During the fall and winter, I feel like I never have trouble deciding what to make for dinner. There are so many cozy soups and comfort food meals I want to make that I’m pretty much set for dinner ideas throughout the season. Coming up with summer dinner ideas, however, is a different story. The fact is that, during the colder months, I’ve got nothing better to do than spend a couple hours in the kitchen whipping up some elaborate dish. But come summertime, the last thing I want to be doing is standing over a hot stove. What I really need are some easy summer dinner ideas I can throw together quickly before getting on with my summer plans.
because his sock drawer is full and those #1 Dad mugs are collecting dust
In the spirit of spending less time in the kitchen and more time making the most of the season, I rounded up a bunch of summer dinner recipes that come together in less than 30 minutes. From veggie-packed pastas to fresh-off-the-grill favorites, these easy summer dinner ideas are simple, quick, and delicious.
1. Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Tacos are one of my go-to dinners when I want something on the table ASAP, but my usual ground beef recipe gets boring week after week. Packed with all the flavors of elote (AKA Mexican street corn), this chicken taco recipe is just the inspo I needed to switch things up.
2. 30-Minute Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice
Summer equals grilling season, and I’m planning on taking full advantage with yummy recipes like this lemon garlic steak. Even if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can easily make this recipe with a skillet or grill pan instead. Serve the cooked steak with a heap of herby rice and some sliced avocado for a delicious, filling meal that requires minimal cleanup.
3. 15 Minute Sesame Salmon Sushi Bowl
When you’re craving sushi but don’t want to spend the money on takeout, this easy recipe is the perfect solution. It’s made with all your favorite sushi flavors and comes together in just 15 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table in less time than delivery would take.
4. Grilled Chicken Caprese
If you love a good caprese salad, this easy summer dinner idea is about to become your new go-to. The chicken is grilled, covered in melty mozzarella cheese, and then topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. It’s fancy enough to serve at a summer dinner party, but easy enough to make on a weeknight.
5. Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
This burrito bowl will be ready faster than you can drive to Chipotle and back—and it tastes way better, too. It’s also super easy to customize with all your favorite spices and toppings.
6. 30-Minute Zucchini Pizza Boats
These stuffed zucchini boats are perfect for when you’re craving pizza but want something a little less carb-heavy. The recipe calls for a mix of sausage, mushrooms, green pepper, and red onions, but you could easily customize yours with whatever toppings you prefer.
7. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These bang bang chicken skewers are packed with flavor and a touch of spice, and they’re super easy to throw together on busy weeknights. The recipe recommends serving the skewers alongside a cucumber-avocado salad, but they would also be delicious over a bed of rice or greens.
8. Grilled Halloumi Mediterranean Salad
If you’ve never tried halloumi cheese before, this easy summer salad recipe will no doubt make you a fan. Made with delicious grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives drizzled with a creamy homemade balsamic dressing, this hearty salad is equal parts nutritious and delicious.
9. Mango Chicken Teriyaki
This bowl is bursting with tropical goodness, complete with a tangy mango teriyaki sauce that you’ll want to slather on everything once you try it. It’s also quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
10. Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
This recipe tastes like something you’d eat while on vacation off the coast of Spain, when in reality, you made it yourself in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect summer dish to make when you want to romanticize a weeknight dinner (without putting in too much effort).
11. Ahi Poke Bowl
For summer nights when it’s too hot to even think about turning on the oven, this ahi tuna poke bowl is the perfect solution. All you have to do is dice and marinate your tuna, make some rice, and then add any toppings you like for a delicious meal that tastes restaurant-ready.
12. Asparagus Pasta with Lemon
The combination of roasted asparagus, zesty lemons, and fresh basil forms the best restaurant-quality summer pasta dish. Customize it to your liking with other seasonal vegetables or chicken for some protein.
13. Lemon Butter Scallops
If you’ve never made scallops at home, it’s actually surprisingly easy, and this recipe provides so many tips and tricks to make sure they turn out fabulous every time. This dish is sure to be a new summer staple.
14. Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki
This recipe uses ingredients you most likely already have at home (like panko breadcrumbs and Greek yogurt) and is a great way to make a protein-packed meal in a short amount of time. If lamb is outside your comfort zone, you can easily swap for ground beef or ground chicken instead.
15. 20 Minute Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
Stir fry is the best quick dinner option because all you have to do is chop up your ingredients and throw them in the pan. This recipe elevates your run-of-the-mill stir fry with brown butter, garlic, and Thai red curry paste for a well-seasoned dish balanced out with some tangy pineapple.
16. Spicy Mango, Black Bean & Avocado Tacos
If you are trying to incorporate more plant-based protein, these tacos are a tasty option. Chili powder-spiced beans and sriracha mayo add a spicy kick, but it’s perfectly balanced by the creamy avocado and fresh mango.
17. Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta
When you need to make dinner quickly, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes to wash when you’re finished cooking. This one-pot pasta will be on the table in less than half an hour and keeps cleanup simple.
18. Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers are the ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors. The shrimp is marinated in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that will have you craving them every night of the week.
19. Zippy Orzo Summer Salad
Thanks to the addition of fresh dill and lemon juice, this zesty salad tastes like the epitome of summer. Loaded with veggies and served with chicken, it’s also a healthy, well-rounded meal that will keep you full.
20. Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers
If you’re craving a burger but want to spice up your basic ground beef, try this salmon version. It packs in all the flavors of a classic burger but with a fresh seafood twist.
21. Garlic Lemon Bucatini with Crab
Cooking with crab may seem like a big undertaking, but this recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Plus, nothing says summer like seafood pasta.
22. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Super versatile and filled with refreshing flavors, this Mediterranean orzo salad works as a side dish, a light lunch, or an easy summer dinner. If you want to make it more filling, mix in some shredded chicken or crispy chickpeas.
23. 20-Minute Snap Pea Pasta
IMO, there’s nothing better than a light, summery pasta, and this snap pea pasta only reinforces that idea. Packed with in-season ingredients like snap peas and shallots, this will be one of your new favorite easy summer dinner ideas.
24. Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe is essentially the grown-up version of chicken tenders, and it will quickly become your new comfort meal. The chicken is so crispy, and the honey-garlic sauce is better than anything you can get from a drive-through.
25. Grilled Romaine Salad with Jalapeño Ranch
This amazing grilled romaine salad might just make you swear off your usual Caesar. Grilling your lettuce might sound strange, but the smoky, tender result truly takes the flavor to the next level.
26. Jerk Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
This Caribbean-inspired salmon recipe creates a sweet, spicy dinner that will outshine your normal salmon recipe. The pineapple salsa adds a pop of citrus that balances out the meal wonderfully.
27. Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner with these irresistible crispy lemon chicken thighs. To make, you’ll coat the chicken thighs in a lemon marinade and then bake them to golden perfection, resulting in a dish with bright, tangy flavors and an incredible crunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.
28. Zucchini Pasta
Zucchini noodles may be healthier than regular noodles, but don’t worry, they taste just as good. With just zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, and some seasonings, you’ll have a delicious summer dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica has been at The Everygirl since 2022, covering all things home, travel, food, hobbies, and more. She edits all lifestyle content, writes in-depth features, and curates the direction of the living section. Jessica’s true passion—and much of her expertise—lies in interior design and decorating. Before joining The Everygirl, she worked as the digital assistant home editor for Better Homes & Gardens.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.