Beat the Heat with These 25 No-Sweat Summer Dinners

This list of easy summer dinners includes salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Each recipe is simple to prepare and full of irresistible flavors.

Explore easy summer dinner ideas, even in the middle of a busy work week! Here are some of the most delectable recipes you can try this summer.

They’re all packed with flavor from seasonal ingredients.

Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

These savory creations are packed with white onions, mozzarella cheese, white rice, tomato sauce and ground turkey.

They’re hearty and easy to make. Place them on a bed of mixed greens for added color and crunch.

Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sushi Bake Cups

You’ll love this amazing twist on traditional sushi. These cups are filled with salmon, sushi rice, Kewpie mayo, and soy sauce.

They also include sesame seeds, green onions, and a bit of salt. Enjoy them with a glass of cold sake or green tea.

Get The Recipe: Sushi Bake Cups

Crawfish Fettuccine

Make this pasta dish whenever you want something comforting yet elegant.

Main ingredients include fettuccine, crawfish, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, and sour cream. Arrange it on a platter with lemon wedges around the edges.

Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettuccine

Shrimp Sushi Bowl

This dish combines all the flavors of sushi into a convenient bowl form. It has sushi rice, carrots, cucumbers, avocados, and Kewpie mayo.

Just cook the shrimp and rice, then assemble the bowls with your favorite toppings.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Sushi Bowl

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Nigerian Salad

This hearty salad includes eggs, potatoes, corn, peas, cabbage and other wholesome ingredients.

You can make six servings in 10 minutes. Then, pair it with a side of crusty bread or fresh fruits.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Salad

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Here’s a satisfying recipe you would love to make all year round. The main ingredients include ground turkey, bacon, ranch dressing, and slider buns.

Cook the turkey patties, assemble the sliders with bacon and ranch, and serve warm.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Big Mac Tacos

Tacos are light, customizable, and can incorporate many summer ingredients. Try this recipe.

You’ll love the savory taste of beef, tangy pickles, and special homemade sauce.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

In search of the tastiest summer plant-based dishes?

This one’s a straightforward recipe with a few simple ingredients like tofu, cherry tomatoes, maple syrup, and fresh basil leaves.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad

This salad is great for a light yet filling summer dinner. It combines kale with spiced chickpeas and a zesty lemon cashew dressing.

Feel free to add more of your favorite veggies and spices.

Get The Recipe: Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad

Vegan Lobster Roll

These lobster rolls taste just like traditional lobster.

The recipe uses hearts of palm and artichokes combined with a dressing to replicate real lobster’s flavor and texture.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Lobster Roll

Lemon Chicken Orzo

This meal features chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a zesty lemon sauce. It also includes avocado oil, garlic powder, and ground mustard.

Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra lemon zest for a bright finish.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo

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Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls

Use your air fryer to make the most comforting summer dinners. These rolls have a savory mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cheese.

Serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls

Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Not all summer seafood recipes are complex and time-consuming.

This dish is one of the easiest you can make, with mahi mahi fillets, salted butter, and fresh parsley. It pairs well with a fresh asparagus salad.

Get The Recipe: Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Caprese Salad

This Caprese salad is a classic choice for a summer dinner. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Main ingredients include tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Get The Recipe: Caprese Salad

Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Strawberries also pair well with savory ingredients. This elegant creation features tender pork tenderloin topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic sauce.

You only need a cup of fresh strawberries to make the delicious sauce.

Get The Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Have fun making the tastiest grilled dishes. This one is a flavorful option you can make even as a newbie cook.

Marinate the shrimp, grill them until tender, and assemble the tacos with slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Mexican Chicken and Rice

This Mexican dish is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy summer nights.

It’s bursting with flavors from chicken, rice, and a mix of vegetables. Add the chicken, vegetables, and spices, then cook everything together in the Instant Pot for an easy dinner.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Chicken and Rice

Hawaiian-Style Salmon Poke Bowl

Poke bowls make the most filling and satisfying meals.

You’ll love this one, with fresh salmon, jasmine rice, avocados, cucumbers, and green onions. Pair it with a side of seaweed salad for added flavor.

Get The Recipe: Hawaiian-Style Salmon Poke Bowl

Grilled Tilapia

In this recipe, tilapia fillets are marinated with a blend of spices and lemon juice and grilled to perfection.

They’re flaky, tender, and full of flavor. Serve them with roasted asparagus and a garlic aioli.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Tilapia

Zucchini Taco Boats

Zucchini taco boats are such a huge hit with the kids!

They are packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. Pair them with sour cream or your favorite salsa.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Taco Boats

Coconut Lime Chicken

Infuse your favorite dishes with tropical flavors. This one includes coconut milk, lime juice, and cilantro.

Marinate the chicken, grill until cooked through, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Lime Chicken

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Grilled Eggplant with Lemon Dip

Ready to experience the flavorful combo of grilled eggplant and lemon?!

This dish comes together in just around five minutes with Greek yogurt, dill, olive oil, and garlic. It’s also a healthier option you can serve to your grandparents.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Eggplant with Lemon Dip

Brie Cheese Sandwiches

Make these sandwiches for a solo summer weekday dinner or for fun weekend picnics!

Assemble the sandwiches with Brie, apple slices, and honey, then grill until golden and melted.

Get The Recipe: Brie Cheese Sandwiches

Shrimp Avocado Salad

When it comes to avocados, you usually have two choices: put them in salads or desserts.

Try this savory option with shrimp, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s so easy to make—just toss everything together with the lime dressing.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Salad

Lobster Cakes

These lobster cakes are made with succulent lobster meat, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings.

The recipe also includes mayo, sea salt, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs. Serve it with a fresh arugula and fennel salad.

Get The Recipe: Lobster Cakes

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If you feel like you don’t have time to cook every night, make meals ahead of time and just store them in the fridge.

Consider preparing salads, marinated meats, and cold pasta dishes in advance.

Not only does this save you time during busy evenings, but it also allows you to enjoy the flavors at their peak.