From fresh seasonal fruits to backyard get-togethers to fun summer activities, there's so much to look forward to during summer. As the season approaches, you might be looking to add some new recipes into the rotation. Luckily, we've rounded up a ton of easy summer dinner ideas for you to enjoy. From summer chicken recipes to grilled chicken recipes to fresh summer salads, these easy family recipes are sure to be a hit. Some of these dishes can even be prepped ahead of time for those busy weeknights when you don't have time to cook.
And if you can't stand to turn on the oven when the weather is hot, no sweat. Plenty of these recipes come together quickly on the grill. Whether you're cooking Sunday dinner for the whole crew or just need a simple meal for two, there's sure to be a recipe here that sparks your interest. Many of them even come together in 30 minutes or less. These recipes also make the most of what summer has to offer, like fresh corn and summer squash. After dinner, keep the good times rolling with an easy no-bake dessert or summer co*cktail. Then, it's time for you to kick back and relax. After all, isn't that what summer is all about?
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1
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.
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2
Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko
Nothing says summer like roasted clams. Add the crunchy, lemony breadcrumbs to take things to the next level.
Get the Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko recipe.
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3
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.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
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4
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.
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5
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.
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6
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
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7
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.
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8
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.
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9
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!
Get the Tomato-Poached Cod with Olives and Capers recipe.
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10
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.
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11
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.
Get the Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad recipe.
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12
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.
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13
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.
RELATED: 50+ Zucchini Recipes That Are Easy, Healthy and Delicious
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14
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.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
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15
Creamy Corn Pasta
Introducing summer in a bowl: creamy, puréed corn and fresh basil combine for a light and flavorful pasta sauce.
Get the Creamy Corn Pasta recipe.
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16
Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale
Every part of this recipe — the chicken, kale and lemons — gets tossed on the grill for maximum smoky, summery flavor.
Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.
RELATED: 10 Best Grills of 2023, According to Expert Testing
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17
Steak, Peach, and Watercress Salad
Use peak summer peaches for this recipe. When ripe, a peach should smell pleasantly sweet — if your peaches aren’t quite ripe, store them in a paper bag with a few holes poked in it for three to five days.
Get the Steak, Peach, and Watercress Salad recipe.
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18
Grilled Chicken Caprese
The classic Italian combo of juicy tomatoes, basil and mozzarella is equal parts sauce and salad for this smoky grilled chicken.
Get the Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe.
RELATED: 55 Delicious BBQ Salads We Can't Wait to Eat
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19
Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers
Loaded with protein-packed chickpeas, creamy feta cheese and chopped veggies, this vegetarian salad is plenty filling.
Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.
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20
Zucchini Linguine
Toss raw, grated zucchini with cooked spaghetti and the heat from the pasta will cook it to crisp-tender perfection. Genius!
Get the Zucchini Linguine recipe.