Tell us, is there anything better than indulging in a homemade summertime dinner [1]? We think not, and that's because we have these easy, hearty, fresh, and delicious recipe ideas that are filled with the finest flavors of the season. Complete with seasonal produce [2], filling protein, and enough mouthwatering ingredients to make anyone drool, these meals are the perfect pairing to a warm summer night [3]. Whether you're craving a cold pasta salad [4] or you've been dreaming about a plant-based burger, there's something for everyone on this list. Keep reading to see the best summer dinner ideas, and prepare to enlighten your taste buds in all that summer has to offer. Pass your plates!
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Leo Danzig
Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Fast-track your way to chicken enchiladas with this clever one-pot take that doesn't require any rolling of tortillas. It's easy, hearty, and perfect for a long day after soaking up the sun. Pair this meal with a cold margarita, and you'll be wondering how it could get any better than this.
Get the recipe: chicken enchilada skillet [6]
Summer Chicken Pot Pie Crostata
This summertime crostata means you can eat chicken pot pie without feeling like hibernating by a fireplace. Squash, green beans, and corn give the old-school dish a seasonal spin, while the crust is just too darn cute not to love.
Get the recipe: summer chicken pot pie crostata [7]
Instant Pot Chili Garlic Noodles
This sweet creation combines chili garlic, red peppers, scallions, and peanuts to make a sticky noodle dish that you won't be able to get enough of. These noodles taste just as delicious cold, so toss them in the fridge if you want a dinner that'll cool you down.
Get the recipe: chili garlic noodles [8]
Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet-pan chicken fajitas require little effort and yield such delicious results. Feel free to add as many veggies as you want, and get cookin'! Complete this meal with black beans and warm tortillas for best results.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan chicken fajitas [9]
Caprese Chicken Salad
These caprese salad bowls deliver fresh flavor that is ideal for a balmy summer night. Complete with hearty chicken, leafy greens, and a mouthwatering glaze, pass the forks!
Get the recipe: caprese chicken salad [10]
Asian Lemon Chicken Tenders
Instead of dipping chicken tenders in ketchup, glaze them in a sticky lemon sauce. This Asian-style meal is refreshing and delicious, meaning it's perfect to enjoy on a warm summer night.
Get the recipe: Asian lemon chicken tenders [11]
Mexican Quinoa Skillet
This vegetarian dish can be eaten hot or cold (when you're really pressed for time) and can even be made vegan [12] by subbing a hummus-based vegan cheese sauce for the shredded cheese. Before serving, top with sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips, and sliced avocado.
Get the recipe: Mexican quinoa skillet [13]
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Make taco lettuce wraps in no time with this quick recipe. It only requires five simple ingredients, but feel free to add more to it if you so choose! (Pro tip: go big on the avocados!)
Get the recipe: salsa chicken lettuce wraps [14]
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers can be customized to your taste, and they require just 15 minutes of prep before going into the slow cooker, making them the perfect make-ahead meal [15] for busy summer nights. Top 'em with cheese, and you'll be ready to dive in.
Get the recipe: quinoa-stuffed peppers [16]
Turkey Taco Salad
Creamy cilantro dressing, seasoned ground turkey, and fresh veggies layered in a mason jar? Yes, please! This easy-to-make dinner comes together in no time, so just add guac, and you'll be ready to roll.
Get the recipe: turkey taco salad [17]
Japanese Macaroni Salad
This Japanese macaroni salad is coated in a creamy, zesty, and sweet dressing that will make your taste buds swoon. Eggs, cucumbers, and ham work together to make this recipe taste unlike any other macaroni salad you've had. Enjoy!
Get the recipe: Japanese macaroni salad [18]
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Make teriyaki chicken in the comfort of your own home when you chef up this delicious dinner. The slow cooker does most of the work, meaning all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a mouthwatering dinner.
Get the recipe: crockpot teriyaki chicken [19]
Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Goat cheese and basil vinaigrette, what could be better? This delicious green salad is made with roasted beets, zucchini, watercress, summer squash, and corn, and the flavors are as fresh as summer itself. Pair it with a cold cup of sweet tea or a light cocktail for best results.
Get the recipe: basil goat cheese pasta salad [20]
Healthy Chicken Gyros With Feta Tzatziki and Sweet Potato Fries
These wraps provide just the kind of heartiness you need after long days of swimming and sporting, and the sweet potato fries in the middle guarantee approval from anyone and everyone.
