90 Easy Summer Dinners That Everyone Will Love (Including Many That Take 30 Minutes or Less)
When the weather’s warm, you belong outside in a breezy maxi dress—not in a sweltering kitchen. Luckily, these easy summer dinner recipes don’t take much time or effort to whip up. (Seriously: Many of these meals will be on the table in 30 minutes or less.) They’re fast, beginner-friendly, prime for preparing ahead and ideal for balmy nights when the sun’s still out, it’s 85 degrees and you really don’t want to be standing at the stove.
Many star summer produce, and favorites like zucchini, tomatoes, peaches and corn practically transform themselves into gorgeous, mouthwatering dishes. I'm talking skillet roast chicken with peaches, tomatoes and red onion, zoodles with summer vegetables and a savory heirloom tomato tart. The list includes light dishes, like chopped Italian salad pizza, simple seasonal pastas, like spicy corn carbonara and even no-cook gems, like yellow tomato gazpacho. If you're eager to cook outdoors, I have some options for you—try grilled peach and halloumi salad with lemon-pesto dressing, summer skillet gnocchi with grilled corn and burrata, Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce and other barbecue recipes. But that's far from all. Read on for 90 easy summer meals to devour in the backyard, from sweet-and-sour pork skewers with pineapple to butter-baked cucumber tostadas.
34 Summer Slow Cooker Recipes to Make All Season Long
1. Charcuterie Board Flatbread
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly
Serves: 6
"Crafting the perfect bite from a charcuterie board is part art and part science," explains PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen. "You want a bit of salty, savory, creamy, crunchy and sweet in every bite." All you need is store-bought flatbread or naan for the base: The cheese, meat and fruit are totally up to you.
2. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Now this is what I call a dinner salad. Sweet, smoky grilled peaches are just the match for salty, tangy halloumi cheese. Pine nuts and green beans offer optimal crunch to boot. You'll find it easiest to use a grill pan indoors to cook the fruit and cheese instead of firing up the barbecue.
3. Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Pinch of Yum
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 4 to 6
Is your mouth watering yet? Bring this strawberry-topped favorite to every potluck you're ever invited to—it's sure to wow the host and their guests.
4. Grilled Flatbread Pizza with Artichoke, Ricotta and Lemon
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Serves: 4
Pizza is one of my favorite summer dinner ideas because it cooks on the grill in a flash. And this one is even easier than the rest because it starts with store-bought flatbread. Try finishing your slice with crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Zucchini Pad Thai
What's Gaby Cooking
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: low carb, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Serves: 2
Ten minutes and you’re done. (And you have Gaby Dalkin to thank.) Substitute yellow summer squash if you prefer it to zucchini.
6. Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, high protein, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 4 to 6
Aka an easy but impressive way to feed a crowd. Might I suggest serving it alfresco at your next dinner party with a bottle of white? (P.S.: Chill the chicken after seasoning it to dry it out for an ultra-crispy exterior.)
7. Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Smashed avocado and spicy mayo take these family-friendly sammies over the top. The kids won't even notice how healthy the sweet potato patties are.
8. Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 6
This one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes, so the recipe is prime for an impromptu BBQ. Finish the skillet with plenty of fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes.
9. Zucchini Ricotta Galette
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
Serves: 8
It tastes like you spent hours making it—but lucky for you, you didn’t, thanks to store-bought pie crust. (I also have it on good authority that this recipe works with frozen puff pastry.) Use a mandoline to cut the zucchini into uniform, paper-thin slices.
10. Sweet-and-Sour Pork Skewers with Pineapple
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Serves: 6
It’s totally OK to lean on your grill pan in the off-season, but be sure to use the real deal for these skewers come summertime. It's only fair to the fresh pineapple.
11. Skillet Roast Chicken with Peaches, Tomatoes and Red Onion
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, special occasion-worthy, high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Who knew juicy summer fruit paired so magically with chicken thighs? This is the ultimate centerpiece for your next backyard soirée. Sub plums or nectarines for peaches, if you feel so inclined.
12. Poblano and Mushroom Tacos with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Way more interesting than ground beef (and more nutritious too). Serve the handhelds with grilled mango salsa and tortilla chips at your first Taco Tuesday of the summer. You'll like pairing them with homemade guac, too.
13. Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 6
If it were up to us, every dinner recipe would be this darn easy. The chicken is seasoned with store-bought pesto, and everything but the spaghetti cooks in a single skillet.
14. Baked Sesame-Ginger Salmon in Parchment
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Any recipe that doesn't call for using a million pots and pans is my kind of recipe, especially one starring summer zucchini. Trade parchment for foil and pop the salmon on the grill.
