50+ Easy Summer Dinner Ideas To Keep You Cool Gathering Dreams
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I have been reading your blog for the past 1 year. All the recipes ideas are cool with the clear and cut of the detailed process explained in a good manner. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 26, 2022 Thanks, Charles! Glad you like these recipes Reply Mike says December 26, 2020 Grilled Corn Tacos looks good. Sure will give it a try Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 10, 2021 Hope you like them, Mike! They are delicious Reply Pam says August 4, 2020
Love these summer dinner ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says August 4, 2020 Thanks so much Pam
I hope some of these recipes will make your summer dinners a bit easier Reply
50 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas To Keep You Cool
Updated: September 7, 2022 This article may contain links from our partners. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. Please read our disclosure and how we make money. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy incredibly fresh tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, berries, and all the other veggies bursting with flavor you'll find at your local farmers' market. Here are 50+ easy summer dinner ideas that are quick to put together and will leave you time to chill! Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Gathering Dreams Who says cooking in the summer needs to be hard and sweaty? These easy summer dinner recipes are so simple to put together that they will give you enough time to chill by the pool while sipping a cool margarita – or some infused water if alcohol isn't your thing! These are perfect to cook when it's so hot outside that you feel like you can barely lift a finger. Let alone cook something in an oven!5 tips for cooking dinner in the summer
Before you leave to cook your favorite summer dinner recipes, I want to share some tips that help me cook on a hot day. My motto for summer recipes is that they have to be: simple, exciting, and lazy!1 Don t cook
Yep! That's right. My number one tip is to avoid turning on the stove or the oven. There are so many delicious no-cook summer ideas that simply require chopping some ingredients together. Plus, by using raw fresh seasonal ingredients, you can make the best out of your local produce or any veggies you grow in your garden, like summer zucchini or heirloom tomatoes.2 Keep it simple
Stick to recipes with a few fresh ingredients, and when you have to heat the stove, keep it to a minimum. Most seasonal ingredients like zucchini, corn, cucumber, or tomatoes require minimal cooking or no cooking at all.FREE MEAL PLANNER
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And if you want something more exciting, how about cooking outside under the stars? Fire up the grill and cook some incredible bruschettas, burgers4 Plan ahead
Do you prep work and heavy cooking in the cooler parts of the day (before the sun comes up or after it goes down). If you are making a pasta salad, cook your pasta in the morning and keep it in the fridge, ready to dress. Or boil your potatoes and let them cool for your evening meal.5 Keep it light and exciting
The last thing you need in the summer is to eat heavy meals that will take hours to digest. But this doesn't mean you need to eat boring salads every day. I eat mostly plant-based meals, but I never eat a boring green salad. It's just not exciting enough. Make your meals fun with spiralized veggies, or add something fresh and filling like fruit, grains, and nuts. And now, let's get cooking! Or shall I say, cooling?50 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
Here are my favorite healthy recipes perfect for summer, filled with fresh ingredients and quick and easy to make! 1Vegetarian Paella Vegan and ready in 30 minutes
This vegetarian paella is the perfect summer dinner. It's incredibly colorful, full of lots of seasonal vegetables, saffron-infused rice, and plenty of flavors, and it comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner but also a festive gathering with friends and family! Get Recipe 2Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Is your garden filled with fresh zucchini? Then, this recipe is a must! This refreshing and light zucchini pesto pasta is the perfect recipe to cook when you have extra zucchini and are bored with the usual recipes. It's easy and quick, plus you can make the pesto in advance and freeze it. Perfect for meal prep! Get Recipe 3The Best Easy Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com This super easy pasta salad is a complete meal ready in just 30 minutes. All you need is some cooked pasta, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, spicy salami, pepperoncini, and olives. Delicious! Get Recipe 4No-Cook Creamy Tomato Pasta
If you can't be bothered to cook a pasta sauce but still crave pasta, this creamy no-cook tomato pasta is what you are looking for! Inspired by Italian summer flavors, you will need just 7 simple ingredients to make this pasta, and it comes together in no time. It's the perfect easy dinner for hot summer months! Get Recipe 5Ziti alla Norma Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Photo Credit: iamafoodblog.com This eggplant and tomato pasta is a common summer dinner in Sicily. It's incredibly creamy and delicious, made with deep-fried aubergines and ricotta salata, a typical Sicilian-aged ricotta. You can also use parmesan instead and roast the aubergines for a lighter, healthier version. Get Recipe 6Greek Chicken Kabobs on the grill or in the oven
