23 Delicious Summer Dinner Ideas You’ll Look Forward to Making

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23 Delicious Summer Dinner Ideas You’ll Look Forward to Making

Summer dinners should be simple, tasty, and enjoyable for everyone. We’ve put together 23 great recipes that fit perfectly with the season. These meals are quick to make and use fresh ingredients that shine in the summer heat. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or having a quiet night in, these dishes will make dinner a highlight of your day.

A serving of lemon dill salmon and asparagus served over faro, garnished with dill and a lemon slice.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This burger combines savory ground beef with crispy bacon and creamy avocado, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick summer dinner. The combination of beef and bacon provides a hearty base, while the avocado adds a smooth texture. It’s a deliciously balanced meal that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This steak salad features tender slices of steak, fresh greens, and a variety of colorful vegetables. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and offers a refreshing and hearty meal. The steak provides a robust flavor, complemented by the crispness of the vegetables. It’s a light yet filling option for a summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad combines shredded BBQ chicken with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. It takes around 25 minutes to make and offers a delightful mix of smoky and tangy flavors. The BBQ chicken adds a savory depth, while the fresh greens keep it light. It’s a perfect blend of flavors for a summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features juicy chicken marinated in cilantro and lime, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a zesty and satisfying meal. The cilantro and lime provide a fresh and tangy taste, while the rice adds a comforting base. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are glazed with a citrusy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the meat. Taking around 25 minutes to prepare, they offer a sweet and tangy taste. The citrus glaze enhances the natural flavors of the pork, making it a delightful summer dish. It’s a simple yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken skillet features tender chicken breasts in a creamy balsamic sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to make and offers a rich and savory flavor. The balsamic sauce adds a tangy sweetness, while the creaminess makes it indulgent. It’s a comforting and delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salmon is seasoned with garam masala and cooked on a cedar plank, infusing it with a unique smoky flavor. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s a flavorful and aromatic dish. The garam masala adds a warm spice, while the cedar plank enhances the overall taste. It’s a sophisticated yet simple summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken is grilled with a maple mustard glaze, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a summer barbecue. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, while the mustard provides a tangy kick. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines grilled pork chops with succulent seafood for a surf and turf experience. Ready in about 40 minutes, it offers a mix of savory and ocean flavors. The pork chops are juicy and flavorful, while the seafood adds a touch of elegance. It’s a hearty and impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled rockfish tacos assembled on a blue board.
Grilled Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These tacos feature grilled rockfish with fresh toppings, making them a light and flavorful option. They take about 25 minutes to prepare and are perfect for a summer evening. The rockfish provides a mild and flaky base, while the toppings add a burst of freshness. It’s a fun and tasty dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grain bowl includes grilled shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a variety of grains. It takes around 30 minutes to make and offers a balanced and nutritious meal. The shrimp adds a protein-rich element, while the grains and vegetables provide texture and flavor. It’s a wholesome and delicious summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

A serving of lemon dill salmon and asparagus served over faro, garnished with dill and a lemon slice.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features salmon and asparagus with a lemon dill seasoning, creating a fresh and vibrant flavor. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option. The lemon and dill enhance the natural taste of the salmon, while the asparagus adds a crunchy texture. It’s a simple and elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These stuffed shells are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, offering a rich and comforting taste. They take around 35 minutes to prepare and are perfect for a cozy summer dinner. The ricotta adds a creamy texture, while the spinach provides a healthy twist. It’s a satisfying and delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pork shoulder is slow-cooked with a mustard BBQ sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. It takes about 8 hours in the slow cooker, making it a set-it-and-forget-it meal. The mustard BBQ sauce adds a tangy and smoky flavor, while the slow cooking ensures the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a perfect dish for a relaxed summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This filet mignon is served with a peach mango cilantro sauce, offering a sweet and savory combination. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a sophisticated and flavorful meal. The filet mignon is tender and juicy, while the sauce adds a fruity and fresh element. It’s an elegant dish perfect for a special summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features couscous with a variety of summer vegetables and sauteed tilapia. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare and offers a light and nutritious meal. The couscous provides a fluffy base, while the vegetables add freshness and the tilapia adds a mild and flaky texture. It’s a wholesome and easy-to-make dinner.
Get the Recipe: Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This tri-tip is paired with a pineapple mango red pepper salsa, creating a sweet and spicy flavor. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a vibrant and tasty dish. The tri-tip is juicy and flavorful, while the salsa adds a refreshing and tangy element. It’s a perfect summer dinner for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This sheet pan recipe features chicken sausage and a variety of vegetables, making it a simple and balanced meal. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a quick summer dinner. The chicken sausage adds a savory flavor, while the vegetables provide a mix of textures and tastes. It’s an easy and nutritious option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl.
Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

This chicken alfredo is made in a slow cooker and is dairy-free, offering a creamy and comforting taste. It takes about 4 hours in the slow cooker, making it a convenient meal. The chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful, despite being dairy-free. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These bowls feature beef bulgogi with rice and fresh vegetables, creating a flavorful and balanced meal. Ready in about 25 minutes, they offer a mix of savory and sweet tastes. The beef bulgogi is tender and marinated, while the vegetables add a fresh and crunchy element. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These kebabs feature ground chicken mixed with spices, grilled to perfection for a flavorful taste. Ready in about 25 minutes, they offer a savory and aromatic meal. The spices add depth and warmth to the chicken, while grilling gives it a smoky flavor. It’s a delicious and easy summer dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Ramen Chicken Noodles

Keto Ramen Chicken Noodles in a black bowl with various vegetables and boiled egg.
Ramen Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dish features chicken with ramen noodles, offering a quick and comforting meal. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a speedy dinner. The chicken adds a protein-rich element, while the ramen noodles provide a satisfying base. It’s a simple and flavorful option for a busy summer night.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This chicken biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish with tender chicken pieces. Ready in about 45 minutes, it offers a rich and aromatic meal. The spices and herbs create a complex and delightful taste, while the chicken and rice provide a hearty base. It’s a perfect dish for a special summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

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