these summer dinner ideas It's full of colorful fruits and vegetables and comes together in no time. If you're looking for easy recipes to add to your summer rotation, look no further!
As the weather starts to warm up, the last thing I want for dinner is a heavy casserole and a hot bowl of soup. Busy schedules (and let's be honest, swimsuit season) mean it's important to keep dinners light and easy.
If you're running out of ideas, I have plenty! At the bottom of this post is a collection of recipes that fit the bill. But first, let's talk about some ways to simplify summer dinners.
Shop at the Farmers Market
If you go to a farmer's market with a long shopping list, the experience can be a lot less fun. This is especially true early in the season when summer favorites like corn and tomatoes are not yet in season. Instead, I like fresh produce to inspire my meals. Buying what looks good and planning your meals around the market means you can enjoy your shopping!
batch cooking
During the summer I like to batch cook on the weekends so I have less to do during the week. Roasting a large batch of chicken or vegetables and tossing them with a variety of dressings and sauces can be the basis for several mix-and-match meals throughout the week. I also like to cook quinoa or Instant Pot brown rice in a large pot and use it throughout the week.
Embrace Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver when it comes to quick and easy summer dinners. Simply sprinkle your protein of choice with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan and bake in the oven. Top it off with fresh herbs from your backyard garden. fat? Minimal cleaning!
Don't forget the salad
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads filled with seasonal produce. When the weather is hot, I like to eat dinner without cooking! Get creative with your salads by adding whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds to add texture and flavor. And don’t forget to make your own homemade dressing. This Thin Cucumber Ranch Dressing is one of my favorites.
Keep it simple
Summer fruits and veggies are so delicious that you don't have to make a big batch for dinner. Grill the chicken and serve with roasted Parmesan green beans or roasted corn and you'll have an easy, healthy meal on the table in minutes.
21 Fresh and Delicious Summer Dinner Ideas
Here are a few recipes you can make for dinner this summer. It's easy, full of summer produce, and good for your health!
green curry noodles
I love this green curry noodle recipe because you can use whatever vegetables are in season. Creamy coconut sauce is delicious with almost anything!
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Pesto Salmon Recipe
Three ingredients! That’s all you need to make this pesto salmon. It can be cooked in the oven or air fryer and goes well with almost any summer vegetable.
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Gazpacho Soup Recipe
Gazpacho, a summer essential! When you're craving something light, hydrating, and refreshing, you can't beat this classic Spanish cold soup.
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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap
These lettuce wraps are quick, easy, and customizable with in-season summer produce. I like to add chopped cucumber and fresh mint or basil to the ground chicken stuffing.
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Tuna Poke Salad
Why spend money on a strip mall poke bowl when you can make your own at home? It’s much tastier than the ones sold at chain stores!
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