46 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas to Keep Meals Fun and Fresh
Delicious recipes to ensure your summer meals are never boring.
For many people, creating an easy-to-follow routine is a lifesaver in the kitchen. Knowing what meals you're going to make every week takes out the stress and time of planning, executing, and/or finding complicated recipes everyone in your home will love. The problem? Well, sooner or later people are bound to grow tired of eating the same thing over and over again. That's why it's such a good idea to have some summer dinner ideas in your back pocket to keep meals fun, fresh, and interesting. Plus, challenging yourself to cook new things might help you find new foods and meals to add to your usual rotation. No one's saying you have to cook a new, different recipe each night, but even just trying one new meal out every week can be a nice way to shake things up.
Whether you're cooking for vegetarians, picky eaters, or people who like just about everything, the below list contains options for a variety of delicious summer dinners. Looking to take things up a notch? Try pairing the meals with yummy summer drinks, summer desserts, or some fun 4th of July-inspired appetizers. And remember — cooking isn't supposed to be hard, so try to find the recipes that will make the experience feel fun. No one enjoys a meal after a stressful or overwhelming cooking experience, especially during the lazy days of summer. Ready to get started? Here are the best dinners to make on a hot summer day.
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
The apricot-lime glaze, with a touch of hot sauce, makes the perfect combo of sweet, sour, and spicy.
Nettle Pesto Bucatini
Pasta doesn't have to be saved for fall and winter. This summer-y nettle pesto pasta is sure to be a hit with anyone.
Chicken Fajita Salad
This cooler version of a steaming plate of chicken fajitas would be great for a summer cookout or lazy night in. Plus, it would pair well with margaritas which is never a bad thing.
Get the recipe for Chicken Fajita Salad.
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Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Looking for a cool and crisp recipe for a hot summer night? These lettuce wraps will hit the spot.
Charred Shrimp Skewers
Ready for a lighter version of your grilled favorites? This recipe is satisfying and nutritious.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Escarole and Parmesan Salad
This chicken recipe goes great with escarole salad, or try it with a side of grilled zucchini, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh coleslaw.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Escarole and Parmesan Salad.
Fried Halloumi Salad
Bright colors, decadent flavors, and interesting combinations come together here to form a fun and easy summer dinner.
Get the recipe for Fried Halloumi Salad.
RELATED: 35 Easy Summer Salads That Are Full of Seasonal Produce
Seared Salmon and Watercress Salad
This isn't your run-of-the-mill salad, and that's what makes it great.
Cornflake Crusted Chicken
This recipe feels both indulgent and playful. Plus, imagine the dipping sauce possibilities.
Roasted Chicken with Fennel
Ready to switch up your usual chicken and vegetable routine? Look no further.
Curry Chicken Salad
Whether eaten on a bed of greens or between two slices of toast (crackers would be great, too), this chicken salad is full of flavor.
Pan-Fried Chicken With Broccoli
Chicken and broccoli may seem boring, but this recipe kicks the classic pairing up a notch.
Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Chicken with Broccoli.
Tacos Al Pastor
Fresh pineapple and red onion balance perfectly with pork for this summer-ready taco recipe.
Spring Chopped Salad
This crisp salad may be meant for spring, but is fresh and perfect for hot summer days.
Shaved Brussels Salad
This salad combines Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, and rich Pecorino cheese for a flavorful combination.
Vegetarian Chili
For those evenings when you want something a little more comforting, this vegetarian chili has you covered.
Thai Chicken Salad
Say goodbye to the boring chicken salad of your past and hello to this snappy and fresh Thai-inspired version.
Strip Steak with Lemon Leak Potatoes
For those looking for a light and bright steak dinner, this strip steak recipe delivers.
Quick Pork Ragu Ravioli
It can be tempting to choose store bought pasta sauce week after week, but this quick recipe allows you to switch things up.
Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
Switch up your traditional pork chop and potatoes dinner with this tangy and sweet recipe.
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Refinery 29, Glamour, Byrdie, Apartment Therapy, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. When she's not reading (or talking about reading on Bad on Paper, the bookish podcast she co-hosts), you can find Olivia working on her first novel, curating the perfect playlist, or shopping online.
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