Get the recipe: healthy chicken gyros with feta tzatziki and sweet potato fries [21]
Avocado Pasta Salad With Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
Light and fresh, this drool-worthy salad is the perfect summer dish. It has the perfect amount of cheese, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocados that make it easy to enjoy for days on end.
Get the recipe: avocado pasta salad with tomatoes and feta cheese [22]
Bubba Veggie Burger With Cilantro Parsley Pesto and Avocado Hummus
With added layers of cilantro parsley pesto and avocado hummus, this vegetarian burger is loaded with flavor. It makes for a nutritious meal for any hour of the day!
Get the recipe: bubba veggie burger with cilantro parsley pesto and avocado hummus [23]
Arugula Salad With Grapes, Farro, and Black Pepper Vinaigrette
If you had a heavy lunch, balance it out with this light salad. You'll get juicy grapes, tangy arugula, and a black pepper vinaigrette with every forkful.
Get the recipe: arugula salad with grapes, farro, and black pepper vinaigrette [24]
Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad
Avocado pesto is the new and improved pasta sauce, and wow, is it good. This salad includes the classic pesto favorites like basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese — just with a lighter avocado twist. Pair it with your favorite summer veggies to make it complete.
Get the recipe: avocado pesto pasta salad [25]
Portobello Mushroom Burger
Topped with caramelized onions, homemade basil pesto, and goat cheese, these portobello mushroom burgers have all the best flavors packed into one. The rich pesto and creamy goat cheese are sure to make you swoon.
Get the recipe: portobello mushroom burger [26]
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
If you've been searching for a delicious way to make seasonal zucchini, look no further than these easy zucchini boats, stuffed with ground sausage, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. They're hearty, nutritious, and delicious.
Get the recipe: stuffed zucchini boats [27]
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
If you want a meal that'll fill you up, try this chickpea pasta salad. Made complete with rich feta, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and a tangy lemon dressing, this salad is too good to be true. Serve it cold for best results.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad [28]
BBQ Chicken Salad Sliders
Classic chicken salad gets a summery update with barbecue sauce, corn, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. These sliders are perfect served poolside — with a cold beer for you and lemonade for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Get the recipe: barbecue chicken salad sliders [29]
Summer Pasta Salad
This summer salad is colorful, fresh, and full of seasonal flavors. Complete with sharp cheddar cheese, cucumbers, and an Italian salad dressing, this pasta is the ideal picnic pairing.
Get the recipe: summer pasta salad [30]
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Summer is made for barbecues, refreshing cocktails, and macaroni salad. This Hawaiian dish is made without tuna, but feel free to add it if you want some extra protein. Bring this to your next outting, and be ready for everyone to dig right in.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian macaroni salad [31]
Easy Rotini Pasta Salad
This easy-to-make pasta salad is full of flavor, and damn, is it good. It's quick to throw together, and the ingredients can be tweaked to include anything you'd like. Feel free to toss in different cheeses, seasonal veggies, fruit, and more.
Get the recipe: easy rotini pasta salad [32]
Hawaiian Veggie Burgers
Loaded with grilled pineapples, red onions, and topped with a sweet BBQ sauce, these veggie burgers are the perfect summer dinner. The sweet pineapple pairs effortlessly with the veggie patties, making them a glorious treat.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian veggie burgers [33]
Creamy Summer Pasta With Eggplant and Tomatoes
This rich pasta captures the best Mediterranean flavors, and wow, is it good. You can whip it up in minutes meaning it makes for a great easy dinner idea. With crisp eggplant and fresh basil, you can serve this hot or cold depending on your preference.
Get the recipe: creamy summer pasta with eggplant and tomatoes [34]
Mediterranean Strawberry Orzo Pasta Salad
Bursting with sweet strawberry flavors, this pasta salad tastes like a sunny summer day. We suggest adding bits of mint and goat cheese if you really want to elevate this dish.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean strawberry orzo pasta salad [35]
Baked Chicken Tacos
Take tacos to the next level when you whip up these baked bad boys. Easy, simple, and totally foolproof, this recipe can be made in no time at all. Pair them with some salsa and guac, and dinner is served.
Get the recipe: baked chicken tacos [36]
Mexican Quinoa Salad With Farro and Barley
Stay full long after you finish off the last bite of this meal. Made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes, this dish is complete with great flavors. Topped off with a citrusy lime juice, crisp cilantro, and salty Cotija cheese, we suggest making an extra batch of this just in case.
