Simple Summer Meals That Are Perfect For Weeknights
After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking an elaborate meal. Here are 20 easy, breezy dinners that'll be on the table in no time.
20+ Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
Slow-Cooker Al Pastor Bowls
“You’ll love this easy version of a traditional Mexican favourite. Serve this al pastor bowl over rice or in tortillas with your favourite toppings.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Al Pastor Bowls.
Grilled Salmon Fillet
“Growing up on a family-owned resort, I was expected to help around the kitchen. Grilling salmon became my specialty.” —Paul Noetzel, Grafton, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Grilled Salmon Fillet.
Grilled Lime Chicken
“A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on.” —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
Get the recipe for Grilled Lime Chicken.
Herbed Tuna Salad
“Cooking for two is such a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers,” says Rebecca Schweizer of Chesapeake, Virginia. “This well-seasoned salad, with its distinctive dill flavour, is my favourite lunch recipe.
Get the recipe for Herbed Tuna Salad.
Sheet-Pan Pork Supper
“I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family’s needs. It’s so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other coloured potatoes are a fun and delicious option.” —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Get the recipe for Sheet-Pan Pork Supper.
Feta Salmon Salad
“My son David always ordered the satisfying salmon sandwich at a local pub. In trying to replicate it, he came up with this salmon salad. It’s the only recipe he’s ever made and our entire family thinks it’s great.” —Susan Griffiths, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Get the recipe for Feta Salmon Salad.
Kentucky Grilled Chicken
“This chicken is perfect for an outdoor summer meal, and my family thinks it’s fantastic. It takes about an hour on the grill but is worth the wait. I use a new paintbrush to “mop” on the basting sauce.” —Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
Get the recipe for Kentucky Grilled Chicken.
Garden Chicken Cacciatore
“Here’s the perfect Italian meal to serve company. While simmering, it frees you up to visit with your guests and always receives rave reviews! I like to serve it with hot cooked pasta, a tossed salad and a dry red wine. Mangia!” —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Get the recipe for Garden Chicken Cacciatore.
Gyro Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
“If you’re fond of gyros, you’ll enjoy this garden-fresh salad showcasing ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomatoes and a creamy, tangy dressing.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Gyro Salad with Tzatziki Dressing.
Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts
“Marinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this grilled Caesar chicken recipe is juicy, tender and full of flavour. It couldn’t be easier.” —Marcia Wallenfeldt, Kent, Ohio
Get the recipe for Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts.
Caribbean Shrimp Bowl
“After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavour! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet!” —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Get the recipe for Caribbean Shrimp Bowl.
Prosciutto Pesto Pizza
“I developed this prosciutto pesto pizza for my young grandson who hasn’t acquired a taste for veggies yet. He scarfs it up and doesn’t even notice the edamame. It’s also a hit with my other grandkids and nieces—not to mention all of their parents!” —Don Manzagol, Campbell, California
Get the recipe for Prosciutto Pesto Pizza.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
“This grilled teriyaki chicken recipe is so tasty, my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Get the recipe for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.
Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
“I experimented for a couple of years before perfecting this colourful dish, and everyone raves about it. It is easy and light, and it fits into my busy schedule.” —Kristin Walker, Suffolk, Virginia
Get the recipe for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine.
Quick Garlic-Lime Chicken
“After tending the farm and growing our own produce, I don’t have much time left for cooking. I’ve found this easy-to-prepare chicken is ideal for hectic days.” —Doris Carnahan, Lincoln, Arkansas
Get the recipe for Quick Garlic-Lime Chicken.
Easy Pesto Pizza
The Taste of Home Test Kitchen kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavoured crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps it big on taste and convenience.
Get the recipe for Easy Pesto Pizza.
Pineapple Shrimp Tacos
Taste the tropics with our cool, crispy take on shrimp tacos. Wrapping the shells in lettuce adds even more crunch while keeping the tacos tidy after you take a bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Pineapple Shrimp Tacos.
Sesame Salmon with Wasabi Mayo
“I created this recipe to mimic the flavours of sushi. It’s remarkably simple and turns out well every time.” —Carolyn Ketchum, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Get the recipe for Sesame Salmon with Wasabi Mayo.
Coconut Mango Thai Beef Curry
“My recipe provides a lot of sweet heat. The mango and coconut milk taste tropical while the curry paste adds a little fire. It’s a perfect dish to spice up the traditional offerings of the season. To make a milder dish, just reduce the amount of curry paste.” —Terri Lynn Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
Get the recipe for Coconut Mango Thai Beef Curry.
Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod
“I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavour.” —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Get the recipe for Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod.
Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
“Easy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy-free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright, flavour-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice.” —Julie Peterson Crofton, Maryland
Get the recipe for Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp.
Once you’ve put these easy summer dinner ideas into heavy rotation, check out our favourite no-bake desserts.