Photo Credit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com One of the best things I remember about my Greek vacations is how good any grilled meals I tried there were! And these grilled Greek chicken kabobs remind me of summer there. They are made with a zesty greek marinade, red onion, and bell peppers, and served with a homemade greek yogurt tzatziki sauce! A perfect easy summer meal to make on the grill. Get Recipe 7Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta With Herbs
Although you can make this pasta recipe anytime, I find garden herbs more flavorful in the summer. This pasta is made with a velvety and creamy tomato sauce. But, believe it or not, it's incredibly healthy, and you can eat as much as you want without feeling guilty! Get Recipe 8Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon
Photo Credit: cafedelites.com This is one of the easiest and most flavorful sheet pan dinners I've ever made! Charred and roasted peppers complement the salmon, and the chili lime sauce combines all the flavor. Delicious! Get Recipe 9Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Filled with bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and a light lemon dressing, this easy Mediterranean quinoa is such a quick and refreshing dinner. Get Recipe 10Quick Summer Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Photo Credit: littlespicejar.com This straightforward summer tuna pasta salad comes together in just 20 minutes! Loaded with tons of peppery arugula, tender tuna, and zesty pepperoncini is the perfect go-to summer dinner recipe! Get Recipe 11Zucchini And Pea Fritters
Photo Credit: ournourishingtable.com Are you vegan, allergic to eggs, or following a more plant-based diet? Then this egg-free fritter recipe made with summer zucchini and peas is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Get Recipe 12Chickpea Buddha Bowl
A quick and easy summer bowl that you can put together in no time. Filled with plant power and a tahini dressing that is to die for, this Buddha Bowl is the perfect meal for warm weather. Get Recipe 1315-Minute Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
Who doesn't like a yummy dinner that can be ready in 15 minutes? Plus, you can customize these noodles and add any summer veggies you have in the refrigerator (zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, squash, etc.). So good! Get Recipe 14Best Easy Fish Tacos
Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com Here we won't settle for less than the best easy fish tacos! The magic green sauce is what makes them so special! Try them to believe it! Get Recipe 15One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
This one-pan Mexican quinoa salad screams summer! Filled with Mexican flavors from corn, black beans, tomato, avocado, and cilantro, it's perfect warm or cold. And if you eat it the next day it'll be even more flavorful! Get Recipe 16Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach
Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com This light and zesty lemon ricotta pasta with spinach is a perfect delish weeknight dinner ready in less than 15 minutes. You'll need minimal effort to put together this refreshing summer recipe. Get Recipe 17Grilled Vegetables
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com Aren't these summer veggie skewers beautiful? A great side dish for some grilled chicken or to eat on their own if you are looking for a light summer dinner recipe! Get Recipe 18Panzanella Tuscan-Style Salad
This is my go-to no-cook dinner recipe when outside is so hot that I can't be bothered to turn on the heat. Panzanella is a colorful and hearty Italian salad that puts to good use juicy tomatoes and stale bread. It tastes incredible with summery sun-riped tomatoes! And it's great as a cold summer lunch too! Get Recipe 19Easy Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com Another pasta salad that's ready in only 30 minutes! It's loaded with fresh produce and a tasty vinaigrette. It will be guaranteed success at any picnic! Get Recipe 20Jambalaya
Photo Credit: cafedelites.com A recipe for true Creole jambalaya ready in just 45 minutes! The perfect comfort food, this New Orleans-style one-pot dish is filled with chicken, shrimp, sausage, rice, herbs, spices, and mouthwatering flavors. Get Recipe 21Classic Caprese Salad
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com Nothing screams summer more than a refreshing Caprese salad. Great ingredients here are the key. Use ripe summer tomatoes, burrata or mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. And another great option for a quick summer dinner is to use the same ingredients on a delicious grilled bruschetta! Get Recipe 22Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado
Photo Credit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com If you love sweet and salty flavors, this salad made with fresh fruit, creamy goat cheese, heart-healthy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds will become one of your favorites. So good and simple! Drizzled with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it's the perfect easy summer dinner recipe. Get Recipe 23Lemon Basil Orzo Salad
Photo Credit: www.feastingathome.com An orzo salad made with arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, refreshing lemon, and fresh basil. You can prepare this nutritious, vegan pasta salad with feta for some extra protein or keep it vegan! Get Recipe 24Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad
Photo Credit: www.recipetineats.com A terrific almost no-cook healthy meal option or a delicious summer salad. This salad has a magical combination of textures and flavors of summer in a big tasty bowl. Get Recipe 25Easy Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Photo Credit: www.veganricha.com This simply delicious summer pasta recipe makes the most of the seasonal ingredients. You'll need pasta cooked al dente, juicy tomatoes, smoky grilled vegetables, and protein-rich chickpeas. The ideal weeknight dinner or side dish for a barbecue. Get Recipe 26Zucchini involtini bake