Get the recipe: Mexican quinoa salad with farro and barley [37]
Roasted Zucchini Burgers With Garlic Whipped Feta
Two words: whipped feta. These veggie burgers are made with roasted zucchini, garlic, and quinoa, meaning you'll get your daily dose of protein. Add the whipped feta on top, and it will be a dream come true.
Get the recipe: roasted zucchini burgers with garlic whipped feta [38]
Asian Pasta Salad
Refreshing and flavorful, this Asian salad has notes of sesame and soy dressing that make it almost too good to be true. If you want to take this recipe to the next level, pair it with freshly grilled chicken breast or roasted tofu.
Get the recipe: Asian pasta salad [39]
Beet Veggie Burger
Not only are these veggie-packed burgers ultra-healthy, but they're also gluten-free! Made with beets, sweet potatoes, black beans, oats, and seeds and herbs, these will nourish you from the inside out.
Get the recipe: beet veggie burger [40]
Lemon Honey Baked Salmon
You can't go wrong with salmon on the menu, and this recipe is a dinnertime winner. You just need a handful of ingredients to concoct this easy meal, and before you know it, you'll be ready for more.
Get the recipe: lemon honey baked salmon [41]
BLT Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad, swimming with juicy tomatoes and crispy bacon, practically begs to be eaten next to the pool. You can add extra greens for the lettuce lovers or serve as is for the pickier eaters.
Get the recipe: BLT pasta salad [42]
Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
Coated with crunchy panko and topped with avocado and grilled vegetables, these sweet potato veggie burgers will have your taste buds jumping for joy. Add as much ketchup, mayo, and mustard as you like!
Get the recipe: sweet potato veggie burgers [43]
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Healthy and easy to make, this recipe is hard not to love. Filled with asparagus, peas, chickpeas, pine nuts, and a green goddess dressing that's made with rich pesto, this recipe will wow you with every bite.
Get the recipe: green goddess pasta salad [44]
Greek Pasta With Tomatoes, Wine, and Feta
Whisk your taste buds away to the islands of Greece when you make this divine dish. You'll need ripe tomatoes, garlic, dry rosé or white wine, green peppers, red onions, pasta, and feta cheese. Add a dash of olive oil, and you'll be drooling before the noodles are even done cooking.
Get the recipe: Greek pasta with tomatoes, wine, and feta [45]
Grilled Vegetable and Cheese Quesadilla
Summer squash, zucchini, and bell peppers show that quesadillas aren't limited to just tortillas and cheese. You'll get fresh flavors in every bite, so enjoy!
Get the recipe: grilled vegetable and cheese quesadillas [46]
Corn Pasta Salad With Tomato and Avocado
If you like corn, this salad will be your new favorite creation. It's the perfect barbecue dish since it's light and fresh, and it pairs exceptionally well with a burger or grilled chicken. Just grab a fork!
Get the recipe: corn pasta salad with tomato and avocado [47]
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
This strawberry avocado pasta salad is an inventive take on the traditional pasta salad that's usually served at summer barbecues. A balance of avocado, feta, strawberries, and poppyseed dressing create this light dish that'll have you coming back for seconds.
Get the recipe: strawberry avocado pasta salad [48]
Umami Bomb Mushroom Burgers
Mushroom-lovers will go wild for these rich and hearty burgers. They pair well with arugula, sprouts, and fries, so eat up!
Get the recipe: umami bomb mushroom burgers [49]
Caprese Chicken Pasta
Whole-grain pasta, juicy chicken breast, and fresh tomatoes and cheese make a lean, mean, 30-minute dream team.
Get the recipe: caprese chicken pasta [50]
Cobb Pasta Salad With Red Wine Vinaigrette
Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, this spin on the traditional salad is as good as it gets. Complete with hardboiled eggs, creamy avocados, ripe cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, chives, crispy bacon, and blue cheese, this pasta salad is as tasty as it sounds. Topped off with a super light red wine vinaigrette, be sure to whip this up before your next picnic.
Get the recipe: cobb pasta salad with red wine vinaigrette [51]
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
Need something both healthy and filling? Throw together this pasta salad which features a hint of cheddar cheese that gives it an extra kick. We suggest adding extra corn if you're a fan of the veggie because it adds a ton of flavor.
Get the recipe: corn, tomato, and avocado pasta salad [52]