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Need summer dinner ideas? Here are all the best recipes for the season: grilled or no cook, with fresh seasonal ingredients!
Summer is one of the best seasons for home cooking. This is the time of year to whip out the grill or make fresh, minimally-cooked recipes. Grab your tomatoes, basil, and corn, because we’ve got the freshest ideas for your patio!
Here are all top summer dinner ideas! They’re either grilled, involve minimal cooking, or feature the best fresh summer ingredients you’ll find at your farmers market or in your garden. Then keep reading for some side dish suggestions and drink pairings. Let the season begin!
And now, our favorite summer dinner ideas!
A fresh and tasty summer dinner idea: cherry tomato pasta! This recipe pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
This hearty farro bowl recipe is packed with Mediterranean flavors! Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and a creamy dressing make a satisfying grain bowl that’s the perfect meal for summer or any season.
Try this Chicken Pesto Sandwich! It starts with juicy grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection with a savory mix of spices. Throw it onto grilled ciabatta bread, then top with baby arugula, soft fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomato slices. The crowning glory is a mound of bright green herbaceous basil pesto.
Hollow out zucchini into shells, then stuff it with sausage, tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with some crispy breadcrumbs, bake until golden brown, and wow! These are packed with intensely savory flavor. This recipe makes a zucchini lover out of anyone!
This fajita salad recipe is one of our our go-to dinner ideas, bursting with charred vegetables and covered in a creamy salsa ranch dressing! We eat it often and it works for almost any diet: it’s easily gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan—plus it’s ideal for serving a crowd!
When it’s summer, it’s grilled food for dinner—nightly! One of our top proteins to grill is shrimp, because it’s supremely quick (as in, under 5 minutes). This grilled shrimp kabobs recipe is a new family favorite. Take them over the top with our creamy Comeback Sauce for the best treat!
This burrata sandwich is the sandwich of your dreams! Sink your teeth into this creamy, rich cheese paired with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and a smoky sundried tomato aioli on ciabatta bread. It’s a no cook summer dinner that will impress anyone!
The sweet and savory combination of chicken thighs with peaches makes an over-the-top delicious one pan meal! This easy summer dinner idea pairs rich, savory chicken with the juicy sweetness of peaches and sprinkle of fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic touch.
Next up in our summer dinner ideas: the juicy Portobello Burger! Here’s how to make a portobello mushroom burger that everyone loves: grilled or roasted! Savory and meaty, it’s irresistible with cheese and special sauce.
Try this simple and delicious linguine recipe with garlic and herbs! Parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs flavor a luscious cream sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. Serve it as a side dish, or stir in cooked protein like grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy tofu to turn it into a main!
For the perfect summer dinner idea: try the classic French Nicoise salad! This French main dish salad is legendary: for good reason. Nicoise salad is protein-packed and makes a stunning lunch or dinner (glass of wine optional).
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a huge hit at our house. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
Make a batch of this easy baked falafel, then layer them with crunchy veggies and top with a creamy, zingy tahini dressing. It makes the most refreshing, tasty summer dinner. If desired, use purchased frozen falafel or even repurpose take-out leftovers!
What’s better than the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Try this summery delight: the Caprese sandwich! This riff on the classic Italian salad from Capri layers the classic ingredients as a sandwich filling, with an irresistibly creamy, pesto aioli that adds a pop of savory brightness to each bite. It’s the perfect idea for an easy no-cook summer dinner, picnics, and more.
Here’s how to make the absolute best grilled salmon! It’s perfectly tender and flavored with a magic seasoning blend that takes it to new heights. Pair it with basil rice and any of our grilled side dishes for a fun and simple meal.
Welcome to your new favorite summer dinner: juicy grilled chicken thighs! Alex and I set about to create the best way to grill thighs, and we think this is it. Marinate them in a zingy mixture of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and spices, then throw them on the grill and cook until they’re juicy and smoky.
A fresh poke bowl is perfect for summer dinners! This classic recipe stars ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.
Also try: Vegan Poke Bowl
Here’s a summer dinner made in heaven: grilled chicken salad! In our family we eat main dish salads on repeat for simple meals, and this one is a celebration of summer grilling on a plate. You’ve got juicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, and veggies, all nestled together with our favorite Italian vinaigrette dressing, zingy pepperoncini, and shaved Parmesan.
Instead of the same old burgers for summer dinner...try salmon burgers! They’re easy and have the best flavor: each bite is perfection slathered with remoulade sauce.
These grilled shrimp tacos are a perfect summer dinner idea or healthy weeknight meal! They star smoky spiced shrimp, Mexican slaw, and a spicy mayo drizzle.
