Hot weather and heavy meals don’t mix, so it’s time to lighten things up. These summer recipes for dinner skip the oven drama and keep things breezy. They’re all about low effort, minimal cleanup, and big flavor without the sweat. Perfect for weeknights when you’d rather be outside than babysitting a stovetop. If dinner feels like a chore, these picks are your summer reset.
Asiago Chicken
This Asiago Chicken features juicy breasts filled with a creamy artichoke-and-cheese filling. Then it’s baked until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through. It tastes rich without weighing you down, and it works well for a family supper.
Get the Recipe: Asiago Chicken
Pesto Chicken and Avocado
Tossed with homemade pesto, grilled chicken lands atop crisp greens, avocado, tomatoes, and cottage cheese. Each bite brings bright flavors and a creamy finish that stays light. It’s one of those summer recipes for dinner you can throw together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken and Avocado
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
Seasoned chicken and veggies roasted together make dinner simple and nutritious. Plus, this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken is just 4 WW points per serving. It’s a summer recipes for dinner classic that’s easy to prep and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These bite-sized chicken nuggets are breaded in a low-carb crust and baked until golden. They stay crispy and flavorful, even without traditional coatings. It’s a fun way to enjoy comfort food while sticking to keto guidelines.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Burger Bowls
All your favorite burger toppings go into a single bowl with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and a secret sauce drizzle. It’s naturally gluten-free, and you can make it dairy-free too. Plus, it’s a filling option when you want something hearty without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Smokey Sweet Grilled Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are marinated in a sweet and smoky sauce before being grilled until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Moreover, they’re great for feeding a bunch and perfect for outdoor cookouts. They rank high among summer recipes for dinner thanks to minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Smokey Sweet Grilled Chicken Legs
Peach Chicken
Grilled chicken is topped with juicy peach slices, creamy burrata, and fresh basil for a balanced dish. It’s vibrant and easy to assemble, especially on warm evenings. Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing summer recipes for dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Peach Chicken
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Marinated in lemon and herbs, this chicken cooks in just 15 minutes on the grill or a cast-iron pan. It turns out juicy and flavorful with minimal effort. It’s ideal when you want a no-fuss, bright summer recipes for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon Chicken
Chili Lime Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad is mixed with kale, roasted chickpeas, and a tangy chili-lime dressing. It’s ready ahead and holds up well for lunches or light dinners. Also, the flavor matures after a day, making it great for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad
One-Pan Caprese Pasta
Pasta cooks in one skillet with tomatoes, pesto, and fresh mozzarella added at the end. It comes together in less than 20 minutes and offers bright, cheesy bites. Serve it warm or chilled, and it works anytime you want an easy, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Caprese Pasta
Steak Fajita Salad
I threw this salad together for dinner, and now I can’t stop making it. The grilled steak is super juicy, and the avocado and corn pull it all together. That creamy cilantro lime dressing brings just enough kick. It feels like real food, not just something green you’re forcing yourself to eat.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Salad
Grilled Steak Kabobs
These kabobs grill up fast and don’t need anything fancy. I marinated the steak, stacked it with veggies, and had dinner on the table in 20 minutes. Everything came out juicy with a little char on the edges. Cleanup? Barely anything.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs
Macaroni Pasta Salad
This one reminds me of every summer cookout I’ve ever enjoyed. It’s creamy, just a little sweet, and the chicken keeps it from feeling like a side dish. I love how the noodles soak up the dressing without getting mushy. You can serve it cold and still have people ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Pasta Salad
Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles
These noodles work great when you don’t want to turn on the stove for long. I mixed peanut butter, soy sauce, and a few pantry staples to make the sauce, then tossed everything together cold. It’s nutty, creamy, and surprisingly filling. I packed it for lunch and didn’t miss takeout at all.
Get the Recipe: Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles
Thai Chicken Wraps
I made these wraps on a random Tuesday and they totally saved my evening. The grilled chicken and veggies pair so well with the peanut sauce. They’re fresh, crunchy, and come together fast. Honestly, they’re great hot or cold.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Wraps
Late Summer Pasta + Burrata
I tossed this pasta with roasted garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then dropped fresh burrata on top. It’s easy but still feels like something you’d bring to a hangout. The tomatoes get jammy in the pan and coat the noodles perfectly. It works warm or room temp, so no pressure.
Get the Recipe: Late Summer Pasta + Burrata
Marinated Chicken Skewers
I let the chicken sit in a spicy habanero marinade, then grilled it until the edges got crispy. The flavor hits fast, but it’s not overpowering. These skewers work for meal prep or cookouts. Just don’t forget napkins, it gets juicy.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Skewers
Traeger Kabobs
These kabobs cook in under 30 minutes and come out smoky and tender. I used a teriyaki marinade and added pineapple with the chicken, which worked better than I expected. The veggies char just enough without going soft. It’s a solid grill night dinner.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Kabobs
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad doesn’t dry out or taste bland like a lot of the ones I’ve tried. I used a pesto vinaigrette instead of regular pesto, and it clings to the chicken and noodles perfectly. It stays good for days in the fridge. Bring it to a BBQ and just watch how fast it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
I marinated this chicken in lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, then threw it on the grill. The flavor sticks to the meat without overpowering it. It’s great on its own or chopped into salads and tacos. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good cold.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
