Need summer dinner ideas? Here are all the best recipes for the season: grilled or no cook, with fresh seasonal ingredients!
Summer is one of the best seasons for home cooking. This is the time of year to whip out the grill or make fresh, minimally-cooked recipes. Grab your tomatoes, basil, and corn, because we’ve got the freshest ideas for your patio!
Here are all top summer dinner ideas! They’re either grilled, involve minimal cooking, or feature the best fresh summer ingredients you’ll find at your farmers market or in your garden. Then keep reading for some side dish suggestions and drink pairings. Let the season begin!
And now, our favorite summer dinner ideas!
A fresh and tasty summer dinner idea: cherry tomato pasta! This recipe pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
This hearty farro bowl recipe is packed with Mediterranean flavors! Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and a creamy dressing make a satisfying grain bowl that’s the perfect meal for summer or any season.
Try this Chicken Pesto Sandwich! It starts with juicy grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection with a savory mix of spices. Throw it onto grilled ciabatta bread, then top with baby arugula, soft fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomato slices. The crowning glory is a mound of bright green herbaceous basil pesto.
Hollow out zucchini into shells, then stuff it with sausage, tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with some crispy breadcrumbs, bake until golden brown, and wow! These are packed with intensely savory flavor. This recipe makes a zucchini lover out of anyone!
When it’s summer, it’s grilled food for dinner—nightly! One of our top proteins to grill is shrimp, because it’s supremely quick (as in, under 5 minutes). This grilled shrimp kabobs recipe is a new family favorite. Take them over the top with our creamy Comeback Sauce for the best treat!
Next up in our summer dinner ideas: the juicy Portobello Burger! Here’s how to make a portobello mushroom burger that everyone loves: grilled or roasted! Savory and meaty, it’s irresistible with cheese and special sauce.
For the perfect summer dinner idea: try the classic French Nicoise salad! This French main dish salad is legendary: for good reason. Nicoise salad is protein-packed and makes a stunning lunch or dinner (glass of wine optional).
What’s better than the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Try this summery delight: the Caprese sandwich! This riff on the classic Italian salad from Capri layers the classic ingredients as a sandwich filling, with an irresistibly creamy, pesto aioli that adds a pop of savory brightness to each bite. It’s the perfect idea for an easy no-cook summer dinner, picnics, and more.
Welcome to your new favorite summer dinner: juicy grilled chicken thighs! Alex and I set about to create the best way to grill thighs, and we think this is it. Marinate them in a zingy mixture of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and spices, then throw them on the grill and cook until they’re juicy and smoky.
A fresh poke bowl is perfect for summer dinners! This classic recipe stars ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.
Also try: Vegan Poke Bowl
Instead of the same old burgers for summer dinner…try salmon burgers! They’re easy and have the best flavor: each bite is perfection slathered with remoulade sauce.
These grilled shrimp tacos are a perfect summer dinner idea or healthy weeknight meal! They star smoky spiced shrimp, Mexican slaw, and a spicy mayo drizzle.
This simple corn soup is a seasonal way to enjoy fresh corn! The sunny flavor is sweet and nuanced, and it’s full of healthy vegetables.
Also try: Creamy Corn Chowder or Vegan Corn Chowder
Here’s a summer dinner made in heaven: grilled chicken salad! In our family we eat main dish salads on repeat for simple meals, and this one is a celebration of summer grilling on a plate. You’ve got juicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, and veggies, all nestled together with our favorite Italian vinaigrette dressing, zingy pepperoncini, and shaved Parmesan.
This mouthwatering veggie burger recipe is slathered with barbecue sauce and doesn’t fall apart on the grill! It’s truly the best you’ll find.
What’s more fun for summer dinner than a shrimp boil? This easy meal of corn, potatoes and shrimp is perfect for a crowd. No plates required! Also try our Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil in Oven.
Tired of grilling burgers and salmon? Ahi tuna has a rich and buttery texture. Seared perfectly on the outside, it tastes more like chicken or steak than fish! It’s truly one of the quickest things you can cook! Just 1 to 2 minutes, and you’ve got dinner. Pair it with simple Chimichurri Sauce for a stunning meal!
Last up in our summer dinner ideas: how to make a paella recipe…the Spanish way! This stunning one pan dinner features shrimp, vegetables and all the authentic flavors of this traditional dish.
Summer side dishes to pair
Got your summer dinner recipes covered? Let’s move on to sides! Here are all our top summer side dishes and summer salads that make the most delicious complete meals.
Browse summer side dishes
Top it off with drinks & treats
Need some ideas for summer cocktails or summery desserts? We’ve got that too! Pair some of these tasty ideas:
Frequently asked questions
Great question! When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, try refreshing salads with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp, flavorful gazpacho, or colorful veggie wraps. You could also assemble a charcuterie board with fresh fruit and cheese, or whip up a quick ceviche.
Summer is bursting with delicious fruits and vegetables! Take advantage of the season’s bounty by adding tomatoes, corn, zucchini, berries, and melons to your meals. Grill them, add them to salads, or use them as toppings for pizzas and tacos.
Get the whole family involved in grilling! Try kebabs with different combinations of meat, veggies, and fruit, or build-your-own burgers with various toppings. You could also grill pizzas, make grilled fish tacos, or even desserts like grilled peaches.
Description
This cherry tomato pasta pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, orecchiette (shown here), shells, cavatappi, etc)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup pasta water
- 1 handful fresh small basil leaves, chopped if large
- Make the pasta: Start a pot of well salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is just al dente. Start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside; usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water with a liquid measuring cup (at least ¼ cup). Drain the pasta.
- Blister the tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a very large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes, making sure there is space around each tomato (they are not touching) and the pan is not crowded. If you’re using a medium pan, cook the tomatoes in 2 batches.* Cook for 1 minute without touching the pan, then 2 to 3 more minutes until blistered, shaking the pan several times to rotate the tomatoes. Turn off the heat and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, gently shaking several times to coat. Add 2 pinches kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Remove the tomatoes from the pan to a bowl.
- Finish the dish: Mince the garlic. Once the pasta is done, in the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup pasta water, scraping the pan with a spoon to release all of the flavor of the tomato juices. Turn off the heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Add the blistered tomatoes, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and lots of fresh ground pepper. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve with the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
*If the pan is too crowded, the tomatoes will steam instead of blistering. It all depends on the size of your pan: if you’re using a medium pan, you’ll have to cook 1 pint at a time.
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