15. One-Pot, 15-Minute Pasta Limone
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Throw eight simple ingredients (most of which are pantry staples) in the pot and boil ’em to tender perfection. Just like that, dinner is served.
16. Chickpea and Vegetable Coconut Curry
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, high protein, one pan
Serves: 4
You only need 30 minutes to create this impressive and satisfying dinner, since the recipe leans on pantry staples like frozen peas, canned chickpeas and canned coconut milk. I like to serve this vegetarian wonder with naan or basmati rice.
17. Butter-Baked Cucumber Tostadas
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 6
Haven't you heard? Roasted cucumbers are all the rage. While the buttery spears take centerstage, TBH, you had me at sriracha mayo. Crown each tostada with homemade pickled onions.
18. 15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 4
Just the appetizer for entertaining (or the laziest, most satisfying solo dinner of all time). The only "cooking" you'll need to do to pull it off is toast the pita in a hot pan.
19. Skillet Pasta with Summer Squash, Ricotta and Basil
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, one pan, vegetarian
Serves: 4
The squash and rigatoni cook in a single skillet, because the weather is too nice to be cooped up doing dishes. Trade ricotta for burrata or pearl mozzarella for a caprese-inspired moment, courtesy of yellow cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
20. Lime Chicken with Corn and Poblano Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, one pan, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
File this gem under How to Feed Four People for Less Than Ten Bucks. The recipe calls for using canned corn kernels instead of fresh cobs, so you can prepare it any time of year.
21. Summer Glow Bowls
Plays Well with Butter
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, dairy free, gluten free
Serves: 4
Jess Larson clearly shares my love of hearty bowls. This one includes grilled chicken, quinoa and a sweet-and-spicy curry vinaigrette that you'll want to drizzle on *everything.*
22. Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Beautifully seasoned, a la filet mignon. The peppery arugula side salad is the ultimate foil for the sweet melon. Save the leftover spice mix for beef, chicken salmon or roasted veggies.
23. End of Summer Cobb Salad with Creamy Carrot-Kimchi Dressing
Feed Me Phoebe
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Phoebe Lapine gives you permission to throw in any veggies you have on hand, whether it be spinach, bell peppers or red onion. Just don't skimp on the creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing.
24. Chopped Italian Salad Pizza
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Serves: 6 to 8
Store-bought dough makes this pie a breeze. Toss the greens in the mustardy vinaigrette just before putting them on the pizza; this will help them maintain their crispness until serving and keep your crust from getting soggy.
25. Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
This just might be the prettiest salad you'll ever make (and definitely one of the tastiest). Chalk it up to smoked tofu, chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, sesame-ginger dressing and all the veggies. Buy pre-sliced or pre-shredded produce to save time.
26. Savory Heirloom Tomato Tart
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 6
Ah, store-bought puff pastry—the ultimate cheat for making easy recipes look oh-so impressive. In-season heirloom tomatoes will tackle the rest (namely the aesthetics).
27. Crockpot Corn Chowder
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, slow cooker recipe
Serves: 6
Yes, you can (and should) use your slow cooker in the summer. After all, it beats turning on the oven and heating up the whole house. Just plop everything in the Crockpot and occupy yourself for six hours—it's that low-lift.
28. Summer Caprese Salad
Two Peas & Their Pod
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <30 minutes
Serves: 6
Maria Lichty brings you this magical no-cook starter, featuring tomatoes, peaches, cucumber and balsamic glaze. Make a meal out of the salad by topping it off with prosciutto.
29. Zoodles with Summer Vegetables
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
This summer, the farmers market is your oyster. (Hi, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and corn.) I'd recommend starting with store-bought zoodles instead of spiralizing your own if you're pressed for time—your guests won't know the difference.
30. Roasted Drumsticks with Tomatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Serves: 6
I like to think of this impressive baked chicken dish as the summer equivalent of a casserole. Can you believe you're only six ingredients away from enjoying it?
31. Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, special occasion-worthy, one pan
Serves: 2
You only *think* you can't cook a killer steak at home, but this recipe is consistently foolproof. The trick is reverse-searing it so it's cooked through without being overdone, plus caramelized on all sides.
32. Mini Spanish Tortilla with Zucchini
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, high protein
Serves: 1
Your quest for an interesting way to cook zucchini ends here. Have this single-serve cutie with dressed greens for dinner, and save half for breakfast the next day.
33. Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 6
The creamy tzatziki sauce is not only delicious, but it's also easy to prepare a day or two ahead if desired. Serve the skewers with olives and sliced cucumber for dipping.