Photo Credit: www.lazycatkitchen.com Zucchinis are a staple product in every summer kitchen. And this incredible involtini bake is the perfect dish to taste them in all their glory! Get Recipe 27Vegan Hot Dogs
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com Looking for a healthy version of hot dogs? These vegan hot dogs are made with grilled carrots. Yes, that's right! And they are so good; you won't believe it! They have a rich, smokey flavor that makes them ideal for summer cookouts and BBQs. Get Recipe 28Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com This couscous salad is a staple in Israeli cuisine. It's packed with raw & roasted cherry tomatoes, feta, chickpeas & herbs. Perfect for a cold dinner idea on its own or as a side to one of the many summer grilled recipes you will find below! Continue Reading 29Summer Veggie and Chickpea Salad
Photo Credit: nyssaskitchen.com This protein-packed summer veggie and chickpea chopped salad is made with a rainbow of fresh crunchy summer vegetables, herbs, and green onions. And it's naturally vegan and gluten-free! Get Recipe 30Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com This chicken salad tastes like summer! It's made with juicy chipotle chicken, sweet corn, avocado, cilantro vinaigrette, bacon crumbles, and fresh strawberries for a pop of sweetness. Best meal ever! Get Recipe 31Triple Berry Chickpea Crunch Salad
Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com Berries in a salad? Yes! This triple berry salad is filling and satisfying with hearty ingredients. Berries, chickpeas, avocado, a shallot vinaigrette, and a hint of cinnamon make this an irresistible salad! Get Recipe 32Corn Avocado and Quinoa Salad with Marinated Tomatoes
Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com Another great summery quinoa salad: sweet corn, smooth avocado, protein-packed quinoa, juicy marinated tomatoes, and tons of fresh herbs. My idea of a healthy summer dinner. Get Recipe 33Grilled Pineapple and Tofu Kebabs
Photo Credit: www.simplyquinoa.com It's hard to believe that these barbecue grilled pineapple and tofu kebabs are vegan! This perfect summer weeknight meal is easy, healthy, and light, yet still super satisfying. So good! Get Recipe 34Honey Mustard Chicken
Photo Credit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com Grilled chicken is never a disappointment if you use the proper sauce! And this delicious and straightforward grilled honey mustard chicken is no exception. With the best honey mustard marinade, it's perfect for grilled chicken recipes. You can also bake it if you don't have much time to fire up the bbq! Get Recipe 35Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: cafedelites.com This Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad dish is a complete meal in a bowl: olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, chicken, and other Mediterranean flavors combined to make the perfect summer grilled dinner. Get Recipe 36Blackened Salmon with Grilled Naan and Lime Slaw
Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com This easy grilled salmon recipe takes just over 30 minutes to prepare. While grilling the salmon, you can make an easy lime slaw and then serve everything on top of grilled naan bread. Such a delicious meal! Get Recipe 37Grilled Avocado with Veggie Ceviche
Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com Have you ever tried grilled avocado? If not, you are in for an amazing discovery! It tastes incredible! This lightly charred, creamy avocado with veggie ceviche is a delicious grilling side or main dish. Get Recipe 38Black Pepper Chicken
Photo Credit: eatlittlebird.com This homemade version of a Chinese restaurant classic is much healthier and ready in just 30 minutes. Get Recipe 39Late Summer Frittata with Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs
Photo Credit: nyssaskitchen.com This summer, frittata with tomatoes and fresh herbs is perfect for hot weather! Made with eggs, ripe summer tomatoes, savory caramelized shallots, spinach, and fresh parsley, this vegetarian summer meal is a must-try! Get Recipe 40Summer Shrimp Zoodle Bowls
Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com Who doesn't love a good bowl full of fresh spiralized veggies, especially in the summer? There are all sorts of summery things on this bowl. We have zoodles topped with brown butter shrimp, crunchy corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Get Recipe 41Baja Grain Bowls
Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com These authentic-tasting Baja grain bowls are a fantastic knockoff of the ones from Panera! Made with beans, tomatoes, rice, quinoa, cilantro, and lime dressing! Get Recipe 42Vegan Poke Bowl Crispy Tofu
This is by far one of my favorite plant-based summer meals. Filled with crunchy veggies, fruit, and crispy golden tofu, it's light and healthy while still filling and satisfying. Plus, it's straightforward to make too! Get Recipe 43CHIPOTLE INSPIRED Burrito Bowl
Photo Credit: simple-veganista.com This easy vegan burrito bowl is filling, healthy, and takes less than 30 minutes. Spicy black beans, rice, and summer veggies make this the perfect weeknight meal. Get Recipe 44Deconstructed Vegan Summer Rolls with Date Sweetened Peanut Sauce
Photo Credit: www.veganricha.com These crunchy veggie summer rolls deconstructed into a bowl are the ideal cold vegan dinner! Get Recipe 45Roasted Tomato Zucchini and Eggplant Soup
