Summer dinners are some of my favorites to make—quick meals, simple prep, and plenty of fresh ingredients. I wanted to put together a list of easy summer dinners you’ll love year-round because these are the ones I don’t stop making once the season’s over. They’re great on a hot day, but honestly, I make them any time I want something that doesn’t take much effort.
Here’s What to Make This Summer
These dinners are light, quick, and easy to throw together. Some are no-cook, others use just one pan or the grill, and a few come straight from what’s already in my fridge.
Whether I’m having people over or just making something fast at the end of the day, these meals always work.
They’re perfect for summer—but I’d eat them any night of the week.
1
Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta
Angel hair pasta with rich, tangy, and herbaceous chimichurri butter. It’s delicate and silky, and such a simple recipe. You can also make this with an authentic chimichurri olive oil based recipe.
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2
Easy 20-Minute Chimichurri Shrimp With Tomatoes
Seared juicy shrimp coated in a tangy Argentinian sauce with hand-chopped herbs and sweet vine-ripened tomato.
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3
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Made with flaky tuna, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and a creamy dressing, this tuna pasta salad is a delicious and simple dish for BBQs, potlucks, or casual family meals.
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4
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
Make cucumber feta salad with lemon Greek vinaigrette in minutes with crisp cucumbers, feta, and a tangy lemon dressing. A quick and easy side dish.
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5
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Chimichurri chicken thighs are marinated in a fresh herb and garlic sauce, then cooked and topped with more chimichurri. Serve with cilantro lime rice, crispy yuca fries, or a balsamic arugula salad.
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6
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This bruschetta pasta salad is made with tomatoes, basil, garlic, marinated mozzarella, and a balsamic dressing, all mixed with fusilli for a simple and delicious meal.
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7
Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad
Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad is made with macaroni, a creamy dressing, and crunchy pickles. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
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8
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is made with macaroni, diced dill pickles, sweet onions, and a creamy dressing. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
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9
10
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
These Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki are made with ground turkey, garlic, oregano, and lemon, then paired with a cool, creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
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11
Spinach and Feta Quesadillas
These spinach and feta quesadillas are made with sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and mozzarella inside a crispy tortilla. Quick, easy, and great for any meal.
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12
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled egg pasta salad is made with macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing with mustard and paprika. Serve it fresh with grilled chicken or sandwiches.
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13
One-Skillet Sweet Corn Fried Rice with Kielbasa
Sweet corn fried rice with kielbasa is made in one pan with scrambled eggs and sweet corn. Serve it with scallions and parsley for an easy dinner idea.
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14
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This street corn chicken rice bowl starts with tender chicken thighs, grilled corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy lime sauce for a fresh, customizable meal. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, black beans, or extra cilantro to make it your own.
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15
Taco Rice (Mexican Seasoned Ground Beef with Rice)
This taco rice is made in a Dutch oven, bringing seasoned ground beef, rice, and taco toppings together for a delicious and easy family dinner.
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16
Mini Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Mini crispy baked ground beef tacos – baked until crispy with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Simple to make and always a hit.
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17
Greek Orzo
Greek Orzo is a simple dish inspired by a meal at my favorite Greek spot in NYC. Tossed with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, fresh herbs, and creamy feta
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18
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
These Greek chicken meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and pair perfectly with zesty lemon orzo. Light and simple to make, they’re a great weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser when served with toppings like feta, parsley, and lemon wedges.
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19
30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo
This amazing dish brings together tender salmon fillets with creamy lemon orzo, fresh spinach, and delicious parmesan cheese. It’s just perfect for hectic weeknights or when you have friends over.
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20
One-Skillet Onion and Pepper Kielbasa with Rice
For a quick and easy meal, make one-skillet onion and pepper kielbasa with rice. Everything cooks in one pan, and it’s perfect with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
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21
Healthy Turkey Taco Bowl
A healthy turkey taco bowl is a quick and easy dinner made with seasoned ground turkey, rice, and your favorite toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese. Perfect for busy nights or meal-prep lunches!
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22
Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
This chicken fajita burrito bowl has all the flavors of classic fajitas over rice, with tender chicken, colorful peppers, and plenty of spice. I like to add black beans, avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese, but you can top it with whatever you have on hand!
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23
20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad
Sweet corn elote is delicious. Adding it to a bowl of pasta creates a magical combination. Mexican street corn is salty, tangy, and creamy, making it absolutely delicious!
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24
20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad
A simple and quick black bean pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients like fusilli, arugula, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great as a meal or side dish!
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25
30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
This easy, delicious shrimp pesto pasta salad features fusilli pasta, fresh basil pesto, juicy and sweet cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette.
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