60 Summer Dinner Ideas That Make The Most Of The Season
These seasonal dishes will be the highlight of any summer supper.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
There's so much to love about cooking during the summer. There's an abundance of fresh veggies to choose from and it's the perfect season for outdoor grilling. Savor those long days with these easy summer dinners that the whole family will love. When it's too hot to think about turning that oven on, some of our favorite recipes for summer are no-cook or slow-cooker options that keep you out of the kitchen and in the sunshine. Enjoy every last bit of coastal flavor with summer dishes like crab cakes and fish tacos, and don't forget to use the grill while you can. With delicious steak kebabs, ribs, grilled pork chops, and grilled chicken and veggies, you have all the excuses you need to cook outside this season. Fresh produce and kid-friendly dishes shine in our favorite easy summer dinner recipes.
Related: The 65 Best Summer Side Dishes To Complement Any Cookout
Crab Cakes With Key Lime Mayonnaise
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This may not be dessert, but this dish is just as delectable when topped with fresh mango salsa. Try these crab cakes on your next beach vacation, or enjoy all the flavor of the islands at home and imagine you're sunning on the sand.
Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
This easy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes. Fast-cooking shrimp and tomatoes are cooked in a skillet while the noodles cook. Mix them together and dinner is done.
Classic Fried Catfish
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
You can never go wrong with classic, crispy fried catfish on a lazy summer afternoon. Serve with lemon wedges and a basket of hush puppies.
Baked Caprese Chicken With Green Beans and Corn
Spend more time enjoying summer and less time cleaning dishes by making supper on a sheet pan. The sides and main all cook together.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Get out the napkins for this finger-licking good chicken. For the first step of this recipe, rub the chicken with brown sugar and spices and air fry it until charred. Then coat the chicken with a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce for a final effect that will convince you it's grilled barbecue chicken.
Skillet Stuffed Peppers
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
These peppers stuffed with a satisfying mixture of rice, sausage, and Parmesan and baked in a bed of marinara will be the center of attention at your next meal. Use multi-colored peppers if you want to add color to your table (red peppers are sweetest).
Pork Chop Sandwich
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
These juicy pork chop sandwiches come together much more quickly than pulled pork, but will be just as popular at your next barbecue. Instead of the classic side of applesauce, the sandwiches get a smear of sweet apple butter and a scoop of tangy coleslaw.
Grilled Grouper
This firm white fish is enhanced with a tart dressing of herbs and capers. The secret to perfect grill marks? Get the grill really hot and oil up the grates before putting the grouper on.
Ultimate Veggie Kebabs With Smoked Sausage
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
These marinated kebabs will have you eating your veggies with a smile on your face. We included smoked sausage alongside the okra, squash, and peppers for a bit of Southern flair. Drizzle with a fresh herb dressing when you serve.
Bourbon- And Cola-Glazed Steak Kebabs
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Two of our favorite drinks, bourbon and cola, serve as a great marinade for rib-eye steaks. We recommend pairing it with our Smashed-Cucumber Salad.
Grilled Shrimp-And-Squash Pasta with Summer Herbs
This shrimp pasta is quick enough to whip up on busy weeknights, yet it's still elegant enough to serve when entertaining. Fresh summer herbs are the ideal finishing touch.
Garlic-Oregano Chicken with Grilled Leeks and Lemon
Marinate chicken in a homemade marinade for just 30 minutes, throw it on the grill, and you'll have a delicious summer meal in under an hour. The leeks benefit from a quick char as well.
Southern Tomato Sandwich
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When tomatoes are in season, dinner can be done in just 5 minutes without you even having to turn on the oven. This classic sandwich never disappoints, no matter the time of day.
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
If you're craving barbecue chicken but don't want to fire up the grill, this oven-baked version will save the day. Homemade sauce gives it plenty of flavor.
Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
You don't have to heat up the kitchen with this recipe, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This creamy soup makes an indulgent but not too heavy meal, starring fresh corn alongside bacon, potatoes, and onion. A garnish of fresh corn and onions spritzed with lime juice brightens every bowl.
Tomato, Cheddar, And Bacon Pie
We try to use gorgeous, plump summer tomatoes in any way we can during the season, but a classic tomato pie sure is hard to beat. This one goes above and beyond, with a sour cream crust studded with bacon, layers of colorful tomatoes, and plenty of cheese and herbs to tie it all together. For best results, salt the tomatoes and drain them on a paper towel before assembling your pie.
Crab-And-Bacon Linguine
This easy pasta made with a delicious white wine cream sauce will make any 'ole weeknight feel like a vacation. We recommend buying fresh jumbo lump crab meat for this one. Bonus: Enjoy the rest of the wine chilled with dinner.
Homemade Corn Dogs
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Did you know that Texans started this German-influenced tradition? Get the kids into the kitchen to help with this fun and nostalgic treat. We've perfected the buttermilk batter so you can enjoy corn dogs even when the state fair isn't around.
