25 Easy Summer Meals That Will Save You Time

Beat the heat with these easy summer meals. From light bites to hearty grills, this list includes simple dishes that are ideal for any summer occasion.

Summer is all about fresh, vibrant flavors and crowd-pleasing dishes. Here are some of the easiest meals you can explore this season.

Each recipe is straightforward and very easy to follow, even for newbie cooks.

Hot Girl Summer Salad

This salad delivers a crisp and juicy texture with every bite.

It includes cucumbers, green bell peppers, sunflower kernels, and hard-boiled eggs. Garnish it with fresh mint leaves for a burst of flavor.

Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola

Make this elegant dish each time you’re craving restaurant-quality Italian food at home.

This summer meal features tender, grilled steak pieces drizzled with a creamy gorgonzola sauce. You can make this delicious creation in less than an hour.

Get The Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola

Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor.

They are filled with a savory mix of ground turkey, rice, and summer veggies. The bell peppers offer a tender yet slightly crunchy bite, while the filling is juicy and well-seasoned.

Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Big Mac Tacos

Try these tacos for a fun twist on a classic favorite.

They combine all the familiar flavors of a Big Mac – seasoned ground beef, pickled cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and a special sauce – wrapped in a soft taco shell.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

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Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche

This seafood meal features tender shrimp marinated in a citrusy blend of lime and lemon juice. You’ll love its bright, tangy flavor.

Serve it in small bowls or on a platter, garnished with avocado slices and fresh cilantro leaves.

Get The Recipe: Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

If you’re looking for the perfect bite-sized meal for summer picnics and barbecues, these sliders are the way to go.

They include ranch dressing, bacon, turkey, cheddar cheese, and butter. They’re smoky and tangy, with a fluffy texture from the buns.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Shrimp Sushi Bowl

This dish combines succulent shrimp, sticky sushi rice, and a variety of veggies like cucumber and avocado, all drizzled with a tangy soy and sesame dressing.

To prepare, cook the rice, assemble the bowl with shrimp and veggies, and drizzle with the dressing.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Plant-based options are just as delicious as classic favorites. These sandwiches are an excellent choice for summer picnics.

They include tempeh, vegan mayo, celery, soy sauce, and other simple ingredients. Serve them with fresh fruit or a light vegetable soup.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

This vibrant salad features green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, and then tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

You can make this ahead of time and just store it in the fridge for up to one week. It’s easy, healthy and satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

Sweet Corn Gazpacho

Enjoy this sweet corn gazpacho during hot summer days. It includes fresh sweet corn blended with bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Just blend the vegetables until smooth, then chill in the fridge before serving.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Corn Gazpacho

Vegan Ratatouille

Challenge yourself this summer and prepare this colorful vegan ratatouille.

It combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all baked together in a fragrant herb-infused tomato sauce.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

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Grilled Beet Flatbread Salad

This flatbread salad combines the earthy sweetness of grilled beets with the crispy texture of flatbread, all topped with fresh greens and a tangy balsamic glaze.

Garnish it with crumbled feta cheese and serve it as an appetizer.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Beet Flatbread Salad

Creamy Carrot and Parsnip Soup

This carrot and parsnip soup is the ultimate comfort food for a cool summer evening.

This soup is rich and velvety, featuring the natural sweetness of carrots and parsnips with a hint of garlic and onion for depth. It’s creamy, smooth and healthy.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Grilled Sockeye Salmon

In this recipe, the salmon is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.

The taste is fresh and vibrant, enhanced by the citrus and herbs. Don’t forget to garnish it with lemon wedges and fresh dill.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Sockeye Salmon

Ground Chicken Feta Burgers

Burgers are always a hit at summer parties because they are so easy to prepare and share.

These ones are packed with ground chicken, feta cheese, and spinach. Just mix the ingredients, form into patties, and grill until golden brown.

Get The Recipe: Ground Chicken Feta Burgers

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Here’s something you can prepare for the whole family.

This dish features tender strips of chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with a zesty blend of spices and roasted to perfection.

Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Fajitas

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pork dishes are a must at summer gatherings.

Check out this recipe, which is made with French onion soup, ketchup, cider vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Fire Grilled T-Bone Steak

This steak is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then grilled over an open flame to achieve a perfect char and juicy, tender interior.

The taste is rich and beefy, with a smoky finish from the grill. Serve it on a wooden board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Get The Recipe: Fire Grilled T-Bone Steak

Zucchini Pasta Bake

This bake features tender zucchini, and pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese.

Just layer the cooked pasta and zucchini with the sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Bake

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Let mouthwatering pasta dishes brighten up your summer days.

This one requires only a few simple ingredients, like spaghetti, ricotta, basil leaves, and lemon. Garnish it with extra lemon zest and basil leaves.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Fig and Ricotta Toast

Ready to enjoy a simple yet elegant summer snack? This fig and ricotta toast is a perfect choice.

It features creamy ricotta spread on crusty bread, topped with figs and a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or a light summer cocktail.

Get The Recipe: Fig and Ricotta Toast

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Pesto Tortellini Salad

This salad combines tender tortellini with a basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.

It also includes cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and kalamata olives. Serve it in a large bowl and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers

Spice up your summer grilling with these chimichurri shrimp skewers.

These skewers feature succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce. They have a bold and tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness from the grill.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers

Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Cucumber and avocados? That’s probably one of the most refreshing summer combos.

Try this gazpacho – it also includes milk, apple cider vinegar, shallots, and coconut yogurt. The texture is smooth and velvety, great for sipping on a warm day.

Get The Recipe: Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Harissa Lamb Meatballs

These meatballs are made with ground lamb and seasoned with spicy harissa, creating a rich and aromatic flavor.

Mix the ingredients, form into meatballs, and bake until cooked through. Then, garnish them with fresh parsley, and pair them with a cucumber salad.

Get The Recipe: Harissa Lamb Meatballs

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Preparing summer meals can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a newbie in the kitchen.

Just take it one dish at a time! Many summer meals, like salads and pasta creations, are easy and can be made ahead of time.