Photo Credit: occasionallyeggs.com This soup is made with roasted tomatoes and summer garden produce like zucchini, eggplant, onion, and garlic. You can bake everything together on a sheet pan, puree it into a smooth, creamy soup, and top it with dairy-free pesto, which makes it perfect for a quick summer meal. Get Recipe 46Rainbow Noodle Salad Lauren Caris Cooks
Photo Credit: laurencariscooks.com I am a fan of rainbow recipes, and I love how colorful this salad is. Plus, no cooking is required: just lots of crunchy, raw vegetables, and it's ready in just 15 minutes! Get Recipe 47Greek Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: simple-veganista.com Full of color and simple flavors, this healthy Greek Pasta Salad is a quick and easy one-pot recipe packed with veggies, vegan feta, and lemon flavor! Great for parties, potlucks, and meal prep! Get Recipe 48Vegan summer pasta - Lazy Cat Kitchen
Photo Credit: www.lazycatkitchen.com A feast of summer: tomatoes, zucchini, and aubergines come together in this delicious pasta recipe. Continue Reading 49Chilled Avocado & Cucumber Soup
Photo Credit: simple-veganista.com If you love to eat homemade meals without cooking, this creamy avocado cucumber soup recipe is just for you! With only five simple ingredients, plus water and salt, this soup is easy to make and ready in no time. Get Recipe 50Grilled Chicken Thighs
Photo Credit: www.wellplated.com These grilled chicken thighs are so juicy and have the most delicious marinate, they are smokey, tender, and full of flavor. Get Recipe 51Farmers Market Salad
Photo Credit: simple-veganista.com Nothing screams summer more than a salad filled with fresh farmers' market produce. Corn, zucchini, red bell pepper, peaches, and a tangy sun-dried tomato vinaigrette make this the perfect salad for busy weeknights. Get Recipe 52Grilled Scallops with Tomato Vinaigrette
Photo Credit: www.feastingathome.com Scallops are the perfect summer dinner. They are quick and simple to prepare and are refreshing and light! Get RecipeMore Favorite Summer Recipes
If you love these summer dinner ideas, make sure to check out these favorite summer recipes next: 50+ Summer Meal Prep Ideas25 Easy Spiralizer RecipesBest Vegan Sandwich Ideas There you have it! Over 50 quick and easy summer dinner ideas that will help you survive the heat outside! Whether you are firing up the grill or simply looking for a light summer meal, I've got you covered! Print Recipe 4.50 from 2 votes50 Easy Summer Dinners
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the incredibly fresh tomato, zucchini, peppers, and berries you'll find at the farmers' market. Here are 50+ easy summer dinner ideas that are incredibly simple to put together and will leave you time to chill! Here I am going to share my delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad recipe. Total Time30 mins Course: Main Course Author: Sara @ Gathering DreamsIngredients
Summer Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
1 cup uncooked quinoa2 cups water1/2 tsp salt1 can chickpeas - rinsed and drained (15 ounces)1 medium red onion1 medium yellow bell pepper1 medium cucumber1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved1/2 cup kalamata olives - cut in halfDressing
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oilThe juice of 1 large lemon2 tbsp apple cider vinegarSalt and Pepper to taste1/2 cup basil leavesMore Summer Recipes
One-Pan Mexican QuinoaVegetarian Paella No-Cook Tomato PastaChickpea Buddha BowlPanzanellaChipotle Inspired Burrito BowlVegan Poke BowlInstructions
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh colander. Combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Add half a teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Remove from the heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes to make it soft and fluffy.Wash all the veggies, chop the red onion, cucumber, and yellow bell pepper into small chunks. Cut the cherry tomatoes and black olives in half. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them well. If using cooked chickpeas, you'll need around 1 1/2 cups.While the quinoa cools a bit, prepare the dressing. Squeeze one lemon and finely chop the basil leaves. In a small bowl or a small jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, the juice of one lemon, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk or shake well until blended.Add the quinoa to a serving bowl, then add the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and black olives and drizzle the dressing on top. Mix well, taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed.If you have time, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to infuse the salad with its fresh summery taste.This salad is great served at room temperature, or you can prepare it in advance and serve it chilled. Did you make this recipe? Tag @gatheringdreams on Instagram. I want to see it!More Summer Recipes
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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Charles says January 12, 2022I have been reading your blog for the past 1 year. All the recipes ideas are cool with the clear and cut of the detailed process explained in a good manner. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 26, 2022 Thanks, Charles! Glad you like these recipes Reply Mike says December 26, 2020 Grilled Corn Tacos looks good. Sure will give it a try Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 10, 2021 Hope you like them, Mike! They are delicious Reply Pam says August 4, 2020
Love these summer dinner ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says August 4, 2020 Thanks so much Pam
I hope some of these recipes will make your summer dinners a bit easier Reply