This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This collection of summer dinner ideas includes all the best-grilled dishes, sandwiches, and fresh salads that are so enjoyable during the warm summer months.
More Collections: Summer Drink Recipes, Summer Desserts, Summer Salad Recipes
We Love hot summer nights!
One thing I love about summer is having a little extra time to plan meals, especially all of our favorite summer dinner ideas!
We love to spend summers outside by the pool so I make a lot of grilled dinners and fresh salads. Sometimes if we’re in the mood for a picnic, we’ll do sandwiches and Flatout Wraps!
Why we love summer recipes:
- Summertime produce. There are so many fruits and veggies in season during the summer and we love to include them in our dinners!
- Keep it cool. As in your house! Grilling and crock pot ideas help keep your kitchen cool.
- Keep it simple. Keep the fun going, use these tips to make serving food outdoors a breeze.
Tips for Summer Dinners
All of my best tips stem from one main idea: make a weekly menu.
- Make a menu and fill out breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Don’t forget to add the sides.
- Shop. Base your grocery shopping list on the needed ingredients for the week (check the pantry first!).
- Meal prep. Decide if there is anything you can make ahead of time. At the end of each day look to see what you plan to serve the next day.
- Pull items from the freezer, chop, and mix up anything you can to make cooking go more smoothly the next day. Many people like to have one large meal-prepping day and keep items in the fridge or freezer until they’re needed.
Summer Produce
Whether you want to create a delicious side dish, whip up a summer salsa, or serve a cool Summer Salad you can’t go wrong with using the fresh ingredients that are in season.
- Summer fruit. apples, avocado, lime, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, papaya, mango, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, raspberries, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, fig, pear, or lemon juice
- Summer vegetables. broccoli, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, radish, squash, lettuce, leafy greens, bell peppers, zucchini, beets, carrots, or onions
- Fresh herbs. Fresh basil, garlic, fennel, rosemary, parsley, bay, chives, dill, mint, or oregano
Best Summer Dinner Recipes
Some recipes are worth turning on the oven for, but for the most part, cooking in the summer means utilizing the grill and making summer crockpot recipes.
These easy summer dinner recipes are our favorites! From shrimp skewers to juicy beef hamburgers to crispy Chicken Tenders, we have our favorites.
Every single one of these recipes is sure to be on repeat all summer long!
Best Hamburger Recipe
This is the BEST Hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
View Recipe
Pulled Pork Recipe
This deliciously easy pulled pork recipe is made in the slow cooker and takes just minutes to prep making it a go-to dinner idea!
View Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled huli huli chicken is the juiciest and most delicious Hawaiian-style chicken you'll ever try! Serve it alone or on rice or noodles!!
View Recipe
Ranch Burger Recipe
These are the BEST homemade hamburgers!! This cheesy Ranch Burger is complete with the most delicious secret sauce!
View Recipe
Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Totally customizable Hawaiian Haystacks are a pile of fluffy rice stacked with chicken, gravy, and all your favorite toppings!
View Recipe
Steak Marinade
Our all-time favorite steak marinade requires only four ingredients and makes mouth-watering steak that tastes amazing!
View Recipe
Sloppy Joe Recipe
This sloppy joe recipe is quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd! You'll make these meaty sandwiches from scratch every time.
View Recipe
Kalua Pork Recipe
This kalua pork recipe is a classic Hawaiian favorite, made easily in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients!
View Recipe
Hot Dogs in Crock Pot
Hot dogs in crock pot are the easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! They're perfect for your summer potluck needs.
View Recipe
Taco Casserole Recipe
This hearty taco casserole recipe has a biscuit base and all your favorite taco flavors. It preps in just 5 minutes and feeds a crowd!
View Recipe
Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
Pizza is a hit all year long, but especially in the summer. We love to mix up a batch of our Homemade Pizza Dough, top it with sauce and mozzarella, and then add our favorite toppings!
For a simple weeknight dish packed with flavor, we grab a pack of pasta and whip up a savory sauce. Our fan-favorite Easy Spaghetti is a go-to, along with these easy dinner ideas to keep it simple!
