60 Quick and Easy Dinners for a Warm Summer Night
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Nothing feels better than first warm days of summer. But that also means you probably want to spend less time in a hot kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine. With that in mind, this list of summer dinner ideas is sure to save the day. Whether you're looking to fire up the grill or pack picnic foods for an outing to the park, here you'll find all the summer recipes you need to make dinnertime easy. We're talking 30-minute meals, marinated chicken recipes, pasta salads, and tons of ways to cook with seasonal summer vegetables.
If you're looking for easy grilling ideas, you can't have a roundup without plenty of burgers (beef burgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and more), plus creative ideas for hot dogs including one to make in your handy air fryer. Looking to make the most of seasonal garden produce? Try the show-stopping tomato pie, stuffed zucchini, or a summer pasta made with fresh pesto. If keeping cool is your objective, make a splash with fun pool party food ideas like sunrise fruit salad and shrimp skewers. Or skip the grill and stove completely and make a refreshing summer salad featuring creamy burrata and marinated tomatoes instead. Of course, you'll want to round out any of these meals with some frozen desserts and a batch of refreshing summer cocktails to really beat the heat.
Burrata Salad
Sweet cherry tomatoes, spicy arugula, and creamy burrata are tossed in a dreamy combination of garlic oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil. This salad is meant for summer.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Garlic Shrimp
How often do you get to say, "Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes?" Well, with this recipe, you can! With some Creole seasoning and a squeeze of lemon, you'll be amazed how quickly you can develop flavor.
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad
Grilling peaches make them extra sweet, and there's no better time to enjoy them than at their peak in the summer. They pair so well with roast chicken.
Get Ree's Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad recipe.
Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebabs
Full of flavor and done so fast, kebabs really are such a great summertime solution for dinner. Serve on a bed of rice and you've got yourself a complete meal in a flash.
Get Ree's Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebabs recipe.
Lemon Pasta
Dinner will be on the table in less than 30 minutes with this easy, zesty pasta dish. If you want to add protein, try grilled salmon or shrimp which is just as fast to cook.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Beer Brats
Crack open a cold one and get this summer cookout classic on the dinner table. You can even use regular hot dogs if that's what you've got in the fridge. The seasoning will transform them!
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Southwestern Salad
Corn, peppers, beans, avocado: This salad has a lot of good-for-you ingredients. Toss them all together with a zesty avocado dressing and you'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
Rigatoni with Summer Vegetables
Chances are you've got an abundance of corn, yellow squash, and sugar snap peas. Toss them together with a little lemon and some cheese, and you've got yourself dinner.
Get Ree's Rigatoni with Summer Vegetables recipe.
Greek Chicken Kebabs
Dinner is always fun when it's served on a stick, so fire up that grill and make this Greek-inspired dinner tonight. Don't forget to grill up a few sides of pita, too.
Get Ree's Greek Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dog
If you need a night off from the grill, you can still get hot dogs that are crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. All you need is your air fryer! Dinner will be done in no time.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dog recipe.
Juicy Lucy
Take one bite and you'll know how this cheesy stuffed burger first earned its iconic name back in the '50s. Don't forget to pile it high with onions and pickles.
Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.
Esquites
You can't go wrong with corn during the summer! This recipe gives the charred, sweet corn a burst of flavor thanks to the poblano peppers and creamy chili powder-infused dressing.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread
BBQ and cornbread go hand in hand, but this tomato-topped cornbread might just steal the show from the ribs or steaks you plan to grill.
Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.
Pretzel Dogs
Skip the traditional hot dog bun in favor of this salty, homemade pretzel bun instead. Kids and adults will both love this one.
Get the Pretzel Dogs recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This recipe is comfort food with a summery twist! Just like loaded baked potatoes that you might enjoy in winter, this potato salad version is packed with cheese and bacon.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Grilled Pizza
You don't need a pizza oven for this easy summer dinner. The grill gets scorching hot so it can cook up the pizzas quickly.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks are so versatile, you can make them your own based on your family's preferences. Try using a BBQ rub or blackening seasoning, or serve the "steaks" with fresh corn salsa.