34. Stone Fruit Cucumber Salad with Ricotta Salata, Purslane and Golden Balsamic Miso Vinaigrette
The Bojon Gourmet
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes
Serves: 2 to 4
It’s a midsummer night’s dream. Substitute mozz or feta for ricotta salata if you'd like, or melon for stone fruit. Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong with the season's bounty.
35. Steak Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 6
Cutting steak into neat pieces, skewering it and roasting it to juicy perfection is as easy as 1-2-3, so try your hardest to not be intimidated. My tip? Cube the meat as evenly as possible so each piece cooks in the same amount of time.
36. Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad
POWER PLATE
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
This one’s fast, easy, healthy and protein-rich, thanks to black beans. Make the quinoa in advance (or use last night's leftovers) so the salad can come together in a flash.
37. Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Damn Delicious
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, pescatarian, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
Psst: You can entertain a whole crowd with nothing but five ingredients and 25 minutes of your time. Turn off the heat when the shrimp just turns pink—you won't want to overcook them.
38. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Blue Cheese Crema
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Meatless doesn’t always mean meager. Rich blue cheese sauce and diced avocado take these starchy sweet spud tacos over the top.
39. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 6
Our recipe developers hacked the traditional shrimp boil so it’s not only mess-free, but also elegant. The skewers are slathered in smoky Cajun butter before hitting the grill. Layer your picnic table with newspaper, toss the skewers on top and let your guests go to town.
40. Chicken and Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Amy Scott/Healthier Southern Cooking
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Serves: 6
This lighter take on a Creole staple stars chicken sausage instead of andouille and brown rice instead of white. This party main is begging to be enjoyed alfresco in the backyard.
41. Easy 5-Ingredient Corn Soup
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Serves: 1
The crunchy sesame seed-brown butter topping elevates the soup tenfold. Skip it or trade it for crumbled bacon if the kiddos are skeptical (but if they give it a chance, they might be pleasantly surprised...).
42. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Broma Bakery
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, one pan, high protein
Serves: 8
The whole fam will be obsessed at first bite, and you won't even have to stand at the grill flipping burger patties all night. Such is the beauty of a skillet meal.
43. Moules-Frites (Steamed Mussels and Fries)
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, one pan, pescatarian, high protein
Serves: 2
Cooked in a garlicky white wine sauce, this impressive meal is ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to wow the whole party. Toss any mussels that don't open in the pan—they aren't safe to eat.
44. Abundance Kale Salad with Savory Tahini Dressing
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, gluten free
Serves: 4
And you thought that a salad couldn't fill you up. (Crispy chickpeas for the win.) Prepare the produce, chickpeas and dressing up to three days in advance, then combine them right before dinnertime.
45. Citrus and Shrimp Avocado Salad
Foodie Crush
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: pescatarian, make ahead, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
Citrus shrimp + buttery avocado + crunchy sliced almonds = a meal worth bragging to your trainer about. The shrimp are pan-seared to perfection in mere minutes.
46. Zucchini Basil Soup with Crème Fraîche and Pickled Corn
Bojon Gourmet
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4 to 6
Crème fraîche sounds fancy, but it lives right next to its humble cousin, sour cream, in the dairy aisle. Make a double batch of the pickled corn to serve in salads, tacos, burritos and rice bowls.
47. Marinated Salumi Sandwich
Salt & Wind
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Serves: 1
Aida Mollenkamp knows how to make a dinner-worthy sammy. It's piled high with hot coppa, finocchiona, fresh mozzarella cheese and baby arugula.
48. Cauliflower-Lentil Grain Salad with Pesto and Pickled Radishes
Sassy Kitchen
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 2
Oh, mighty cauliflower. Is there anything you can’t do? (I love you too, underrated radishes.) If you don't have a food processor, prepare the pumpkin seed pesto in the blender.
49. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: pescatarian, <30 minutes, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Cue the palm trees and a piña colada. Feel free to grill the shrimp (and the mango while you're at it) instead of sautéing it if the weather allows.
50. 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
So much more interesting than jarred marinara, and a pleasantly surprising BBQ appetizer, if I do say so myself. Reserve a touch of pasta water to thicken the cream sauce even more.
51. Ginger-Pineapple Shrimp Stir Fry
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, pescatarian
Serves: 1
Here, a speedy, single-serve dinner that rivals your favorite takeout dish. If you don't have fresh ginger on hand, a little bit of ground ginger will work in a pinch. Just use it sparingly because its flavor is more concentrated.
