80 Best Summer Dinner Ideas for the Hottest Days of the Year
Perfect dishes for the family!
Come summer, the last thing you want to be doing is stressing about dinner. After all, it's the season for relaxed backyard gatherings, long days at the pool, and adventurous vacations. That's why we've gathered the best summer dinner recipes all in one place, so you can sit back and relax. From grilled chicken to simple BBQ salads made with seasonal ingredients, these summer dinner ideas are easy meals that come together quickly.
We know that summer can be just as busy as the school year, with various camps, activities and events crowding your calendar. That's why we've also highlighted plenty of make-ahead meals and easy weeknight dinner recipes that make it possible to get something nutritious and tasty on the table. And if it's just too hot to even think about turning the oven or stove on, consider one of the many air fryer recipes or beginner-friendly grilling recipes we've collected here.
Whether you're cooking for the whole family or just need a simple meal for two, there's sure to be something here you'll want to bookmark. Plus, if you're looking for even more seasonal recipes, be sure to take a peek at our roundup of refreshing summer cocktails.
Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas
When it's just too hot to turn on the oven or fire up the grill, the air fryer will be your best friend. These crowd-pleasing mini pizza pies feature pepperoncini and honey for that extra-special touch.
Get the Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas recipe.
Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad
Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing cucumber salad tossed with a citrusy, salty dressing. Pair it with juicy steak for a satisfying and simple dinner. Though the recipe calls for your steak to be done in a cast-iron skillet, you could grill it if you prefer.
Get the Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba
Got friends coming over for dinner? Whip up this dish that's both impressive and easy to make. It has plenty of fresh summer flavors thanks to the ginger-orange vinaigrette and crunchy sugar snap peas.
Palek Paneer
Need some meatless Monday inspiration? We'd recommend this palak paneer, a Northern Indian dish made with plenty of spinach and roasted paneer. Don't forget the rice and naan for serving!
Get the Palek Paneer recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
If you ask us, there's never a wrong time for chicken parmesan — especially when you can make it in the air fryer for easy cleanup.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Harissa Butter Steak with Carrots
This tasty dinner takes just five ingredients and less than an hour to make. The harissa-infused butter adds an appetizing complexity to an already delicious dinner of tender steak and roasted carrots.
Enchilada Pie
This easy dinner brings together rotisserie chicken, canned sauce, and beans. It comes together quickly, so you can get back to relaxing and enjoying the summer evening.
Get the Enchilada Pie recipe.
Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko
Nothing says summer like roasted clams. Add the crunchy, lemony breadcrumbs to take things to the next level.
Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls
Talk about flavor! This recipe features skirt steak, rice noodles, mint, cilantro, lime, cucumber and more.
Get the Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls recipe.
Chicken Caesar Baguettes
This recipe is great for days you can't bear to turn on the oven. Grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing and fresh veggies make for a refreshing and protein-packed dinner.
Get the Chicken Caesar Baguettes recipe.
RELATED: 60 Summer Chicken Recipes for Easy Cooking All Season
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
This bright, flavorful salad brings together plenty of fruits and veggies. Serve it as a side at your next backyard get-together, or enjoy it as a meal for two.
Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Kebabs
Grilled, smoky shrimp with an herbaceous rub and squeeze of lemon is basically the epitome of summer. You'll definitely want to add this to the rotation.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Kebabs recipe.
RELATED: 30 Seriously Easy Shrimp Recipes
Baked Tonkatsu
The secret to 20-minute dinner is pre-toasting panko with a little bit of oil. Everyone's going to want seconds of these Japanese-inspired pork cutlets.
Get the Baked Tonkatsu recipe.
Smoky Barbecue Ribs
It's not officially summer until you serve up a plate of these simple but delicious ribs, which are baked and then finished on the grill with barbecue sauce.
Get the Smoky Barbecue Ribs recipe.
Tomato-Poached Cod with Olives and Capers
This delicate fish is simmered in a little bit of rosé, along with tomatoes, garlic, olives and a few other ingredients. You might as well pour a glass of rosé to enjoy alongside this easy dinner!
Cheeseburger Pizza
Trust us, the kids are going to love this one. I mean, pizza dough, ground beef, veggies, and barbecue sauce — what's not to love?
Get the Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.
Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad
Any standout summer dinner starts with a perfect grilled steak. Pair it with an herby farro salad to round out the meal.
Marinated Pepper Pasta
Keep a batch of homemade marinated peppers (best made with in-season summer peppers!) on hand to whip up this pasta in a flash.
Get the Marinated Pepper Pasta recipe.
Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini
Got a garden full of zucchini? Put them to delicious use in this five-ingredient dinner.
Get the Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Crispy Chicken Salad
Coat chicken breast in cornflakes for a crispy exterior without frying. A plate full of fresh lettuce and herbs keep this light enough for hot days!
Get the Crispy Chicken Salad recipe.
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