Summer dinners should feel easy, not like another thing you have to figure out at the end of a long day. These recipes are here to rescue your routine when you’re out of ideas, out of energy, or just done with takeout. They're quick to pull together, don’t require a million ingredients, and actually make you want to sit down and eat. This is the kind of stuff that works—plain and simple.
Tofu Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Trenette al Pesto
Trenette al Pesto mixes basil, potatoes, and green beans for a quick pasta meal. It’s a great choice to shake up your summer dinners without extra effort.
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Pesto Tortellini Salad
Tortellini pasta salad uses fewer than 10 ingredients and takes just 20 minutes. This easy dish fits well for quick summer dinners that rescue your routine.
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Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice combines sweet pineapple and tofu in one pan for a simple cleanup. It’s a good option when you want a quick summer dinner with bright flavors.
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Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
Frozen vegetable stir fry with tofu is fast and uses pantry staples. This recipe works well to add variety without slowing down your summer dinners.
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Squash and Zucchini Casserole
Squash and zucchini casserole is cheesy and filling, ready in 30 minutes. It fits right into a busy weeknight or a summer potluck.
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Ethiopian Cabbage
Ethiopian cabbage stew comes together in one pot with pantry vegetables and warm spices. This dish is a fresh, no-fuss choice for summer dinners that rescue your routine.
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Summer Gazpacho
Summer gazpacho uses fresh ingredients and is served cold. It’s a refreshing pick that keeps your summer dinners light and easy.
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Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Green beans stir-fried with coconut and Indian spices take just 30 minutes. This side dish adds fast flavor and pairs well with many summer meals.
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Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Slow cooker vegetarian chili cooks itself with rich, smoky flavors. It’s an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal that fits busy summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Tofu lettuce wraps come together fast with protein and crunchy veggies. They’re a solid pick to keep your routine fresh and simple.
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Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini casserole baked with creamy sauce and melted cheese is ready in no time. It’s a solid choice for summer barbecues or easy dinners.
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Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Radicchio and endive chicken salad with honey mustard dressing is fresh and seasonal. This salad is a light option to switch up your summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled chicken with cilantro crema pairs juicy marinated breasts with a creamy sauce. It works well for casual and quick summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Chile lime chicken cooks fast and bursts with fresh flavors. It’s a reliable choice to keep your summer grilling simple and tasty.
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Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado uses marinated chicken thighs with citrus and herbs. This low-effort recipe is perfect when you want a flavorful summer dinner fast.
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Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
This simple chicken recipe uses a few seasonings and comes together quickly. It’s a no-fuss option that keeps your summer cookouts running smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian chicken stuffed with ham, pineapple, and smoked cheese has a sweet teriyaki glaze. It’s a fun way to change up your summer grilling routine.
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Grilled Green Beans
Grilled green beans tossed in garlic soy sauce get a quick smoky char. This easy side adds a fast finish to your summer dinners.
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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is a one-pan meal with a rich sauce. It’s a dependable pick for busy summer nights when you want dinner ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Grilled Beef Finger Meat
Grilled beef finger meat is seasoned simply and seared over high heat. It’s a fast beef option that fits well in a summer dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque blends fresh tomatoes and parmesan into a comforting soup. This dish brings a bit of summer into cooler evenings with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Italian baked chicken filled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is quick to prepare. It’s a fresh take on a classic that fits summer dinners well.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Spiced chicken thighs skewered and grilled, then coated in bang bang sauce. This dish works as a quick meal or a crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Grilled French onion pork burgers carry French onion soup flavor topped with melted cheese. They bring a flavorful boost with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers grill in minutes with bold flavors and almost no prep. They’re a fast choice when you want a summer dinner that’s easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
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