This simple corn soup is a seasonal way to enjoy fresh corn! The sunny flavor is sweet and nuanced, and it’s full of healthy vegetables.
Also try: Creamy Corn Chowder or Vegan Corn Chowder
This mouthwatering veggie burger recipe is slathered with barbecue sauce and doesn’t fall apart on the grill! It’s truly the best you’ll find.
What's more fun for summer dinner than a shrimp boil? This easy meal of corn, potatoes and shrimp is perfect for a crowd. No plates required! Also try our Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil in Oven.
Tired of grilling burgers and salmon? Ahi tuna has a rich and buttery texture. Seared perfectly on the outside, it tastes more like chicken or steak than fish! It’s truly one of the quickest things you can cook! Just 1 to 2 minutes, and you’ve got dinner. Pair it with simple Chimichurri Sauce for a stunning meal!
Here’s an easy dinner that’s basic but satisfies every time: Salmon Caesar Salad! Imagine: tender, perfectly seasoned chunks of salmon nestled with bursts of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons. It’s all covered in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing that makes each bite absolutely sublime.
This tangy chicken pasta salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is a family-favorite summer dinner! It’s a mix of tender chicken, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette.
If you’re looking for a fun grilled fish recipe, this flaky tilapia is bursting with savory, smoky flavor. Top it with sweet and tender blistered cherry tomatoes and it looks stunning. It’s the ideal summer meal for entertaining or even a weeknight.
We love a good outdoor pizza night as a summer dinner idea! This margherita pizza recipe tastes like an artisan pie from Italy! It’s the perfect meld of zingy tomato sauce, gooey cheese and chewy crust. Or, pick from our Favorite Pizza Recipes.
Last up in our summer dinner ideas: how to make a paella recipe…the Spanish way! This stunning one pan dinner features shrimp, vegetables and all the authentic flavors of this traditional dish.
Summer side dishes to pair
Got your summer dinner recipes covered? Let’s move on to sides! Here are all our top summer side dishes and summer salads that make the most delicious complete meals.
- The classic bean salad might be better than Grandma’s
- Try all the grilled vegetables right along with your main dish
- You can’t go wrong with grilled veggie kabobs!
- We can’t get tired of this classic corn salad
- Also make sure to check out our top summer appetizers!
Top it off with drinks & treats
Need some ideas for summer cocktails or summery desserts? We’ve got that too! Pair some of these tasty ideas:
- Enjoy your meal with a Wine Spritzer or Aperol Spritz
- End the meal with a Fresh Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Crisp or Blackberry Crisp
- Use the grill for some Grilled Peaches or Grilled Bananas
Frequently asked questions
Great question! When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, try refreshing salads with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp, flavorful gazpacho, or colorful veggie wraps. You could also assemble a charcuterie board with fresh fruit and cheese, or whip up a quick ceviche.
Summer is bursting with delicious fruits and vegetables! Take advantage of the season’s bounty by adding tomatoes, corn, zucchini, berries, and melons to your meals. Grill them, add them to salads, or use them as toppings for pizzas and tacos.
Get the whole family involved in grilling! Try kebabs with different combinations of meat, veggies, and fruit, or build-your-own burgers with various toppings. You could also grill pizzas, make grilled fish tacos, or even desserts like grilled peaches.
25 Summer Dinner Ideas: Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta
This cherry tomato pasta pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, orecchiette (shown here), shells, cavatappi, etc)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup pasta water
- 1 handful fresh small basil leaves, chopped if large
Instructions
- Make the pasta: Start a pot of well salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is just al dente. Start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside; usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water with a liquid measuring cup (at least ¼ cup). Drain the pasta.
- Blister the tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a very large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes, making sure there is space around each tomato (they are not touching) and the pan is not crowded. If you’re using a medium pan, cook the tomatoes in 2 batches.* Cook for 1 minute without touching the pan, then 2 to 3 more minutes until blistered, shaking the pan several times to rotate the tomatoes. Turn off the heat and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, gently shaking several times to coat. Add 2 pinches kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Remove the tomatoes from the pan to a bowl.
- Finish the dish: Mince the garlic. Once the pasta is done, in the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup pasta water, scraping the pan with a spoon to release all of the flavor of the tomato juices. Turn off the heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Add the blistered tomatoes, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and lots of fresh ground pepper. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve with the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
*If the pan is too crowded, the tomatoes will steam instead of blistering. It all depends on the size of your pan: if you’re using a medium pan, you’ll have to cook 1 pint at a time.
Love y’all’s recipes. Can’t wait to try them. 👍
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