When the weather starts to warm up, the last thing I want for dinner are heavy casseroles and hot bowls of soup. Busy schedules (and, let’s be honest, swimsuit season) mean it’s all about keeping dinner light and easy.
If you’re short on ideas, I’ve got plenty! And at the bottom of this post, I have a collection of recipes that fit the bill. But first, let’s talk about some of the ways I like to simplify summer dinners.
Shop at your farmers market
Going to a farmers market with a long shopping list can make the experience less enjoyable — especially early in the season when there aren’t a lot of summer favorites like corn and tomatoes in season. Instead, I like to let fresh produce inspire my meals. Buying what looks good and then planning my meals around what I buy at the market means I can enjoy shopping!
batch cook
During the summer months, I like to cook on the weekends, so I have less work to do during the week. Roasting chicken or vegetables in large quantities, then preparing a range of sauces and sauces, can provide the basis for many varied meals throughout the week. I also like to cook up a big pot of instant quinoa or brown rice and use it throughout the week as well.
Embrace paper meals
Sheetroot meals are a lifesaver when it comes to quick, easy summer dinners. Simply place the protein of your choice with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet and bake in the oven. Finish with fresh herbs from your backyard. The best part? Minimal cleanup!
Don’t forget the salads
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads filled with seasonal produce. I love no-cook dinners when the weather is hot! Get creative with your salads by incorporating whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds for more texture and flavor. And don’t forget to make your own homemade sauce—this Cucumber Ranch Dressing is one of my favorites.
Keep it simple
Summer fruits and vegetables are so delicious, you don’t really need to make a huge batch for dinner. Simply grill some chicken and serve it with roasted Parmesan green beans or grilled corn on the cob and you’ll have an easy, healthy meal on the table in minutes.
21 fresh and delicious summer dinner ideas
These are some of the recipes I make for summer dinner. It’s easy, full of summer produce, and healthy, too!
Green curry noodles
One bowl of orzo with sausage, spinach, and corn
Pesto salmon recipe
Pasta with creamy zucchini sauce
Gazpacho soup recipe
Grilled pesto chicken and tomato kebab
Grilled chicken sandwich recipe
Asian chicken lettuce wraps
Korean-inspired salmon tacos with spicy slaw
Skillet Chicken Caprese
Seared scallops with creamed corn, tomatoes and chives
Summer cavatelli with corn, tomatoes and zucchini
Black grilled salmon skewers
Giant Zucchini Parmesan
Tuna Poke Salad
A box of sausage foil with cheese and pepper
Grilled chicken bruschetta
Caesar-marinated chicken kabobs with grilled zucchini and romaine
Grilled steak with black beans and corn salsa
Quinoa Bowls with Lemon, Chili, and Avocado
Grilled peach and watermelon burrata salad
Slow cooker bacon
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Featuring delicious, healthy, low fat, family-friendly recipes. At Skinnytaste, you’ll find healthy dishes that don’t sacrifice any of the flavor that can be found in their full-fat origins.