A list of summer dinners that’s both quick AND delicious? Filled with recipes your family will flip for? Yesss. It is delicious, versatile, and loaded with options because those are things that are good to have in your life.
Sit back and relax as I give you the rundown of 30 easy summer dinner recipes, from sheet pan fajitas to stir fries!
1. Chicken Pot Pie
Are you craving some of that classic, mom-style cooking? Then you are going to fall hard for this summer recipe. Chicken, potatoes, corn, carrots, and peas are all swimming in a thick, creamy sauce. Oh, hello there, chicken pot pie!
All of that goodness is tucked inside a buttery crust that’s baked to a perfect golden brown, and it makes my tastebuds go absolutely wild. Making this incredible chicken pot pie in your own kitchen is a move that will definitely make your mom proud.
2. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Feeling that pull for some ham and cheese? This super simple recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for. We’re talking sweet and savory ham with melty Swiss cheese, all tucked inside two Hawaiian rolls.
These little summer sliders are just ridiculously delicious. Every single bite is a flavor explosion that is sure to hit the spot.
3. Grilled Vegan Skewers
Go ahead and fire up that grill to get down with these mouth-watering vegan skewers! They’re packed with grilled zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, so you know these skewers are just bursting with fresh and colorful flavors.
The zippy garlic herb sauce is the perfect partner for the savory veggies. It doesn’t matter if you’re vegan or just hunting for a healthy and delicious option, these skewers are a total win.
4. Beef Stir Fry
Stir-fry is always a good idea. But have you tried a beef stir-fry with teriyaki sauce? If not, then you absolutely have to give this easy summer recipe a shot.
This stir-fry is loaded with seriously tender teriyaki beef, broccoli, and bell peppers. Honestly, it had me at beef teriyaki. The best part? It’s simple and comes together in just 20 minutes, prep included. Tasty, nutritious, and easy, this dish is the whole package.
5. Margherita Pizza
Why would you ever settle for takeout when you can make a delicious homemade Margherita pizza right in your own kitchen? Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella all on one perfect pizza.
Thank you, Italy, for this absolute masterpiece of a dish. If you’re thinking making your own pizza at home is a whole big thing, think again. This one takes only 20 minutes, prep included, so you’ll get dinner on the table in a flash.
6. Everyday Mediterranean Salad
This Mediterranean salad is a fresh and healthy summer side that’s packed with greens, protein-rich chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, roasted red peppers, and feta.
The garlicky red wine olive oil vinaigrette pulls everything together into a beautiful flavor symphony. Grab your ingredients from your local farmers market for a vegan, farm-to-table salad that’s both wholesome and so, so good.
7. Lettuce Wraps
Want to whip up a light meal that tastes just like the classic lettuce wraps from PF Chang’s? Look no further!
This quick summer recipe might be a copycat of that beloved dish, but trust me, the flavors and textures are completely on point. Who even needs takeout when you can have homemade Chinese food this good at home?
8. Grilled Chili Lime Steak Tacos
You have to try these grilled chili lime steak tacos for a seriously flavorful Mexican fiesta! They’re made with tender, juicy steak that’s been marinated in zesty lime juice and fresh herbs, so you know these tacos pack a major flavor punch.
Plus, the high protein in the steak makes these tacos a filling and nutritious meal. For the complete experience, serve your taco with a side of cilantro lime rice.
9. Lobster Rolls
Huge chunks of sweet and tender lobster meat, mayo, and lemon juice all loaded into a hot dog bun? These lobster rolls are just impossible to say no to.
Serve them up with some potato chips, bread, or a salad with fresh vegetables for the most sensational summer meal you can imagine!
10. Corn Dogs
Let’s kick things off with a super fun, super exciting dinner recipe! We’re talking about battered hot dogs, deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy and tender, sweet and savory, and just so delicious.
It’s no wonder they’re such a big deal at fairs! Sure, some people consider them a snack, but who’s to say you can’t have them for dinner? With this quick and easy recipe, you can whip up corn dogs at home anytime, any day.
11. Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers, tomato sauce, ground beef, and cheese. Ahh, now that’s the stuff…ed peppers. I really can’t stress enough how incredibly scrumptious this summer dish is.
It’s basically everything you love about pizza, but stuffed inside one giant bell pepper. It’s brilliant! Want to make it an even more satisfying dish? Just add some rice to the stuffing!
Serve your stuffed peppers with rice for a hearty meal or with a cobb salad if you want to keep things on the lighter side.
12. Ranch Burgers
If you’re looking to cook or grill up something totally extraordinary for your summer dinner party, this is it. These are definitely not your average burgers.
They’re so ridiculously delicious and easy to make, you’ll never go back to using pre-made patties again! That extra special sauce, made simply with cheddar cheese and a ranch mix, takes these burgers to a whole new level with its mind-blowing flavor combo.
13. Ribs
A list of summer dinners just wouldn’t be complete without ribs. This easy recipe for barbecue ribs gives you some of the juiciest, tastiest, and most tender meat on the entire planet.
Trust me on this, I’ve made these so many times for so many people, and they have always been a massive hit! Don’t believe me? Just try it and see for yourself!
14. Stuffed Zucchini
This stuffed zucchini is wonderfully rich and savory, but it’s also light and healthy. Zucchini boats get topped with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and butter, and then they’re baked until they’re bubbly.
It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and it’s everything you could ever ask for in a snack. Excuse me for a second while I wipe the drool from my mouth.
15. Chicken Wraps
Get dinner on the table in no time with this quick and easy recipe! Chicken, lettuce, avocado slices, bacon, and cheese—just picture all those bold flavors in one mouth-watering wrap.
