30 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas

These 30 easy summer dinner ideas are a great way to enjoy the season all year round!

When the sun is blazing, flowers are blooming, and fruit trees are bearing, it can only mean one thing: summer has arrived!

And let’s be honest, the best part of summer is the food. After all, ‘tis the season of barbecues and picnics.

These foods are impossible to resist no matter what season we’re in, which is why I rounded up 30 summer dinner ideas that your family will flip for.

From sheet pan fajitas to stir-fries to pot pies, these dishes will make it feel like summer any time!

Sit back and relax as I give you the rundown of 30 quick and easy summer dinner recipes!

30 Quick and Easy Summer Dinner Recipes

1. Corn Dogs

Let’s kick things off with a fun, exciting dinner recipe! Corn dogs are battered hot dogs, deep-fried to golden perfection. 

They’re crisp and tender, sweet and savoury, and so delicious. No wonder they’re so popular at fairs! 

Sure, they’re considered a snack, but who says you can’t have them for dinner? With this quick & easy recipe, you can make corn dogs at home any time, any day.

2. Ranch Burgers

If you’re looking to cook or grill something extraordinary for your summer dinner party, this is it. These are definitely not your average burgers.

These burgers are ridiculously delicious and easy to make, you’ll never want to use pre-made patties again!

The extra special sauce made simply of cheddar cheese and ranch mix takes these burgers to the next level with its mind-blowing flavour combo.

3. Quesadillas

Packed with mushrooms, olives, fresh vegetables, and a lot of cheese, these quesadillas are better than takeout.

All that goodness is sandwiched between two flour tortillas that are then toasted to perfection.

Let the Mexican fiesta begin!

4. Shrimp Zoodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a delicious and nutritious pasta alternative.

Coat these green swirls with butter and garlic and load them with shrimp for the ultimate healthy dish.

Zoodles are low-carb, keto-friendly, and most importantly, insanely delicious. They also come together in mere minutes. What more can you ask for?

5. Cobb Salad

This cobb salad may be homemade, but it rivals any you’ve had at a restaurant.

Greens with chicken, tomatoes, egg, avocado, blue cheese, and bacon – there’s nothing boring about this salad at all.

Further enhanced with ranch dressing, it’s a flavour and texture explosion in one bite! Any summer dinner table will be lucky to have this salad. 

6. Steak Kabobs

Kabobs? More like ka-bombs! The flavour of these steak skewers is dynamite.

Tender sirloin beef, mushrooms, onions, and peppers are threaded onto spectacular skewers.

Then they’re grilled and smothered with garlic butter. What are you waiting for? Fire up the grill!

7. Lettuce Wraps

Want to cook a light meal that tastes just like PF Chang’s classic lettuce wraps? Look no further!

This quick summer recipe may be a copycat of the beloved classic, but the flavors and textures are on point.

Who needs takeout when you can have homemade Chinese food at home?

8. Fried Chicken

Breaded chicken tenders are fried to golden perfection.

If you love fried chicken tenders, this quick & easy recipe is a must-try. 

There are a lot of recipes out there, but out of all the ones I’ve tried, this one’s a standout.

Apart from the ridiculously crisp exterior, it also yields the juiciest, most perfectly seasoned meat. 

9. Margherita Pizza

Why settle for takeout when you can make delicious homemade Margherita pizza in your own kitchen?

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella all in one perfect pizza – thank you, Italy, for this masterpiece of a dish.

If you think making your own pizza at home is complicated, think again. Taking only 20 minutes including prep, you’ll get dinner will be on the table in no time.

10. Grilled Shrimp Boil

Corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp are just some of the delicious things you’ll find in this dish.

All of that goodness is boiling in a perfect broth. Ahh… I can already feel my tummy growling!

This grilled shrimp boil is comfort food at its best. It’s the perfect meal to warm your heart, satisfy your soul, and brighten your day.

Plus, it’s quick & easy, only taking a few minutes of cooking time.

11. Lobster Rolls

Huge chunks of sweet and tender lobster meat, mayo, and lemon juice in a hot dog bun? These lobster rolls are impossible to resist.

Serve them with potato chips, bread, or a salad with fresh vegetables for the most sensational summer meal!

12. Stuffed Zucchini

This stuffed zucchini is wonderfully rich and savoury, but also light and healthy.

Zucchini boats are topped with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and butter, and then baked until bubbly.

It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and everything you can ask for in a snack. Excuse me as I wipe my drooling mouth.

13. Ribs

A round-up of summer dinners isn’t complete without ribs. This easy recipe for barbecue ribs makes some of the juiciest, tastiest, and most tender meat on the planet. 

Trust me, I have made this a lot of times for a lot of people, and they were always a hit! Don’t believe me? Try it and see for yourself!

14. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

There are a lot of pulled pork sandwich recipes out there (like my favorite Cuban sandwich!), but this one is hands down the easiest. I mean, it only calls for two ingredients! (Three, if you count water.)

Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and water are all it takes to make the most tender pulled pork with a perfect flavour.  

Pair this delicious pulled pork with rice or mac and cheese for a perfect meal.

15. Beef Stir Fry

Stir-fry is amazing. But have you tried a beef stir-fry with teriyaki sauce? No? Then you definitely have to give this easy summer recipe a try.

This stir-fry is packed with super tender teriyaki beef, broccoli, and bell peppers. Honestly, it had me at beef teriyaki.