Best-Ever Crab Cakes With Green Tomato Slaw
Crab cakes feel like the type of dish you only order when you're out at a fancy dinner, but they're surprisingly easy to make at home. The Green Tomato Slaw is an unexpected topping that will allow your summer harvest to shine. This one is great for impressing guests or getting a fresh taste of the Gulf Coast on a weeknight.
Easy Catfish Tacos With Slaw
This lightened up oven "fried" catfish recipe tastes just like the classic, and a bright easy slaw adds the perfect crunch. We soaked the fillets in buttermilk and covered them in panko breadcrumbs flavored with Cajun seasoning. If catfish is not available, use any firm white fish such as cod, tilapia, or grouper.
Heirloom-Tomato Salad
VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY
This fresh summer salad is a beautiful centerpiece for an easy family-style meal. Use a selection of heirloom tomatoes with varied color, texture, and flavor.
Crab Boil With Beer And Old Bay
Nothing screams summer more than a classic, family-style crab boil. The blue crabs simmer in beer and Old Bay along with sausage, potatoes, and corn. Long summer days are perfect to enjoy this coastal feast outdoors.
Roasted Tomato Quiche
The brunch-y cousin of our beloved Heirloom Tomato Pie is this tomato quiche. To concentrate the sweetness of the tomato slices, these are roasted before they're added to the egg mixture. The result? A quiche you can truly only savor in summer.
BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
Easy, kid-friendly, and perfect for a summer cookout, we love this creative way to enjoy two of our favorite things—barbecue pulled pork and baked potatoes. Use pulled pork from a local restaurant for a real time saver.
Best-Ever Succotash Recipe
The easiest "eat the rainbow" healthy dinner, this light, bright salad is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Bacon and fresh basil add a smoky sweetness to the dish.
Pasta With Shrimp And Tomato Cream Sauce
This simple recipe only takes a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes, which makes it a busy night win with a summery spin. Sun Gold or Black Cherry tomatoes are especially good at bringing out the sweetness of the shrimp.
Creamy Rice With Scallops
Smoky, salty bacon complements buttery sweet scallops and corn in this impressive yet simple dinner. The rice simmers in chicken broth, butter, and fresh thyme to achieve the creamy texture and develop a fuller flavor.
Green Tomato Gazpacho
If you've got a bushel of green tomatoes and you've had your fill of frying them, turn those bright beauties into this cool summer soup. All you need is a blender and the vegetables to complement them, like cucumber, peppers, onion, and fresh herbs.
Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
The crabs for these sandwiches themselves are easy to prepare: dredge them in cornmeal and skillet fry them until golden brown. A drizzle (or dollop) of spicy mayo sends these soft-shell crab sandwiches over the edge of amazing.
Zucchini Lasagna
Wondering what to do with all that zucchini? Put this vegetarian lasagna next on your list to cook. Thinly sliced strips of zucchini make this usually heavy dish low-carb, but three kinds of cheese ensure you don't miss out on any comfort-food goodness.
Skillet Orzo With Fish And Herbs
This one-dish dinner starts and ends in your skillet for ultimate weeknight ease. Full of Mediterranean flavor from sun-dried tomato, lemon, and garlic, you can top this paella-like pasta with flaky white fish or salmon.
Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos With Fresh Tomato Salsa
When it's too hot to even turn your oven on, let the slow cooker handle dinner and pair it with a fresh summer salsa. The pork shoulder cooks to fall-apart tenderness in a sweet and savory spice rub, and between the two, you've got all the taco fillings you need.
Shrimp Boil Vegetable Bowls
Put everything you love about a classic Lowcountry boil in an easy one-bowl meal that doesn't require any boiling at all. French green beans and capers add a touch of summery tartness to the dish.
Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
This recipe's name basically sums it up—use any and all of your fresh farmers' market haul to make a beautiful dinner that's great warm, at room temp, or cold. Throw in shredded smoked chicken or use cheese tortellini for a more filling version.
Crab Pie
Instead of your usual Quiche Lorraine or springy asparagus-laden quiche, try a summery spin with this decadent crab version. Loaded up with spinach, leeks, and cream cheese, this indulgent pie will have you savoring every bite.
Greek Pork Chops With Squash And Potatoes
Your trusty sheet pan and a short ingredient list make this dinner the easiest one you'll put on the table all week. But there are no shortcuts on flavor, thanks to a healthy helping of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
It's not summertime without some at-home barbecue action in the smoker. This dry-rub recipe is easy enough for even the most novice pitmaster. A vinegar wash and extra sprinkling of dry rub at the end of the cooking process adds another layer of flavor.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
No fryer necessary—all you need to enjoy classic fried green tomatoes at home is your trusty cast-iron skillet. Dip the tomatoes in buttermilk before breading to enhance their tartness.
Marinated Tomato-and-Herb Salad
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: ANNA HAMPTON; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH
Juicy, marinated tomatoes will brighten any summertime plate, whether you're having seafood, fish, or burgers from the grill. Use soft-leaf herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Our sheet pan has come to the rescue countless nights at dinnertime, and this easy recipe will be a repeat, kid-friendly savior. You can make nachos any time of year, but it's the fresh seasonal produce that makes them so special in summer.
Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder
Slow-cooker pulled pork is a Southern staple. Serve it between buns, over grits, or savor this sweet and tangy masterpiece by itself. For a topping, try our Permanent Slaw recipe.
Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves the day again with this healthy no-cook chicken salad that can make enough for both lunch and dinner. You can serve the chicken and mango filling in lettuce wraps or whole wheat wraps, depending on your appetite.
Eggplant Rollups
Make the most of eggplant when it comes into season in July. If you're trying to keep it low carb during swimsuit season, this fresh eggplant recipe will satisfy those pasta cravings. If you're looking for a healthy, flavorful side, this dish will satisfy that too.
Lighter Pan-Fried Chicken With Green Beans And Tomatoes
You can achieve crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fried chicken without a giant vat of frying oil—trust us. We've provided instructions for both skillet frying and the air fryer. Add some lightly charred green beans and cherry tomatoes, and you've got a delicious summertime meal.
Fish Tacos And Topping Bar
Fresh fish tacos, Asian slaw, and a quick chipotle cream sauce combine for a kid-friendly dinner that's worth inviting friends over for. For additional toppings, try chopped tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Chile-Lime Steak Skewers With Coconut-Cilantro Sauce
James Ransom, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These flank steak skewers are marinated in a punchy mixture of garlic, chili, cilantro, and basil. The sauce includes the same flavors, but tempered with nutty coconut cream. Start the marinade 4-12 hours in advance, and then rest easy knowing these will cook in 10 minutes on the grill.
Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak With Corn-Chile Relish
James Ransom, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Everything goes on the grill here, from the corn to the scallions. The chopped veggies can be spooned over top the thinly sliced steak or into tacos. Fresh-squeezed lime gives everything just the right level of zing.
Creamed Corn Pasta
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This mash-up of creamed corn and a pasta dish is sure to be a hit this season. Save the boiled water from the corn cobs so you can infuse the sauce with their flavor. Pro tip: A Y-shaped vegetable peeler makes it easy to remove kernels from the cobs.
Herbed Chicken-And-Rice Salad
This filling but healthy salad features cucumbers, tomatoes, and rotisserie chicken dressed in fresh herbs, honey, and mustard. You can eat this dish at room temperature or chilled and as a side or main dish.
Baked Ziti With Summer Vegetables
Looking for a big-batch recipe to feed your crowd? Usher your favorite hearty baked pasta into summer by lightening it with fresh squash and tomatoes. Give those veggies a few minutes under the broiler first for charred, "fire-roasted" flavor.
Chicken Caprese Pasta
This quick and easy Chicken Caprese Pasta is lightly flavored with a bright pesto, which you can make fresh or buy from the deli at the grocery store. While you're there, grab a rotisserie chicken, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. A half cup of pasta water combines with the pesto to make a silky smooth sauce.
Pasta With Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, And Basil
This recipe sits somewhere between a pasta and a salad bursting with summertime flavor. The only cooking required? Boiling the pasta and crisping the country ham. Or skip the ham for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Summer Pasta Salad With Lime Vinaigrette
This colorful pasta salad is a sweet and savory combination of nectarines, squash, and toasted almonds. A deli-roasted chicken saves preparation time and makes this salad filling enough to be a main dish. Make extra Lime Vinaigrette and use it as a zesty marinade for grilled chicken at your next meal.
Grilled Chicken Legs
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
The mayonnaise and pickle brine marinade in this recipe results in wonderfully juicy chicken legs that don't overcook. Prepare it the night before so the legs have time to tenderize. Other cuts may need less time, which we break down for you in our article on How Long to Marinate Chicken.
Grilled Chicken And Corn With Charred Scallion-Lime Butter
Bring basic grilled chicken and corn to a new level with a smoky and tangy herb butter. The scallions get a few minutes on the grill before you blend them into a delicious spread that tastes of summer. Serve with lime wedges and a cold beer or iced tea.
Grilled Lamb Chops With Green Garlic Chimichurri
As impressive as this meal looks, the lamb chops only require about five minutes to cook on the grill. Your guests will savor every bite dressed with garlicky chimichurri sauce.
Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
If you've been hankering for a meatless main that satisfies your barbecue craving, here's your answer. When unripe, jackfruit absorbs any flavor and has a texture similar to pork. Seared until browned and crispy, then seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, this might not be traditional barbecue, but it sure is tasty.
Sheet Pan Veggie Supreme Pizza
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
All the flavors of summer come together on a crispy crust topped with arugula and basil after baking. Use whatever you have in the garden or whatever you picked up from the farmers' market — there are no wrong answers here.
Farmers' Market Frittata
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Here's another dish designed to include any peak season produce. We started with mini peppers, curly kale, and red onions, then garnished with fresh dill and chives. You can take it from here and try eggplant and basil.
Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLING: HEATHER CHADDUCK HILLEGAS
Not only is the chicken for this salad prepared on the grill, but the bacon, corn, and okra are also tossed on for some extra flavor.
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