As if that wasn’t already delicious enough, these wraps also have an ultra-rich ranch dressing. It has a little bit of spice to it, too, but just enough to get your palate excited. Plus, they’re super easy.
They only take 15 minutes to make, prep included, which makes them perfect for those busy days.
16. Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad
Whip up this flavorful salmon pasta salad for a quick 30-minute meal that will send your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean!
It’s loaded with green beans, red onion, salmon, feta, pasta, and a lemon dill dressing, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Get fresh, wholesome ingredients from your local farmers market for a wholesome farm-to-table meal that feels extra special.
17. Fried Chicken
Breaded chicken tenders are fried up to golden perfection. If you’re a fan of fried chicken tenders, this quick and easy recipe is a definite must-try.
There are a lot of recipes out there, but out of all the ones I’ve tried, this one is a total standout. Beyond the ridiculously crisp outside, it also gives you the juiciest, most perfectly seasoned meat.
18. Grilled Shrimp Boil
Corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp are just a few of the delicious things you’ll find in this dish. All of that goodness is boiling in a perfect broth. Ahh… I can already feel my stomach growling!
This grilled shrimp boil is comfort food at its absolute best. It’s the perfect meal to warm your heart, satisfy your soul, and brighten your day. Plus, it’s quick and easy, only taking a few minutes of cooking time.
19. 3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad
Sometimes the simplest things are the absolute best, and this 3-ingredient vegan Mediterranean salad is no exception. It’s bursting with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber, making this salad a refreshing and healthy choice for any meal.
And with a zesty lemon juice olive oil vinaigrette, every bite is a flavor explosion. It’s a simple 10-minute meal you’ll want to add to your rotation for sure.
20. Quesadillas
Packed with mushrooms, olives, fresh vegetables, and a whole lot of cheese, these quesadillas are way better than takeout.
All that goodness gets sandwiched between two flour tortillas that are then toasted to perfection. Let the Mexican fiesta begin!
21. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
There are tons of pulled pork sandwich recipes out there (like my favorite Cuban sandwich!), but this one is, hands down, the easiest. I mean, it only calls for two ingredients! (Three, if you want to count the water.)
Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and water are all you need to make the most tender pulled pork with a perfect flavor. Pair this delicious pulled pork with some rice or mac and cheese for a truly perfect meal.
22. Chicken Fajitas
Feeling like you’re in the mood for a Mexican fiesta? How about some sheet pan chicken fajitas for dinner? This Mexican classic is beloved for a good reason.
One dish brings together all the goodness of chicken, bell peppers, and onions in a single pan! How could anyone ever say no to that?
Go crazy with the toppings to make it even more extra. Cheese, guacamole, sour cream, beans, pico de gallo—go for it!
23. Mediterranean Ground Beef Kabob Skewers
Indulge in a Mediterranean adventure with these super flavorful ground beef kabob skewers. They’re made with tender meat in a spiced garlic marinade, and these skewers will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Plus, a dollop of whipped feta with lemon juice adds a creamy, tangy twist that perfectly complements the savory meat. So, go ahead and fire up the grill and savor these delicious skewers!
24. Steak Kabobs
Kabobs? More like ka-bombs! The flavor of these steak skewers is absolute dynamite. Tender sirloin beef, mushrooms, onions, and peppers are threaded onto these spectacular skewers.
Then, they’re grilled and smothered with garlic butter. What are you even waiting for? Go fire up that grill!
25. Fish Tacos
Add a little Mexican fiesta flair to your Taco Tuesday with these delicious fish tacos. It doesn’t matter if you use tilapia, cod, or halibut, these fish tacos will not let you down.
Tender and savory pan-seared fish, cabbage slaw, and a tangy mayo dressing are all tucked into a glorious taco. The elements might be simple, but the flavors will completely knock your socks off.
Plus, it’s quick and easy, with only 20 minutes of cooking time, prep included!
26. Pork Chops
Crispy boneless pork chops cooked in garlic butter. This is truly the stuff dreams are made of! They’re buttery, garlicky, and so tender and juicy!
These pork chops are a total star, and they deserve all the spotlight. Plus, since we’re working with boneless pork chops here, they only take about 30 minutes to prepare in your kitchen.
You should definitely add this to your dinner meal rotation.
27. Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, pasta, and loads of cheese all in one breathtaking casserole. I am one seriously smitten kitten in the kitchen.
Serve this cheesy and easy casserole with some rice or dinner rolls for a hearty meal that will make your day. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, you can pair it with a salad with fresh vegetables.
28. Beef Enchiladas
Can’t decide between burgers and enchiladas? I totally hear you. This easy recipe combines everything you love about these two favorites in one lip-smacking casserole pan, perfect for a Mexican fiesta.
Perfectly seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce are all tucked inside a soft tortilla bread. It’s love at first bite.
29. Cobb Salad
This cobb salad might be homemade, but it can rival any you’ve ever had at a restaurant. Greens with chicken, tomatoes, egg, avocado, blue cheese, and bacon—there is absolutely nothing boring about this salad at all.
It’s further enhanced with ranch dressing, making it a flavor and texture explosion in one bite! Any summer dinner table would be lucky to have this salad.
30. Shrimp Zoodles
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a delicious and nutritious alternative to pasta. Coat these green swirls with butter and garlic and load them up with shrimp for the ultimate healthy dish.
Zoodles are low-carb, keto-friendly, and most importantly, insanely delicious. They also come together in just a matter of minutes. What more could you possibly ask for?
