Summer is here and I know you’re looking for light dinner ideas that are quick, easy, and perfect for the whole family! I’ve put together over 30 of my favorite easy summer dinner recipes that will keep your kitchen cool and your family satisfied. From light and refreshing salads to hearty grill favorites, there’s something for everyone. These recipes were created to be stress-free and full of flavor, making your summer evenings as relaxing as they should be.
Family Friendly Summer Recipes
These are my go-to summer dinner ideas that I know are versatile enough that they will satisfy almost anyone!
- Salsa Fresca Chicken – Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a homemade salsa using simple ingredients.
- Baked Chicken Tacos or Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows – serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.
- Oven Baked Chicken Tenders – make my honey mustard sauce to serve on the side.
- Pull-Apart Pizza Bread – Cheese stuff dough that makes the most delicious dinner!
- Ground Turkey Stir Fry – I like to hide extra veggies in this like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Baked Bean Burritos – easy and quick
- Chili Crunch Chicken Bowls – Everyone likes to create their own!
Quick and Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
These quick and easy summer recipes are the best! Whip these no fuss meals up quickly so you can get back to enjoying your family and friends.
- Korean Lettuce Wraps – These are on the table in just 20 minutes.
- Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl – These bowls are kept lighter with cauliflower rice. Top with jalapeno ranch.
- Italian Grinder Pasta Salad – This salad has everything you need – pasta, cherry tomatoes, protein, red onions and tons of flavor from the incredible dressing!
- Sun Dried Tomato Wraps
- Chili Crunch Chicken Bowls – Everyone likes to create their own!
- Crockpot Pork Carnitas – take 10 minutes to prep in the morning, and have on the table in 10 minutes at dinnertime.
- Tostada Salad
Summertime Grill Favorites
Every grill recipes begins with a great marinade. No need to heat up your house when you can BBQ on a nice summer night with the family. Enjoy!
- Greek Chicken – Prep this ahead of time and use in salads, a greek chicken wrap, or serve as is with a side of lemon rice.
- Turkey Spinach Feta Burgers – Serve with crunchy cucumbers and my homemade buttermilk ranch.
- Mexican Chicken – My avocado corn salsa is great with this!
- Tender and Juicy Steak
- BBQ Chicken – A summer classic!
Light Summer Salad Ideas
No one wants to feel weighed down when it’s extra hot outside. How about making one of these delicious, hearty salads and serving with a slice of delicious garlic bread!
- Chicken Cobb Salad – If you like shrimp in your salad, this is an easy swap!
- Grinder Salad – This salad is on a regular rotating
- Blackened Chicken Salad – Swap the chicken out for salmon.
- Spring Chopped Salad – Add grilled salmon or diced chicken for extra protein.
- Classic Taco Salad
- Mexican Caesar Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad – A sandwich in salad form and it’s GOOD!
Refreshing Summer Pasta Dishes
Sometimes a busy weeknight calls for a quick, comforting pasta dish. These are some of my foolproof recipes!
- Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta – add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you want to lighten it up, serve with zucchini noodles.
- Chicken Tetrazinni – this recipe includes peas for extra veggies
- Baked Tortellini Casserole – just 4 ingredients
Lazy Summer Night Dinner Ideas
Inevitably you are going to have to heat up your house with either the stove or your oven. Why not opt for a one pan or skillet meal? Bonus – less to clean up!
- One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops
- Italian Chicken and Veggie Skillet
- Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Sausage and Veggies with Cajun Butter
If you’re looking for light summer dinner recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more quick and easy dinner ideas check out all of my one dish family favorites here!
If you have a tried and true recipe that is a light summer dinner idea, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What is the best meat to eat in the summer?
Steak and salad is a class summer time dish. Chicken,ribs, burgers and hotdogs are also very popular.
What to eat for dinner on a hot summer day?
Grilling out is great in the summertime so that you don’t heat up your house. You can grill chicken, steak, or even salmon!
What is a light, but filling summer recipe?
My Italian Grinder Salad is packed with protein but is still light and filling. Try any of my salads for a hearty, but filling summer meal.
Summertime BBQ Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup Italian Dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
Instructions
- To make marinade, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, apple cider vinegar, and pressed garlic.
- Poke chicken all over with a fork. Place the chicken in a dish or zip top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken to cover completely. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours, with a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Heat the grill to medium heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Cook to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Once done, remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Then serve warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Cooking variations
Baked BBQ Chicken
- Let the chicken marinate for 2 hours.
- Place chicken breast on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Spread an additional layer of BBQ sauce over chicken breast
- Continue to cook for 10+ more minutes or until chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temp)
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Place the chicken with marinade in a slow cooker
- Cook on low for 2 hours
- Remove chicken breast and shred
- Mix shredded chicken back into juices and cook 30 more minutes
- Add more BBQ sauce if desired.
Skillet BBQ Chicken
- Chop chicken into 1 in pieces or cut into thin fillets.
- Marinate for 2 hours.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium high heat.
- Add chicken pieces (without extra marinade)
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side
- You can give those leftovers a makeover to use later in the week, or month if frozen for a completely new and exciting dinner. *See original post for some suggestions!*
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