16 Summer Dinner Recipes That Look Ridiculously Eatable

Summer dinner recipes are one of my favorite things to enjoy.

There’s so much flavor, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes that make the evenings so much more enjoyable. Because when you’ve been out all day, it’s hot, and you’re exhausted, you just need something satisfying after running around in the heat.

And down below are some summer meals that might just become a staple in your home during the warmer months.

Whether you’re craving fresh greens and tomatoes or summer comfort foods like fried chicken sandwiches, this curated list has got you covered all season long. ☀️

Summer Dinner Ideas

1. The Best Easy Pasta Salad

If it’s super hot outside and you’re looking for a summer dinner idea that doesn’t require turning on your oven, then this is the recipe to make. It’s a quick summer pasta salad that’s not gonna heat up the home and is perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking.

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2. Nachos With Queso Blanco

I feel like this is one of those summer dinners that’s great for a backyard gathering. It’s summer comfort food and it looks perfectly addictive. Also, it comes together quickly which means no standing in a hot kitchen after being out in the heat all day.

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3. Crispy Rice Salad With Cucumbers and Herbs

This crunchy, cooling, refreshing salad for summer is the perfect recipe to throw on your meal plan. The crispy rice, the red curry, the peanuts, and the tangy, garlicky dressing really makes this sound like an incredibly good light dinner.

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4. Baked Orzo With Artichokes, Tomato, and Halloumi

While this does require an oven, it’s still perfect for summer weeknights. It’s easy, has seasonal produce like tomatoes, delicious cheeses like parmesan and halloumi, and artichoke hearts to add a bit of tanginess.

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5. Ricotta Flatbread With California Prunes & Jamon Serrano

I feel like this is one of those summer dinner idea for when you’re having 3-4 good friends over for good food and good conversation. Or it’s that dinner you make when you wanna feel like you’re some cook getting featured in a chic food magazine. Or maybe you just really want pizza which is equally valid.

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6. Chicken Teriyaki Burgers With Sesame Slaw

I love comforting, satisfying, hearty summer dinner meals, and these chicken teriyaki burgers fit the bill. They look crunchy, savory, creamy, and ridiculously good. Also, while I’m not a slaw kind of person, I’d make an exception this tangy, sesame version.

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7. Tomato Galette

If you wanna feel like you’re living in the French countryside and you also wanna start enjoying rustic baked dishes, then this tomato galette is the recipe for you. It has seasonal tomatoes paired with parmesan, thyme, and garlic and it looks incredibly good.

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8. Grilled Peach Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

If you want a tasty meal prep salad for the summer months, then this is a great place to start. It has savory pancetta, honey, blue cheese, and other delicious ingredients that make this an incredibly flavorful summer dinner.

And while the original recipe creator doesn’t say to do this, I think grilling the peaches ahead of time and letting them get cold in the fridge might be great for the hotter days.

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9. Roasted Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps With Korean BBQ-Inspired Sauce

I’m in love with Korean or Korean-inspired recipes; they’re always so addictively good and super flavorful. And if you’re looking for a summer recipe that’s relatively healthy and refreshing, then these lettuce wraps are great for your weekly meal plan.

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10. Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Tacos will always be an amazing summer dinner idea. They’re easy, fun to eat with your hands, and well spiced. Also, something about a tropical fruit salsa and savory blackened fish sounds so good on a summer evening.

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11. Peach and Burrata Salad

This salad doesn’t require any cooking, it’s creamy, sweet, savory, and perfect for your summer dinner table. Or if you’re hosting a summer gathering, then this is a great dish to grace your table!

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12. Summertime Fried Chicken Sandwiches With Tangy Slaw

If you love crunchy, savory fried chicken, then these chicken sandwiches are perfect for your summer dinners. They have a nice creamy, tangy slaw, cheese, and super tasty brioche buns.

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13. Birria Tacos

These birria tacos are the perfect thing to bring to a backyard summer party. They’re super hearty, savory, smoky, and spicy. You can also add just a bit of cheese to make them extra satisfying.

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14. Chicken Spiedini With Lemon Garlic Butter

If you have a barbecue coming up, then you might want this summer dinner recipe on your menu. The chicken’s marinated (in ingredients like white wine, lemon, and garlic), breaded, and then grilled. Also, the creamy, herby lemon butter sauce sounds next level. 👌

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15. Grilled Chicken Legs

Grilled chicken will always be a summer classic. It’s drenched in barbecue sauce, super satisfying, and pairs so well with so many different sides.

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16. 5-Ingredient Spicy Pork

If you want something that’s a bit lighter and relatively healthy, then this might be a good recipe to try this summer. It comes with a spicy, tangy, sweet sauce, and sounds like it pairs well with super fluffy white rice.

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