It’s officially summertime! And if you’re looking for some of the best summer dinner recipes that are easy to whip up, I’ve got your back. In this list, I’ve shared 30 easy and budget-friendly recipes perfect for summer.
I love summers! It provides the best opportunities to cook healthy and easy dishes. Especially for dinners, there are so many options available. But I always prefer easy, budget-friendly and healthy recipes.
Fresh vegetables, chicken, and light flavors are the best summer start. And every lady feels annoyed in the kitchen during those hot summer days, so I bring the easiest and quickest meals you can instantly make.
What Types Of Food Is Best For Summer Dinner
In summer, the first things that come to mind are salads, fresh vegetables, and pasta. All these refreshing and light meals are super easy to make.
Plus, you can prepare these salads and pasta in advance, sometimes in the morning, to ease your mind.
During summers, my mom and I collect seasonal vegetables for a whole month in advance because we are pure vegetarians. Also, these vegetable recipes seem to be non-fuss during summer. Chop veggies, toss them in oil, season with spices, and you’re good to go.
Don’t worry! I’ve also mentioned some easy and quick chicken recipes this summer.
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If you're looking for an easy pasta salad made with Feta & Lemon, try this Summer Orzo Pasta Salad. You can whip up this dairy-free salad in just 20 minutes. It's so refreshing and packed full of goodness.
This dump-and-go Vegan Japchae is made with noodles, mushrooms, onion, and spinach. It's one of the healthiest and easiest recipes you can make for the summer.
Creamy Tahini Pasta has a smooth and velvety texture because of Tahini (made with ground sesame paste). You can make this pasta under 20 minutes, best for busy weeknights.
Make your dinner special with this Roasted cherry tomato pasta. The light sauce and bright flavors of basic ingredients feel so refreshing. You need minimal effort to craft this pasta.
Introduce your palates with this White bean puree chicken– a delicious infusion of refreshing flavors. The white bean purée provides a luxurious base, subtly seasoned to complement the robust flavors of the accompanying tender chicken.
This Chicken chipotle enchiladas is a comfortable recipe stuffed with delicious fillings, baked in a flavorful green sauce and topped with a lot of cheese. This is a cheap and quick recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Next summer's dinner idea is Egyptian Macaroni Bechamel, a famous dish in Egypt made with pasta and ground beef. This can also serve as a side dish, and you can play with the meat sauce to create a craving for a healthy salad. Whenever you're craving a healthy and filling salad, try this Santa Fe Chicken salad.
Grilling recipes are so popular in the summer. This Grilled Tri-Tip is one of the easiest grill recipes. Each succulent slice of tri-tip boasts a smoky char on the outside, giving way to a juicy, flavorful interior that practically melts in your mouth.
Try this Avocado Chicken salad if you're looking for a low-carb salad. Easy, clean, and healthy treat made with chicken breast, avocado, radishes, and eggs. You can whip up this salad in under 20 minutes.
These summer sausage kabobs contain vibrant vegetables, juicy corn on the cob, and flavorful sausages. Best option for gatherings and parties during summer evenings. These kabobs are incredibly delicious and family-friendly.
Need a last-minute summer dinner with a clean ingredient list? Try this Sausage Cobb salad. With tons of flavor, texture, and nutrients, this is one of the healthiest summer dinner ideas. This salad is also great for parties or BBQs, and it's gluten-free.
This Casarecce Pasta in peperonata sauce is easy to make, a flavorful and comforting Italian treat. This recipe has a rich tomato-based sauce, making the pasta more vibrant and appealing.
Looking for zesty pasta? Try this Lemon Pepper pasta. The lemon-based sauce refreshes this pasta and is best for hot summer days. This Lemon Pepper pasta comes out in just 15 minutes.
If you're looking for an overpowering but easy dinner meal, this Greek Chicken Orzo with Broccoli is the best bet. This wholesome dish offers a compelling blend of savory and fresh, making it a delightful choice for a satisfying summer dinner.
Greek Chicken Marinade is a delicious and go-to recipe. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
This quintessential Lime grill chicken is easy to prepare and it’s mouthwatering. Offers a burst of refreshing flavors with the zesty tang of lime, perfectly complementing the aromatic freshness of cilantro. The grilling process adds a tantalizing char and smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste and texture.
I love this Asian Cucumber salad because it's a breeze to make. This Salad blends with red chili powder and has a palatable and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with any of your main dishes. You can make a super healthy and effortless salad in 10 minutes.
This refreshing creamy cucumber salad is the perfect treat for hot summer days. Its creamy, umami dressing, made with dairy cream, mayonnaise, and yogurt, enhances its flavor and savory appeal.
The Peshawari Chicken Karahi is a famous Pakistani cuisine. No spices are used in this karahi, which has a unique taste. Only the garlic, ginger, and black pepper bring an umami flavor to this recipe. You can make this in just 20 minutes.
If you want to try something tangy with a blast of flavors, try these Chicken Pakoras. The authentic, mild, savory, and soft taste makes this treat perfect for picnics, parties, and other happy occasions.
Chicken Fried Rice is a pure Chinese cuisine that is best for summer days. The umami and nuanced flavor feel filling and more flavorful. You can whip up this treat with common Asian ingredients easily available in your pantry.
Aloo gobi matar is one of the classic Indian and Pakistani vegan recipes made with some traditional Indian spices. The bursting flavors and tangy taste make it the best recipe for spicy lovers. Thankfully, you can craft this recipe in under 30 minutes.
Try this dead-easy recipe with a blast of flavors. Chana Chaat is a traditional Indian and Pakistani delight with a tangy and spicy taste. It's the kind of appetizer that people often use with main dishes, and it is mostly found on the streets of Pakistan and India in the summer.
Want to try something more crunchy yet easy? Try this Potato chip chicken. The succulent chicken bites and crispy potato chips feel so pleasant on the tongue. This treat cooks in less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy summer nights.
This Wild Rice Chicken salad with grapes and cashews is a complete meal for summer dinners. This creamy, and so much refreshing salad offers a nuanced flavor. It is easy to make and comes out in under 15 minutes.
This Tacos de Bistec is a Mexican cuisine made with Chimichurri Sauce, spread over delicious charred corn tortillas, and topped with Mexican cotija cheese, fresh onions, cilantro & a squeeze of lime juice. This recipe comes out in under 30 minutes.
If you're a busy mom, try this Crockpot bruschetta chicken. Tender chicken breasts, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory tomato and herb sauce, create a mouthwatering dish bursting with freshness and flavor.
If you're a busy mom, try this Crockpot bruschetta chicken. Tender chicken breasts, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory tomato and herb sauce, create a mouthwatering dish bursting with freshness and flavor.
The creamy potatoes and tangy pickles in this Ham Potatoes salad make the best combination. Perfect salad for summer nights, gatherings, and picnics. Besides comforting taste, this salad has high protein nutrients, making it a healthy recipe for summer.
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of the easiest and most savory Chinese culinary made with boneless chicken and a few veggies like bell peppers and onions. The black pepper is a key player that brings all the fiery and tangy taste.