These easy, healthy summer dinner ideas are perfect for dining alfresco on hot summer nights. They highlight the best of summer produce and offer many vegetarian and vegan options, too!
Table of Contents
- Our Best Summer Dinners!
- Summer Salads for Dinner
- Summer Grill Recipes
- Easy Summer Dinner Recipes
- No-Cook Summer Dinners
- Fruit-forward Summer Dinner Recipes
- Chilled Summer Soups!
- Summer Wraps and sandwiches
- Summer Burgers
- Light & Refreshing summer sides
- More summer sides!
- Summer Desserts
- Delicious Summer Cocktails
- 75+ Summer Dinner Ideas
Our Best Summer Dinners!
Refreshing Thai Larb Salad is perfect for hot summer nights! A spicy, full-flavored Thai salad made with your choice of ground chicken, ground turkey, beef, or lamb, served in lettuce cups or over rice. A light summer dinner idea!

Sesame-crusted ahi tuna can be made in just 10 minutes flat! Serve it over our Asian Cucumber Salad and Japanese Rice for a light and delicious summer meal!

Here’s the tastiest recipe for a crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwich topped with cool and creamy cilantro cabbage slaw, that can be made in under 30 minutes! A tasty summer dinner!

This Grilled Salmon Salad with avocado, arugula, cucumber, pepitas, cherry tomatoes, cotija cheese & creamy cilantro lime dressing is perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings!

This Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Creamy Basil Dressing- ticks all the boxes! An easy low-carb, high-protein dinner salad that is full of fantastic flavor!

This easy pan-seared Halibut, is served over Lemony Zucchini Noodles with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley, topped with sweet summer tomatoes. A light, low-carb meal- perfect for summer!

Greek Chicken Salad is light, healthy, and full of flavor and perfect for summer! Make the refreshing Greek Salad and top it with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. A tasty dinner, perfect for hot summer nights!

Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) with Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) and Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad. Can be made in 40 minutes- perfect for weeknights! Vegan adaptable!

Summer Salads for Dinner
This Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe is deliciously refreshing and light! Served over fresh greens with avocado, cucumber, edamame, grated carrots, cabbage, radishes, and sunflower sprouts tossed in a ginger wasabi dressing.

This Grilled Romaine Salad with Maitake Mushrooms is dressed with a Furikake Caesar Dressing -a Japanese-Inspired Caesar salad that comes together in 20 minutes!

This Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad recipe is bursting with summer flavor! Cold and refreshing, it’s made with simple ingredients in 30 mins!

Delicious & hearty Spinach Salad with grilled mushrooms, red onions, sweet peppers, and optional grilled chicken breast, tossed with tangy French Dressing, topped with Coconut Bacon, Feta and hard-boiled eggs.

This Little Gem Salad with avocado, radishes, cucumber, pickled onions, pepitas, sunflower sprouts, tossed in a homemade Dilly Ranch Dressing. Top it with your favorite protein for a light summer dinner.

This Classic Caesar Salad with the best homemade Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and hand-torn croutons is always a favorite. Top it off with our Best Grilled Chicken or Grilled Tofu and dinner is ready.

This summery Antipasto Salad is made with fresh summer tomatoes, peppers and green beans, mozzarella balls, olives, capers and lots of fresh herbs, tossed in a simple Italian dressing. A super easy dinner recipe!

I love everything about this cool, crisp Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Fennel Salad with butter lettuce and creamy Dill Dressing. Fast and easy, this hearty summer salad is low carbs and full of flavor!

Delicious Grilled Tuscan Bread Salad with colorful sweet bell peppers, artichoke hearts and white beans tossed in a flavorful white balsamic dressing. Make it on the barbecue for an easy outdoor summer meal with your favorite grilled protein! Vegan!

Mexican Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa served over greens with creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, and can be made in 20 minutes. A delicious, healthy low-carb meal perfect for hot summer nights.

This vegan Grilled Portobello Salad with Avocado, Tomatoes, Corn is tossed in the tastiest Smoky Lime Dressing. It’s vegan and low in carbs. A delicious summer salad for grilling weather!

Blackened Tofu Caesar! This Vegan Ceasar Salad is topped with Blackened Cajun Tofu and dressed in a creamy caesar dressing that is dairy-free, nut-free, and low in calories! A flavorful summer salad, perfect for warm nights!

Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn, Fava Beans and Avocado – a light and refreshing summer meal. Keep it vegan or add grilled shrimp for added protein. Either way, it’s sure to be your new favorite salad. Don’t have access to fresh Fava beans? No worries, sub edamame!

This Grilled Chipotle Chicken Salad is loaded up with grilled veggies- corn, peppers, and scallions over a bed of arugula and quinoa with avocado and a simple Chipotle Lime Dressing. The grilled Chipotle chicken (or sub MEXICAN TOFU) is placed on top, for a light but hearty Summer Dinner!

This Summer Nicoise Salad Recipe can be made with grilled salmon, tuna or white fish with baby potatoes, olives, roasted peppers, french beans & a delicious lemony, mustard seed dressing. Gluten-free, super filling and full of flavor!

Summer Grill Recipes
This Grilled Chicken Caprese is easy to make, with simple ingredients. It’s bursting with summertime flavor and can be made in 30 minutes!

Grilled Eggplant with Greek Relish and Creamy Polenta a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dinner full of delicious summer flavors. Vegan adaptable and gluten-free.

Grilled Scallops with a flavorful Tomato Vinaigrette. A delicious summer dinner that is fast, easy, light, refreshing and elegant!

This Grilled Chicken Shawarma is bursting with Middle Eastern Flavors! Serve it up as kebabs with Israeli Salad and Basmati Rice (or Naan Bread) with a side of Tzatziki or Baba Ganoush! The perfect combination of flavors.

Grilled Branzino topped with Preserved Lemon Gremolata, (Zesty Herb Sauce), ready in about 30 minutes flat! A simple easy Mediterranean dinner, perfect for hot summer nights.

This recipe for Chicken Satay is bursting with authentic Thai flavor! Chicken (or tofu) is bathed in a fragrant marinade of coconut milk and Thai spices, then grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful peanut dipping sauce. Vegan-adaptable!

Easy Summer Dinner Recipes
This Fregola with Corn, Zucchini and Basil, sprinkled with pecorino is fast and perfect for summer nights. An easy Italian-inspired meal that comes together in 30 minutes.

These Salmon Tacos are healthy and delicious and fun to make! The salmon is coated in cajun spice and quickly blackened in a skillet, then paired with a flavorful cabbage-fennel slaw, pickled onions and mashed avocado.

These vegan Chipotle Portobello Tacos are smoky, spicy and “meaty” – and can be made on a sheet pan in 30 minutes!

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce – an easy, healthy recipe featuring fresh summer tomatoes and basil that can be made in 20 minutes flat! This fresh marinara sauce is perfect for summer nights!

This healthy Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead pasta salad for summertime picnics, BBQs, potlucks and easy weeknight dinners. A hearty ratio of fresh veggies combined with tender orzo pasta, chickpeas tossed in the tastiest Greek salad dressing.

Summer Tomato Risotto with saffron and juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and infused with saffron, can be served as a vegetarian main or side dish, or topped off with smoky shrimp.

Zucchini Pasta is a godsend! Grated zucchini melts into a flavorful succulent sauce, perfect for cradling linguini or your favorite pasta! Enhanced with lemon, black pepper, and garlic, you’ll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes! Vegan and gluten-free adaptable.

Zucchini Curry is a delightful Thai dish made with Thai red curry paste and coconut milk. It’s a quick and easy dinner – the perfect meal for end-of-summer produce. Make this with chicken breast or Crispy Tofu.

No-Cook Summer Dinners
On especially hot days- I often turn to Ceviche made with fresh fish, chili, lime, cilantro, avocado, tomato and cucumber. This straightforward recipe is perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a light summer meal.

This light and refreshing Chirashi Sushi Bowl is made with fresh fish (tuna, salmon, etc) avocado, daikon, cucumbers, and shiso leaves over sushi rice. One of our favorite easy summer dinner ideas!

This refreshing Poke Bowl (vegan adaptable!) is perfect for hot summer evenings. Made with fresh ahi tuna (or tofu) with a flavorful Ponzu Dressing, it is loaded with fresh seasonal veggies, all over rice!

Mexican Aguachile! Similar to ceviche, shrimp is cooked in a mixture of lime juice, chiles and cilantro. Flavorful, simple and sooooo delicious!

Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp and Tarragon– a light and healthy summer meal perfect for brunch, lunch or a light dinner on the patio. Low carb and Keto-friendly.

This vegan Hearts of Palm Ceviche will transport you to Mexico! Easy to make with the best flavor!

Fruit-forward Summer Dinner Recipes
This delicious Fig Pizza with balsamic onions, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and fresh arugula is the perfect combination of flavors! Bake it or grill it, either way, you’ll love this vegetarian pizza!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple in a flavorful Chipotle Marinade served with a refreshing Jicama Mango Slaw with cilantro and lime. Healthy and Easy!

Grilled Chipotle Fish Tacos with a refreshing Peach Salsa. Summery and light with a little bit of heat! Such a delicious combo of flavors, perfect for warm evenings, the cooling peach salsa is super flavorful!

This peach panzanella salad with fennel and arugula is simple, healthy, and delicious, full of summer flavor!

These Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers are bursting with summertime flavor! Easy and delicious to make.

Chilled Summer Soups!
Take your gazpacho to the next level. A quick and easy recipe for Tomato Gazpacho, a chilled, no-cook, Spanish soup highlighting ripe and juicy summer tomatoes, with an expert tip to elevate it! Vegan and gluten-free with 2 variations: chunky and smooth.

We love taking a chilled soup like this Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho with yogurt, cilantro, coriander and lime, and topping it with seafood- like shrimp, lobster or even crab! Or feel free to keep it vegetarian! So tasty.

Simple Beet Gazpacho– a refreshing and flavorful chilled beet soup with cucumber, avocado, and fresh dill. A delicious summer starter that is vegan and gluten-free.

Tomato Peach Gazpacho with Basil and Burrata – a beautiful combination of flavors this chilled summer soup is cooling and refreshing and easy to whip up. Keep it vegan with Tofu Ricotta!

Cool and refreshing Watermelon Gazpacho with avocado, cucumber and sprouts. An easy chilled soup for summer! Top it with shrimp or crab and make it a meal!

Summer Wraps and sandwiches
These Mini Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps, are so light and refreshing! Fresh crab, avocado, radish, and scallions are served in a lettuce cup with homemade Louie Dressing.

Grilled Lamb Kofta Wraps are light and delicious, and BURSTING with Middle Eastern Flavor! Served with Tzatziki, these are low carb and high in protein.

These Teryaki Mushroom Lettuce Wraps are light yet filling! Filled with flavorful shiitake mushrooms in a homemade teriyaki sauce and brown rice- a light and healthy summer meal, perfect for hot summer nights!

Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham, a light and refreshing meal perfect for hot summer days. Flavorful, healthy and low in carbs and calories.

A delicious Halloumi Wrap recipe made with flavorful manoushe (Lebanese Flatbread), pan-seared halloumi, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini yogurt sauce.

These Caprese Sandwiches are the perfect summer meal- made with juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and pesto-mayo, they come together quickly and easily!

This Middle Eastern Eggplant Wrap is soooooo flavorful!!! Grilled or roasted eggplant piled up high with a lemony Kale Slaw and Creamy Tahini Sauce. Keep it vegan or add feta!

Summer Burgers
One of our favorite summer dinner ideas are burgers. Fire up the grill and keep the kitchen cool!
Light & Refreshing summer sides
Moroccan Watermelon Salad with cucumber, pistachios, parsley, mint, onion and crumbled feta… refreshing, simple and delicious!

Summery and juicy, this Heirloom Tomato Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Smoked Blue Cheese – highlights sweet and juicy heirloom tomatoes. Serve this with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken or Grilled Steak! Can be made in 15 minutes!

Cool and refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad is made with rice vinegar, sesame, ginger, garlic and soy, cool and refreshing and pairs well with many things. It’s vegan and gluten-free and is a nice addition to meals and bowls you are already making!

Refreshing and cooling Simple Lebanese Slaw (aka Salatet Malfouf) is made with crunchy cabbage, fresh herbs, lemon, garlic and scallions. Serve it with Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice for a tasty Middle Eastern Feast.

