Summer gatherings always seem to bring out the biggest appetites, and these summer recipes for a crowd are built for exactly that. They skip the fussy steps and focus on dishes that feed plenty without draining your energy. Big bowls, sheet pans, and platters do the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy the party. These meals are easy to scale, easy to serve, and even easier to clean up after. Hosting suddenly feels a lot less stressful when the food practically handles itself.
Grilled Tomahawk Steaks
Tomahawk steaks cook low and slow before a final sear for a crust that locks in the juices. The large cut is perfect for sharing and makes serving simple at cookouts. With just salt and careful heat control, you get a steak that doesn’t need extras. It’s a go-to when you want the grill to do the work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steaks
Asiago Chicken
This baked chicken dish is filled with artichokes and creamy Asiago cheese for a rich but not overwhelming bite. It comes together quickly, which makes it great for weeknights. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a green salad for balance. It’s an easy way to bring something different to the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Asiago Chicken
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets bake up crisp in the oven, skipping the fryer completely. They’re simple to reheat for lunches, which makes them practical for busy days. Serve with dipping sauces or toss them on a salad for variety. They’re an easy option for anyone keeping carbs lower.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Weber Kettle Grilled Porterhouse Steak
A porterhouse steak brings two cuts in one and grills beautifully over charcoal. The heat gives it a smoky edge while keeping the inside juicy. It’s an easy pick for weekend grilling and works with just salt and pepper. Perfect when you want a big, shareable steak without overcomplicating dinner.
Get the Recipe: Weber Kettle Grilled Porterhouse Steak
Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita (Copycat)
This copycat dish uses grilled chicken topped with lemon butter, pesto, and fresh tomatoes. It’s light enough for summer but still feels complete as a meal. Because it cooks quickly, it’s ideal for summer recipes for a crowd. Serve with roasted vegetables or bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita (Copycat)
Pesto Chicken and Avocado
Grilled chicken coated in pesto pairs with avocado and crisp veggies for a balanced plate. It’s fast to prep, making it a smart option for warm evenings. The fresh ingredients keep it light while still filling. Add this to your list of summer recipes for a crowd when you want something easy but fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken and Avocado
Grilled Stuffed Double Thick Pork Chops
These thick pork chops are packed with a savory filling before hitting the grill. The result is juicy, rich, and simple to serve with seasonal sides. They look impressive but aren’t hard to manage. They’re a solid fit for summer recipes for a crowd when you want to offer something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Double Thick Pork Chops
Grilled Korean Style Ribs
These thin-cut ribs are marinated, grilled, and ready in minutes. The sweet and savory sauce caramelizes fast, so they’re done before you know it. Serve them with rice or fresh sides for a simple but bold dinner. A perfect addition to summer recipes for a crowd that want quick grilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Korean Style Ribs
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
This one-pan chicken dinner roasts with peppers, onions, and tomatoes for an easy cleanup meal. You can serve it hot straight from the oven or chilled the next day. The Mediterranean flavors keep it bright and fresh. It’s one of those summer recipes for a crowd that’s easy to scale up.
Get the Recipe: Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
Grilled Chicken Wings
Marinated wings grill to a crisp exterior while staying juicy inside. They’re easy to pile on a platter and serve with sauces for dipping. Perfect for casual gatherings where you need something everyone will grab. Keep this in mind for summer recipes for a crowd that don’t take much prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings
Lemon Caper Pasta
Lemon and capers bring a quick brightness to this simple pasta. It cooks fast and coats every bite without feeling heavy. You can leave it as is or top with grilled chicken for more protein. It’s great for weeknights when you want dinner in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Caper Pasta
Juicy Burgers
These burgers grill up with a crisp edge and stay juicy in the middle. The mix is simple, but it holds up well so you can flip without worry. Add your favorite toppings and sides, and you’re set. They work for weeknight dinners or big weekend cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Burgers
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Tomato, garlic, and balsamic top grilled chicken for a lighter take on classic bruschetta. It’s easy to prep and works well with simple sides. You don’t need bread to enjoy the flavors. It’s great for summer dinners that feel fresh but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Traeger Kabobs
These kabobs use teriyaki chicken, pineapple, and veggies for a smoky-sweet combo. They cook in under half an hour, so they’re low-effort and full of flavor. The vegetables char nicely without turning mushy. A fun pick for casual summer grilling nights.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Kabobs
Pineapple Teriyaki
Tofu, pineapple, and onions grill up with a glaze that’s sweet with a little spice. It’s a fast dinner that works over rice or inside a wrap. The tofu soaks up the sauce and stays firm on the grill. A good choice when you need something meatless but filling.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Teriyaki
Caprese Grilled Chicken
This dish combines grilled chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella in under half an hour. The flavors stay fresh without needing extra sauces, and it feels filling without being heavy. I like to serve it with greens or asparagus when I want something easy but complete. It’s become a summer staple at my place.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Grilled Chicken
Baja Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp hit the pan, soak up all the seasoning, and are ready before you finish chopping the cabbage. A quick sauce ties it all together in less than 30 minutes. These tacos bring crunch, heat, and just enough richness to keep you coming back. They’re fast, fresh, and don’t need any extras to feel like a meal.