The best part is that it’s easy and only takes 20 minutes of cooking time, including prep. Tasty, nutritious, and simple — this dish has it all.

16. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Got a hankering for ham and cheese? This easy recipe is exactly what you need.

Sweet and savoury ham and melty Swiss cheese are tucked inside two Hawaiian rolls.

These summer sliders are absolutely delicious. Every bite is a flavour explosion sure to satisfy your craving.

17. Chicken Wraps

Get dinner in no time with this quick and easy recipe!

Chicken, lettuce, avocado slices, bacon, and cheese – just imagine all those bold flavors in one mouth-watering wrap. 

As if that wasn’t delicious enough, these wraps also have an ultra-rich ranch dressing. It has a bit of spice too, but just enough to excite your palate.

Plus, they’re super easy. They only take 15 minutes of cooking time, including prep, making them perfect for busy days.

18. Fish Tacos

Add a Mexican fiesta flair to your Taco Tuesday with these delicious fish tacos. Whether you use tilapia, cod, or halibut, these fish tacos will not disappoint.

Tender and savoury pan-seared fish, cabbage slaw, and a tangy mayo dressing are tucked into a glorious taco.

The elements may be simple, but the flavors will knock your socks off. Plus, it’s quick & easy, with 20 minutes of cooking time, including prep!

19. Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers, tomato sauce, ground beef, and cheese: ahh, that’s the stuff…ed peppers. 

I cannot stress enough how incredibly scrumptious this summer dish is. It’s everything you love in a pizza stuffed inside one giant bell pepper. It’s brilliant.

Want an even more satisfying dish? Add some rice to the stuffing!

Serve your stuffed peppers with rice for a hearty meal or a cobb salad if you want to keep it light.

20. Chicken Fajitas

In the mood for a Mexican fiesta? How about sheet pan chicken fajitas for dinner?

This Mexican classic is beloved for a reason. One dish combines all the goodness of chicken, bell peppers, and onions in a pan! How can anyone say no to that?

Go crazy on the toppings to make it even more extra. Cheese, guacamole, sour cream, beans, pico de gallo – have at it!  

21. Chicken Pot Pie

Craving for some of mom’s cooking? Then you’ll love this summer recipe.

Chicken, potatoes, corn, carrots, and peas swim in a thick and creamy sauce – why hello, chicken pot pie!

Plus, all of those yummy things nestled inside a buttery crust baked to golden perfection make my tastebuds go nuts,

Cooking this incredible chicken pot pie in your own kitchen will absolutely make Mama proud.

22. Pork Chops

Crispy boneless pork chops cooked in garlic butter. This is the stuff of dreams!

They’re buttery, garlicky, and so tender and juicy! These pork chops are a star, and they deserve all the spotlight.

Plus, since we’re working with boneless pork chops, they only take 30 minutes to prepare in your kitchen. Definitely add this to your dinner meal rotation.

23. Beef Enchiladas

Can’t decide between burgers and enchiladas? I hear ya.

This easy recipe combines everything you want in these two favorites in one lip-smacking casserole pan, perfect for a Mexican fiesta.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce are tucked inside a soft tortilla bread. It’s love at first bite.

24. Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, pasta, and loads of cheese in one breathtaking casserole. I am one smitten kitten in the kitchen.

Serve this cheesy and easy casserole with rice or dinner rolls for a hearty meal that’ll make your day. If you want a light meal, pair it with a salad with fresh vegetables.

25. Everyday Mediterranean Salad

This Mediterranean salad is a fresh and healthy summer side dish packed with greens, protein rich chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, roasted red peppers, and feta. 

The garlicky red wine olive oil vinaigrette brings everything together in a harmonious flavour symphony.

Get your ingredients at your local farmers market for a vegan, farm-to-table salad that’s both wholesome and delicious.

26. Grilled Chili Lime Steak Tacos

Try these grilled chili lime steak tacos for yet another flavourful Mexican fiesta! 

Made with tender, juicy steak marinated in zesty lime juice and fresh herbs, these tacos pack a flavor punch.

Plus, the high protein content of the steak makes these tacos a filling and nutritious dish. For a complete meal, serve your taco with a side of cilantro lime rice.

27. Mediterranean Ground Beef Kabob Skewers

Indulge in a Mediterranean adventure with these flavourful ground beef kabob skewers. 

Made with tender meat in a spiced garlic marinade, these skewers will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. 

Plus, a dollop of whipped feta with lemon juice adds a creamy, tangy twist that perfectly complements the savory meat. 

So, fire up the grill and savor these delicious skewers!

28. Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad

Whip up this flavorful salmon pasta salad for a quick 30 minute meal that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean!

Loaded with green beans, red onion, salmon, feta, pasta, and a lemon dill dressing, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. 

Get fresh, wholesome ingredients at your local farmers market for a wholesome farm-to-table meal

29. 3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad

Sometimes the simplest things are the best, and this 3-ingredient vegan Mediterranean salad is no exception. 

Bursting with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber, this salad is a refreshing and healthy choice for any meal. 

And with a zesty lemon juice olive oil vinaigrette, each bite is a flavour explosion. It’s a simple 10 minute meal you’ll want to add to your rotation.

30. Grilled Vegan Skewers

Fire up the grill and indulge in these mouth-watering vegan skewers! 

Packed with grilled zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, these skewers are bursting with fresh and colorful flavors. 

The zesty garlic herb sauce perfectly complements the savory veggies.

Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a healthy and delicious option, these skewers won’t disappoint.