Get the Cauliflower Steaks recipe.
Feta Pasta
There's a reason why this pasta became so popular on TikTok—it's incredibly easy, cheesy, and loaded with summer tomatoes.
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
Cowboy Steak
This must be Ladd's idea of the perfect summer dinner recipe. It's a giant steak topped with a meltingly delicious ranch-infused butter.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
Caesar Salad
Keep things simple with a homemade Caesar salad. You can serve it as a fresh side dish, top it with grilled chicken or stuff it into tortillas for a Caesar wrap!
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is held together by a homemade ranch dressing that's full of buttermilk, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and garlic. The crispy bacon also makes the dish so good.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Crunchy veggies, hearty chickpeas, and bright lemon juice make this salad perfect for just about any occasion. You'll definitely want to put it on repeat throughout the summer.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
BBQ Salad
Give BBQ pulled pork a fresh new twist by serving it over a salad with homemade cornbread croutons. There's even pickles for that classic tangy flavor.
Get the BBQ Salad recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
Bring tropical island flavor to your own backyard with this shrimp recipe that's coated in crispy coconut! Then, serve it up with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
This pasta comes together in just 30 minutes! It's simple, creamy, bright, and it's a great way to show off those tender green asparagus.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Beef Kebabs
You'll get your meat and veggies all on one stick with this simple summer recipe. The key is having a good marinade like this one made with balsamic, garlic, honey, and mustard.
Get the Beef Kebabs recipe.
Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a fresh and healthy dinner idea for any night of the week. It only takes a couple minutes of cook time on the grill and it's perfect for serving with rice, salad, or summer veggies.
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
This smoky, veggie-packed pasta salad is delicious served alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or steak. We particularly love the fun mix-ins, like corn, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Brisket Tacos
Everyone loves taco night—even when it's not on a Tuesday! Whip up a big batch of this saucy brisket to fill corn tortillas any day of the week.
Get the Brisket Tacos recipe.
Grilled Pork Chops
An easy marinade using pantry ingredients makes these pork chops tender and flavorful. Top them off with mango salsa for another summery twist.
Get the Grilled Pork Chops recipe.
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
If you've never had chicken burgers before, this summer is the time to try! Simply whip up this recipe made with spinach, feta, and Greek yogurt and prepare to be amazed.
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Juicy summer tomatoes are the star of this simple side, but if you want to make it more of a main course, you can always add diced grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Stuffed Zucchini
Whether you grow zucchini in your backyard garden or you picked some up at the local farmers' market, this cheesy stuffed zucchini recipe is a must-try. It's filled with Italian sausage, veggies, and lots of crunchy breadcrumbs.
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
Here's a fun new way to serve burgers for dinner. Pile the mini patties (with cheese) onto a bed of greens, then add pickles, croutons, and Thousand Island dressing.
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, bacon, and jalapeños? Sounds like the perfect summer dinner if you ask us!
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.
Chicken Primavera
Use any seasonal vegetables you can find to make this one-pot meal even easier. In the summer, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach would be great additions when paired with the seasoned chicken.
Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Quick-cooking shrimp are a great alternative for meat on hot summer days. They're light, fresh, and perfect when paired with a simple salad, a bed of rice, or your favorite vegetable sides.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Grilled Chicken Marinade
What's the trick to the best grilled chicken? A delicious marinade, of course! This one ensures your chicken will be juicy and flavorful every time.
Get the Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe.
Angel Hair Pasta
It doesn't get much quicker than this 10-minute pasta recipe. You won't have to worry about spending too much time in a hot kitchen and it's a great way to showcase summer tomatoes—it's a win-win!
Get the Angel Hair Pasta recipe.
Simple Grilled Flank Steak
You don't need much to make this grilled steak shine—just a simple wedge salad on the side will do. But if you're feeling feisty, you can also add a chimichurri sauce or your favorite salsa for topping.
Get the Simple Grilled Flank Steak recipe.
Beef-Vegetable Kebabs with Orzo
This prep-ahead dinner makes mealtime a breeze. Just throw them on the grill and serve with a simple side of orzo or rice.