BBQ Pork Chops Recipe
Baked BBQ Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and smothered in homemade barbecue sauce. They are so easy to make for a weeknight family dinner!
View Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Deliciously cheesy Chicken Parmesan Sliders make a perfect appetizer, but can hold their own as a main dish too!
View Recipe
Crock Pot Brisket
Try this effortless crock pot brisket recipe for delectably juicy and tender meat that will melt in your mouth.
View Recipe
Corn Dog Recipe
This recipe is a beyond simple delicious hand-dipped corn dog making you never want to buy store-bought again!
View Recipe
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Chicken Souvlaki is a savory kabob infused with Greek flavors. With marinated chicken, onions, and peppers, it's hearty and delicious.
View Recipe
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Loaded with juicy grilled pineapple, red onion and crisp lettuce, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken sandwich is perfect for summer entertaining!
View Recipe
How to Make Baby Back Ribs
Learn how to cook baby back ribs! Slathered in both a dry rub and sauce for a flavor explosion, they are tender and utterly delicious.
View Recipe
Monte Cristo Sliders
Our favorite sandwich made mini – quick prep Monte Cristo sliders are sweet and savory for the ultimate party food!
View Recipe
Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Learn how to perfectly cook spaghetti squash every time with this fabulous recipe! Tender strands of spaghetti squash mixed with cheese, tomatoes, and a little bit of basil, both healthy and delicious!
View Recipe
Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Sweet and savory Pineapple Meatballs are a perfectly easy appetizer for parties and get-togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.
View Recipe
Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe
Delish Steak and Tortellini Salad is hearty and refreshing. Tortellini, sirloin & romaine in a creamy pesto dressing is a must-have!
View Recipe
Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe
Creamy chicken sausage pasta is a quick and simple dinner dish that is on the table in no time. It's a family favorite!
View Recipe
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Switch up pizza night with this smoky BBQ chicken pizza – with some simple shortcuts, it's on the table in no time!
View Recipe
Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Pork ribs cooked in Dr. Pepper, grilled to perfection, and smothered in BBQ Sauce. These Dr. Pepper ribs are fall off the bone delicious!
View Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe
Marinated Teriyaki Chicken Burgers are quick, easy and full of sweet, tangy flavor! Grilled pineapple make these burgers perfection.
View Recipe
Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe
Our hot ham and cheese slider recipe is easy and on the table in 30 minutes – an absolutely addicting crowd favorite that disappears in a heartbeat!
View Recipe
Tuna Salad Recipe
Chopped Tuna Salad Recipe is filled with fresh crisp veggies and tossed in a light and refreshing lemon vinaigrette!
View Recipe
How to Make Egg Salad recipe
Gather a handful of ingredients and follow these simple steps on How to make Egg Salad for a deliciously classic side or tasty sandwich.
View Recipe
Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
Prepped in minutes, these honey lime chicken enchiladas are packed with bold citrus flavors and the perfect amount of spice.
View Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are flavored with salsa and prepped in minutes. You'll never find an easier way to enjoy tacos!
View Recipe
Healthy Summer Dinner Recipes
Keep dinner light by filling your meal with seasonal fruits and veggies! Whether you’re making a delicious green salad or a wrap, use the freshest fruits and vegetables.
Summer veggies, zucchini noodles, lettuce wraps, or turkey burgers keep it healthy along with these favorites!
Steak Bites Recipe
Succulent steak bites are juicy, tender, and cook up in minutes! Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a meal.
View Recipe
Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies are on the table in minutes and easy to clean up! This healthy dish is a perfect weeknight dinner.
View Recipe
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Flavorful and tender Lemon Pepper Chicken is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Served on its own or over rice, this buttery chicken dish is perfect any night of the week for a simple, quick dinner idea.
View Recipe
Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Pork ribs cooked in Dr. Pepper, grilled to perfection, and smothered in BBQ Sauce. These Dr. Pepper ribs are fall off the bone delicious!
View Recipe
Baked Salmon Recipe
Bake a delicious and healthy pan of salmon for the whole family! Flavored with lemon, garlic, and parsley for a tasty dinner everyone will enjoy.
View Recipe
Chicken Caesar Salad
This chicken Caesar salad is jam-packed with filling ingredients. It's so flavorful, you won't believe how simple it is to make!
