Summer is all about sunshine, long days, and soaking up every moment with family and friends, not standing over a hot stove or spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve put together this round-up of 20 easy and delicious summer dinner recipes that are perfect for those warm, busy days when time is short and appetites are big.
These recipes are light, fresh, and full of flavor—think grilled meats, refreshing salads, and one-pan meals that come together in no time. Most of them require minimal prep and cooking, which means less heat in the kitchen and more time enjoying the season. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or something tasty after a day at the pool, you’ll find something here that fits the bill.
Best of all, these recipes are family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for those of us who want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste or quality. So grab your iced tea, kick off your flip-flops, and let’s make dinner easy this summer!
1- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls – a quick and easy recipe for the most flavorful Mexican street corn chicken bowls! Top them any way you want for a summer dinner that everyone is going to love!
2- Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas
These Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas pack in seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and plenty of gooey cheese, with a hit of guacamole and fresh lime juice. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
3- Mango Shrimp Salad Recipe
Mango Shrimp Salad is one of those recipes that delivers way more than you’d expect for how little effort it takes. You’ve got sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and perfectly chilled shrimp—all tossed together with lime juice and a little cilantro for a bright, refreshing bite.
4- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a quick and easy way to get great barbecue flavor without firing up your grill!
5- Simple Tortilla Pizza Recipe
Pizza night is one of the best things in the world, don’t you agree!? Our family loves ordering in on a Friday night, but sometimes we don’t feel like spending extra money or want to eat healthier. These small, personal pizzas are a great way to fulfill our cravings.
6- Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
This simple sausage and veggies skillet dinner features bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and fresh cilantro. It’s an easy and colorful meal that takes only 30 minutes to make and everything is cooked in one pan. It’s perfect for meal prep and lazy weeknights!
7- Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect treat for game days, weeknight dinners, or just about any gathering where you want a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer.
8- Grilled Chicken Breast
This is the BEST grilled chicken breast you will ever taste in your life. Healthy, easy and quick to make
9- Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are made with a simple one-pan dinner that includes seasoned chicken and vegetables roasted all on one pan!
10- Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful feast that combines succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and spices. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, these one-pan fajitas use easy-to-find ingredients and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
11- Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Super satisfying Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs made with bright pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, and the most delicious flavor-packed, marinated chicken.
12- Thai Chicken Salad
Thai chicken salad with juicy shredded chicken, healthy crunchy veggies, and that peanut dressing we all live for, it’s a must make!
13- Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is incredibly juicy, tender, and flavored. Enjoy a grilled chicken recipe that’s served with a fresh and delicious Avocado Salsa. A healthy 30-minute dinner recipe that’s super easy to make for a summer meal.
14- Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
A 20 minute, delicious steak and salad dinner recipe with tomatoes, red onion, home grilled corn, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, gremolata and balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for the summer grilling months
15- The Best Pasta Salad
Super easy Pasta Salad – with pasta, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami, pepperoncini, olives, and easy Italian dressing. DANGEROUSLY GOOD.
16- Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives
Greek pasta with feta is a quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
This dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
17- Keto Chicken Burgers (Juicy)
These delicious keto chicken burgers are made with ground chicken and are both flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal and a great alternative to beef
18- Easy Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
Air fryer salmon and vegetables is a nutritious and convenient dish made with seasoned salmon fillets and fresh vegetables air fried to perfection. The crispy fish and veggies are finished with a sweet and savory umami glaze.
19- Keto Low-Carb Tuna Egg Salad
Tuna and egg salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner or even a snack! And, it’s naturally low carb and keto-friendly, but totally delicious. This vibrant keto low carb salad is loaded with healthy fats from eggs and tuna. See how to make in just 10 minutes this delicious tuna egg salad.
20- Antipasto Salad
This flavorful antipasto salad recipe you have ever tried. Ready in only 10 minutes, this salad is easy to make, customizable, and it can be made ahead of time for those busy days.
I hope this list helps take the heat (and stress!) out of your summer evenings. Which recipe are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this post or share it with a friend who could use some dinner inspiration! Want more easy seasonal recipes? Subscribe to the blog so you never miss a meal idea!