52. One-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes and Romaine
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, high protein, <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe
Serves: 4
I *love* preparing my protein, starch and veggie in one fell swoop, and so will you. (Especially since it'll leave you with only one dirty pan to clean.) Add a drizzle of honey to the salmon for sweetness or dill for an herby kick.
53. Zoodle Stir Fry
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, kid-friendly, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
Spruce this veggie-rich dish up with chicken, rice or any additional produce you’re craving (or that you forgot about in the fridge...).
54. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa
WEEKNIGHT SOCIETY
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, vegan, <10 ingredients
Serves: 4
Easy, healthy and delicious? Guess dreams really do come true. Did I mention this grain-based meal comes together on a single sheet pan? Thank me later.
55. Summer Panzanella Salad
Feasting at Home
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
Serves: 6
Salad with bread > salad without bread. Don't @ us. Take your pick of French, focaccia or sourdough, and use a day-old loaf for optimal results.
56. 5-Minute Veggie Coconut Wraps
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan, dairy free, gluten free
Serves: 5
These little guys have totally stolen my heart. Picture grain-free coconut wraps slathered with hummus and curry paste and filled with fresh produce. Did I mention they're no cook?
57. Cheater’s Skillet Paella
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein, one pan
Serves: 6
Behold, the quintessential meal for a summer dinner party. This feast takes just one hour from start to finish, since the shellfish is limited to shrimp and littleneck clams.
58. Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Thighs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, high protein
Serves: 6
Fun fact: These chicken thighs taste like they’re fried, despite being roasted. The secret is getting the oil and butter scorching hot before adding the chicken to the skillet.
59. Pork Scallopini with Lemon, Capers and Radicchio
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, one pan, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
Bye, boring chicken breast and broccoli. This bright, briny number will shake you right out of your dinner rut. Substitute green olives, pickles or green peppercorns for capers if you don't have them in your pantry.
60. Blackberry Peach Grilled Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, high protein
Serves: 1
Juicy berries give this grilled cheese an elevated, seasonal twist, as does an unexpected combination of goat, fontina and Emmentaler cheeses. I won't tell if you have a second one.
61. Salmon Bowl with Farro, Black Beans and Tahini Dressing
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, pescatarian, beginner-friendly
Serves: 1
Also known as a power bowl. (I'll chalk it up to all the omega-3s.) In case you're new to farro, it's a toothsome, nutty ancient grain that's packed with fiber.
62. Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw
Broma Bakery
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 8
Boiled hot dogs? Meh. These tangy, beer-soaked brats give you an excuse to pile on the toppings (like slaw, pickled jalapeños and Dijon mustard).
63. Chicken and Snap Pea Stir Fry
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, high protein, one pan
Serves: 4
Soy sauce, vinegar and sriracha pack a ton of flavor into this easy 20-minute gem. All that's missing is a mound of white rice and extra sesame seeds for crunch.
64. Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, vegan, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
It’s corn season y’all, and I intend to celebrate every single chance I get. Top the salad off with crunchy roasted chickpeas and a spritz of lime.
65. Cucumber Quinoa Salad
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Serves: 4 to 6
Flavorful and hydrating. It makes a stellar side for rich, savory mains, like ribs or pulled pork, but it'll also pair well with a glass of white wine and a hunk of crusty bread.
66. Thai Beef Bowls with Rice Noodles
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Way better than your average salad, if I do say so myself. I should also note that rice noodles are gluten free, healthy and irresistibly chewy. The more you know.
67. Artichoke Garden Flatbread
The Mediterranean Dish
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Serves: 8
This delightful dish is ready in just 15 minutes, thanks to using store-bought flatbreads for the crust instead of raw dough and jarred artichoke hearts instead of fresh.
68. Crispy Baked Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, pescatarian, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
Pretty much the epitome of summer, from the homemade slaw to the lime-kissed tilapia. You could fry the fish instead of baking it for an extra crispy finished product, but baking is definitely the least fussy route.
69. Coconut-Lime Fried Shrimp with Mango-Peach Jalapeño Sauce
Half Baked Harvest
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, pescatarian
Serves: 2 to 3
The impossibly crisp panko-coconut breading is brag-worthy on its own. But it's the sweet-and-spicy dipping sauce for me, TBH.
70. Lobster BLTs with Sweet and Smoky Mayo
How Sweet Eats
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein
Serves: 1 to 2
I love lobster rolls. Like, a lot. But these salty, crispy handhelds are a delightfully different riff on the original, since they're slathered in honey mustard-paprika mayo.