View Recipe
Veggie Panini Recipe
Delicious Veggie Panini – one of our favorite sandwich recipes filled with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and spinach.
View Recipe
Zucchini Boats Recipe
Stuffed Zucchini Boats are filled with Italian sausage and tomatoes. They are a tasty go-to healthy dinner idea.
View Recipe
Chicken Fingers Recipe
A healthy way to eat chicken that kids absolutely love – Baked Chicken Fingers! Chicken dipped in flour, egg, and panko, then baked to a crispy perfection! Not to mention they’re SO easy to make!
View Recipe
Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Crunchy and fresh chicken taco salad is a weeknight dinner dream! Easy, flavorful, and a recipe that everyone will enjoy.
View Recipe
Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
Fresh Chicken Caesar Wraps are a simple, delicious variation of a Caesar Salad. It's perfect for a lunch or picnic.
View Recipe
Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Quickly whip up this healthy baked bbq chicken in under 30 minutes. With a homemade bbq sauce, the flavor is fantastic!
View Recipe
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
This delicious copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad is topped with breaded chicken and tossed in a flavorful Asian dressing!
View Recipe
Cobb Salad
This simple cobb salad is so full of tasty ingredients it's a meal all on its own. It is quick to make and utterly delicious.
View Recipe
Southwest Salad Recipe
Our favorite Southwest Salad recipe is healthy and hearty and topped with a delicious homemade cilantro ranch dressing.
View Recipe
Pile it High!
Totally customizable Hawaiian Haystacks are a pile of fluffy rice stacked with chicken, gravy, and all your favorite toppings!
This is a family favorite! The “haystack” part of the name is because you pile all those toppings onto the chicken and rice, and it kind of looks like a haystack.
Here is the recipe:
40+ Summer Dinner Ideas
This collection of summer dinner ideas includes all the best-grilled dishes, sandwiches, and fresh salads that are so enjoyable during the warm summer months.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3-4 cups steamed white rice, or minute rice made according to the package instructions
Garnishes
- slivered almonds, shredded cheese, green onions, pineapple tidbits, chow mein noodles, chopped celery, Homemade Wonton Strips
Instructions
- Stir broth, soup, and sour cream together in a slow cooker until combined well.
- Salt and pepper to taste, then stir in chicken cubes. Cook covered on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 1-2 hours.
- To serve, prepare a bed of rice in a bowl, then top with chicken and gravy. Sprinkle with desired toppings, including pineapple, green onions, shredded cheese, and fried wonton strips.
Notes
Stove Top Directions: Combine broth and soup in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add sour cream, chicken, salt, and pepper and mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes, then serve over rice.
To Make with Uncooked Chicken: Add uncooked chicken cubes in Step 2, along with salt and pepper. Stir, cover, and cook in the crock pot on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
To Make Rice in the Slow Cooker: Coat the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Add 1 cup rice (Uncle Ben’s converted white rice works best) and 1½ cups water (or chicken broth). Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes. Once the water has been absorbed and the rice is soft and fluffy, it’s ready. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 398kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 106mg, Sodium: 444mg, Potassium: 535mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 394IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 77mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Simple Summer dinners
We hope you enjoy this collection of simple summer dinners that are so easy to put together, but don’t compromise on taste! Whether you’re firing up the grill, using your slow cooker, or putting together a hearty salad there is something for everyone on this list!
More Collections: Summer Soups, Summer Appetizers, Summer Side Dishes
I love all the different salad options. Im just a beginning gardener, but do have a few things that I managed to grow. I’m looking forward to making all the different salads you have here.
So many tasty looking recipes! I’m adding the ingredients for ranch burgers to my shopping list, and then I’ll be making the huli huli chicken! 🙂
Summer is one of my favorite times for cooking! I love all these ideas, and can’t wait to try a few this summer.
Love this list! There are so many yummy options, enough to keep our menu full all summer!
I really enjoy the lazy days of summer. The food choices are never ending. It’s a great time to grill or just make something really simple. All the recipes you need are right here.
Summer comes & all I want to eat is salads & grilled food! These recipes are prefect!!