Get the Recipe: Baja Shrimp Tacos
Flatbread Pizza Margherita
Naan bread crisps up into the perfect base for tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s low-effort but still feels like you put some thought into dinner. This pizza works for lunch or dinner and tastes especially good on warm nights. Keep it in your rotation for those “I don’t feel like cooking” days.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza Margherita
Grilled Shrimp
A sprinkle of rosemary, a squeeze of lemon, and these shrimp are grill-ready. They cook so fast you barely have time to set the table. I serve them with rice, salad, or straight from the skewer when no one’s looking. They’re quick, simple, and always disappear first.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto vinaigrette coats the chicken and pasta without turning heavy or oily. It stays fresh for days, which makes it perfect for meal prep. I’ve taken it to cookouts and watched it vanish before other dishes even got touched. It’s one pasta salad that never turns boring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Late Summer Pasta + Burrata
Roasted garlic, tomatoes, and herbs coat the pasta before you drop creamy burrata on top. It’s casual but still feels like something you’d bring to a hangout. The tomatoes turn soft and cling to the noodles just right. You can serve it warm or at room temp without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Late Summer Pasta + Burrata
Banana Boats
Split a banana, stuff it with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap it in foil, and let the fire do its thing. A few minutes later, you’re scooping up gooey bites right from the foil. No plates, no stress, just a sweet, messy payoff. Campfire nights never needed much more.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Summer Pasta
This pasta uses a handful of ingredients but still feels like dinner, not just a side. Tomatoes, herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese keep it light but not bland. You can eat it warm, cold, or somewhere in between. It’s an easy win for those hot nights when you want something quick.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta
Summer Cobb Salad
This version swaps in summer produce like corn, blueberries, and zucchini. Leftover grilled chicken ties everything together without extra effort. It works as a light dinner and somehow tastes even better the next day. You can toss everything into one bowl or keep toppings separate for picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Summer Cobb Salad
Arugula Salad with Steak
Peppery arugula and warm steak slices land in a simple dressing that doesn’t compete with the main flavors. It fills you up but doesn’t feel heavy. I used to make it weekly until my family begged for a break. It still comes back into the rotation every few weeks because it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Steak
Sautéed Summer Squash
Sliced squash hits the pan with rosemary and a squeeze of lemon. It softens enough to feel tender but still keeps a bit of bite. This side plays well with anything from grilled meats to pasta. Even the veggie skeptics at the table usually give in.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Summer Squash
Smash Burger Tacos
These tacos wrap all the flavor of a burger into a quick handheld option. You can change things up with toppings like chorizo or a Banh Mi-style mix. The patties cook fast, which makes this perfect for a weeknight. It’s a fun break from the same old taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Smash Burger Tacos
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Lime juice, garlic, and cilantro soak into the chicken before it hits the grill. The flavor sticks without overpowering the meat. It’s just as good on its own as it is chopped into tacos or salads. Cold leftovers the next day don’t disappoint either.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Cherry tomatoes, chicken, and pasta come together in a dish that works hot or chilled. You can mix and match ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but good enough to bring to a potluck. Definitely not your same-old pasta dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Grilled Salmon
Salmon grills up flaky and full of flavor in almost no time. Season it simply or add a quick marinade, both work. Pair it with veggies or salad for a healthy dinner that doesn’t drag. It’s one of those meals you’ll actually want to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon
