Looking for Easy Summer Dinner Ideas? These healthy, quick and light meals are perfect for warm evenings when you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for long, all are ready in under 30 minutes!
When the sun's out and you're not in the mood to be stuck in a hot kitchen, these easy summer dinner ideas are exactly what you need!
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Whether you're after something healthy, light, or make-ahead friendly, I’ve pulled together the best recipes to keep dinners simple, and they're all ready in under 30 minutes!
I’ve broken everything down into handy sections so you can easily find exactly what you are looking for — from speedy midweek meals to chilled dishes you can prep in advance.
🕒 Quick & Easy Dinners for Busy Nights
For those evenings when you need something on the table fast.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are deliciously tender and juicy! They make the perfect filling for a shish kebab and are ready in just 30 minutes! No air fryer? You can easily cook these under the grill too!
Full Recipe Here
Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken
Do you love a Chinese takeaway but want a healthier option? My Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is quick, easy, and just as tasty as your favourite takeaway!
Full Recipe Here
Messy Avocado Eggs Veggies Plate
Easy 5-minute vegetarian plate, with lots of veggies, hard boiled eggs, homemade guacamole (avocado alert!), and a love for healthy food.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: refreshmyhealth.com
Sweet & Savory Peach + Blackberry Brie Flatbread Pizza
Layer summer’s juiciest peaches and blackberries with creamy Brie, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of honey on flatbread for a sweet-savory meal that’s ready in minutes…
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: aweekendcook.com
BEST Fried Chicken Breast
This fried chicken breast recipe is deliciously succulent with a gorgeous golden brown crust. It’s not deep fried and is still crispy!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thebutteryfairytale.com
Quick & Easy Greek Quinoa Salad {with Lemon Dressing}
This healthy Greek Quinoa Salad is loaded with delicious Mediterranean inspired flavors. Perfect for meal prep! Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Easy Chicken Stir Fry Noodles
Colorful and packed with nutrients, this quick and easy recipe makes for a healthy dinner—just right for those nights when cooking is the last thing you
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: chefspencil.com
Spicy Fish Tacos With Cabbage Slaw + Lime Crema
A flaky, spiced pan-fried fish taco recipe with quick cabbage slaw and the most delicious lime crema. An easy weeknight meal.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: foodess.com
Cajun Salmon
This Cajun salmon recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a protein-packed dinner that’s quick, easy, and flavorful. It has a bold flavor, flaky salmon, and health benefits for women’s hormones.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thetastesoflife.com
Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Make this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry in under 30 minutes for a flavorful, quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.This dish is better than takeout!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thecookingduo.com
30 Minute Sriracha Chicken Wraps
This sriracha chicken wrap is stuffed with grilled sriracha chicken that’s marinated overnight in an addicting sauce. It’s spicy, healthy, and oh so good.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: blessthismeal.com
Cheeseburger Salad
Enjoy low carb fast food with this cheeseburger salad recipe. This healthy take on a cheeseburger is made with vegetables instead of a bun and makes a delish entrée salad topped with a special sauce.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: centslessdeals.com
Chicken Tacos With Ground Chicken
Smoky BBQ ground chicken tacos with tangy pickled onions and guacamole —an easy, healthy chicken taco recipe perfect for quick dinners.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: cookedandloved.com
Teriyaki Ground Beef Bowls
Made in just 20 minutes using store-bought teriyaki sauce, these teriyaki beef bowls are perfect for meal-prep or throwing together on a busy weeknight.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: sugarandsnappeas.com
Pizza Stuffed Crescent Rolls
These pizza crescent rolls are a delicious twist on pizza night. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, they’re the perfect weeknight win that kids will love!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: inthekidskitchen.com
Big Mac Quesadilla
This Big Mac Quesadilla has all the flavors of the iconic burger—cheesy, crispy, and easy to make with a nostalgic twist.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: myradkitchen.com
Pollo al Limone (Italian Lemon Chicken)
This pollo al limone (Italian lemon chicken) is the perfect cozy recipe for a night in. Thinly sliced chicken cutlets are pan-fried and coated in a rich, buttery lemon herb sauce.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thesavorycipolla.com
Halloumi and Chorizo Skewers with Lime Dressing
Try these delicious Mediterranean influenced Kebabs on your BBQ next time. With Halloumi cheese and Chorizo grilled with a simple lime dressing.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: rainydaymum.co.uk
🍽️ One-Pot & One-Pan Summer Meals
Only using one pan means less washing up, & more time to soak up the sun.
