Looking for light and fresh summer dinner ideas ? You have come to the right place! Here are 25+ of the best summer dinner ideas. From salads, to pasta dishes, to chicken, you’ll find a ton of recipes that are perfect for those warm summer evenings.
Summer’s in full swing, and I don’t know about you, but I’m all about keeping things light and easy, especially when it comes to food. Who wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen when you could be outside enjoying the sunshine, right?
I’ve put together some of my favorite summer dinner recipes that are perfect for this time of year. We’re talking quick, fresh, and so good you’ll want to make them again and again.
These recipes are all about making the most of summer flavors without weighing you down or keeping you busy in the kitchen for too long. So, let’s dive in and make this summer the tastiest one yet!
Looking for pasta dishes won’t leave you feeling stuffed on a hot summer day? I’ve got just the thing! These pasta dishes are light, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for a quick summer meal that’ll leave you satisfied without the heaviness
Simple Gluten Free Summer Spaghetti with Bacon
This simple Gluten Free Summer Spaghetti makes an easy meal. It’s loaded with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, parmesan, and bacon so it’s packed with flavor!
Chicken Macaroni Salad! A delicious cross between a creamy pasta salad and a chicken salad. Super easy to throw together and a great way to use up leftover chicken. Perfect for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner and great for summer BBQs and picnics as well!
This healthy Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp is bright, flavorful, and only takes 30 minutes! Garlic butter shrimp, fresh broccoli, and an easy lemon cream sauce – all it takes is 8 ingredients!
Seafood shines in the summer. These recipes keep it simple and fresh without the fuss. Ideal for a light dinner.
Shrimp Poke Bowl
Full of fresh, healthy ingredients, this shrimp poke bowl is a feast for the eyes and your stomach. It’s a satisfying meal filled with lean protein, whole grain brown rice, fresh veggies, and topped with a Sriracha mayo that packs a spicy punch!
Blackened Salmon is crispy, juicy and packed with bold flavor! It’s a healthy seafood recipe that’s so easy to make and it’s on the table in under 15 minutes!
Shrimp in Trader Joe’s Chile Lime seasoning, paired with hearty black beans, fresh mango, crunchy snap peas, fluffy rice, and creamy avocado. All drizzled in a spicy mayo, this Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl is a delicious and quick meal.
These Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are the best summer dish. This easy dinner recipe requires minimal cooking and is filled with fresh ingredients, including spicy shrimp, cabbage cole slaw mix, cilantro, and an avocado crema.
Parmesan Tilapia is a really fast and delicious dinner, perfect for any weeknight. Flaky and tender tilapia is topped with a savory parmesan sauce and broiled. This is a kick ass dinner that is ready in about 15 MINUTES, from start to finish!
Personal, thin crust pizza made with tortillas, delicious pizza sauce, part-skim mozzarella and your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage crumbles, black olives, tomato slices, fresh basil, you name it)! Use gluten free or low-carb tortillas if desired
Summer calls for lighter takes on chicken. These recipes offer flavorful, no-heavy-sauce options that are great for any night of the week.
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
These quick and easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are on the table in under 30 minutes! Add your favorite taco toppings for a delicious, family-friendly meal.
This easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is perfect for game day or a summer cookout. The air fried chicken is juicy and moist while the homemade BBQ sauce makes it so flavorful and sticky!
Lightly seasoned chicken breast is topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy ripe tomatoes, and garden fresh basil. This Caprese Chicken Sandwich is served on a buttery brioche bun and smothered in a basil pesto mayo spread.
Salads are the ultimate summer staple. Think crunchy, zesty, and bursting with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Get ready to toss up some fun with these vibrant salads!
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!
Quick and Easy Arugula Salad with Peaches and Burrata
Need a delicious no-cook meal for summer? This Peach Burrata Arugula Salad with delicious fresh produce and creamy cheese, is sure to be one you’ll crave!
Strawberry Pecan Salad combines the coolness of strawberries, feta, and mixed greens. Toasted pecans top off this vegetarian treat that’s perfect for all types of holiday celebrations.
Grilled Beef Kabobs are delicious with Greek salad. The combination of romaine, feta, onions, olives, tomatos, and stuffed grape leaves, are the perfect accompaniment to these beef kabobs.
