Today I'm sharing 30 easy summer dinner ideas to help you beat the summer heat. Whether you're looking to start up the grill or need ideas for that fresh seasonal produce, you're sure to find a new favorite on this list.
It can be hard to come up with dinner ideas over the summer that will please the entire family.
These dishes are ones that I go back to again and again. They're packed with fresh flavor and are simple to prepare on the hottest of summer days!
Whether you're looking for something to make with those fresh garden tomatoes and zucchini or you'd like to fire up the grill tonight, these recipes are sure to make mealtime easier.
Summer produce
Summer is a great time of year to utilize that fresh seasonal produce. What fruits, vegetables, and herbs are in season this time of year? Add a few of these seasonal items to your next meal for a burst of fresh summer flavor:
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Blueberries
- Basil
- Peppers
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Peaches
- Watermelon
- Summer squash
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Green beans
Summer dinner ideas
Here are 30 easy summer dinner ideas for you to try. Which one is your favorite?
Pesto Primavera
Pesto primavera is a flavorful and filling summer dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes are tossed with your favorite pasta and sauteed veggies to make this simple meal.
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Lemon Garlic Pasta
By The Toasty KitchenLemon zest, garlic, and parmesan cheese add flavor to this Lemon garlic pasta. It's a quick and simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
By The Toasty KitchenJuicy roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic are tossed with pasta. Roasted cherry tomato pasta is a simple pasta dish that can be served hot or cold.
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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich
By The Toasty KitchenMarinated lemon pepper chicken is topped with basil aioli on a toasted bun. Grilled lemon pepper chicken sandwiches make a great summer meal.
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Meatless Baked Ziti
Meatless baked ziti is an easy meal to make in under an hour with simple kitchen ingredients. Layers of ziti coated in marinara, sauteed veggies, and cheese fill this casserole with savory goodness that the entire family will love.
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Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven)
By Delicious on a DimeThese Ground Beef Kebabs use pantry staples to make ground beef AMAZING! Grill for a summer bbq or bake in the oven year-round.
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing
By Delicious on a DimeYou’ll be craving this easy Strawberry Chicken Salad and Creamy Maple Dressing every day. It's incredibly delicious and addictive and it's ready in only 20 minutes!
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Chicken Nugget Pizza
By Zona's Lazy RecipesThis Chicken Nugget Pizza is super easy to make and is ready in just 25 minutes. It's loaded with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, chicken nuggets (or popcorn chicken), sliced red onions and cilantro on store bought pizza crust.
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Pizza Zucchini Boats
Pizza zucchini boats are an easy, nutritious alternative to your weekly pizza night. Halved and cored zucchini are filled with cooked and crumbled sausage, marinara sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
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Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta
By Pumpkin n' SpiceCherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella make this Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta the go-to summer meal.
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Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
By Budget DeliciousThis Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is so quick and easy to make. It's the perfect colorful and flavorful summer dish.
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Easy Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
By My Everyday TableThis Dorito taco salad is cool, crunchy, and cheesy. It's super satisfying and a family fave.
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Mexican Zucchini Skillet
This Mexican zucchini skillet is made with ground beef, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. This flavorful meal takes only a few minutes of prep and is ready in 30 minutes or less!
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Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
By Taste and SeeShrimp are marinated in cilantro, lime, and garlic and skewered for an easy preparation for grilling. They're topped with a sweet and zesty salsa.
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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
By Feasting Not FastingThe best easy marinated teriyaki chicken skewers with homemade teriyaki sauce provide the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They're easy to assemble and great for the grill.
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Salmon Spaghetti Squash Bake
By Champagne TastesThis salmon spaghetti squash bake can be prepared ahead of time. It's a tasty seafood casserole (or gratin) made with squash, milk, Parmesan cheese, and salmon.
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Zucchini Corn Chowder
Corn zucchini chowder is a mild, creamy soup made with your favorite summer produce. This homemade soup is filled with corn, onion, potatoes, and zucchini, plus a few simple pantry ingredients. Serves 4 as a main course or 6 as a side dish.
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Skillet Shrimp and Vegetables with Feta
By The Rustic FoodieThis Skillet Shrimp and Vegetables is made with sautéed asparagus, zucchini, feta, and lemon. It's healthy and full of Mediterranean flavors!
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Chilled Shrimp Salad with Dill
By Make It Skinny PleaseServe easy shrimp salad with dill on crisp greens or your favorite bun. It's a refreshing chilled salad recipe perfect for hot days.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
By BBQing with the NolandsGrilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are sticky and caramelized on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Serve up these sometimes overlooked chicken thighs for a classic summer lunch or dinner.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Boats
Chicken bacon ranch zucchini boats turn your favorite flavor combination into an easy, low-carb dinner. Made with just five ingredients, including a rotisserie chicken for easy prep!
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Grilled Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
By Maple and MangoThese Tandoori Chicken Kebabs are perfect for both a weeknight BBQ or for entertaining. They're super easy to make on the grill, tender and packed full of flavor.
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Chicago Style Hot Dog
By Scarlati Family KitchenThis classic Chicago hot dog will bring the taste of Chicago into your very own home. It's a must-try authentic recipe.
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Juicy Grilled Summer Pork Chops
By Keeping it SimpleThese juicy grilled bone-in pork chops are topped with tomato, basil, and garlic for maximum flavor. They are the perfect Summer meal.
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Shrimp Primavera
Shrimp primavera is a flavorful, veggie-packed meal that's easy to make any time of year. Pasta, shrimp, and fresh seasonal veggies are tossed in a light lemon sauce to make this easy dish.
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Sheet Pan BBQ Salmon Dinner
By Kara Lydon NutritionIf you're craving BBQ but want minimal clean up, then make this quick and easy Sheet Pan BBQ Salmon.
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Tuna Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
By Girl Heart FoodTuna lettuce wraps with peanut sauce are delicious for lunch or dinner. They're light, fresh, and loaded with colour, texture, and flavour.
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Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Zucchini pesto pasta is a simple pasta dish that's filled with fresh summer flavor! Homemade pesto is made with zucchini, basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then tossed with fresh cooked pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
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Easy Chili Burrito
By Health My LifestyleEasy Chili Burritos are packed with bold flavors and easy-to-make. Turn your leftover chili into a delicious and satisfying meal with this Chili Burrito recipe!
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Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Buffalo chicken zucchini boats are a flavorful stuffed zucchini recipe made with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
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