These 21 Summer Mains Are Big on Flavor, Light on Effort

When it’s hot out and dinner needs to happen fast, these summer mains are the kind of meals you actually want to make. They’re big on bold flavor, easy to throw together, and don’t leave you sweating over the stove. Whether you're feeding yourself or a full table, these dishes keep things simple without skimping on what matters. Less time cooking, more time hanging out—that’s the goal here.

A close up image of falafels on a bowl of hummus.

Hummus and Falafel. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

This rigatoni arrabbiata comes together in 30 minutes with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It’s bold, fast, and checks every box for a simple summer main.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This broccoli cheese casserole bakes in 30 minutes with just three ingredients. It’s proof that easy meals can still hit the mark when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Fried Avocado Tacos

Avocado fries, refried beans, and a creamy poblano sauce stack up into tacos worth repeating. These make sense when you want something a little different but still quick.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Hummus and Falafel

Creamy hummus and crisp falafel pack this bowl with flavor and protein in under an hour. It's a strong pick when you want something filling without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Falafel

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Spiced cauliflower folded into tacos keeps things light but bold. It’s a great way to use summer produce without turning on the oven too long.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Eggplant Casserole

Layers of eggplant, herbs, and cheese bake into a dish that feels complete but stays simple. A great pick when you’ve got one main veggie to build around.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This stuffed spaghetti squash bakes fast and melts mozzarella over fresh vegetables. It’s a smart way to get dinner on the table without much hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta is ready in 15 minutes and made in one pot. It’s fast and bright, which makes it just right for warm weather cooking.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

These roasted stuffed peppers use lentils, quinoa, and vegetables for a solid meatless main. They’re great when you want something filling but still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes is ready in half an hour. It shows how far pantry basics and a few fresh vegetables can go.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole has a crispy topping and bakes in 30 minutes. It’s the kind of familiar comfort food that fits easily into a busy summer week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish. — Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One pot sun-dried tomato pasta brings together garlic, ricotta, and parmesan in 30 minutes. It’s bold and creamy without needing much time or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli uses just a few ingredients—peas, pasta, and cheese—but still hits big flavor. Great for weeknights when fresh produce does the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate. — Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This meatless vegetable lasagna layers roasted vegetables and cheese into a full meal. It's perfect when you need something hearty without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Vegan Fajitas

An image of a vegan fajita on a plate. — Vegan Fajitas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan fajita wraps use mushrooms, peppers, and spices for a quick stovetop meal. They’re fast and flexible, which works well for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Ethiopian Cabbage

Ethiopian cabbage stew uses pantry spices and one pot to bring everything together. It’s a great go-to when you want something bold that still fits summer cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Baked cauliflower cheese is crisp on top and creamy inside. It’s comfort food that feels just right when you want something a bit more thoughtful but still easy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish. — Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This squash and zucchini casserole bakes in 30 minutes and highlights fresh summer produce. It’s a simple meal that works for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Chana Masala

Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry that’s ready in 30 minutes and easy to adapt. It's a great dish for getting big flavor without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Tomato Basil Bisque

Tomato basil bisque pulls in fresh tomatoes and parmesan for a quick stovetop soup. It’s perfect when you want something cozy without stepping away from summer.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it. — Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Zucchini casserole bakes into a cheesy, hearty main that’s easy to prep. It’s one of those dishes people remember after a cookout or weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole