recipe for when summer dinner needs to be simple but still feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta