Simple Summer Dinner Recipes
Summer cooking needs to be simple. My collection of summer dinner recipes won’t heat up your kitchen or take hours to make. From quick marinades you can prep ahead to fresh salads and easy skillet meals, these recipes are perfect for busy summer evenings.
Flank Steak Tacos
Tender meat with a bright citrus-chipotle marinade. These cook quickly under the broiler, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. Makes 6 servings.
Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are brined for juiciness, grilled for a smoky flavor, and baked to perfection with a tangy homemade sauce.
Sausage and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
This recipe combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
An easy but never boring skillet dinner that combines zesty marinated chicken with well-seasoned rice and black beans. Perfect for busy nights when you want something that feels special but don't want to wash a bunch of dishes. Makes 6 servings.
Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Breast with Bruschetta Topping
Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. You'll turn to this summertime dinner over and over.
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
This smoked pork tenderloin is tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The dry rub infuses the meat with smoky and sweet spices, while the optional glaze adds a rich finish. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or any time you’re craving something smoky and delicious. Makes 4 servings.
Baby Back Ribs (Oven to Grill Method)
These perfectly tender ribs, coated in a flavorful rub and finished with a smoky barbecue sauce, are sure to be the star of your next meal.
Southwest Salad With Chicken Cutlets
This salad features crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty chipotle dressing for a delightful and hearty meal.
Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad
A classic and refreshing dish, this chicken salad adds plenty of fresh veggies for flavor and crunch. Tossed in a light and tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner.
Southwest Chicken BBQ Salad
This chicken salad combines smoky, tender chicken with fresh veggies and a creamy cilantro ranch dressing for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
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Tips for Success
Prep in the morning when your kitchen is cool. Chop vegetables, mix marinades, and wash salad greens early. It makes dinner time SO much easier.
Stock up on summer basics: good olive oil, fresh lemons, and herbs that can handle the heat (like basil, oregano, and thyme).
Use your grill or skillet instead of the oven when you can. They heat up fast and cool down fast – exactly what you want in summer.
Make extra marinade and freeze it in small portions. You’ll thank yourself on busy days.
Keep a rotation of easy sides ready: fresh tomatoes, corn on the cob, or simple green salads. Any of these work with most summer meals.
These are meant to make your life easier. They’re simple, satisfying, and leave you with minimal cleanup – because summer evenings are too nice to spend washing dishes. Save these for those nights when you want good food without the fuss.
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.