When the sun is blazing, flowers are blooming, and fruit trees are bearing, it can only mean one thing: summer has arrived! And let’s be honest, the best part of summer is the food. After all, ‘tis the season of barbecues and picnics. These foods are impossible to resist no matter what season we’re in, which is why I rounded up 24 summer dinner ideas that your family will flip for. From fajitas to stir-fries to pot pies, these dishes will make it feel like summer any time! Sit back and relax as I give you the rundown of 24 quick and easy summer dinner recipes!
24 Quick and Easy Summer Dinner Recipes
1. Corn Dogs
Let’s kick things off with a fun, exciting treat! Corn dogs are battered hot dogs, deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re crisp and tender, sweet and savory, and so yummy. No wonder they’re so popular at fairs! Sure, they’re considered a snack, but who says you can’t have them for dinner? With this easy-peasy recipe, you can make corn dogs at home any time, any day.
2. Ranch Burgers
If you’re looking for something extraordinary for your evening grilling party, this is it. These are definitely not your average burgers. These burgers are ridiculously tasty and such a breeze to make, you’ll never want to use pre-made patties again! What takes these burgers over the top is the extra special sauce, which is just cheddar cheese and ranch mix. The ingredients may be simple, but the flavor combo is mind-blowing.
3. Quesadillas
You won’t believe how insanely good and easy these quesadillas are! Mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, and cheese… lots and lots of cheese. All of that sandwiched between two flour tortillas that are then toasted to perfection. Mmm!
4. Shrimp Zoodles
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a tasty and nutritious pasta alternative. Coat these green swirls with butter and garlic and load them with shrimp for the ultimate healthy dish. Zoodles are low-carb, keto-friendly, and most importantly, insanely delicious. They also come together in mere minutes. What more can you ask for?
5. Cobb Salad
This cobb salad may be homemade, but it rivals any you’ve had at a restaurant. Greens loaded with chicken, tomatoes, egg, avocado, blue cheese, and bacon, there’s nothing boring about this salad at all. Further enhanced with ranch dressing, it’s a flavor and texture explosion in one bite! Any dinner table will be lucky to have it.
6. Steak Kabobs
Kabobs? More like ka-bombs! The flavor of these steak kabobs is dynamite! Here’s what to expect in this explosive dish: sirloin beef, mushrooms, onions, and peppers threaded onto one spectacular skewer. Then they’re grilled and smothered with garlic butter. Are you drooling yet? So am I.
7. Lettuce Wraps
Move over PF Chang’s: these lettuce wraps are here to stay. These lettuce wraps are so insanely delicious, you won’t notice that they’re low-carb and low-calorie! This recipe may be a copycat of the beloved classic, but the flavors and textures are on point. The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes.
8. Fried Chicken
Chicken tenders battered and fried to golden perfection? Yes, please! If you love fried chicken tenders, this recipe is a must-try. There are thousands of recipes out there, but out of all the ones I’ve tried, this one’s a standout. Apart from the ridiculously crisp exterior, it also yields the juiciest, most perfectly seasoned meat.
9. Margherita Pizza
Homemade Margherita pizza that will give any Italian restaurant a run for its money? I’m intrigued! Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella all in one fantastic pizza. Thank you, Italy, for this masterpiece of a dish. If you think making your own pizza at home is complicated, think again. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t recommend this recipe if it involved hours of work! All it takes is 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 to cook.
10. Grilled Shrimp Boil
Here’s everything you can find in this immaculate dish: corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp. All of that goodness boiling in one majestic broth. Ahh… I can already feel my tummy growling! This grilled shrimp boil is comfort food at its best. One bite/slurp of this soup is enough to warm your heart! It’s one big soul-satisfying bowl. Another great thing about this dish is that all it takes is one pot! Just dump all the ingredients in and wait until they cook. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
11. Lobster Rolls
Huge chunks of sweet and tender lobster meat, mayo, and lemon juice in a hot dog bun? Wow. These lobster rolls are impossible to resist. Serve them with potato chips for the most sensational summer meal!
12. Stuffed Zucchini
This stuffed zucchini is incredibly rich and tasty, but also healthy! Oh yeah, it’s easy to make, to boot. It’s perfect in every way. Okay, so here’s how it works: you take some fresh zucchini and slice them lengthwise. Top the surface with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and butter. From that sentence alone, you can tell how legendary this dish will be. Then bake the zucchini until the cheese and breadcrumbs turn into a crisp and golden crust. It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and everything you can ask for in a snack. Excuse me as I wipe my drooling mouth.
