25 Summer Dinner Recipes So Irresistible, You’ll Add Them to Your Weekly Menu

Enjoy the best of the season with these summer dinner recipes. They are as easy as they are delicious, with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and lemon.

Homemade summer dishes are the highlight of every cookout.

Some are a bit challenging to make, but there are also lots of easy recipes you can explore during busy weeknights.

Here are some of the best dinners you can enjoy for any summer occasion.

Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

Incorporate a tropical twist into your summer dinners. This bowl brings together the sweet and savory flavors of chicken and pineapple.

Enjoy it on a warm evening with mango salsa on the side.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Savor the irresistible flavors of a classic Italian dish without breaking a sweat.

This recipe includes ground pork, ground beef, and eggs. You can make this dish in 12 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Big Mac Tacos

These tacos are packed with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce, all wrapped in a soft taco shell.

Serve it with sweet potato fries for a unique twist.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

In search of a simple yet elegant meal? Try this recipe featuring salmon coated with a creamy mayonnaise mixture.

It’s tangy with a hint of fresh herbs. Garnish it with lemon slices and fresh dill.

Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

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Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These steak bites are cooked in a garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural flavor.

Main ingredients include butter, black pepper, fresh parsley and beef broth. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a steakhouse feel.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Make these stuffed bell peppers a part of your next cookout! They are filled with ground turkey, tomato sauce, white onions, and white rice.

Add a dollop of sour cream if you want them to be creamier and more delicious.

Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Nigerian Salad

Experience the flavors of Nigerian cuisine in just 10 minutes.

This salad is a colorful mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, potatoes, and eggs. Pair it with your favorite grilled chicken or fish.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Salad

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

These sliders are a fun and easy meal option. They’re also simple to make, with ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

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

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

This dish offers a great balance of savory and nutty, with a bit of sweetness.

It’s one of the best ways to enjoy greens! You only need a few ingredients, including brown rice, lettuce, cucumbers, and peanut butter.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

Tofu can be prepared in various ways—grilled, baked, stir-fried, or even added to salads.

You’ll love this recipe, with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes. Serve it alongside quinoa or couscous.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos

Here’s a perfect recipe for a wholesome and filling meal that everyone in your family will love.

Main ingredients include sweet potatoes, black beans, corn and salsa. This recipe also teaches you how to make tasty avocado cream.

Get The Recipe: Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos

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Vegan Lobster Roll

These vegan lobster rolls are made with hearts of palm and chickpeas. They’re just as tasty as the traditional ones.

Mix the hearts of palm and chickpeas with the vegan mayo and herbs, then serve in a toasted roll.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Lobster Roll

Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad

This salad is a refreshing mix of chickpeas, fresh kale, and a lemon cashew dressing.

It’s spicy, tangy, and nutty, with a satisfying crunch from the chickpeas. Serve it with a delectable chilled gazpacho.

Get The Recipe: Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad

Summer Squash and Tomato Farfalle Pasta

Summer pasta dishes are so easy and flavorful. This one includes farfalle pasta, zucchini, lemon, and fresh basil.

Cook the pasta, sauté the vegetables, and toss everything together with garlic and olive oil.

Get The Recipe: Summer Squash and Tomato Farfalle Pasta

Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken and lemon are a classic summer combo. Ready to try a new recipe? This is one of the most straightforward dishes you can try.

Marinate the drumsticks, then roast them in the oven until golden brown.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Caprese Pizza

This summer pizza features a crispy grilled crust topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

Of course, you can always get creative and include your favorite toppings. Preparing it is a fun way to showcase your creativity.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Caprese Pizza

Inari Avocado Roll

Have fun making restaurant-quality summer dinners at home. This roll is a must-try.

It offers a blend of creamy and savory flavors. Serve them on a wooden sushi board with pickled ginger and wasabi.

Get The Recipe: Inari Avocado Roll

Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Cod

Seafood creations don’t have to be difficult and time-consuming. Here’s a 20-minute summer meal you should try today.

It only includes a few ingredients like Kalamata olives, green beans, and lemon pepper seasoning.

Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Cod

Pineapple Pork Skewers

These skewers feature pork chunks marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.

To make, marinate the pork and vegetables, thread them onto skewers, and grill until charred.

Get The Recipe: Pineapple Pork Skewers

Vegan Chili Dogs

Make your summer gatherings even more exciting with these vegan chili dogs.

These plant-based hot dogs are topped with vegan chili. Pair them with fresh corn salad or coleslaw.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Chili Dogs

Huli Huli Chicken

Try new chicken dishes every week this summer.

This creation includes marinated chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. You’ll love its sweet and savory flavors!

Get The Recipe: Huli Huli Chicken

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Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef

These savory treats are classic summer favorites! Check out this version featuring ground beef, dill and tomato paste.

Serve them on a baking dish with extra cheese melted on top.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef

Baked Trout Fillets

Have you ever made baked trout fillets at home? This is your chance to try them.

In this recipe, the trout is seasoned with lemon, herbs, and garlic and then baked until tender and flaky.

Get The Recipe: Baked Trout Fillets

Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs

Add a burst of flavor to your grill with this dish. These chicken kabobs feature chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon herb sauce.

It’s light, refreshing and pairs well with any summer salad.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Flank Steak with Dry Rub

Try this grilled flank steak for a flavorful summer dinner.

Key ingredients include smoked paprika, olive oil, brown sugar, and other seasonings. Pair it with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Dry Rub

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Summer cooking is all about creativity and freshness. When it comes to exploring new flavors, don’t hesitate to go beyond your favorites.

Start with innovative salads and pasta dishes with sweet and savory flavor combos.