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Find your next favorite meal in this list of summer dinner ideas. From vibrant salads to grilled creations, these recipes make cooking in the summer a breeze.
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Summer dinners are typically easy to make and can often be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more of your evening.
Ready to explore new flavors? Here are some of the most flavorful recipes that capture the essence of the season.
Crawfish Fettuccine
This crawfish fettuccine features tender crawfish tails enveloped in a decadent sauce.
Key ingredients include bell peppers, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Garnish it with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettuccine
Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed peppers are filled with seasoned ground turkey, rice, and a mix of veggies.
They are so hearty and delicious, great for any summer occasion. Enjoy it alongside a light cucumber salad.
Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Customize your summer sliders with different toppings, sauces, and buns.
Try this exciting version, with juicy turkey patties topped with crispy bacon and drizzled with tangy ranch dressing. You can make 24 sliders in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Shrimp Sushi Bowl
This sushi shrimp creation brings all the beloved flavors without the hassle of rolling.
It’s light and fresh, with a touch of umami from the shrimp and a hint of zing from the sauce. Serve this in a deep bowl garnished with sesame seeds.
Get The Recipe: Shrimp Sushi Bowl
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French Onion Pasta
Transform your dinner routine with this French onion pasta. It includes yellow onions, beef broth, sherry, and white wine.
Caramelize the onions, cook the pasta, and combine everything in a creamy sauce.
Get The Recipe: French Onion Pasta
Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola
This dish features tender steak medallions served over creamy Gorgonzola pasta with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Cook the steak to your desired doneness, prepare the Gorgonzola cream sauce, and combine it with pasta.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola
Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes
Looking for delicious plant-based summer meals? Check out this one, featuring the delightful blend of tofu and tangy-sweet tomatoes.
It also includes maple syrup, basil leaves, and olive oil.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes
Vegan Tacos
These tacos are filled with a mix of seasoned vegetables and beans. They’re smoky, spicy, and tangy, with some crunchy and creamy elements.
Serve them with mango salsa or a corn salad for an added burst of flavor.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Tacos
Vegan Ratatouille
This vegan ratatouille is so healthy and delicious. This version includes layers of thinly sliced vegetables slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce.
Serve it in a casserole dish, garnished with fresh herbs, with crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Summer Cold Green Bean Salad
Enjoy the most delicious summer salads for dinner. This one is light and zesty, with balsamic vinegar, black-eyed peas, sea salt, and walnuts.
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more satisfying meal.
Get The Recipe: Summer Cold Green Bean Salad
Burrata Bruschetta
In search of a light summer dinner recipe? This one is a fantastic choice. It combines the rich creaminess of burrata cheese with the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
Garnish it with basil leaves and then pair it with a crisp white wine.
Get The Recipe: Burrata Bruschetta
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Lemon Basil Pasta
This pasta comes together in just 15 minutes. It only includes a few simple ingredients, like unsalted butter, heavy cream, and lemon juice.
You’ll enjoy this dish even beyond the summer season.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Basil Pasta
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
This summer creation features chicken marinated in a zesty mix of lime juice, chili powder, and garlic.
Pair it with a side of grilled veggies or a refreshing avocado salad. It’s easy, elegant and delicious.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Grilled Salmon
This grilled salmon is simple and easy, yet nothing less than flavorful.
The recipe focuses on enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon with a light seasoning of olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Don’t forget to garnish it with lemon wedges.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Salmon
Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
Your air fryer is your best friend when it comes to making the most delectable summer dinners.
In this recipe, the shrimp are seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, then topped with a fresh slaw and creamy sauce.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
Zucchini Rolls with Snow Crab
Summer parties aren’t complete without elegant zucchini creations. These delicate rolls combine thin slices of zucchini with a creamy snow crab filling.
They also include canola oil, pepper hummus, and avocado.
Get The Recipe: Zucchini Rolls with Snow Crab
Mexican Fiesta Pinwheel Sandwiches
These pinwheel sandwiches are fun, portable snacks. Main ingredients are tortillas, cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheese.
Spread the filling on the tortillas, roll them up, and slice them into pinwheels.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Fiesta Pinwheel Sandwiches
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Preparing dinner for a crowd? This hearty dish can be made ahead of time. It combines chicken, zucchini, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection.
For a fun twist, use the casserole as a filling for wraps or pita bread.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Smoked Baby Back Ribs
These ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and smoked until tender and juicy. Pair them with traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
These sides complement the smoky flavor of the ribs and create a classic BBQ meal.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Cheesy Zucchini and Tomato Flatbread
This flatbread features a crispy crust topped with melted cheese, zucchini, and tomatoes. It’s a delicious and colorful dish anyone can make.
Just top the flatbread with the ingredients, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini and Tomato Flatbread
Baked Tilapia
This baked tilapia is mild and slightly sweet, with a flaky texture that melts in your mouth. It includes tilapia fillets, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of spices.
Top it with a few pieces of grilled asparagus or green beans.
Get The Recipe: Baked Tilapia
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Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork
In this recipe, this pulled pork is slow-cooked in a tasty sauce, resulting in tender meat that easily pulls apart.
Combine the pork with the seasonings in the Crock pot and cook on low until tender. It pairs well with corn salad and baked beans.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Spinach Salad with Chicken and Strawberries
This salad showcases chicken, fresh spinach, and sweet strawberries tossed in a light and tangy dressing. It also includes sunflower seeds, red onions, and basil leaves.
Garnish it with sliced almonds and crumbled feta.
Get The Recipe: Spinach Salad with Chicken and Strawberries
Lobster Cakes
These lobster cakes are so easy to make and serve. They feature succulent lobster meat mixed with a blend of herbs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Serve them with mashed potatoes for added flavor.
Get The Recipe: Lobster Cakes
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
These skewers feature marinated chicken pieces grilled to juicy perfection. Provide a garlic or aioli dipping sauce on the side.
This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the skewers even more delicious.
Get The Recipe: Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
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Summer is the best time to experiment with different cuisines and ingredients.
Start by exploring ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini.
These vegetables are abundant in summer and can be used in various dishes, from salads to grilled sides.
Looking for more recipes? Save time and money with these homemade summer meals:
- 25 Easy Summer Recipes for Your Next Picnic
- 25 Picnic Breakfast Ideas to Make You Jump Out of Bed
- 25 Best Picnic Salad Recipes to Elevate Your Outdoor Dining Experience
- 25 Summer Pasta Recipes So Effortless, You’ll Make Dinner in a Snap
- 25 Summer Chicken Recipes So Simple, You’ll Be Cooking All Season Long