13. Ribs
Our topic is summer dinners, so how can we not talk about ribs? This recipe for barbecue ribs makes the tastiest, most tender meat I have ever had. Trust me, I have made this several times for several people, and they were always a hit! Don’t believe me? Try it and see for yourself!
14. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
There are tons of pulled pork sandwich recipes out there, but this one is hands down the easiest. I mean, it only calls for two ingredients! (Three, if you count water.) Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and water. That’s all it takes to make the most tender and perfectly flavored pulled pork! Pair this irresistible pulled pork with mac and cheese, and you’ll have the most epic dish.
15. Beef Stir Fry
Stir-fry is amazing. But have you tried a beef stir-fry with teriyaki sauce? No? Then you definitely have to give this recipe a try. This stir-fry is packed with super tender teriyaki beef, broccoli, and bell peppers! Honestly, I was already sold from the beef teriyaki alone. The best part is that it only takes 20 minutes to make! Tasty, nutritious, and simple — this dish has it all.
16. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Got a hankering for ham and cheese? This recipe is exactly what you need. Sweet and savory ham and melty Swiss cheese tucked inside two Hawaiian rolls? These sliders are absolutely spectacular. One bite is enough to satisfy your craving.
17. Chicken Wraps
These chicken wraps are scrumptious, nutritious, and a snap to make. It’s the perfect recipe! Chicken, lettuce, avocado slices, bacon, and cheese. Just imagine all those bold flavors in one mouth-watering wrap. As if that wasn’t stunning enough, these wraps also have an ultra-rich ranch dressing! It has a bit of spice too, but just enough to excite your palate. If you think this dish requires a lot of effort, you are mistaken, my friend. Just 15 minutes and they’re ready to be devoured. You can serve them either hot or cold, too, making them a perfect make-ahead dish.
18. Fish Tacos
Whether it’s tilapia, cod, or halibut, these fish tacos will not disappoint. Tender and savory pan-seared fish, cabbage slaw, and a tangy mayo dressing tucked in one glorious taco. This is Taco Tuesday at its finest. The elements may be simple, but the flavors will knock your socks off. Plus, it’s done in 20 minutes, tops! How amazing is that?
19. Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers, tomato sauce, ground beef, and cheese: ahh, that’s the stuff…ed peppers. I cannot stress enough how incredibly scrumptious this dish is. It’s everything you love in a pizza stuffed in one giant bell pepper. It’s brilliant. Want an even more satisfying dish? Add some rice into the stuffing! Serve your stuffed peppers with a cobb salad for a hearty and delectable dinner.
20. Chicken Fajitas
In the mood for Mexican food? How about chicken fajitas for dinner? This Mexican classic is beloved for a reason. One dish combines all the goodness of chicken, bell peppers, onions, and tortilla! How can anyone say no to that? Go crazy on the toppings to make it even more extra. Cheese, guacamole, sour cream, beans, pico de gallo – have at it!
21. Chicken Pot Pie
Craving for some of mom’s cooking? This is the only recipe you’ll need. Chicken pot pie. Sigh. I don’t even know where to begin! Tender chicken, creamy potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, and peas swimming in a thick and creamy sauce. Plus, all of those yummy things nestled inside a buttery crust baked to golden perfection. My tastebuds are going nuts! This chicken pot pie is incredibly amazing, it will make your mama proud.
22. Pork Chops
Crispy boneless pork chops cooked in garlic butter. This is the stuff of dreams! They’re buttery, garlicky, and so tender and juicy! These pork chops are a star, and they deserve all the spotlight. Plus, since we’re working with boneless pork chops, they only take 30 minutes to prepare! You can definitely add this to your weeknight meal rotation.
23. Beef Enchiladas
Can’t decide between burgers and enchiladas? I hear ya. This recipe combines everything you want in these two favorites in one lip-smacking dish. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce are tucked inside a soft tortilla bread. It’s love at first bite.
24. Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, pasta, and loads of cheese in one breathtaking casserole. I am one smitten kitten. Serve this cheesy and easy-breezy casserole with dinner rolls and salad for a memorable meal. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd! Click on a star to rate it!
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