71. Spring Roll Bowls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
This noodle-salad hybrid is basically like a deconstructed spring roll, so you won't have to mess with the tricky wrappers. Use ground pork or beef in place of chicken if you'd prefer.
72. Beet Gazpacho
Feasting at Home
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, dairy free
Serves: 4
Don't knock cold soup until you've tried it. This one is naturally dairy free, but finishing your bowl with a swirl of yogurt or sour cream couldn't hurt.
73. Honey-Lime Chicken and Veggies in Foil
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Just pop the packets on the grill and let them cook to juicy perfection—no cleanup required. Leave room on the grates for charring the corn.
74. Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Foodie Crush
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
Serves: 6 to 10
Kale’s way tastier when it’s paired with pasta...but you already knew that. It makes the side look fancy enough that no one will suspect you used store-bought Caesar.
75. Curry Noodles with Broccoli Rabe and Purple Cabbage
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: one pot, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Spaghetti with marinara sauce? Yawn. Mix things up with this Thai-inspired alternative, swimming in a mix of red curry paste, lime juice, coconut milk and soy sauce.
76. Orecchiette Ragu
Weeknight Society
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: one pot, <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
This masterpiece cooks in one pot and demands a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. It also happens to be packed with protein, thanks to Italian sausage.
77. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly
Serves: 4
Forget the sad, dry turkey burgers you've had before. This one is light, flavorful and impeccably juicy. Might I suggest adding a generous sprinkling of feta cheese to each burger?
78. Grilled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Matt Armendariz/Eat What You Want
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Warning: Your guests just might think you ordered these 20-minute cuties from a nearby restaurant. Swap chicken for any quick-cooking protein you'd like, including tofu.
79. 15-Minute Cucumber-Avocado Blender Soup
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
I can't decide where to start, the uber-creamy, refreshing soup or the Asiago-encrusted baguette. If you don't have a high-powered countertop blender, consider getting an immersion blender to make soups, nut butters, sauces and more.
80. Grilled Sriracha Shrimp Skewers with Collard-Peach Salad
Eleisa Johnson/The Peach Truck Cookbook
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, pescatarian, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
Between the peaches and collards, this shrimp dish is ridiculously seasonal. The only way the dish could get more summery is with an ice-cold glass of lemonade.
81. Italian Orzo Tuna Salad
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, pescatarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Mayonnaise haters, rejoice. This recipe calls for a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing instead, plus tender orzo pasta, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
82. Instant Pot Ribs
Well Plated by Erin
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
I'm never as eager to get my hands dirty as when I'm faced with a rack of smoky brown sugar ribs. Serve them with coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob and cornbread.
83. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)
Esteban Castillo/Chicano Eats
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, pescatarian, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
Serves: 5
A 15-minute meal has never looked this good or been this simple to make. I'm talking six ingredients (including salt and pepper), most of which you likely have on hand right now.
84. Grilled Barbecue Chicken
Spend with Pennies
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, <10 ingredients
Serves: 6
'Tis the season for all the barbecue fare. Eat 'em plain, serve them with a green side salad or debone and shred the pieces to make a saucy sandwich.
85. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Serves: 6
The fritters are essentially corn-scallion pancakes; even your pickiest eater would enjoy them. If that isn't enough to convince the kids, maybe the fresh mozzarella cheese will.
86. Spicy Corn Carbonara
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein
Serves: 6
Corn, bacon and just a touch of Parm = one completely irresistible weeknight dinner. Skip the crushed red pepper flakes if you have spice-averse kids at the table.
87. Piri Piri Chicken
Donna Griffith/The Primal Gourmet Cookbook
Time Commitment: 4 hours and 55 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
Serves: 4
With this spatchcocked beauty on the grill, your backyard will transform into a Portuguese retreat. (For the uninitiated, spatchcocking the chicken means butterflying it by removing the backbone, which reduces the cooking time and exposes more of the skin for crisping.)
88. Cold Lemon Zoodles
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan, no cook
Serves: 4
A "pasta" dish that's no-cook? Sign me up. Just whisk the dressing together, toss it with the zoodles et voilà—you're the hostess with the mostest.
89. Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Eva Kolenko/Bread Toast Crumbs
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Proof that chicken salad doesn't need to be boring...or full of grapes and walnuts. Try this version with tarragon mayonnaise, quick-pickled onions and arugula instead.
90. Yellow Tomato Gazpacho
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, special occasion-worthy, dairy free
Serves: 4 to 6
Or as I like to call it, liquid gold. Since this cold soup calls for the juiciest yellow tomatoes and the ripest peaches you can find, it's basically summer in a bowl.
