With summer almost here, it’s time to ditch the complicated meals and focus on dishes that are quick, light, and perfect for these warmer days. These 29 easy meals are made for exactly that. Each one is simple to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the sunshine and the relaxing summer vibe. They’re perfect for lazy afternoons, impromptu picnics, or gathering with friends on the patio, all while keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum.
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
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
Kefta Kebabs
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
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
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
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
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
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Experience the zesty and tangy flavors of slow cooker tomato lime chicken, a succulent dish that combines juicy chicken with vibrant tomato and lime accents. Let the slow cooker do the work for you, creating tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with your favorite side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Chunky Guacamole
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
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
Veggie Pasta Salad
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
Miso Glazed Chicken
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
Tomato Quinoa Salad
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
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
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
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
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
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
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
Elotes (aka Mexican Street Corn)
Mexican street corn is delicious and traditionally sold on the cob from street carts. Make your own version at home with this simple recipe using frozen corn!
Get the Recipe: Elotes (aka Mexican Street Corn)
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken on the grill is so delicious and juicy. It’s even better when you mix it with this simple lemon marinade for more flavor. Go ahead and skewer it with your favorite veggies for a delicious summer meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
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
Asian Marinated Steak
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
Avocado Tomato Salad
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
Cucumber Salad
Refresh and hydrate with this cool and crisp cucumber salad, perfect as a side dish on hot summer days when cooking is out of the question. Enjoy the simplicity of fresh cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy dressing that will invigorate your palate.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
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
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Grilled chicken foil packets offer a convenient and tasty way to prepare a meal with minimal cleanup. Combining chicken, vegetables, and rice in a foil packet allows for easy grilling and infuses everything with rich flavors. This method makes serving dinner a breeze and ensures a satisfying dish for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
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
Beer Boiled Brats
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
Lemon Kale Salad
Forget what you thin you know about kale. THIS is how you eat kale. This tangy and simple lemon dressing paired with a litte parmesan cheese and fresh kale is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our grilled chicken satay with peanut sauce. Tender chicken skewers are marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy, homemade peanut sauce that’s rich, nutty, and absolutely addictive.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Lemon Roasted Chicken
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
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
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
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
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 sunshine-filled meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Garlic Dill Pickles
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