More summer sides!
Summer Desserts
Delicious Summer Cocktails
Hope you enjoy these summer dinner ideas!
Stay cool and cheers! 🥂
xoxo
Print
75+ Summer Dinner Ideas
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: dinner recipes, summer recipes
- Method: grilled, tossed
- Cuisine: American
Description
75+ Summer Dinner Ideas- perfect for hot summer evenings. Full of healthy veggies and lean proteins, these summer dinners are full of flavor! (Grilled Chipotle Chicken)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts ( boneless, skinless)
Chipotle Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 chipotle peppers (canned) plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce ( juice from can)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 shallot
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt ( 1 teaspoon per pound)
Garnish: lime juice and cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Place marinade ingredients in a food processor and process into a paste. Place the chicken and marinade in a ziplock bag and massage well to mix and coat all sides well. (Or brush all sides well with marinade and place in a container.) Marinate 20 mins or up to 3 days.
- Grill each side of chicken 6-7 minutes, or until good grill marks appear. Lower heat and move chicken to cooler side of the grill and continue to grill until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Let it rest 5-10 mins before serving and squeeze with lime. Sprinkle with optional cilantro.
Notes
See full recipe here!
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 279
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 946.6 mg
- Fat: 15.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 30.2 g
- Cholesterol: 142 mg
I always look forward to your emails, there’s always something fun and exciting to try. Your dishes are always a family pleaser.
Thank you,
Denise
Really appreciate hearing this Denise!
Toutes ces recettes sont fantastiques et merveilleuses !!!
Malheureusement, ce n’est pas pour moi en ce moment : J’habite en Normandie en France et en ce moment nous avons 9°C ce qui fait 48.2°F chez toi. Donc tes beaux plats d’été, il me faudra attendre encore 4 à 5 mois pour y avoir droit !!!
Mais je mets de côté pour l’été prochain. Question : tu habites ou ? Merci et belle journée
Yes, it is still winter here too. We are in Washington State in the northwest part of the country. Snowy and cold! Save this for summer!
You’ve done it again! A few weeks ago we ate from one of your recents posts all week, and this post is no different. I’ve saved recipes, made my shopping list and am actually looking forward to making dinners again. Thank you!.
Thanks Janet!
Your website is fantastic. It is easy to go back and forth between dinner ideas and specific recipes. I love that when you print a recipe, there is a pic (photo) of what the dish is supposed to look like.
Thank you for your fresh, delicious and nutritious ideas!
Thanks so much Sarah, we are thrilled to hear you are enjoying the site!
Very impressive quality content. Waiting to get more updates from you. Thanks for sharing amazing content.
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for all your recipes! I’ve been making food at home more than ever and feel so healthy and and so happy to have found your recipes! They introduce me to flavors and spices I’ve never had in such an accessible way. THANK YOU! My gf who eats mostly plant based REALLY appreciates you too 😉😉
Great to hear Megan- glad the blog is inspiring you!
I LOVE your recipes.
Thank you!
You deserve your own tv show.
❤️❤️❤️
Awww, you are nice. Thank you Mandy.
Excellent recipes to improve health.
I first came on here thinking that I probably wouldn’t find very many recipes that my family would enjoy but I was wrong! I saved 16 different recipes that I am really excited to try. I rely on recipes to make meals and I definitely loved the variety of your recipes.
That’s awesome Sabrina!
Hi Sylvia love your recipes
I’m a personal chef and cook meals on a weekly basis for my clients. Your recipes are so helpful, healthy and delicious.
Thank you
Thanks so much Lisa!
My eyes normally glaze over when a blogger posts, “25 amazing summer dishes,” or “30 things to make for Father’s Day,” but this is such a well curated list. I saved at least 3/4 of them to try soon. Beautiful pictures too.
Awesome Jen! thanks so much!
Want some more content like this.
Outstanding quality content. Waiting to get more updates from you. Thank you very much for sharing this kind of content.
thanks so much!
Sylvia, so enjoy your recipes thank you for all your efforts, greatly appreciated
thanks so much Sel!
Love these selections!
Our favorites are the Aguachile, Ceviche and Chipotle Fish and Peach Tacos. Keep em’ coming. Do you think the cucumber ceviche would be good with fresh crab?
Thank you for the great whole food plant based recipes. We follow Dr. John McDougall and Dr. Michael Gregor (NutritionFacts.org) for good health. I printed out a lot of your recipes and am excited to try them all out. Holiday Crunch Salad tonight to use some of the pomegranate seeds we bought yesterday. Sounds delicious!
You are so welcome Deanne! Thanks for being here. 😉
Hi Sylvia,
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your gift! You truly are a talented chef. Thank you for sharing with us. Your site is always a go to of mine. Your recipes are healthy and flavorful. A hard combination to achieve.
warm regards,
Julie
It means the world to hear this Julie.❤️ We are so glad you are enjoying!