One Pan Chicken and Pesto Orzo
This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo will quickly become a family favourite! Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe Here
One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo
This One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo is super simple to make with ingredients always at hand. Delicious, hearty and enjoyable for the whole family.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thespiceadventuress.com
Easy One-Pot Chicken Pilaf
Easy one-pot chicken pilaf made in 30 minutes with basmati rice, chicken, and spices. It’s foolproof & turns out delicious every single time.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: spoonsofflavor.com
Tuna Fried Rice
This is the best tuna fried rice recipe. It’s easy, healthy and made with canned tuna, egg and vegetables. It only takes 15 minutes to make.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: pureandsimplenourishment.com
Steak Stir Fry
Quick, flavorful, and packed with tender steak and crisp veggies, this Steak Stir Fry is a weeknight game-changer. Sweet, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: basicswithbails.com
20-Minute Dairy-Free Thai Chicken Pineapple Curry
Tender and juicy bites of chicken simmered in a rich and creamy sauce; this Thai chicken pineapple curry is a comforting weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: fitasamamabear.com
Coconut Milk Chicken
This tender Poached Coconut Milk Chicken with aromatics, creamy coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, and spices all atop rice is made in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: modernhoney.com
🍝 Summer Pasta
Simple and light pasta recipes, perfect for warmer evenings.
Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Whip up this deliciously Creamy Gochujang Pasta in just 15 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying midweek dinner on those hectic evenings! Adjust the spice level to your liking to make it suitable for the whole family!
Full Recipe Here
Creamy Prawn And Chorizo Pasta
This quick & easy Creamy Prawn and Chorizo Pasta combines smoky chorizo with plump & succulent king prawns tossed together in a creamy tomato sauce. On the table in under 30 minutes!
Full Recipe Here
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad with no mayo is the perfect make-ahead dish for a summer BBQ, potluck or a nutritious packed lunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, this flavourful, crunchy salad is sure to be a new favourite!
Full Recipe Here
Ricotta Lemon Pasta
One pot ricotta lemon pasta with arugula and parmesan cheese! Make an easy lemon ricotta pasta sauce in just a few steps!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: cheneetoday.com
Pasta With Zucchini And Tomatoes
This pasta with zucchini and tomatoes is the perfect summer dinner! Light, fresh, and healthy, and made with just 7 ingredients in about 20 minutes.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thecandidcooks.com
Pesto Tuna Pasta
This quick & easy pesto tuna pasta recipe is a weeknight dinner dream come true. All you need is 6 ingredients & 20 minutes.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: theshortordercook.com
Boursin lemon pasta
Boursin lemon pasta with halloumi: a dish you want to put on the table when you feel like a quick, vegetarian meal! This creamy pasta dish is an easy weeknight dinner and irresistibly delicious.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: fromsandraskitchen.com
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Grilled Salmon
Creamy tomato orzo with flaky grilled salmon—ready in 30 minutes! One-pan wonder with garlic, pesto, and parmesan. Perfect for busy nights. Leftover salmon works too!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: joinyourlife4u.com
Lemon Salmon Pasta
This 30-minute Lemon Salmon Pasta is unbelievably easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: chewoutloud.com
🥗 Healthy & Light Dinner Ideas
Nutritious light meals for when you don't want a heavy dinner.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks
These Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks are made with a quick, delicious marinade, are healthy, naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto!
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: strengthandsunshine.com
Healthy Chicken Salad
This healthy chicken salad is packed with protein, low in carbs, and perfect for a balanced meal.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: thecookingfoodie.com
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad
Quick 10-minute Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad with Cotija cheese, fire-roasted corn, lime dressing, and fresh cilantro.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: hungrywhisk.com
Buffalo Chicken Salad
This easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is a tasty spin on traditional chicken finger salad, with a kick! Enjoy the classic Buffalo taste in a simple to make chicken salad.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: cinnamonandsageco.com
Air Fryer Sea Bass
Healthy, yet absolutely delicious, this air fryer sea bass is crispy on the outside yet soft and flaky in the middle. Ready in under 10 minutes, it is perfect for a quick weekday family meal!
Full Recipe Here
🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan
Plant-based meals packed with fresh summer flavours.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta
This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl! Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect choice for a quick and tasty midweek meal.
Full Recipe Here
Vegan Courgette And Sweetcorn Fritters (Gluten Free)
Perfect for a lazy brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack, these tasty Vegan Courgette And Sweetcorn Fritters are lightly spiced, crispy on the outside, full of flavour and also gluten free!
Full Recipe Here
Best Vegan Fried Rice With Tofu
This vegan fried rice with tofu is a great alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s easy, 30-minute, eggless, and high protein.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: biteswithblair.com
Mediterranean Quesadillas
Mediterranean Quesadillas are one of the simplest, most scrumptious healthy quesadillas recipes you’ll make! Tortillas are loaded with feta and mozzarella cheeses, spinach, red onion, and tomatoes.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: tastyoven.com
Easy Pan-Fried Gnocchi With Lemon Ricotta and Herbs
Crispy pan-fried gnocchi dressed in a herby dressing and topped with zesty ricotta, roasted nuts and chives make a lovely vegetarian main dish or side.
Full Recipe Here
Photo credit: twokooksinthekitchen.com
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta, Lemon & Cherry Tomatoes
The perfect summer dish! Whip up this zingy Summer Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta, Lemon & Cherry Tomatoes in under 20 minutes! Packed full of fresh herbs this is a great accompaniment to any BBQ or potluck. Includes dairy-free and gluten-free options too!
Full Recipe Here
I hope this list has given you plenty of easy summer dinner ideas for the warmer months. Don’t forget to save this post or pin it for later — and if you try any of the recipes, I’d love to hear how you got on in the comments below!
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