Get Ree's Beef-Vegetable Kebabs with Orzo recipe.
Lamb Burgers
Up your grilling game this summer with a creative burger recipe that everyone will love. Instead of your typical beef burgers, these lamb burgers are loaded with bold spices and a refreshing creamy feta sauce.
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.
Greek Salad with Chicken
Keep things cool by making a hearty salad for dinner tonight. You can even cook the chicken on the grill to keep things completely outdoors.
Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.
Crab Cakes
Bring the flavor of the ocean home with these delicious homemade crab cakes. You can serve them as a hearty appetizer or make them a meal with a crisp side salad.
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
Grilled BBQ Ribs
Put your favorite BBQ sauce to work with these finger-lickin' ribs. They're a favorite when served with classic sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese.
Get the Grilled BBQ Ribs recipe.
Classic Cheeseburger
You can't go wrong with a classic cheeseburger! Put all the toppings out for your family to build their own perfect burger.
Get the Classic Cheeseburger recipe.
Easy Taco Salad
If you're craving tacos but want to keep things a little lighter, this taco salad is a great alternative! It's still filling enough thanks to the ground beef and taco toppings, but it's also perfect for a hot summer day.
Get the Easy Taco Salad recipe.
Shrimp Po'Boy
This sandwich is piled high with fried shrimp, pickles, and creamy mayo so it's big enough to serve for dinner. Best of all, it's ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Shrimp Po'Boy recipe.
Lemon-Pepper Grilled Rib Eyes
To give these grilled steaks a burst of flavor, try making your own lemon-pepper seasoning. It's easier than you might think!
Get Ree's Lemon-Pepper Grilled Rib Eyes recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Salad
"BBQ chicken is a summer staple on the ranch," Ree says. When paired with a refreshingly crisp salad, it's every bit as tasty.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Salad recipe.
Veggie Burger
It's hard to beat the classic beef burger, but this meatless version is perfect for any vegetarians in the family (or if you're just looking to add some more veggies to your life). It's surprisingly satisfying thanks to the sweet potatoes, grains, and almonds.
Get the Veggie Burger recipe.
16-Minute Shrimp Scampi
Ree has been loving shrimp scampi for years and years. It's simple, garlicky, and cooks up in just a matter of minutes.
Get Ree's 16-Minute Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Turkey Burgers
There are so many fun ways to top a turkey burger! Here, we've added avocado, Swiss cheese, and pesto mayonnaise (which is just 1/4 cup mayo and 1 tablespoon prepared pesto).
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Chipotle Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon
Here's a fun twist on a classic Caesar salad: Top it with a hearty filet of freshly grilled salmon! It gets even more flavor thanks to the addition of adobe sauce.
Get Ree's Chipotle Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon recipe.
Easy Tomato Pie
Summer is officially tomato season! And there's no better way to celebrate than with a gorgeous pie made from juicy, ripe tomatoes. Serve it up with a side of mixed greens for a simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Easy Tomato Pie recipe.
Grilled Steak Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Along with grilled, sliced steak, these easy wraps are filled with a crisp salad made from radishes, carrots, romaine, and scallions. But it's the creamy peanut dressing that makes them so special.
Get Ree's Grilled Steak Wraps with Peanut Sauce recipe.
Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Put an Italian spin on your weeknight dinner by making these sausage and peppers with a side of toasted Italian bread. You can also serve it up with a Caesar salad, grilled zucchini, or a summery pasta recipe.
Get the Grilled Sausage and Peppers recipe.
Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries
Come summertime, Ree loves recipes that are grilled and served at room temperature, like this grilled pork salad. "It's so easy because other than the pork, none of the ingredients have to be hot," she says.
Get Ree's Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries recipe.
Pasta with Zucchini Pesto
Take one look at the farmers' market in summer and you'll likely find a ton of zucchini. There are so many ways to use the veggie—including turning it into a bright and herby pesto for pasta.
Get Ree's Pasta with Zucchini Pesto recipe.
Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas
Everything about these quesadillas screams summertime: the fresh vegetables, the salsa verde seasoned shrimp, and the slices of mango on the side.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas recipe.
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